A review of Bob Raczka's Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems
So I love this book. It's another "shelfie" for sure. The masterful Raczka pours out concrete poetry/word art/vispo and makes quite the impression. A permanent mark on the form that further solidifies his place among the best in children's poetry.
But why pour me? This work is so good that it almost makes me want to quit writing. Seriously. Just read the last poem (my favorite in the book) and tell me it isn't brilliant. It makes me think: "why should I keep trying at this writing thing?" "Who can top this?" "When will I ever get a poem published?"
But I won't quit. Because Wet Cement also does what great writing does: it INSPIRES. And, that is reason enough to put this book on the Christmas/birthday list for the kids. Creativity takes courage and this book takes risks that pay off. To be a good writer you have to read good writing. Inspire young writers, expand their view of poetry and buy this book. Put it on the gift list. (Remember books are easy to wrap.) Adults, put it on your coffee table - it's a alphabetical architecture book that your friends will love. In the meantime, I am reading and writing and I will be back.
Poetically Speaking,
Kelly
Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems by Bob Raczka is published by Roaring Brook Press, 2016.