Pat Parker died of cancer in 1989, the year of her 45th birthday. But she left behind a body of poetry in which she celebrated life. Parker wrote directly from and about her experiences as an African-American lesbian and feminist, but her work is relevant to readers regardless of their own gender, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation. Parker's work sparkles with humor and compassion even while it confronts painful subjects.

This expanded edition of "Movement in Black," with a new introduction by sister Black lesbian poet Cheryl Clarke, is a valuable contribution to contemporary literature. In addition to containing the great poems from the previous editions of this book, the new edition contains a rich selection of new poems, as well as Clarke's insightful introduction, a fascinating history of the book's previous incarnations by publisher Nancy K. Bereano, and a collection of tributes by 10 more writers, among them Angela Y. Davis, Audre Lorde, and Barbara Smith.

Of course, poetry lovers may want to skip the supplemental material and get right to the poetry. Parker is an American poet in the tradition of Walt Whitman and Langston Hughes. She writes in a raw, forthright vernacular language that addresses the joys and sorrows of real people. She writes about sex, love, prejudice, pain, and friendship. It's hard to pick just a few standouts from this awesome collection. But some of my favorites include "Movement in Black" (from which the title of the entire book is taken), a longer poem that tells the history of the Black woman in America; "The _What_ Liberation Front?", a humorous poem about a dog who is intent on joining a militant canine liberation organization; and "For the White Person Who Wants to Know How to Be My Friend," an insightful meditation on the possibility of interracial friendship.

This new edition of "Movement in Black" is essential reading for those interested in lesbian literature, African-American studies, and populist poetry. The book is also a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman whose spirit continues to inspire people of all races and sexual identities.

Pat Parker is an incredible poet, I had the pleasure of being introduced to, while attending college. She speaks simply, she speaks reality, she speaks energy. I could never read a Pat Parker poem, silently. Her words were meant to be spoken aloud. So, I did and I still do. I recomend her poetry to everyone. You do not have to be black to understand her. You do not have to be a lesbian or a woman, for that matter. She speaks to the soul about a common thread, human frailty.

This book changed my life in so many ways. I was already out when I first read Pat Parker's poetry. Poems like "For Straight Folks who don't mind gays but wish they weren't so blatent" changed forever the way I feel about being closeted (I'll go, if you go too...). "There is a woman in this town" evokes the splits in the lesbian community that I encountered in the late 70's and early 80's. Her poems on Black experience challenged my thinking as well. Get it, read it. You won't regret it.

I've been involved with fundraising for over 25 years (from
the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston to the Bermuda Biological
Station
for Research in Bermuda) and this is, without a doubt THE
BEST BOOK on nonprofit grantwriting I have ever had the
pleasure
of reading! It has everything - it's intelligently written
with clear concise, step by step directions on how to bring
passion,
creativity and success to any fundraising/grantwriting effort! It is
"short" - just a little over 100 pages - so it can be read,
digested and put to
use by everyone - from the director on down to volunteers
and staff. It's entertaining, practical and, I would think,
an absolute
must for anyone involved in raising money. They say everyone
loves a good story - well I not only love a good story, BUT
also
- a great book on how to effectively and enjoyably write grants that will bring in the funds!
Bravo Cheryl Clarke!

An approach to grantseeking that can lead anyone with a good idea through the often complex process of putting a grant together. Storytelling is an innovative approach sure to achieve results!

Grantors will have some really interesting proposals to consider from grant writers whose skills will be enhanced by Cheryl Clarke's terrific book.
Storytelling for Grantseekers breathes new life and humor into the grant writing [now storytelling] process.
This creative guide shows clearly how best to articulate a nonprofit case and engage a grantor, by telling a unique story with examples.
And -- it's fun to read!

In "Humid Pitch," African-American poet Cheryl Clarke creates a rich collection of narrative poems that tell the lives of a variety of women. As in Clarke's other books, a major emphasis is on the lives and loves of Black lesbians. Sensuous, earthy, and grounded in the vernacular speech of African-Americans, "Humid Pitch" is an excellent example of Clarke's poetic vision.

More than half of the book consists of Clarke's multi-part masterpiece entitled "Epic of Song." This extended narrative poem tells the story of Mourning Star Blue, a rural Black girl who joins a traveling troupe of performers led by Mean Candy Sweat, an imperious diva. A stunning exploration of eroticism and the artistic spirit, "Epic of Song" is a remarkable achievement.

The many shorter narratives which complete this collection introduce the reader to a variety of fascinating characters, including an escaped slave girl ("Bulletin"), a single mother during the Depression ("Ella Takes up the Slack,") and "a black nun in a white order" ("Frances Michael"). Clarke boldly travels through time and her poet's voice never falters.

"Humid Pitch" is a companion volume, in both style and themes, to Clarke's earlier book, "Narratives: Poems in the Tradition of Black Women." But whether or not you have read that book, check out "Humid Pitch."

"Living As a Lesbian" is a stunning collection of poetry by Cheryl Clarke. As the title indicates, much of the book's content revolves around loving and surviving as a lesbian in the 20th century. Clarke also writes about racism and injustice, and reflects upon the people and events of her world. Much of the book has a gritty, urban flavor to it.

In the poem "wearing my cap backwards," Clarke writes, "poets are among the first witches / so suffer none to live." This sets the tone for her poetic style: edgy, dangerous, and allied with the most marginalized elements of society. As she explores her subjects--lesbian sex, racially biased courtrooms, recreational drug use, road kill, and more--Clarke uses language that is alternatingly lusty, playful, profane, enraged, and/or outraged.

Some of the most memorable selections from "Living As a Lesbian" include "living as a lesbian on the make," which narrates the adventure of a lesbian in a "straight" bar; "Indira," an irony-laden reflection on the life and public image of Indian leader Indira Gandhi; and "sexual preference," a humorous meditation on lesbian sexual practices.

As Clarke spins her poetic webs, she ensnares many public figures: Jesse Jackson, Anita Bryant, Vanessa Williams, and more. Her vision is international, multi-cultural, and unbound by time: "i hear a marimba player chanting / her slave song in portuguese" (from "marimba"). As in her other books, Clarke finds a wealth of inspiration in African-American culture and history.

In the poem entitled "living as a lesbian underground: a futuristic fantasy," Clarke writes, "Leave signs of struggle. / Leave signs of triumph." This book, along with Clarke's other volumes of poetry, contains powerful signs of both struggle and triumph on the part of a remarkable poet.

In preparing our list of Christmas books to share with others, we had to search far and wide on amazon to find this particular book, a paperback edition of the classic Night Before Christmas.

This is the book I've used for years when reading this story to my own children, passing on Tasha Tudor and other illustrators. Why?

Although we can find the same poem and pay a lot more, with award winning illustrators, the illustrations provided by Douglas Gorsline are surely the best. They are quite colorful, and offer details little children love looking into...cats lie sleepily on the window sill, we see an overview of the town, the presents spilling from the open sack are intriguing and plentiful, and Jolly St. Nick is -- well, quite Jolly (as you can see by looking at the cover!)

The story is an "abridged version" - I'm not sure about other parents, but we read this on Christmas Eve, and we only have so much time and energy. Everything we remember from the classic poem by Clement Clarke Moore is in this version.

(From "'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" to "He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" In between we have everything, from the names of the eight tiny reindeer, to a belly that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, including dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky".

In other words, don't be scared off by 'abridged'!)

Perhaps a hardcover edition might be more appropriate if you're giving a gift (unless you're giving to more than one child), but this book is one of the best offers we've found!

A classic done simply and inexpensively!

I discovered this book 31 years ago, for my daughter and it is still loved by all the family. The illustrations are wonderful, warm, charming and delightful and bring a special meaning to the story. We still read it to all the young children on Christmas Eve and for adults we read the story and pass a grab bag gift every time the word THE is mentioned. It would not be Christmas without this book. It is magical.

This beautiful book was in my family as a hard cover edition for many years and was a Christmas Eve tradition for my four sons when they were growing up. It's poor battered body disappeared some time after the last of my little ones went off into the adult world. I am so delighted to see it back again, though this time as a nicely affordable soft cover. Clement C. Moore's enchanting story poem already provides an atmosphere filled with warmth and joyful expectation and with the addition of Tasha Tudor's quaint, nostalgic water-colors from an antique New England the Christmas magic is complete!
The winter landscapes fill our senses and Tasha's own gray tabby cat and Welsh Corgi welcome us into this charming world.
Tasha's Santa that you will meet in this book has been portrayed as the poem describes him...a right jolly old elf. He's not that much larger than the corgi and his team really consists of eight "tiny" reindeer. His pointy ears and his Eskimo mukluks add to the delightful ambiance of the book. He dances with the toys and with the happy animals and we can truly believe it will be a happy Christmas for all.
I hope this book becomes a Christmas Eve tradition for many, many more families.

This is a great coffee table book and a great conversation piece. The poetry of this book evoked political debate, nostalgic reminiscing, quiet reflection and urgent lovemaking all in one package. I look forward to more works by Ms. Clarke.

Every taste seems to be covered in this book. It was fun to simply open the book and pick a new story...you don't know where you will be led but most of the stories take you to a new and fun place your mind dares not to admit.

I enjoyed most of the book.... but by far the one I enjoyed most was the story by Betty Blue. *whew*!

This book was the best book that I have ever read! Second to, "The Old Man and The Sea." I found it very erotifying. The pictures are fantastic, so are the articles. They are chalk full of sexxy details..and naughty secrets! It has succeeded to fulfill my cravings!