Book review of 20 Greatest Hits: Poems 1997-2004 by Terry McCarty

20 Greatest Hits: Poems 1997-2004

Terry McCarty
Publish Green
December 30, 2011
58 pages/$2.99 (eBook)

“Reprimanded,” the third poem in 20 Greatest Hits: Poems 1997-2004 by Terry McCarty is one of the strongest and, for me, the most relatable pieces in this fine collection. The poem, which I read in the Amazon “Look Inside” sample, was the reason I bought the book.

In this piece, the speaker expresses perfectly (and ironically) the “paralysis” of expression in the workplace, since so many of us “literally can’t afford to respond” to the criticisms, constructive or otherwise, of our superiors. I’ve been this guy in the work place. I’ve worked with so many guys like him, and McCarty nails this guy’s voice again and again throughout the book in the other work-related poems – a job interview, a company rally, an office birthday party and corporate downsizing.

McCarty’s voice shines again in “Poetry Clique,” a scathing report on the state of local poetry/politics, and in “Engagement Day,” an ominous indictment of our apparent commitment to consumerism during what should really be the beginning of our commitment to marriage.

And if this book opens strongly, it closes even stronger with my favorite poem of the collection….

Read this review at LA Books Examiner

Frank Mundo is the author of The Brubury Tales (foreword by Carolyn See) and Gary, the Four-Eyed Fairy and Other Stories. His latest book is an illustrated novella for adults called Different. Don’t forget to subscribe to his emails and follow him on Twitter @Frankemundo or @LABooksExaminer for the latest updates.

Sparring With Beatnik Ghosts Poetry Series

According to Sparring With Beatnik Ghosts poetry series producer and creator Daniel Yaryan, the idea for SWBG was “to channel the spirits of the deceased Beats through back-to-back poems and songs that seemed to flow continuously and colorfully like the spontaneous thoughts of Jack Kerouac being typed upon his scroll of teletype paper.” And, in August of 2008, Yaryan hosted a six-hour, non-stop marathon of music and poetry at the Li Po Lounge in San Francisco (stomping grounds for Beats Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Philip Lamantia and Philip Whalen) becoming the very first installment or Round One of this mystic poetry boxing match called Sparring With Beatnik Ghosts.

On Sunday, July 15, 2012, the SWBG poetry series comes to the LAst Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles for Round 37 of this exciting spoken-word poetry event that’s sure to knock you out! Hosted by local hero Mike “The Poet” Sonksen, author of I Am Alive in Los Angeles!, the bygone beatniks will throw down with some of the best spoken-word champs LA has to offer.

The scorecard for Round 37 includes: Steve Abee, Jason Brain, Chiwan Choi, Sean Hill, Armond Kinard, Terry McCarty, Amy Uyematsu, plus some mystery poets and surprise ringers to help stack the deck for the living bards.

When:
Sunday, July 15, 2012 – 3 p.m.

Where:
The Last Bookstore – Downtown Los Angeles
453 S. Spring St. (main entrance around the corner on 5th)

Who:
Mike “The Poet” Sonksen is a 3rd-generation LA native acclaimed for poetry performances, published articles and legendary city tours. Poet, journalist, historian, tour guide, teacher, Sonksen graduated from U.C.L.A. and is the author of I Am Alive in Los Angeles, which is also available on iTunes and has been added to the curriculum of several universities. Mike has performed his poetry coast to coast at college campuses, museums, bookstores, nightclubs and just about any venue you can imagine. See Mike The Poet in action on YouTube.

Read about the rest of the contributors: Steve Abee, Jason Brain, Chiwan Choi, Sean Hill, Armond Kinard, Terry McCarty, Amy Uyematsu at Frank Mundo’s LA Books Examiner.