Reddit reviews One Big Self

Anne Carson -- Autobiography of Red changed my view on writing forever. Bridging the gaps between history, classical studies, poetry, prose, and philosophy it's an adventure in masculinity, sexuality, and longing. I've read every Anne Carson publication since; each is dense and provoking and difficult... she is a genius.

C.D Wright -- One Big Self is an examination of prison life in the south, told through prose and poetry snippets. There is an associated photo-journalist book that accompanies it, and together they're just outstanding. I think it gives one of the best holistic views of the south through really moving and lyrical prose.

Everything by Derrick Brown (Scandalabra, I Love You is Back, Born in The Year of The Butterfly Knife, etc) These are the only books that made the translation to spoken word for me... I'm not always a fan of spoken word poetry, but these made the jump for me. Church of The Broken Axe Handle kindof saved my life after a series of deaths in my family and friend circles; I've watched him read it over 500 times. It's technically about a breakup, but moreso about how you continue to live after the loss of intimacy and self-worth when someone you love deeply leaves (on their own or by death).

Live For A Living by Buddy Wakefield This book is the only other one that made the translation to spoken word for me. I think the writing and spoken poems are equally as good, and are sharp and smart... and I just related, often. "Horsehead" is a good example of the written-to-spoken translation