THE WORDPLAY SHOP: books, tools and supplies for poets, writers and readers

Since the 11th of this month posts here often include a link to The Poet by Day store (The WordPlay Shop, an Amazon Affiliate), a natural extension in support of this site and its mission to champion poets and writers and to broaden and continue to offer resources and inspiration.

THE POET BY DAY POLICIES:

Though I have made the site an Amazon Affiliate, I continue my standard policy of not accepting – and I will never receive or accept  – compensation to offer opinions on books, magazines, movies and documentaries, products, services, websites or political interests.The opinions expressed on this blog are entirely my own. I reserve the right to change my mind.

If I review it here or recommend it in the bookstore, it means I appreciate the work and find the content worthwhile.

I don’t do negative reviews, I simply don’t review books, magazines or films I don’t like or find wanting.

I do not return material submitted to me for review.

If you would like me to consider reviewing your book, chapbook, magazine or film, here are some general guidelines:

• nothing that foments hate or misunderstanding
• nothing violent or encouraging of violence
• English only, though Spanish is okay if accompanied by translation
• your book or other product doesn’t have to be available through Amazon for review here, but it does need to be easy for readers to find through your website or other source.
• I do my best to feature products or services that I believe are worthy of your time and consideration based on my experience or their reputation or on recommendations by colleagues and readers. Nonetheless, any event, competition, product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about an event, competition, book, magazine, association, practice, film or other type of product or service should be verified by you with the author, manufacturer, provider, or other authority.

Awards and Contests – These are for generating income for the host organization. As in any other line of work, some are more reputable than others. I don’t enter every competition or have experience with all hosts, so please be sure to do your own homework.

Events – I am largely homebound due to disability and the need for supplemental oxygen. I no longer attend conventions and other events for poets and writers. For event information I have to rely on reputation and/or recommendations from readers, colleagues and friends. Again, be sure to do your own homework.

Some information is just that – information – and not necessarily recommendation.

– Jamie Dedes

SPECIAL NOTE: A MUST READ FOR ALL AMERICANS

The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Divsion and Fear by the Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II

REV. BARBER is a conservative Christian who embraces the full religious, ethnic and racial diversity of our country. Some say he is this era’s Martin Luther King, Jr.  He believes in the dignity and worth of all people and the essential inter-relationship of all human beings. He stands for compassion, unity and social, environmental and economic justice.

In reading his views and about his work, I found myself moved to both hope and joy. This memoir is not simply an emotional or moral reaction. It’s a pragmatic plan for a more just and equitable country. I agree with Rev. Barber that our emerging leadership is encouraging scapegoating, a divide-and-conquer strategy that foments racial strife and economic inequality and the pitting of the 99% against one-another for the exclusive benefit of the 1%.

” … he laid the groundwork for a state-by-state movement that unites black, white, and brown, rich and poor, employed and unemployed, gay and straight, documented and undocumented, religious and secular. Only such a diverse fusion movement, Rev. Barber argues, can heal our nation’s wounds and produce public policy that is morally defensible, constitutionally consistent, and economically sane. The Third Reconstruction is both a blueprint for movement building and an inspiring call to action from the twenty-first century’s most effective grassroots organizer.”

Photo credit ~ courtesy of TWBuckner under CC BY 2.O License