Poetry. African American Studies. In her newest collection, Patricia Smith explores the second wave of the Great Migration. Shifting from spoken word to free verse to traditional forms, she reveals "that soul beneath the vinyl."

"Patricia Smith is writing some of the best poetry in America today. Ms Smith's new book, SHOULDA BEEN JIMI SAVANNAH, is just beautiful—and like the America she embodies and represents—dangerously beautiful. SHOULDA BEEN JIMI SAVANNAH is a stunning and transcendent work of art, despite, and perhaps because of, its pain. This book shines."—Sapphire

"One of the best poets around and has been for a long time."—Terrance Hayes

"Smith's work is direct, colloquial, inclusive, adventuresome."—Gwendolyn Brooks

Author City: HOWELL, NJ USA

Patricia Smith is the author of six volumes of poetry, including SHOULDA BEEN JIMI SAVANNAH; BLOOD DAZZLER, a finalist for the 2008 National Book Award; and TEAHOUSE OF THE ALMIGHTY, a National Poetry Series selection. She lives in New Jersey.

Reviews and Other Links
Collin Kelley @ TNBBC's Top Reads of 2012
author site
Jeffrey Cyphers Wright @ The Brooklyn Rail
Publishers Weekly
Jason Carney @ [PANK]
Nick DePascal @ Coldfront
text + audio: "Tavern. Tavern. Church. Shuttered tavern," @ PBS Newshour's Art Beat