The Heart As a Drum—Continuance and Resistance in American Indian Poetry

In this clear-eyed critical study, Fast (literature, Emerson College) employs rigorous, yet empathetic analysis to offer readers heightened appreciation of Native American poetry, and of modern American poetry and language in general. She gracefully weaves together themes related to culture, history, experience, language, and literary theory looking closely at the works of Sherman Alexie, Joy Harjo, Maurice Kenny, Simon J. Ortiz, Wendy Rose, Elizabeth Woody, and Ray Young Bear, among others and whetting readers' appetites for more experience of these writers' work. The title, from a prose poem by Joy Harjo, refers to a common theme the yearning for memory and continuity; the subtitle, to some essential elements of survival. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)