This impressive project, spearheaded by Robert Pinsky during his term as U.S. Poet Laureate in 1997, features 50 Americans, young and old, of diverse races and creeds, reading their favorite poem. Drawn from the 18,000 poetry lovers who wrote into the project, each video starts with a beautifully produced mini-documentary. During these five minute films, the subject talks about his or her life, about poetry, and then reads a favorite poem out loud. All told, the effect is extremely touching and powerful, as we get to look into the worlds of these 50 American poetry lovers, and hear from them their view of poetry and of America. It will also open up the world of poetry to readers, who may find a touching piece they never knew existed.
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