Elizabeth Hazen Interviews Dean Smith, Author of Baltimore Sons
Elizabeth Hazen sits down with fellow Baltimore poet Dean Smith for the Baltimore Fishbowl
Introduction authored by Elizabeth Hazen for the Baltimore Fishbowl:
"Dean Bartoli Smith’s second poetry collection, Baltimore Sons, paints a brutally honest portrait of Charm City – a place bursting with personality and charm, but also marred by poverty and violence. In these poems, readers will find neighborhoods filled with vibrant people who, along with the city itself, have shaped the speaker’s perspective.
Smith’s poems range from snapshots of childhood pastimes and homages to iconic Baltimoreans to missives about gun violence and even poems from the weapons’ perspectives. Despite the grit and realism in his work, Smith never despairs, instead highlighting the humanity that ultimately redeems the city and its residents. According to Smith, 'No one really knows what to make of native Baltimoreans. The city remains a wildcard that’s hard to define,' but through these poems, Smith has certainly given us a powerful representation.
A Baltimore native with a background in reporting and a journalistic eye for detail, Smith has written a collection that is accessible, heartbreaking, and 'the most painful love letter I’ve ever written.'"
Episode 5 of Rose Reads Brings Poems of Hope and Survival
On this episode of Rose Reads, RS reads and discusses poetry of hope and survival, including work from Dorianne Laux, Richard Peabody, and Eavan Boland.
Blogger Laudes the “Concise and Thoughtful” Poetry of Hazen’s “Girls Like Us”
Book blogger Bookish Kitty reviews the excellent new collection, “Girls Like Us,” by Elizabeth Hazen.
May 4th, ASP is Slashing Prices on Physical Books
We are incredibly happy to announce that, starting next Monday, May 4th, every title in Alan Squire Publishing’s catalog will be available for HALF-PRICE (while our supplies last).