We Need to Talk

Theune and Broad boldly draw from criteria mapping in composition studies to offer a deeper understanding of how we judge and value poems. Applicable from undergraduate classrooms to editorial boards of literary journals, this book asserts an ethical and aesthetic responsibility in our role as evaluators of poetry and contributes to positively shaping the landscape of contemporary poetry. This is a terrific addition to the New Writing Viewpoints series. * Anna Leahy, Chapman University, USA *
I've long known that Michael Theune is one of the best poetic minds of my generation, and after reading We Need to Talk, I'm inclined to add Bob Broad to that select group. Drawing on a wide range of studies and assessment measures, Theune and Broad have mapped out new ways for teachers, editors, and contest judges to think – and talk – about the ways in which they evaluate poetry. This book will revolutionize your classroom, your editorial board meetings, your MFA admissions committee. * Tom C. Hunley, Western Kentucky University, USA *
Theune and Broad provide fascinating insights into how poetic value systems are formed, as well as a dynamic procedure for defining them. This book deserves to be widely read by students and teachers of creative writing, poetry editors and anthologists, and anyone interested in the perplexing question of how to uncover and articulate poetic values. * Tim Mayers, Millersville University, USA *