Ross Talarico's book was an affirmation of pragrmatic worth of the practice of poetry in our communities. Too often I have found poetry, both as taught and as written, merely to be induldgent in its attempts to be "well crafted." As a poet, Talarico was on the path to success--he was at conferences with the best, his books were being published. Then he realized that his work was empty without practical social worth, and _Spreading the Word_ recounts the public work-shops he held and articulates the role of poetry in building community and fighting against the ills of our mass media literacy. The prose is clear, tangible, and, as it tells it story, does not dwell in false praise. Talarico is doing the work that needs to be done, and I am simply sad to see that this book is being reviewed six years after publication. I tell each serious educator and writer I know about the book, and I encourage you to do so as well.