Words in Your Face: A Guided Tour Through Twenty Years of the New York City Poetry Slam

Focusing on the evolution of slam poetry, the book delves into its roots within New York City's vibrant scene, highlighting its ties to historical oral traditions and significant 20th-century movements such as the Harlem Renaissance, the Beats, and hip hop. The narrative captures the genre's inception at the Nuyorican Poets' Cafe and its rapid rise, influenced by media events like Lollapalooza. Featuring interviews with influential figures, it also examines the intersections of academia, youth involvement, and the contributions of poets of color within the slam community.