The Best American Poetry Anthology Group Reading, 11/13, 7 pm, Elliott Bay Book Co., Seattle

Many people argue whether what ends up in The Best American anything--be it poetry, fiction, essays, or non-required reading--is really Best, or whether this best-ness has more to do with being the Best Status Quo Keeper, the Best Known, the Best Able to Sell Books, or the Best Friend of the Guest Editor.

However, one thing is certain:

on the evening of November 13, eleven Northwest poets whose works were included in past, as well as the current, editions of The Best American Poetry will be on hand to read from their work, namely, Sonia Greenfield, Jerry Harp, Pat Hurshell, Julie Larios, Peter Pereira, Martha Silano, Mary Szybist, Molly Tenenbaum, David Wagoner, Cody Walker, Kary Wayson, and Carolyne Wright.

It's going to be an inspiring, effervescent, and joyous evening of poetry and conversation; I just know it. If you are ambulatory and well enough to be out and about, please join us in sharing with you what guest editors Mark Strand, Heather McHugh, Charles Wright, and David Wagoner consider to be some of the best poetry being written in America.