This book is a clear introduction to the world of poetry and how poetry can enhance the lives of adult students. As the authors write, "Poetry helps us to understand ourselves and our world; it helps us see ourselves and our world in new ways."

The material in the book covers a broad range of interesting ideas and poetry formats. The authors, Kazemek and Rigg, have drawn on a wide repertoire of poetry types, music as narrative poetry, and the intriguing "Found Poetry." The sample page opposite gives a good idea of what such poetry is and the precise instructions typical of this book.

The nine lesson plans are clear and specific, while being easily adaptable. They give sufficient detail to conduct a good lesson, while encouraging alternate paths and further development from the original ideas presented.

There is also information on various subjects necessary for the mechanics of writing: vocabulary, phonics, punctuation, and spelling. I particularly like the way in which these authors reinforce the concept that "Spelling serves writing." A short final chapter deals with publication of student work, whether typed neatly for students themselves or produced in a book form for a wider audience.

Although each chapter clearly leads on to the next, most chapters can be taught as single units. In our field testing, we did not have the class time to work through all chapters. The sections I chose were not consecutive, but had a clear connection linking them.

The subject matter and the presentation of material are both suitable for a wide range of students. As the book is a teaching resource, instructors can use it in a multitude of ways.
One instructor, who used the book solely as a reference, commented that the "poetry samples are accessible to students" and the material is "well set out." Even though the book is entitled for Adult Literacy, it need not be limited to that, as the ideas could be used effectively for students of many ages and reading levels. A colleague used the section on "Crazy Poems" with grade 10 and 11 adult students. By enjoying playing around with words and creating "nonsense on purpose," these students learned to pay close attention to the meaning and function of words ­a goal of instructors at any level of adult education.

The final aspect that deserves credit is the excellent list of resources, which has already led me to some interesting poetry for use with the sample lessons of this book.

Enriching Our Lives has certainly enriched my life and the lives of the students who helped field test this book.