This anthology gathers together poems from the most important Arab American poets - poems that shape and alter people's understanding of this experience. The poems also challenge readers to reconsider what it means to be an American. The book provides readers with an astonishing array of poetic sensibilities, touching on every aspect of the human condition. Whether about culture, politics, loss, art or language itself, the poems here engage these themes with originality, dignity and an unyielding need not only to speak, but also to be heard.

The book includes 39 poets offering up 160 poems. Included in the anthology are Naomi Shihab Nye, Samuel Hazo, D.H. Melhem, Lawrence Joseph, Khaled Mattawa, University of Arkansas creative writing professor Mohja Khaf, Matthew Shenoda, Kazim Ali, Nuar Alsadir, Fady Joudah and Lisa Suhair Majaj. Editor Hayan Charara has written a lengthy introduction about the state of Arab American poetry in the country today as well as short biographies of the poets. He also has provided an extensive list of further readings.

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