Kennedy Voices and Other Poems

"In her deft way of bringing history to life, Ruth A. Rouff, in her new book of poetry, gives voice to

deceased members of the legendary Kennedy Family. Such icons as JFK, Jackie, Rose, Bobby, Teddy, and

other Kennedys, together with Oswald and Jack Ruby, speak from the afterlife about their flaws, talents, and

circumstances. These poems, as well as the other poems in the book, are all fascinating and unflinchingly

honest. I highly recommend this innovative and entertaining book."

-Maria Fama, ' author of Trigger

"In these expansive, clever and beautifully crafted poems, Ruth Rouff's free-ranging imagination takes on

historical events, family legacies, social issues and larger-than-life figures from animated planets and mythical personalities down to the tragic Kennedys, infusing them all with vivid, contemporary meaning. Rich in detail and sonic textures, these poems reveal Rouff's incredible gift for portraiture and unerring ear for speech. She is able to distill life into poetry that amplifies the humanity and creates sympathy for her subjects while rendering the messy breadth, beauty, irony, and tragedy of life on this planet."

-Sharon Marshall, author of Water Child and Deep Rivers

"In the spirit of Spoon River Anthology, Ruth Rouff creates this artful collection of poetry, which includes a section of smart, imaginative, persona poems that imagine the voices of the Kennedys. In addition to the persona poems, she mixes these clever vignettes with an exquisite sampling of poems on varying themes, stories, and persons throughout history. Every single poem is a powerful and masterful piece that evokes your feelings, makes its point, and doesn't waste a word. That's a measure of a true poet."

-Eileen M. D'Angelo, author of The Recovering Catholic's Collection

Ruth Rouff creates a brilliant drama of the Kennedy family as they speak to us from their graves with a candor and insight that transcend many biographies and histories. Rouff's ear for how a colloquial voice can encapsulate character is stunning.

-Frank Bergon, author of Jesse's Ghost.