Writing and Enjoying Haiku: a Hands-On Guide Paperback – 15 July 2013

This is a great introduction to writing haiku by the late Jane Reichhold, a very talented haiku poet in her own right. She has divided the book into sections on things to do before writing haiku, a comprehensive guide that includes the Fragment and Phrase Theory, the place of nature and the importance of simplicity, how to enjoy haiku with others and how to apply your haiku skills in related poetry forms.What I enjoyed most was Jane's open invitation to underline what catches your eye, write down your own thoughts next to her words, 'do the altered book art thing' and make the pages a symbiotic work between author and reader. I have written freely throughout this book as I was reading it and eventually started a new series of haiku in a separate pad that set me off on a completely new journey. (less)

An intelligent approach to an easily abused topic. A well planned book that approaches Haiku from a number of angles so the lay reader can see where Haiku fits and where it goes wrong in the wrong hands. Haiku is an open invitation for indifferent writers to plop down a 3 line poem which is nothing more than a single statement broken into 3 lines, like minimalist free verse. After reading this such writers will at least know that structure and finding the EXACTLY suitable word is paramount. And discover the history of Haiku in all its courtly richness.

I couldn't be happier with this book. Quite expensive (nearly £1 per page when I bought it) but so useful. I have a much better understanding of haiku and the related forms now and I think my own have improved immensely because of this book. If you have any interest in haiku at all but find them a little confusing to write (especially in English) this will put your mind at ease and guide your understanding.

This book is very easy to follow but its most important feature is how the author clarifies a number of issues which can confuse the apprentice. Without being dogmatic she manages to present convincing cases for her opinions, while leaving other issues open to personal choice when appropriate.

Engrossing and informing. Also inspires you to pick up a pen and start writing.

Bought as a Christmas present for my son who was delighted with it

This book, written simply - with modesty and humour - has incisive insights into understanding and learning to write Haiku. Inspirational and highly recommended for the beginner and those trying to improve their Haiku.

Well written, I'm still enjoying it