Poetry. To the edgy, illustrious ranks of poets like Diane Di Prima and Charles Bukowski, let us now add the fearless, delirious genius of Puma Perl. Long a cult legend and staple of the Lower East Side poetry scene, with BIRTHDAYS BEFORE AND AFTER she steps forward and cements her place as 21st Century visionary and unsparing chronicler of the human condition. Anyone who cares about phenomenal writing and one-of-a-kind breathtaking lines on the page needs to read this book. Puma Perl is nothing short of a national treasure living in our midst. And BIRTHDAYS is a jewel.--Jerry Stahl
