Patricia Smith is the author of numerous books including Shoulda Been Jimi Savannah (Coffee House Press, 2012); Blood Dazzler (2008); Teahouse of the Almighty (2006), a 2005 National Poetry Series selection; and Big Talk (1992), which won the Carl Sandburg Literary Award. She’s also been a four-time individual National Poetry Slam champion and a featured poet on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. One of the most acclaimed living spoken word artists, she has performed her work around the world.