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Mark's
literary and public works have appeared in community newspapers,
major press, magazines, and in lifestyle features across the
United States, including the Oakland Post, Rolling
Out Magazine, and Philadelphia Tribune. He has
appeared in lifestyle-related articles in the Atlanta
Journal-Constitution, twice in the New York Times,
and appeared in Time Magazine which highlighted
his work as the Editor-In-Chief of The Red & Black.
His book signings and readings have been recommended by major
print media, including the San Francisco Chronicle
and Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"Let Mark Anthony Thomas tell it--- he’ll be his
generation’s Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, or Nikki
Giovanni. Nevertheless, if you read The Poetic Repercussion:
A Poetic & Musical Narrative, you might agree."
Booking Matters Magazine
“(The
Poetic Repercussion) is "music for your eyes" from
an outstanding young talent. Thomas describes this book (his
second) as a "poetic and musical narrative." He's
right: It has the funk of the blues, the sweetness of R&B,
the spirit of jazz and the infectious energy of hip-hop, along
with some serious literary swerve.”
South
Jersey Courier-Post
"In The tradition of noted Harlem Renaissance poets like
Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Jean Toomer, 25-year
old Mark Anthony Thomas is quickly distinguishing himself
as a culturally diverse poetic griot."
DeKalb County Crossroads Newspaper
"In a world of lyrical expression Mark
Anthony Thomas dwells unrestrained, one of the only places
he says he truly feels free as a Black male in America."
Atlanta
Daily World
Websites, online magazines and newspapers, and blogs have
highlighted the author's work and story. These include BET.com
recommending The Poetic Repercussion as one of the
2005's books to buy, MyBrotha.com and UpscaleBrothers.com
profiling the author, and Essence Magazine featuring Mark
as one of the 50-Do Right Men in 2006. Other
sites have featured his poetry, reviewed his books, and covered
stories on his community initiatives, including CNN.com
interviewing him for his 2001 desegregation commemoration
efforts at the University of Georgia.
Local television shows in communities in Georgia, Michigan,
Alabama, New York, and California have interviewed Mark to
discuss his literary career and community initiatives.
Mark has appeared on local and community radio stations in
New York , California, Texas, Michigan, and on internet radio
stations broadcast around the country, discussing poetry and
public policy. In 2005, he served as a weekly literary expert
on the former-X Radio show in Las Vegas. He has appeared on
every major radio station in Atlanta radio station, including
Jazz 91.9 FM, WAOK 1380, 88.5 FM, WRFM 89.3 FM Community Radio.
He has appeared on three different shows on V103 FM, and served
as the keynote speaker for the station-sponsored Women's Month
Celebration in 2005 and as a featured performer during a live
broadcast concert with Lyfe Jennings in December 2007.
The
Poetic Repercussion:
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
( 4
out of 5 stars)
"When
I attempt to describe this work, terms like lyrical, rhythmic,
controversial and triumphant come to mind...Mark uses his
poetic voice to narrate through the gamut of social issues
which envelops life like an enemy's flank. He leaves no issue
unturned as he artfully blends traditional and cross-cultural
literary styles...Were I to choose just one poem from this
melting pot of thought provoking poetry that captures the
essence of where life takes us, it would be the opening title
`Psychiatrist's Chair'. With this poem, he eloquently guides
readers through a narrow path of pitfalls that could very
well lead to insanity. Repercussion will take you there, it
resonates between the pages and the beat is hynoptic."
The
Poetic Repercussion:
Mahogany Book Club
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This
collection tells stories that are alive with music. A blend
of Poetry, Prose and Spoken Word fused with a Jazz tune, a
Blues note or a Hip Hop beat. These confessions from a psychiatrist
chair left me wanting more. Left me longing for the live performance
I could feel through the pages. Thomas packs a big punch with
this collection. 101 poems that take you on a journey and
cover a lot of ground."
The
Poetic Repercussion:
APOOO Book Club
(4
out of 5 stars)
"Poetry is so strangely personal; however, once in a
while a poet manages to reach the world with words everyone
can relate to. Mark Anthony Thomas manages to do this is in
his book of poetry The Poetic Repercussion. As I read this
book different poems waved to me with something to say. "The
Rib Around My Neck" is a man's plea/prayer for a good
woman. "Funny that Way" shows societal ironies and
"I TOO (AFRAID I AM)" is reminiscent of Langston
Hughes' "Mother to Son." His poetry covers the gamut
from culture to politics, spirituality (the poems have a scripture
reference), education, racism and war, etc. Brotha man has
101 poems deep! I
must say that this poetry is not for beginners. Some are meant
to be read aloud and would work better in a performance venue
while others are extremely introspective which alludes to
my opening remarks. If
you have the heart of a poet or wish you did, pick this up."
The
Poetic Repercussion:
Crush Magazine
(4
out of 4 stars)
It’s hard trying to write a review for a book
of poetry. How do you even read a book of poetry? Do you read
it like a novel or do you just open the table of contents
and read a poem that catches your fancy. I did the latter
finding The Poetic Repercussion wonderful. Repercussion is
one of those books you can do that with. Thomas uses free
verse and rhythm to create a book that is both thought provoking,
humorous and insightful. Some of my favorites are "God
Trendy" about the how pop culture has reduced God to
a novelty and "Child Support Checkmarks." This is
a poet you need to keep your eye on. Bottom Line: A book to
awaken and soothe your soul.
As
I Look: Black Issues Book Review, March, 2001
Recommended Review-
New
and Notable from Poets Doin' it For Themselves
"Many
young poets are taking up the torch and putting out their
work, to wide public acclaim."
As
I Look: Fort Lauderdale East Sider, 2000
"Thomas has included a variety of writing styles and
topics that are sure to peak the interest of almost every
reader. (Poetry) has sheltered great poets such as Shakespeare,
Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou and Hemmingway, and today it
has branched its wavering arms of talent onto Thomas, who
shows he has the right stuff to be added to this list of greats"
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