Tonesmith is Al Basile’s second collection of one hundred poems, following 2012’s A Lit House. As in that book he often writes about experiences of his earlier life, often acknowledging the change in perspective brought about by the passing of the years. As Rhina Espaillat notes:

“These poems include autobiographical rites of passage, regrets and celebrations, personal and family memories, immigrant folklore, travel impressions, encounters with revered musicians and sports figures, and ambiguous lessons learned...The very title of...