The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing

Quite simply, The Bedford Introduction to Literature is the best introductory lit anthology available. Unlike many of the books out there, this title actually makes an effort to include contemporary authors and not just the same old stuff. Moreover, there are some surprises thrown in like Kanye West lyrics in the poetry coverage or an episode of Seinfeld in the collection of plays. The author includes these x-ray type close readings...it shows what to highlight, has notes on why particular things are important, etc. Plus, there is plenty of support for writing, research, critical theory, and more. Basically, it has everything you could want for in a book like this. My favorite section is the case study of Julia Alvarez which includes interviews, insights from Alvarez on her work, personal photos and her HANDWRITTEN DRAFTS...fascinating stuff. I've looked at a lot of other anthologies (Roberts, DiYanni, Perrine) at teacher conferences and this one really offers instruction and selections no other book has.