An "entertaining collection of tributes and insights" from Jay McInerney and other novelists and poets about the writers who inspired them (Booklist).

In this "significant contribution to our understanding of how an older generation of writers . . . affected its students," an assembly of diverse and distinguished talents explore the relevance of their mentors. Together, in this unique anthology of illuminating essays and poetry, they give a unique sense of the forces that shape, encourage, and nurture a writer's craft and vision (Publishers Weekly).

For Jay McInerney, national bestselling author of Bright Lights, Big City, "falling under the spell" of Raymond Carver's fiction was a "transforming experience"; Dana Gioia, recipient of the American Book Award, shares the thrill of having Pulitzer Prize–winner Elizabeth Bishop teach—in her own unique way—a class in writing at Harvard. Here too is Tess Gallagher's ode in verse to Theodore Roethke; Elizabeth Graver analyzing her relationship with Pulitzer Prize–winning Annie Dillard; Erin McGraw on novelist John L'Heureux; David Wojahn's exalting memoir of James L. White, and more.

Delivering new and rich definitions of mentor and protégé, Passing the Word is "a fine collection that honors writing teachers and showcases the talents of the next generation" (Library Journal).