Walt Whitman’s use of free verse became appreciated by composers seeking a more fluid approach to setting text. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every writer should read Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. Read it in physical book form, not electronically. Reading Leaves of Grass electronically would be like making out with a robot. Not a sexy robot, like the Femmebots from Austin Powers, but like Johnny Five from Short Circuit.

Whitman has a unique style. His writing is so expansive, it’s difficult to describe. He crams the whole world into his writing. Whitman broke all the rules of poetry and in the process invited everyone to enjoy it. His writing is so accessible, like no one else.

OK, I think I’ve gushed on Whitman enough. Read his work for yourself. You’ll see what I mean.

What other authors should every writer read?

By Eric Ralph