In his first full-length collection, *Bones & Jokes*, published by NYQ Books, Ted Jonathan delivers up poems and stories out of a gritty urban reality that are as raw and original as the characters and streets from which they come. Jonathan weaves the language of the street into a rhythmic frenzy that pleases the ear in both his poetry and prose. He uses this lyricism like the stealth of a cat bringing its owner a mouse to seek a greater understanding of things like violent childhood icons, poker games, and hookers and lays that understanding at the feet of the reader as proof of life. *Bones & Jokes* is savage, joyous, profound and dead on funny, but behind it all is a gentle love and clear sanity that makes it all memorable.