Here's some insight into what can happen to a book lover in a giant room filled with exhibitors of used and rare books.
Category: Poetry
How a life blooms: the signposts of destiny
Molly Peacock's "The Paper Garden: An Artist Begins Her Life's Work at 72" is more than a great biography about an 18th century woman. It's a meditation on late-bloomers and the significance of choices made throughout one's life. Molly Peacock is an award-winning poet, and her "leaps of the poet's mind" transport us into wonderful places, real and profound.
Ah, Grendel! You’ve come back
John Gardner published "Grendel" in 1971, eleven years before his tragic death at age 49 in a motorcycle accident. The story is a spin-off taken from the medieval epic poem "Beowulf," giving us the viewpoint of the monster Grendel, whom the Scandinavian hero Beowulf slays. A rare acquisition of the book's ARC brought Gardner's novel to my attention again.
Some didn’t believe, some kept flying
Peter Sis' new book, "The Conference of the Birds," is based on an allegory about the search for divine truth written in the 12th century by a Sufi poet. It's richly illustrated and provides an encouraging story for the determined traveler.
A therapy of summer morning
"Give Over, Graymalkin" is Gaylord Brewer's eighth collection of poetry, but it's the first I've read of his work. Here's a glimpse into Brewer's new poems that take us to India, Spain and France, and also celebrate the "dead metaphors" of life.
Two from Canada, one from Billy
A collection of short stories by a Canadian author arrived in the mail this week, and I couldn't put it down. Then, I found my nose deep into Newfoundland territory as I read reviews about Michael Crummey's new novel. Amidst the Canadians, also, former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Here's what I know of these three upcoming books.
Small press book wins the fiction NBA
The National Book Awards for fiction, non-fiction, poetry and young people's lit were announced Wednesday night. Here's the list of winning books.
Don’t dump yr garbage can on my head
A random mention of this book lead me on a library search for it -- the letters exchanged between poet Charles Bukowski and artist Sheri Martinelli in the 1960s.
In the shadow of the podium
United States Poet Laureate W. S. Merwin read from his work at The Kenyon Review Literary Festival, and I was there, at his feet.
This week’s surprise book announcements
First Britain's Man Booker Prize winner is announced, delivering comedy (for the first time), and then the finalists for the National Book Award, delivering omission (shock!). The NBA finalists are listed here, providing good selections for your Reading Table.
How to live and play the piano (etc.)
Michel de Montaigne provided answers in his famous essays to the universal question of how to live. Sarah Blackwell's biography of the 16th century philosopher weaves those answers into his life story. Also in this week's literary encounters, a memoir of piano lessons, some poetry and even an illuminated breviary.
Books from the week: war, mud & more
Some books I came across this week during my usual perusal of all things about books.
I discovered Wakoski’s “Greed”
Confessional poet Diane Wakoski wrote "The Collected Greed Parts 1-13" over several years. She writes in the introduction that she wanted to pontificate about life, to moralize, and yet somehow to write a poem which would have a nobility to it. And so she did.
Mary Oliver at the public podium
I heard Mary Oliver read in Cleveland Tuesday night at the Ohio Theater Playhouse Square. I never in my life thought I'd get to see her read, let alone get her signature on my books, because I'd always read Mary Oliver remained a step back from the public eye. And then here I was at her public reading.
Poets as literary heroes
"A Scattering" by Christopher Reid is 62 pages of moving poetry -- a tribute to Reid's wife who died in 2005. It's a worthy and very satisfying collection to read during April, National Poetry Month.
The Longest Chapter 