I did not know Ron Rash was a poet until I discovered this book. I am familiar with his novels, particularly the amazing Serena, and short stories, whI did not know Ron Rash was a poet until I discovered this book. I am familiar with his novels, particularly the amazing Serena, and short stories, which are distinctly Southern, often focusing on those who work hard yet seem to get pulled down further. His poetry is similar and very much the poetry of a storyteller with particular real locations and characters. There are beautiful moments here and I want to read more of this poet's work. ...more
A powerful collection of prose poetry that confronts the problem of race in America in the era of Trayvon Martin. This is not an easy book, heartbreakA powerful collection of prose poetry that confronts the problem of race in America in the era of Trayvon Martin. This is not an easy book, heartbreaking, poignant, thoughtful. The images used add to the book's elements of desperation and pain. Powerful and important; highly recommended. ...more
An unsettling book of poetry exploring difficult and dark themes, often focusing on classical myths. While not necessarily a "pretty" book of poetry, An unsettling book of poetry exploring difficult and dark themes, often focusing on classical myths. While not necessarily a "pretty" book of poetry, the poems here make the reader think critically and often are quite poignant (a poem about 9/11 is particularly striking). ...more
A humorous, but smart and sensible book about the problems and concerns of contemporary parenting. While the focus is on motherhood and its problems, A humorous, but smart and sensible book about the problems and concerns of contemporary parenting. While the focus is on motherhood and its problems, I found a lot I could relate to as a stay-at-home dad. Parenting these days has become almost religious in its dogma and everyone is too eager to leap upon mistakes or conscious choices they do not agree with. The book in a funny way reminds us that parenting is a hard job, that we are all trying our best, and that everyone must choose his/her own path, a much needed message amidst the slew of parenting books out there. ...more
I have read several of Margaret Atwood's books and stories before, but I had not read her poetry. My loss. She writes beautiful, poignant, heartbreakiI have read several of Margaret Atwood's books and stories before, but I had not read her poetry. My loss. She writes beautiful, poignant, heartbreaking poems about life, death, war, and remembrance in a very approachable, grounded, and tactile style. ...more
This book is really just a series of sketches by the artist Shaun Tan whose The Arrival I loved for its story and beautiful artwork. There are a couplThis book is really just a series of sketches by the artist Shaun Tan whose The Arrival I loved for its story and beautiful artwork. There are a couple of essays about his process and about where the sketches came from, but it's mostly just a pretty book with a bit of insight into the artist's process. ...more
I abandoned this book before the halfway point. It reads like a college freshman's creative writing course material, relying heavily on cleverness ratI abandoned this book before the halfway point. It reads like a college freshman's creative writing course material, relying heavily on cleverness rather than good storytelling or characters. I doubt it would have been published if the author weren't a well known actor.
[I received an advanced reading copy through Netgalley.]...more
Tolstoy's novella about the thoughts of a disillusioned business man and social climber as he slowly dies is brilliantly paired with Tolstoy's autobioTolstoy's novella about the thoughts of a disillusioned business man and social climber as he slowly dies is brilliantly paired with Tolstoy's autobiographical essay about his search for faith. Taken together, they give further insight to each piece and the author's mind. Provocative and unflinching, these are important works of an important author. ...more
Mary Oliver's latest collection is a rumination on love. Unfortunately, it takes her away from the natural world, searching a bit more in the ephemeraMary Oliver's latest collection is a rumination on love. Unfortunately, it takes her away from the natural world, searching a bit more in the ephemeral. Her strongest work has always been about looking at little moments and finding deeper meaning there. Without that connection to the physical world, there is something just self-helpy and feel good without feeling substantial. There are, of course, some beautiful moments because she's a wonderful writer and poet, but this thin book (the poems are printed on every other page) is a disappointment. ...more
Many authors with any measure of popularity take a stab at a creativity book. Most just recite what's been said before, but Gilbert succeeds wildly wiMany authors with any measure of popularity take a stab at a creativity book. Most just recite what's been said before, but Gilbert succeeds wildly with a mix of the mystical (as the title implies) and the realistic. While providing insight into her process, she cites other artists and writers and embraces a joyful aesthetic and philosophy rather than the oft-cited "you must suffer for your art." Highly recommended. ...more
In my opinion, Ed Madden is one of our best contemporary poets. This powerful, poignant collection deals with men and their relationships to each otheIn my opinion, Ed Madden is one of our best contemporary poets. This powerful, poignant collection deals with men and their relationships to each other, particularly fathers and sons. Rich with Southern history and tradition, including Biblical references, Madden does not shy away from the harshness of reality and his poems find beauty amidst ugliness. Highly recommended. ...more
A short French novel in which a man ponders the thoughts and actions of a 25-year-old friend who has committed suicide. The book has further gravitas A short French novel in which a man ponders the thoughts and actions of a 25-year-old friend who has committed suicide. The book has further gravitas from the fact that the author killed himself 10 days after turning in the manuscript. This almost philosophical character study is provocative and poignant without ever getting sappy....more
A novel that is supposed to serve as transition to the upcoming Star Wars film. Unfortunately, none of the characters (the only major character from tA novel that is supposed to serve as transition to the upcoming Star Wars film. Unfortunately, none of the characters (the only major character from the films here is Wedge and he is not too prominent) is very engaging and the storyline is a jumbled mess told in a jumbled manner. There are some nice moments, a couple of action sequences that would be fun on a big screen and a couple of interesting ideas not completely realized. Disappointing. ...more
A short story full of twists and turns, some of which come on a bit too fast. Fans of Gone Girl will find some of the same tropes here - not-so-nice cA short story full of twists and turns, some of which come on a bit too fast. Fans of Gone Girl will find some of the same tropes here - not-so-nice characters making questionable choices - but still it's an enjoyable fast read. ...more
A collection of new essays and speeches by the prolific and always powerful Berry. He does not stray from his usual subject here, i.e., the continual A collection of new essays and speeches by the prolific and always powerful Berry. He does not stray from his usual subject here, i.e., the continual exploitation and destruction of the environment, particularly in Kentucky. Often, I find his tirades powerful but offering little in the way of the solution. That is considerably less true as he does offer some ideas for fixing the problem here, even if the solutions are perhaps difficult to impossible and would require incredible coordination and time. Still, Berry is a powerful writer who is strong in his convictions and this book is highly recommended. ...more
A powerful, thoughtful memoir about being of color in the contemporary United States. Coates writes this essay as a letter to his 15-year-old son who A powerful, thoughtful memoir about being of color in the contemporary United States. Coates writes this essay as a letter to his 15-year-old son who is coming of age in the era of Michael Brown, Eric Garner, and numerous other killings of African Americans. This violence, Coates shows, has been a constant in American history since slavery. Thoughtful and personal, this is a vital book for people interested in the racial dynamics of this country today. Highly recommended.
[I received an advanced e-galley of this book through Netgalley.] ...more
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