The 52 poems of “Ragged Anthem” by Chris Dombrowski describe the fragility and impermanence of life, in spite of an individual’s resilience.
Poets and Poems: Shanna Powlus Wheeler and “Evensong for Shadows”
Shanna Powlus Wheeler’s first full poetry collection, “Evensong for Shadows,” suggests the omnipresence of grief — a measure of the loss of love or happiness or relationship, and very much a part of life.
Horace Traubel and the Final Words of Walt Whitman
Thanks to Horace Traubel, we know much about Walt Whitman’s last years, Brenda WIneapple says in “Walt Whitman Speaks.”
The 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry: “Be With” by Forrest Gander
“Be With” by Forrest Gander won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry. The quietly stunning collection stimulates reflection and introspection on every page.
Travel and Love: The Poetry of Catharine Savage Brosman
The poetry of Catharine Savage Brosman, especially in her later collections, is about travel, and the love she has for her “then and now again” husband.
Poets and Poems: Michael Spence and “Umbilical”
Poet Michael Spence published four collections during 30 years as a bus driver. His fifth, “Umbilical,” won the New Criterion Poetry Prize.
Poets and Poems: Nick Laird and “Feel Free”
The poems of “Feel Free,” the newest collection by Irish poet Nick Laird, explore ideas of freedom and restraints, opening up worlds of imagination.
Poets and Poems: Phoebe Power and “Shrines of Upper Austria”
In “Shrines of Upper Austria,” British poet Phoebe Power explores a common theme in contemporary power — identity, her own and that of her grandmother.
“Robert Graves” – A Biography of a War Poet by Jean Moorcroft Wilson
Jean Moorcroft Wilson’s new biography of war poet Robert Graves allows the reader to walk in his shoes and understand his poetry and his odd personal life.
Poets and Poems: James Matthew Wilson and “Some Permanent Things”
The poems of “Some Permanent Things” by James Matthew Wilson speak to the transient and the permanent in our history, our lives, and our future.
The T.S. Eliot Prize: “Three Poems” by Hannah Sullivan
The language of “Three Poems” by Hannah Sullivan, the 2018 T.S. Eliot Prize winner, is sharp, clear, and devoid of ambiguity. And it is indeed three poems.
Poets and Poems: Benjamin Myers and “Black Sunday”
In “Black Sunday,” Benjamin Myers uses poetry to explore and illustrate what happened to the people and the land during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s.
Poets and Poems: David Bottoms and “Otherworld, Underworld, Prayer Porch”
The poems of “Otherworld, Underworld, Prayer Porch” by David Bottoms reach back to the people and stories that shape our minds and hearts.
Dress Up for Twirl—Or Dress Twirl Up!
Get ready for an inspiring read that will leave you dreaming about the reading and writing life, in full color. We’re happy to wait for your pic, once you get the book in hand. And we can’t wait to see what you decide to wear, to open this story and make it your own.
Reader, Come Home: January’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader with author Megan Willome. And share your January pages for our monthy Reader, Come Home column.
At Home With Books: Texas Little House
Frosty windows, a dog-eared Little House book, and houses old and new provide the backdrop for this reflection in our new At Home with Books column.
Poets and Poems: Aisha Sharif and “To Keep from Undressing”
The poems of “To Keep from Undressing” by Aisha Sharif tell the powerful story of a black woman and her Muslim faith in America.
National Book Award for Poetry: “Indecency” by Justin Phillip Reed
The poems of the 2018 National Book Award for Poetry Winner “Indecency” by Justin Phillip Reed are as haunting as the streets they come from.
Reader, Come Home: December’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader with Megan Willome. And share your December pages for our monthy Reader, Come Home column.
Dylan Thomas, Christmas, New Orleans, and Me
Reading “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” by Dylan Thomas evokes memories of Christmases in New Orleans with family, friends, and Cherry Bounce.