“The Elegy Beta: Poems” by Mischa Willett utilize the idea of the elegy, reflecting seriously and somberly on life, faith, suffering, and beauty.
Poets and Poems: Angela Alaimo O’Donnell and “Andalusian Hours”
In “Andalusian Hours,” poet and writer Angela Alaimo O’Donnell has created a tribute to Flannery O’Connor, one of the 20th century’s most original writers.
A Ritual to Read to Each Other: Reading Aloud
Join author Megan Willome as she enjoys reading aloud in the new column, A Ritual to Read to Each Other. This month, the gifts unique to audiobooks.
Wisdom Literature: “Desert Tracings” – Six Arabian Odes
In “Desert Tracings,” Michael Sells translates six pre-Islamic Arabian odes created in the oral tradition of Bedouin tribes before the rise of Islam.
Buried in the Basement: “Tolkien’s Lost Chaucer” by John Bowers
A significant work by J.R.R. Tolkien on Chaucer sat unnoticed in a library basement for 60 years. “Tolkien’s Lost Chaucer” tells the story.
Wisdom Literature: The Aphorisms of Yahia Lababidi
“Signposts to Elsewhere,” a collection of aphorisms by poet Yahia Lababidi, is a beautifully rendered work, full of poetry and wisdom.
“Chaucer: A European Life” by Marion Turner
“Chaucer: A European Life” by Marion Turner is a significant work of scholarship on the context of the life of Geoffrey Chaucer.
Poets and Poems: Edward Holmes and “Bravery & Brevity”
“Bravery & Brevity,” the new poetry collection by Edward Holmes, is written from a place of transformation, moving from pain to hope.
W.H. Auden’s “September 1, 1939″ – The Biography of a Poem by Ian Sansom
“September 1, 1939” is one of Auden’s most famous poems. But British writer Ian Sansom sees the flaws. His biography of the poem and the poet is marvelous.
Songwriting and Writing: “Adorning the Dark” by Andrew Peterson
“Adorning the Dark” by writer and songwriter Andrew Peterson speaks to the mystery at the center of writing, creativity, and inspiration.
Poets and Poems: David Russell and “An Ever River”
The poems of “An Ever River” by British poet David Russell remind us that we are part of a larger whole that continues, even when damaged and mended.
Reader Come Home: “Adjustments”
Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader as we read ‘Adjustments,’ a very funny book about a man not unlike Keats. And share your October pages in our Reader, Come Home roundup.
A Poetic Novel to Turn You Upside Down: “Lanny” by Max Porter
In “Lanny,” British author Max Porter bends literary and artistic genres, creating a work that’s about art and its wonderful and fearsome effects.
Simon Armitage, the New British Poet Laureate
Simon Armitage is the new British poet laureate, and his most recent collection, “The Unaccompanied,” shows a poet at the top of his art.
Reader, Come Home: “Twelve Angry Men”
Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader with author Megan Willome as she tackles a mystery. And share your September pages for our monthly Reader, Come Home column.
Poets and Poems: Rhina Espaillat and “And After All”
“And After All” by Rhina Espaillat is about all of our relationships, all of our interiors, the things that make our lives meaningful and important.
Poets and Poems: John Dorsey and “Your Daughter’s Country”
“Your Daughter’s Country” by poet John Dorsey takes readers back to their childhoods, and to the relatives and other people who were considered “characters.”
Children’s Book Club: “Dear Evan Hansen”
Author Megan Willome considers the power of trees in “Dear Evan Hansen” for Tweetspeak’s Children’s Book Club, which this month, is all about teenagers.
Reader, Come Home: “Because Internet”
The internet made me do it. Come learn the secrets of being a deep reader as author Megan Willome reads “Because Internet.” And share your August pages.
Poets and Poems: Justin Hamm and “The Inheritance”
The poems and photographs of “The Inheritance” are about the people, places, and things that shape us. They may be ghosts, but they’re powerful ghosts.