In “Understood Betsy,” Dorothy Canfield Fisher wrote a timeless children’s story about growing up and self-reliance.
“How to Think Like Shakespeare” by Scott Newstok
In “How to Think Like Shakespeare,” Scott Newstok considers the purpose of education and what we can learn from Shakespeare.
A Ritual to Read to Each Other … Generously
As a boy Ebeneezer Scrooge was reading generously—so can we. Come along as we launch into 2021 with a new reading roundup column.
C.S. Lewis: World War I Poet
In 1919, C.S. Lewis published a volume of poetry under a pseudonym. The collection reflected his experiences in World War I.
Poets and Poems: Arran James Grant and “Mania”
“Mania,” the first poetry volume published by Arran James Grant, could well be desscribed as a coming-of-age poetry collection.
James Sale and “HellWard” – Writing an Epic Poem in English
Few poets would attempt what James Sale is doing — writing an epic poem in English inspired by Dante’s “The Divine Comedy.”
When Your Phone Dies: “A Hurricane in My Head” by Matt Abbott
In “A Hurricane in My Head,” Poet Matt Abbott has a suggestion for what to do when your young teen’s phone dies.
Robert Hudson Explains the House Fly — and Poetry
In “The Poet and the Fly,” Robert Hudson considers seven poets and how they used the common house fly to develop their themes.
Poets and Poems: Susan Richardson and “Things My Mother Left Behind”
In “Things My Mother Left Behind,” poet Susan Richardson tells the story of her loss of sight and progression to darkness.
Forgotten Classics: “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Julian Symons
“The Tell-Tale Heart” by Julian Symons, first published 42 years ago, remains the best biography of Edgar Allan Poe.
Paul Brookes – A Poetry Champion Who Writes Poetry
Paul Brookes not only writes poetry; he is also a champion for poetry, recognizing and celebrating poets worldwide.
Taking a Scottish Road Trip with Jorge Luis Borges
What was supposed to be an “author-sitting” stint turned into a Scotland road trip for a young grad student and Jorge Luis Borges.
“30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late)” by David Kern
In “30 Poems to Memorize (Before It’s Too Late),” editor David Kern and 13 other contributors remind us of why we love poetry.
Poets and Poems: John Balaban and “Empires”
“Empires” by poet John Balaban mines both human and personal history poetically to ask what creates the idea of the common good.
Poets and Poems: Luci Shaw and “The Generosity”
“The Generosity” by Luci Shaw invites us to consider the eternal in nature, in the life around us, and in our own families.
“Cross of Snow: A Life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow by Nicholas Basbanes
“Cross of Snow” examines the lives of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his wife Frances (“Fanny”), noting her significant contributions to his work.
Poetry and Healing: “Waiting for Neruda’s Memoirs” by Laura Boggess
The novella “Waiting for Neruda’s Memoirs” by Laura Boggess tells a story of a woman haunted by voices and healed through the power of poetry.
Poets and Poems: Paul Mariani and “Ordinary Time”
“Ordinary Time” by poet Paul Mariani reminds us of the small and almost forgotten things that make a life, and make a life sacred.
Poets and Poems: Jessica De Guyat and “Fording the Stream”
The poetry collection “Fording the Stream” by British poet Jessica De Guyat is centered in the idea of place, be it Lindisfarne, Iona, or the French Midi.
Poets and Poems: Maurice Manning and “Railsplitter”
In “Railsplitting,” poet Maurice Manning crawls inside the head of Abraham Lincoln, recalling and imagining his life, struggles, and legacy.