In this week’s discussion of Last Child in the Woods we consider the way fear removes us from nature, and how a desire to protect nature can contribute to that fear.
Search Results for: Life Notes
The Pulitzer Prize for Poetry: “Olio” by Tyehimba Jess
The Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry collection “Olio” by Tyehimba Jess bends poetry our of its familiar groove to tell a story few Americans know.
The Walt Whitman Award: “Afterland” by Mai Der Vang
In “Afterland,” winner of the Walt Whitman Award, poet Mai Der Vang explores what happened to the Hmong people after the Vietnam War.
Audubon’s Birds and the Habits of Nature Writing
John James Audubon’s meticulous and detailed approach to studying birds can inspire not only the nature writer but anyone wishing to write more vividly.
Reading in the Wild: April’s Pages
“Reading in the Wild” identifies 5 main characteristics of ‘wild readers’—the people most likely to embrace literacy for life. Are you a wild reader? Do you want to be? Let’s make it happen.
Romeo and Juliet: Kissing a Fair Dragon in His Cave
When Callie Feyen teaches Romeo and Juliet, she uses the Oxford Press edition, and it is this one-sentence paragraph she makes sure the students discuss: “And then she meets Romeo.”
Curious Book Club: 7 Ways to Stay Curious
As we wrap up our book club discussion of Curious: The Desire to Know and Why Your Future Depends on It, Ian Leslie has 7 ways to stay curious.
Curious Book Club: The Curiosity Divide
Curiosity that finds its outlet in fiction could be the best way we have of crossing barriers and coming together in society. Our Curious book club continues.
Hanging by a Thread: Poetry Prompt
The tale of the Sword of Damocles offers a moral that is sometimes misunderstood. We promise not to leave you hanging by a thread. Come write a poetic tale with us!
Gordian Knot: Poetry Prompt
With the swoosh of his sword, Alexander cut the Gordian knot. Learn a bit about this fabled tale and its use in today’s lexicon. Write some poetry with us. Consider it a challenge.
Dark Times Filled with Light: Crestfallen
In our final discussion of Dark Times Filled with Light, we look at Juan Gelman’s masterful manipulation of language and the challenges of translation.
Poets and Poems: Mark Doty and “Deep Lane”
“Deep Lane” by Mark Doty includes nine poems with the title of “Deep Lane, ” and creates a sense of emotional if not physical distance.
“David Copperfield”: Why Charles Dickens Has Endured
“Pickwick Papers” explains why Charles Dickens first became popular, but “David Copperfield” demonstrates why Dickens has endured.
The Art of Stillness Book Club: Alone in the Dark
The thought of being alone can feel daunting if for no other reason, because we are not, really. When we are alone, we are still with ourselves. Our book club discussion of The Art of Stillness continues.
From Author to Publisher: L.L. Barkat’s Thoughts Are for You
Learn the surprising continuity of thought that links Barkat’s life as an author to her life as a publisher. The thoughts were, and still are, for you.
A Window into Poetry and Change with Jane Hirshfield
In times of great change – political, social, economic – we turn to poetry to make sense of what seems nonsensical, to comfort, to explain, says poet Jane Hirshfield.
Book Club Announcement: The Art of Stillness
Join us on a trip to Nowhere in our new book club discussion of Pico Iyer’s The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere beginning December 7.
Regional Tour: High Tea at Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park
Take High Tea beside pristine waters and mountains ranging down-lake in receding tiers, azure to palest blue with Laurie Klein at Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park.
William Wordsworth: “The Prelude” and the Poetry of Revision
Some 24 manuscripts, dated from 1798 to 1839, exist for “The Prelude, ” the autobiographical poem by William Wordsworth; they show the poetry of revision.
What the Book Needs: Creating The Joy of Poetry – Part 4
Megan Willome ends her 4-part series about creating The Joy of Poetry with a simple admonition for writers: be open to what your book needs.