(Seattle, WA and New York, NY: Wave Books, 2015) In October I had the pleasure of attending the Vegas Valley Book Festival, including the panel “Literary Nonfiction: The Elegance of Truth.” Among other topics, panelist Mike Sager, an award-winning journalist, … Continued
(Tuscon, AZ: Spork Press, 2012) Until recently, I would not have considered myself a spiritual person. Maybe I still wouldn’t. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that, like many who look to higher-powers only during times of need, I gave myself … Continued
(Los Angeles, CA: Heartworm Press, 2015) Exactly how dangerous is it to stare at the sun? This is a question that I find myself asking throughout Eric Paul’s second poetry collection, A Popular Place To Explode. No, the book isn’t particularly … Continued
(Toronto, Ontario: McClelland & Stewart, 2015) Fibonacci numbers were, I think, my first formal introduction to the idea that math and science are essential to the beauty of the natural world. I was in early elementary school when I learned … Continued
(New York: Black Lawrence Press, 2015) I have long been interested in the relationship between the poem and the moment or, perhaps more precisely, the moment as it sits perched within memory. But after my sister’s sudden and unexpected passing, … Continued
Translated from the Spanish by Yvette Siegert (Brooklyn, NY: Ugly Duckling Presse, 2015) Last November, my introduction to Diana’s Tree was similar to that awe one feels when meeting an exceptional human being—I was rendered speechless. After my first read through … Continued
(Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Editions, 2014) “Sun’s yoke a greasy sputter in morning’s blue Teflon.” Lee Ann Roripaugh opens her poem “Trompe l’Oeil: The Annotated Version” with these words, which I read as I sit at a diner down the road, … Continued
(Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Editions, 2014) From “big jellyfish, All grown-assed” to “rain-laden / Lilacs,” Alex Lemon’s newest poetry collection, The Wish Book, is filled with everything. In a way, this reminds me of Dara Wier’s newest collection, You Good Thing, … Continued
(Seattle and New York: Wave Books, 2013.) I can’t put O’Brien’s newest poetry collection down. By this I do not mean that I am propelled through People on Sunday until the end, but rather, that I am compelled to read … Continued