Book Notes: ‘Ghosts’ pays tribute to poets Sexton, Plath
They were two women living in the 1950s, stuck in an outdated mold, writing to save their lives.
In the end, neither succeeded, but they left us with some of the best poetry of the 20th century.
Now, two Pacific Northwest authors have collaborated on their own book of poetry that pays homage to the friendship and writings of Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath.
“The Ghosts of Anne & Sylvia,” by Spokane poet Amber LaParne and Oregon author Jasmine Paul (“A Girl, In Parts”), is an award-winning collection of poetry that does not attempt to mimic the two poets, but rather pays tribute to the profound influence they had on the authors’ own writing.
According to the dust jacket, the book “showcases poetry as ‘story,’ with each poet’s work complementing the other as well as interweaving similar themes.”
I just had to open the slim volume for a glimpse – two degrees in literature will do that to you – and after falling in love with the first poem, devoured the rest of the collection. LaParne and Paul truly capture both the beauty and heartache that permeated the friendship and lives of two complicated and fascinating women.
Both authors are active contributors to Havermale High School’s Writing Workshop in Spokane. They will read from the collection on July 13 at Auntie’s Bookstore.
For more information visit www.jasminepaul.com.
Float your boat
Just in time for the lazy days of summer, Seattle-based publisher Sasquatch Books has released “The Year of the Boat: Beauty, Imperfection, and the Art of Doing it Yourself,” by Lawrence W. Cheek, a Whidbey Island writer and architecture critic for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
A nonsailor with few woodworking skills, Cheek decided one day to build a 13 ½-foot wooden sailboat. “The Year of the Boat” chronicles – in wry, self-deprecating style – his adventures in boat building and how one goes about undertaking a great challenge.
In an interview with The Bellingham Herald, Cheek explains that “a sailboat, particularly, may be the one man-made object you can place in a beautiful natural setting that almost invariably enhances the setting rather than detracts from it. In fact, the sailboat may be the most beautiful machine human minds and hands have created.”
For more of Cheek’s thoughts on sailing and boat building, pick up a copy of the book at local stores. Who knows, you may be inspired to tackle your own unrealized challenge.
Book talk
“The Friends of the Cheney Community Library Book Discussion Group – say that 10 times fast! – would relish your company during their 2008-2009 season. Meetings begin in September and run through May, with the exception of December.
The September selection is “Once Upon a Green Meadow: An American Family’s Struggles Between the Wars” by Ernestine McMillan Hilton, who will also attend the discussion.
Other selections include “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie, “Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace – One School at a Time” by Gregg Mortenson, and “The View from Castle Rock: Stories by Alice Munro.”
The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the library, 610 First St., Cheney. Call (509) 235-4490 or e-mail joan.trc@gmail.com. “Can you sum up your life in six words? Monday is your last chance to check out the “Six Word Memoir Display” by students from East Valley High School at Empyrean Coffee House, 154 S. Madison St.
The six-word memoir originated with Ernest Hemingway. When asked to create a six-word story, he replied: “For sale: baby shoes – never worn.”
The East Valley students wrote autobiographical tales in six words, with photos. Selected poems also will be on display.
Writers corner
Spokane Authors and Self-Publishers invite anyone interested in book writing or illustrating to join them Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Old Country Buffet, 5504 N. Division St.
Guest speakers will describe their current works and offer helpful information for anyone considering publishing a new book. Call (509) 325-2072 or e-mail daveeva@comcast.net.