Last Sunday's New York Times "By the Book" column featured an interview with Sherman Alexie. The answer that most interests me today is the one to the following question: What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift?“The Basketball Diaries,” by Jim Carroll. My dad gave it to me for my 15th birthday. He … [Read more...] about Is There a Book…
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Reading Around…and Writing
I should be writing but--confession time-- instead decided to read this article on Donna Tartt in today's NY Times. It is about a writer, and writing, after all. The article is prompted by the release of her new book, "The Goldfinch," and touches on her early life.The Dickensian sweep of “The Goldfinch” has its … [Read more...] about Reading Around…and Writing
Book Parties!
A new book is always exciting. Opening the box for the first time and seeing all those hours of researching, writing and revising fitted between colorful covers makes a holiday. Hearing readers say they like the story is the best kind of music. And book parties are the best kinds of parties. This last weekend was a … [Read more...] about Book Parties!
Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Good ideas grow like plump seeds dropped in good ground. Last weekend I had a chance to see that again. I went to an urban farm in Cedar Rapids--Matthew 25. The farm was inspired by Will Allen and has as its goal the same goal as Will Allen's Growing Power Farm-- to provide tasty, healthy food at reasonable prices to … [Read more...] about Inspired by Will Allen — Matthew 25 Urban Farm ~ Cedar Rapids
Announcing: Good Times
Writing is such a solitary activity that whenever we have a chance for getting together with writers, readers, and general book-lovers we know it will be a good time. Well, I am excited today to announce two such get-togethers to help launch Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table.10:00 Saturday, October 12 New-Bo … [Read more...] about Announcing: Good Times
Seamus Heaney at the End of August
Seamus Heaney is on my mind today, because he's gone now. Of course, I had to go to youtube and watch him read some poems; and then remember when he came to Iowa City to do a reading and I took Sweeney Astray for him to sign. By then Sweeney was no longer a new book, out for 13 years (in fact it was the only book … [Read more...] about Seamus Heaney at the End of August
