Reading Poetry

Last Saturday night I attended the Pratt Lecture at MUN's campus. The speaker was Canada's parliamentary poet laureate, John Steffler.

Since I am writing my Masters exit paper on the 'problems of teaching poetry' and the theme for Steffler's speech was 'The Uses of Poetry' I thought I should attend. Plus, I am currently teaching a poetry unit in school. One stone, many birds.

The speech was decent, and the free wine and cheese was yummy. Before I left I looked at the texts on sale that were written by Steffler. I selected 'That Night We Were Ravenous.' Poems set within the experience of natural world, often throughout rural Newfoundland.

I am enjoying it so far. Now back to my poetry paper. Due tomorrow.

Slowly, slowly getting through it

Because of my Masters, I have not been doing much pleasure reading. So my wife ignored my requests for the latest short stories publications and declared, "I'm not buying you any more books until you read the ones I already bought you."

I can't blame her. I guess. ;)

So over the holidays I have ignored 'Life of Pi' and continued with Leonard Cohen's latest collection of poems, 'Book of Longing' which my wife gave me last xmas.

I gotta say, it is a struggle getting through it. In my early 20's I LOVED Cohen, music and words. Now, reading his newest work leaves me disappointed. It feels like rambling thoughts, with a few pictures or graphics tossed here or there. Maybe he needed the $$ after getting screwed over by his manager!

I'll finish it. Hopefully I will read a gem or two among the pages.

Life of Pi

I am currently struggling through Life of Pi by Yann Martel. This is the same author who has been sending our Prime Minister Steve-o novels to...shape his mind?

Cuz Amy gave me the novel in early July when I was in Halifax for Mike's wedding. I started on it during mental breaks from my Masters courses.

The first 150 pages were torturous. I was waiting for the action aka on the boat with the animals to start.

I am now at the point in the story where Pi has built a raft and playing a waiting game with the tiger. It is a better read now......!

What Mike is reading

"The Brotherhoods" By Gary Larson.

It is the true story of 2 cops that murdered for the mafia. Both convicted in 2006.

Stort Stories

I like reading short stories. Fits with my attention span. ;)

Here is what I'm reading now:

Secrets From the Vinyl Cafe - Stuart Mclean. This is the third book in the Vinyl Cafe universe that I have read(ing). I was a bit disappointed to see stories from previous installments (Why pay for something you already have?) but still quite enjoyable as in each story a character holds a "secret." I am about halfway through.

My wife likes to listen to me reading Cafe stories at bedtime. It puts her asleep. Or is it my voice?

One Last Good Look - Michael Winter. This is my first book by Winter, but it won't be my last. I was familar with his local success, and when I saw this story collection in the bargin section at Chapters, I thought, "What the hell?"

It took a minute (or two) to get use to Winter's rhythm and lack of puncutation, but I am really enjoying each story and experience of Gabriel English, the main character throughout.

The next time I am at Chapters, I may buy Winter's novel "The Big Why." Again bargain book, and hopefully a gem.

Chris

Why do I Need to Create This Blog?

Welcome to my second blog. I thought one blog would be enough! Anyway, I thought this "space" could be a place where people could post comments and opinions about "books I'm reading now."

When I type books I mean all different kinds: novels, poetry, nonfiction, picture, historical, biography, etc.

You get the picture.

I hope many people view this website/blog and share what they are reading. It may interest, enlighten, and expand readers' interest.

Welcome,
Chris