|
Announcing the Spring 2006 Book Sense Picks Poetry Top Ten
March 09, 2006
Here is the Spring 2006 Book Sense Picks Poetry Top Ten, based on the nominations
of independent booksellers nationwide. The March Red Box will contain the Poetry
Top Ten pads and a PDF of
the list is available on BookWeb.
The list showcases a wide-ranging and strong list of titles for readers of
all ages, and it is the result of a very strong level of support from booksellers,
reflecting a deep level of knowledge and commitment.
Once again, the publication of the Book Sense Poetry Top
Ten is timed to coincide with April's designation as National Poetry Month.
The annual event was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 to
bring together publishers, booksellers, literary organizations, libraries, schools,
and poets around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American
culture. Thousands of businesses and nonprofit organizations participate through
in-store events, special book displays, workshops, and other activities.
For more on National Poetry Month, click
here.
|
Spring 2006 Book Sense Picks
Poetry Top Ten
|
1. SELECTED POEMS: 1931 - 2004, by
Czeslaw Milosz (Ecco, $24.95, 0060188677)
"This posthumous compilation of Milosz's work displays the evolution of
a genius through what was arguably one of the most trying and devastating periods
of human civilization. With a gently unforgiving eye directed at the world and
himself, this Nobel Prize winner shows us what it means to be human in a time
when humanity itself is in question." --Joe Foster, Maria's Bookshop,
Durango, CO
2. AT BLACKWATER POND: Mary Oliver Reads
Mary Oliver, by Mary Oliver (Beacon,
$19.95 Audio CD, 0807007005) "Mary Oliver is an icon and for good reason.
As she reads 40 of her favorite poems you are lucky enough to inhabit the world
alongside her, to feel the grace and the spirit of her vision. At Blackwater
Pond is a must-have for long-time Oliver fans, and for those just discovering
the joy of her work." --Stesha Brandon, University Book Store, Seattle,
WA
3. POETRY SPEAKS TO CHILDREN, edited by
Elise Paschen (Sourcebooks, $19.95,
1402203292) "This selection of 92 poems -- with 52 of them performed on
an included audio CD -- presents a wonderful opportunity for children and adults
to experience a diverse selection of poets and poems, which will appeal to the
eye and ear." --Barbara Wilson, Butterfly Books, De Pere, WI
4. WHITE APPLES AND THE TASTE OF STONE:
Selected Poems 1946 - 2006, by Donald Hall
(Houghton, $30, 061853721X) "It is a great gift to readers to have in a
single volume a selection from 50 years of work by one of America's finest poets.
It is a book to be opened randomly until the eye finds the beginning of a poem
and then to be read until satiated, full of feelings and emotions. I can't read
Hall without sometimes laughing; sometimes crying." --Steve Schomberg,
Redbery Books, Cable, WI
5. MONOLOGUE OF A DOG, by Wislawa Szymborska
(Harcourt, $22, 0151012202) "Adjectives that one is tempted to overuse
when describing this Nobel Prize-winning Polish poet's work include, but are
not limited to, lucid, brilliant, humanizing, clear, sweet, startling, keen,
tender, and, above all, perfect." --Alicia Aho, Third Place Books, Lake
Forest Park, WA
6. THE TROUBLE WITH POETRY: And
Other Poems, by Billy Collins
(Random House, $22.95, 037550382X) "Collins' new collection, his first
in three years, is cause for celebration!" --Dede Gallagher, Book Ends,
Winchester, MA
7. FLOCK & SHADOW: New and Selected
Poems, by Michael Hettich (New
Rivers Press, $13.95 paper, 0898232279) "This collection of Hettich's poetry
reflects his deep interest in nature and celebrates the human spirit. An outstanding collection." --Mitchell Kaplan, Books & Books, Coral
Gables, FL
8. 100 ESSENTIAL MODERN POEMS, selected
and introduced by Joseph Parisi (Ivan
R. Dee, $24.95, 1566636124) "Joseph Parisi is the long-time former editor
of Poetry magazine, and he has fashioned a wonderful collection, which
contains both
well-known and not-so-well-known poems, everything from works of Keats and Frost
to such contemporary greats as Mary Oliver and Billy Collins. The short bios
of the poets and introductions ensure that this diverse book will appeal to
any poetry lover." --Carrie Sutherland, J.W. Beecroft Books & Coffee,
Superior, WI
9. CRUSH, by Richard Siken (Yale, $14.95 paper, 0300107897) "Kafka once wrote
that we ought to read only the kind of books that wound and stab us. This disquieting
volume of poetry (nominated for a National Book Critics Circle Award) certainly
fits that bill. In cinematic language, Siken writes of obsession, impending
loss, and deserved punishment. His work leaves one shaken, yet awestruck at
the beauty of his writing." --Richard Bennett, Shiretown Books, Woodstock,
VT
10. FLYING AT NIGHT: Poems 1965 - 1985,
by Ted Kooser (University of Pittsburgh
Press, $14.95, 0822958775) "U.S. Poet Laureate Kooser uses metaphor with
uncommon ease. This is my current favorite among my bedside book collection." --Laura Hansen, Bookin' It, Little Falls, MN
| April is National Poetry Month |
|
 In
1996, National Poetry Month was established by the Academy of American
Poets as a month-long celebration of poetry. Since its inception, the
program has highlighted the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement
of American poets by introducing more Americans to the pleasures of reading
poetry. Throughout the month, booksellers, libraries, publishers, literary
organizations, schools, and poets will be involved in myriad activities
-- everything from poetry slams to poetry panels and workshops in bookstores.
Edna St. Vincent Millay asked, "To what purpose, April, do you return
again?" For National Poetry Month! Discover the enjoyment of poetry
at your independent bookstore.
|
Topics: Book Sense, News - Books,
Printer friendly version
Email this article to a friend
ABA Booksellers: Discuss this article online
|
