by the Read Write Poem Staff
For this installment of Off the Shelf — the column in which we share the latest five books Read Write Poem members have read or are currently reading — Mark Stratton shares his latest reads, along with a brief comment on each collection.
Recovered Body, by Scott Cairns
I read a poem or two every few days, then think on them.
Poetry Magazine
It’s pretty cheap, and of good quality.
Creating Poetry, by John Drury
I believe myself to be a neophyte in the truest sense of the word. This book gives me the feel, without the drudgery, of a textbook. I learn from it.
The Haiku Handbook, by William J. Higginson
Again, I have much to learn. This has been a wonderful book for this purpose. Plus it has wonderful haiku to read and enjoy.
Japanese Haiku, by Kenneth Yasuda
As much of a collection as guide and instruction.
Mark also adds, “I read Dickens for words and stories. But words … words he used to wonderful effect. I also have a few of the Everyman Pocket Library poetry books; Poems of New York, the Brownings, and the Beat Poets. All have been fun. Finally, the various poets and contributors to Read Write Poem show me much in the weekly sharing of work based on prompts.
If you want to share your latest five reads, send an email with your titles and comments for each book to info (at) readwritepoem (dot) org.
Nice to see what folks are reading. Poetry magazine is indeed a pretty good deal if you subscribe. I haven’t heard of Scott Cairns. Will check out the title. thanks
mark Stratton replied:
November 16th, 2009 at 8:47 am
This book was recommended to me by an employee at the local Barnes & Noble a while ago. He is a professor at the University of Missouri, where I also work (I have never met the man).
It is an interesting read.
This is a fantastic list, Mark. Thank you for sharing it.
mark Stratton replied:
November 16th, 2009 at 8:48 am
You’re most welcome, Dana. Glad to do it.
The last tree books on the list have been an immense help to me, helped to spur my growth both as a writer and as a reader of poetry as well.
I like seeing these, too. It’s cool to get the briefest of rundowns, then let the comments expand.
(Or not. No pressure on the next person. It’s just nice to have a quickie sometimes, you know?)
mark Stratton replied:
November 16th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I like to know what others are reading, so when given the chance to share what I’ve been reading….? I jumped at it.
Thanks for sharing, Mark! I’ve also learned a great deal from the book Creating Poetry by John Drury.
mark Stratton replied:
November 16th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
It is a terrific book, one I intend to go back to next month as National Novel Writing Month is consuming me. I am ahead of pace, but it is still time and energy consuming…
I was very lucky to come across copies of Bill’s Haiku Handbook in a local Queensland library in the early 90s.
I remember taking the library book with me to a trip to Kuala Lumpur and finishing the book in a week. It never left my side. I took that library book out several times and read it cover to cover all over again.
It was a thrill to receive his invitation to send haiku to his next major project “The Haiku Seasons” which resulted two books, in the amazing Haiku World: An International Poetry Almanac and its companion book The Haiku Seasons.
I’m glad to see that new editions (albeit posthumously) are coming out. No one interested in haiku should be without these additional Bill Higginson books.
Alan
mark Stratton replied:
November 16th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
It’s a fine book and one I have really enjoyed and learned from.
Does anyone else want to tell us what they are reading? Anyone? Anyone?
Dana Guthrie Martin replied:
November 16th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
And by that I mean, send us an email and we can get you slated for an upcoming Off the Shelf column. Woohoo!