Month: April 2010

National Poetry Month: Nikki Giovanni

Last year's poetry month post also included Nikki Giovanni, and in fact, this same book, though a different poem. Now in paperback, I highly recommend running out and picking up a copy of Bicycles: Love Poems (9780061726491, $11.99, Harper). Here's a taste of a new favorite:Another Day (Revisited)Librarians do it but they do it by … Continue reading National Poetry Month: Nikki Giovanni

National Poetry Month: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

As spring so often brings a little rain into our lives, I thought I'd share my favorite rain poem with you. In particular the last line is something I often repeat to myself. The Rainy DayThe day is cold, and dark, and dreary;It rains, and the wind is never weary;The vine still clings to the … Continue reading National Poetry Month: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

National Poetry Month: B is for Bad Poetry by Pamela August Russell

How did I miss the beginning of National Poetry Month?Maybe because April 1st is April Fool's Day and though I've never been astoundingly pranked, I always live April 1st with a nervous tension as if someone is going to play a colossal prank on me.Regardless, it's now in full swing and I'll be sharing bits … Continue reading National Poetry Month: B is for Bad Poetry by Pamela August Russell

Happy Birthday Hans Christian Andersen

Thank you to Google for reminding me that today is the 205th birthday of Hans Christian Andersen. Google has a five-image series of Andersen's  Thumbelina surrounding their logo today.Andersen was a Danish writer and paper-cut artist who not only recorded tales from the oral storytelling tradition (in the style of the Brothers Grimm), but who … Continue reading Happy Birthday Hans Christian Andersen

Recognize that voice? Part 2

For the second time in as many years, you are now able to access my voice over the airwaves!I had the pleasure of returning to the WAMC radio studio in Albany, NY last week, along with Joan Grenier, one of the Odyssey Bookshop's co-owners.To listen to us talk about books (Joan about adult fiction and … Continue reading Recognize that voice? Part 2