What I am Currently Reading: I Shudder

Paul's book so far, charming, laugh out loud funny, and easily relate-able. Paul is the genius behind the hit movies: In and Out and The Adam Family Values. Do you like to read Sedaris, Burroughs, Vowell? If yes, you'll enjoy I Shudder. Read it!

I Don't Read Enough Poetry: Read Poetry All the Months of the Year!

I heard James Howe speak the other day. He spoke about his writing process. He said that he reads 2, or 10 poems each day to "connect to his own heart". Especially when he feels like his "heart isn't in it." He reads Mary Oliver, American Poet Extraordinaire:

“Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”

What a wonderful reminder of a genre I don't read hardly enough. Waking up in the morning and reading a new poem or returning back to old favorites, adds a calmness and beauty to my day.

I was reading Poets and Writers this month. I read The 5th Annual Debut Poets Round Up. William Archila, author of The Art of Exile, wrote, "Poetry gives us a sense of beauty, a sense of dignity. It reminds us to feel human again." Isn't this so.

My friend Pam posted as one of her facebook status updates, a quote fromNaomi Shihab Nye (Palestinian - American Poet) "Love means you breathe in two countries". What a wonderful line for so many of us, living between cultures, countries, and other identities. I love the images that she creates and the thoughts that she provokes.

Another Blog that agrees. Ponder this quote from Neruda, "I wheeled with the stars, my heart broke loose on the wind."

Suheir Hammad is a poet that I have been reading and rereading for years. I met her several years ago when she did a reading at a hip hop conference at the University of Pennsylvania. Her poems and readings are powerful and deep. She has a memoir as well as three poetry books.Zaatar Diva comes with a CD so you can hear her deliver the poetry out loud. It is absolutely beautiful and will bring goosebumps to your arms. You can of course catch her on YouTube: Poem. She was one of the original poets of The Def Poetry Jam Series. Her poetry is universal and very personal by nature. It is political and literary. When you get a chance to see her live, don't miss it for anything. In the meantime, pick up one of her books and read.

A friend from college, Craig, has a blog where he posts his most recent thoughts and poetry. Add this page to your weekly reading diet. My friend, Kawita, wrote Folding a River. A beutiful anthology of her poetry. Check it out!

Currently I am reading Kay Ryan, our nation's Poet Laureate. In Poets and Writers this month she is named as one of the 50 most inspirational writers! I'm glad I started that reading project.

Poetry isn't something I usually pick up first, but I am going to try to add more of it into my reading life. It creates space and time for reflection. It brings beauty and life to the forefront of my thoughts. It reminds me of what is important.

I will leave you with this poem.

Wild Geese

Please posts your thoughts and reflections about these poems or others that you think others should read.

What Am I Currently Reading

I am always reading multiple books- I have many interests. At times it could be seen as a strategy to delay or avoid ending a good book. If you are looking for two new good books to read in 2010-

I am reading- Viral Loop By Adam Penenberg

Super great read- stories about companies- such as facebook- and how they went viral. It gives you a great way of understanding how the web works and how companies can grow. If you want to be in the 'know', read Viral Loop with me!

I am also reading Margaret Atwood's new book, The Year of the Flood. Did you read The Handmaiden's Tale or Never Let Me Go? These books explore the notion of - distopias! Here is her latest genius piece of work- or at least that is how my sister (a literature professor) sold it to me! I am half way through and loving it!

Lastly today I decided that I am carry around with me for the entire month the travel section of the NYTimes today- to start plotting for my next trip! Which of the 31 places are you hitting? So far I have only been to 7 of the places- so I had better get moving! I have been to Costa Rica, Istanbul, Damascus, Los Angeles, Marrakesh, Brekenridge, and Colombia! I better get reading, dreaming and studying for a great travel place this summer!

Happy reading days to you!