In preparation for the announcement of the National Book Award in a few short weeks (Nov. 19), we thought we’d link to a few excerpts and/or reviews to each book shortlisted. Awards aren’t such an important thing to us here at DIESEL, but we do love the attention they often bring to books that otherwise might escape the radar of even some of the best readers. This week, we’re profiling the Poetry Short List.
(1) See & hear Louise Glück reading from her lush and lovely new collection,Faithful and Virtuous Night. (N.B.: I read from this book at a recent Literary Karaoke, and oh my does it feel nice on the lips.)
(2) Read an excerpt from Fanny Howe’s utterly powerful new work, Second Childhood.
(3) Maureen McLane hits it out of the park in this excerpt (she is the first reader in the video) from This Blue.
(4) If Patrick James Dunagan’s review in The Rumpus does not send you to a bookstore shelf in search of Fred Moten’s Feel Trio, you either are not a reader of poetry or you should check your pulse. (N.B.: More of this are coming to the store very soon. Order one from your local DIESEL!)
& lastly (5) Claudia Rankine … what can I say about her Citizen? Hers is a new American epic. It is something you simply must experience.
alwaysbringabookwithyou
