Poetry Month Purchases

A few of my favorite new books, picked up at April poetry events:

 

 

 

 

 

 
Carmine Starnino’s This Way Out (Gaspereau Press)

Starnino’s fourth, and best book. Linguistic dexterity and rigorous attention to craft
are balanced with heart in this collection, a meditation on place. Starnino is firing 
on all cylinders here.

 

       

Shane Neilson’s Exterminate My Heart (Frog Hollow Press)

A debut collection that’s elegant in its simplicity; 4 parts, all dealing with family and
love, mimicking the 4 chambers of a heart. Like Starnino, Neilson is an impeccable
craftsman, and this is an impressive debut.

 

            

Bill Howell’s Porcupine Archery (Insomniac Press)

Howell’s first collection in 18 years is worth the wait. In turn funny, moving and
resilient, Howell is a fine narrative poet. Check out “How the Moon was Made”
which originally appeared in MM.

Cactus Press Chapbook Launch Tonight!

Swing by Cervejaria (842 College Street, Toronto) tonight (7 pm) for the Cactus Press Spring 2009 chapbook launch party. I’ll be hosting an evening of readings where you’ll be able to pick up shiny new collections from:

Ryan Bird — The Yellow Bend
Devon Gallant — Five
Mark Laliberte — It looked like rain
Edward Nixon — Free Translation
Timothy Ormond — Her Portraiture

The launch will also feature special guest readings from Cactus Press alumni Julie Cameron Gray and Josh Stewart.