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2020 GERALD LAMPERT MEMORIAL AWARD SHORTLISTIn acclaimed short-fiction writer Heather Birrell's rollicking debut full-length poetry collection, Mr. T, Joni Mitchell, Fidel Castro, and the poet's mother (among others) barge in to distract and derail the poet's dreams. The poems ... Read more
2020 GERALD LAMPERT MEMORIAL AWARD SHORTLISTIn acclaimed short-fiction writer Heather Birrell's rollicking debut full-length poetry collection, Mr. T, Joni Mitchell, Fidel Castro, and the poet's mother (among others) barge in to distract and derail the poet's dreams. The poems in this book are playful, hallucinatory, and often funny. They explore the far-fetchedness and perseverance of love between friends and family members, the importance of libraries and locked mental health wards, and ways to live with meaning in the face of a looming apocalypse. Birrell's poetry lines-weaving through an acrobatic breadth of forms and tones-are both precise and plainspoken, and showcase an odd, intuitive logic, embracing the surrealism of this world we're stuck in.
Heather Birrell is the author of two short story collections: Mad Hope (Coach House Books, 2012) and I know you are but what am I? (Coach House Books, 2004). Her stories have been shortlisted for both the Western and National Magazine Awards and have appeared in numerous Canadian literary journals. A frequent book reviewer and winner of the Journey Prize, she also works as a high school teacher and a creative writing instructor.
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This week the quarantine didn't stop us: our National Poetry Month celebration ALU DiscoverVerse continued with five more poets, the 2020 Griffin Poetry Prize shortlist was announced, celebrity libraries were revealed, and more.
Today's ALU DiscoverVerse virtual chat is with debut poet Heather Birrell whose playful collection Float and Scurry (Anvil Press) features the likes of Mr. T, Joni Mitchell, and Fidel Castro, among others who explore love, libraries, and living in the face of a looming apocalypse. ... Read more
This National Poetry Month is an action-packed celebration of twenty-four poets who write in all kinds of spaces and explore all kinds of styles and themes that delight, offer reflection, and soothe our spirits. Join us here on the blog throughout the month for our feature poets, ... Read more
World Poetry Day is right around the corner (March 21st) and there really couldn't be a better time to bring you three poetry picks from our Off/Kilter column. These collections all offer a window into the surreal nature of our world, and show us how, through this warped reflection, ... Read more
Is this cold December weather keeping you stuck indoors? These Weekend Reads picks are all about struggling with confinement in one way or another and finding beauty and meaning no matter where you are in life.
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