Today has been a most wonderful bookish day. I started off my morning by going to an annual book sale hosted by a local PTA and walked away with a bag filled with books. The sale is going on through the weekend so I’m going to save my book finds post until I go back for another round of book shopping.
After lunch I hurried off to my bookbinding class where I spent most of the afternoon sewing the 25 signatures for my chunky book. I worked a bit on the spine and next week I get to work with leather for the covers. Woot!
The big event though was going to listen to Billy Collins speak at a local university campus. I know I’ve talked about how much I admire his poetry so finally getting to hear him read his poetry was really quite a thrill. He read poems from his latest book, The Trouble With Poetry, and had the audience laughing and nodding their heads at the wit and poignancy found in his words.
He read haikus, read poems about dogs, and even read a poem about the fanciful names of gated communities. Seriously, if you have never read any of his poems please do so. After the poetry reading I got in line with one of my favorite books, Taking Off Emily Dickinson’s Clothes, and got him to sign it for me. I was pretty star-struck so I think I only managed to say something about being thrilled to be there.
I’m off to wind down from my bookish high and so I leave you with a Collins poem to enjoy.
You know that parlor trick.
Wrap your arms around your own body
and from the back it looks like
someone is embracing you,
her hands grasping your shirt,
her fingernails teasing your neck.
From the front it is another story.
You never looked so alone,
your crossed elbows and screwy grin.
You could be waiting for a tailor
to fit you for a straitjacket,
one that would hold you really tight.
~ Embrace from Taking Off Emily Dickinson’s Clothes by Billy Collins
Iliana, I can’t wait to hear about the books you bought!!! 😀 You must be thrilled. I know I will, hehe…
I’ve not heard of Billy Collins, and that’s because I rarely read poetry. I’ll have to check out the link, thanks! 🙂
Nothing like a book sale to liven up the day ! I’ve also recently purchased a stack of books.
I look forward to hearing about your finds …
Isn’t it great when the planets align just so and you get to spend the day in bookish heaven? I love it when that happens. Looking forward to seeing what you picked up at the book sale.
That’s one of my favorite poems. Ever. I love a lot of Collins’ stuff, but that one, well, ’tis good! It sounds like you had a great time at the reading; it’s always nice when the poet is able to actually reach the audience. I’ll admit, I’m a bit jealous. 🙂
What a fun-filled day you had and I love that poem by Billy Collins. I might have to add his book to my collection!
Wow, working with leather for the cover sounds very cool. I can’t wait to see your finished project!
I have to admit I’ve never heard of BC. From the poem your posted and the description of your experience hearing him read, it seems as if he has quite a bit of humour recorded in his poems. I’ll have to have a go at one of his collections!
I am glad that someone that you like came into town.
Hope more come in!
Check out this blog:
http://poet-in-residence.blogspot.com/
Melody – I’m still a bit on a high from all the bookishness from yesterday! ha,ha.. I highly recommend Collins. I think even for non-poetry readers his poetry is quite enjoyable.
Gavin – Ooh did you get some good stuff? I’m tempted to go back for more books…
Lisa – I know, it’d be wonderful if it was always like this 🙂
Chelle – I know it’s a fantastic poem isn’t it? I’ve read a bit of his poetry but all the ones he read yesterday were new to me so that was fun. Now I need to look for more of his books!
Christine – Oh you should. Have you read much by him? I think you’d really like his poetry. I am excited about working with leather – it seems a bit intimidating to tell the truth so we’ll see 🙂
Heather T. – It does seem like a lot of the poems I’ve read by him have humor in them but I like that there is still always a thread of seriousness underneath it all. I hope you check out one of his books and you’ll have to tell us what you think!
Isabel – I do too! Well, we have some great authors coming in town lately but they are here for the Arts & Letters Live program which is expensive. Thanks for that link… I’ll check it out!
How exciting to hear Billy Collins read his poetry. It seems like you have lots of opportunities to hear authors where you live!
I love that poem. Wow. It just really struck me.
Glad you had a bookish day. I love those.
That’s a great little poem. I’ve had Billy Collins on my wish list for quite a while but haven’t acquired any of his books, yet. I can’t wait to read about your acquisitions. I’m so envious that you have opportunities like a bookbinding class!
I’m not familiar with Billy Collins, but I really like that poem you posted, so it looks like I’ll have to change that.
I look forward to your book finds post!
AAGGGHHH!!!! I”m so envious that you got to see him read! Damn me for being in NC! lol
I gave my lit class one of his poems (“Introduction to Poetry”) the other day to loosen them up. Worked like a charm.
What a great day! All those fun books and Billy Collins! Does it get much better than that?
Oh, what a lovely, bookish day 🙂
And Billy Collins in person!!! be still my heart…
Danielle – We do get a lot of authors around here actually the problem is that some of them only come for ticketed events. I understand it’s just that it can get expensive. Still I just keep my eye open and see who comes by!
aka Nik – So glad you enjoyed it! Have you read any others by BC?
Nancy, aka Bookfool – Yes, we are pretty lucky in this area to have a craft guild although when I see the book center in Chicago and NY then I get all jealous 🙂
Nymeth – I hope you check his poetry out. He really is one of my favorite poets.
Andi – I did get lucky didn’t I? I’ve been petting my BC signed book 🙂
Stefanie – Exactly! Well, maybe throw in some chocolate 🙂
ravenous reader – yay, another BC fan! It was fantastic. I’m only annoyed that I didn’t have his new book to get signed. Ah well. Maybe he’ll drop in town another time 🙂
Have just found that Billy Collins book on Amazon.co.uk for £1.
::boppity::
Ms Alex – Ooh, what a deal! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.