Serena’s Articles at Savvy Verse & Wit, Page 313

35th Virtual Poetry Circle

March 6, 2010 by Serena

Before I get to the virtual poetry circle for this week, I wanted to say that this next week coming up is going to be a busy poetry week with the Split This Rock Poetry Festival in Washington, D.C.

I’ll be headed downtown midweek for the festival rather than work. I just love taking odd vacation days for fun festivals, especially those involving poetry. I’ll keep everyone posted about the festival and be sure to at least do a wrap-up post.

OK, here we are, the 35th Virtual Poetry Circle. It’s time to visit with a classic poet, and please share your reactions, analyze, and interact.

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Keep in mind what Molly Peacock’s books suggested. Look at a line, a stanza, sentences, and images; describe what you like or don’t like; and offer an opinion. If you missed my review of her book, check it out here.

Today’s classic poem is from Walt Whitman:

A Noiseless Patient Spider

A noiseless patient spider,
I mark'd where on a little promontory it stood isolated,
Mark'd how to explore the vacant vast surrounding,
It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself,
Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them.

And you O my soul where you stand,
Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space,
Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them,
Till the bridge you will need be form'd, till the ductile anchor hold,
Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.

Also, check out this video:

Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.

I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles, check them out here. It’s never too late to join the discussion.

FTC Disclosure: Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

Filed Under: virtual poetry circle

Giveaway of Almost Home by Pam Jenoff

March 6, 2010 by Serena

Pam Jenoff’s Almost Home is a book of political intrigue and grief.

If you missed my review, please check it out. Also please check out my interview with Pam Jenoff and the second part of the interview on D.C. Literature Examiner.

If you’re living in the U.S. or Canada and want a copy of Almost Home, leave comments on the review and interviews and fill out the Google Form below:

DEADLINE IS MARCH 13, 2010, at 11:59 PM EST.
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Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Almost Home, Pam Jenoff

Almost Home by Pam Jenoff

March 5, 2010 by Serena

Almost Home by Pam Jenoff is a novel of international intrigue, significant struggle, and humiliating heartbreak. Jordan Weiss is a Foreign Service Officer working in Washington, D.C., who receives a letter from her college friend Sarah asking her to return to London as Sarah struggles with Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS). Once in London, a place Jordan never expected to see again after her tragic last semester, she takes a job as a investigative diplomat working to uncover financial connections between companies and the Albanian mob.

“Chris pulls out my chair and I sit down awkwardly, conscious of his presence, the way he hovers a second too long behind me as though afraid I will flee.” (Page 64)

Jenoff really knows how to set the mood. Almost Home is full of dark imagery, fast-paced chases, and tension as thick as butter. Readers will be kept guessing as to who is on the wrong side of the equation. Jordan is likable and draws readers into the story, sweeping readers into her grief over the decades ago loss of her college sweetheart, Jared, and the mystery surrounding his death. There is tension between Jared and Jordan when they first meet as part of a rowing team, but eventually their mutual love of the river and the team gives way to their own passions.

“Trafalgar Square on a Monday morning is a swarming mass of activity. Cars and buses move along the roadway in fits and starts, jamming up at the traffic lights, filling the air with thick exhaust. Swarms of commuters, invisible beneath a sea of black umbrellas, jostle as they make their way from the buses to the city, from Charing Cross Tube station to Whitehall.” (Page 131)

Tension and suspense are dominant atmospheres in Almost Home, but the novel is more than just a political thriller, it deals with deep grief and healing. There also are lighter moments between Jordan and Sarah that illustrate a part of Jordan that has been dormant since the tragic loss of Jared. The dynamic between the two is strong and full of sisterly love, which can transcend any situation.

Jenoff’s experience as a diplomat is clearly present in the novel as Jordan deals with bureaucracy and cloak-and-dagger tactics. There are some points in the novel where Jordan appears to be out of her element and a novice diplomat, but given the recent debacle in Liberia and the death of a colleague; her flight to London to be with her sick friend; and all that is uncovered about the death of Jared, her mistakes and bad judgment should be expected. The pressures she feels and the memories that haunt her are too much for any one person to deal with a high-stress position with government. Jordan is a complex character dealing with new grief, renewed old grief, and a demanding job in a city she once abandoned. Overall, Almost Home is a fast-paced, highly emotional, well-written novel.

This is my 13th new-to-me author for the 2010 New Authors Challenge.

I’m considering this for my 3rd book, a mix of the political and mob thriller , for the 2010 Thriller & Suspense Reading Challenge.

FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of Almost Home by Pam Jenoff from the author. Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

Filed Under: 2010 Thriller and Suspense Reading Challenge, fiction, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2010, review copy, reviews Tagged With: Almost Home, Pam Jenoff

Interview With Pam Jenoff, Author of Almost Home

March 4, 2010 by Serena

Welcome to my interview with author Pam Jenoff, author of the recently released (in paperback) Almost Home, The Diplomat’s Wife, and The Kommandant’s Girl (click here for Diary of an Eccentric’s mini-review).

Author Pam Jenoff is a former resident of Maryland and graduate of George Washington University in Washington, D.C. After attending Cambridge University in England, she took a variety of jobs in American government, including positions with the Pentagon and the State Department. Since then, she’s graduated the University of Pennsylvania and works as an attorney in Pennsylvania.

However, her latest pursuits have involved novel writing, and one of her earlier novels, The Kommandant’s Girl, became an international best seller and was nominated for the Quill Award. Her recent novel, Almost Home, was released in paperback and is set in both Washington, D.C., and London as the main protagonist, diplomat Jordan Weiss searches for the truth behind the death of an old college boyfriend and tries to uncover corporate connections to the Albanian mob.

Please welcome, Pam Jenoff and stay tuned for my review of her latest novel, Almost Home.

How would you introduce yourself to a crowded room eager to hang on your every word? Are you just an author, or what else should people know about you?

I jokingly say that I am boring and grumpy. What I mean by that is I still have a day job (most people are surprised to learn this) as a law school professor. So I have to go to bed very early in order to get up by five to get the novel writing done. But I love every part of my crazy, hectic life and wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

Please share a few of your obsessions (i.e. a love of chocolate, animals, crosswords).

I’m a huge eater. I would always rather eat than drink, and mostly healthy stuff, though I could eat my own body weight in Twizzlers and cheesepuffs. I’m a shameless napper. Big football fan (Philadelphia Eagles). And I love a good sudoku puzzle.

How do you stay fit and healthy as a writer?

I chase after my one year old son a lot. I try to run and get to the gym and once upon a time I was a second degree black belt.

Which books have you been reading lately, and are there any you would recommend in particular? Which books do you think should be read by more readers?

I’ve been reading a lot of children’s books to my son, like Is Your Mama a Llama and Dr. Seuss. That might be all I have time for at the moment! I’ve also enjoyed authors such as Tracy Chevalier, Kate Atkinson, Laura Lippman, Barbara Kingsolver and Anita Shreve. I think everyone should read what they want…just read!

What current projects are you working on and would you like to share some details with the readers?

The sequel to Almost Home is called Hidden Things and it will be out this July. And I’m working on something next about which I am super-excited. It brings together elements of all of my other books. It’s tentatively called The Anniversary Clock, but it’s really too early to say more beyond that.

Thanks, Pam for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer my questions.

Check out the second part of the interview on D.C. Literature Examiner.

FTC Disclosure: Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

Filed Under: Interviews Tagged With: Pam Jenoff

Name Your Favorite Detectives and Win

March 3, 2010 by Serena

Jen at Jen’s Book Thoughts is hosting Detectives Around the World between April 11 and April 17 (mark your calendars), and as part of the fun, she’s holding the World’s Favorite Detective Tournament.

First, I wanted to let you know that I am excited to be one of the many participating bloggers in this event and that I am psyched about my detective — Dr. Alex Cross, a Washington D.C. cop, psychologist, and FBI agent created by James Patterson.

These are the other participants:

Skrishna’s Books – Vish Puri (India)
Booking Mama – Flavia de Luce (England)
Beth Fish Reads – Cork O’Connor (Minnesota)
Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’? – Kelly Jones (New England)
Jenn’s Book Shelves – Archie Sheridan (Oregon)
My Friend Amy – Shunsuke Honma (Japan)
Word Lily – Armand Gamache (Canada)
Literate House Wife – Grijpstra/Gier (Amsterdam)
Lesa’s Book Critiques – Gastner (New Mexico)
The Drowning Machine – Thomas Black (Washington)
A Few More Pages – William Monk (England)
Stumbling the Walk – James Crumley (Montana)
L.J. Sellers Blog – Kristin Van Dijk (Texas)

SuziQ Oregon – Simon Serrailler (England)
Bermudaonion’s Weblog – Kinsey Milhone (So. California)

Char’s Book Reviews – Wade Jackson (Oregon)

Books Are Like Candy Corn – Kimo Kanapa’aka (Hawaii)

Book Chase – Omar Yussef (Gaza)

Each of us will be reviewing one book featuring our chosen detective and providing one post on setting. Guest posts and other fun activities, including a scavenger hunt, are being planned as well.

There is still time to participate, Jen is accepting other blogger participants through March 28. All you have to do is email her your top three detective picks (who have to be cops, FBI, licensed PIs — not amateur detectives and sleuths) and she will give you your top pick so long as no one has it already.

Voting in the World’s Favorite Detective Tournament begins March 5 and will continue each week thereafter until the top detective is selected. Check out the list of 64 nominated detectives, but don’t worry Jen will provide you with links to information about them so you can choose wisely. And yes, there will be prizes.

I hope you will join us in one form or another.

***
As an aside, I’ve been scarce on the blogs since my cousin came to visit, but I’ll be making the rounds soon.

Filed Under: announcements, Detectives Around the World 2010

Winners of Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show

March 2, 2010 by Serena

Out of 28 entrants, Random.org selected two winners.

For the autographed copy of Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney, Random.org selected #23

Anne-Marie T

The winner of the audiobook of Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney is

#10 Kathy aka Bermudaonion

Thanks to all the entrants.

Filed Under: winners

Sonnets for Sinners by John Wareham

March 1, 2010 by Serena

John Wareham‘s Sonnets for Sinners is a book of poems I would recommend to those who enjoy reading sonnets, who love poetry, and those who are just starting to read poetry. Wareham includes the classic sonnets of William Shakespeare and William Yeats, but he also crafts new sonnets from the words (available in the public domain) of famous figures, like Tiger Woods (click to read the poem Wareham created from Woods’ words), Elizabeth and John Edwards, and Princess Diana.

What’s most unique about this volume is the insight provided by Wareham. He analyzes each poem, offers up lines that illustrate his examinations, and even poses questions that illicit laughter.

Discussing Shakespeare’s Sonnet 129: “To begin with, says the poet, sinners bypass rationality — past reason hunted — then, the moment the lusty act is completed they unreasonably despise themselves — past reason hated — for succumbing to a swallowed bait on purpose laid to make the taker mad. The devil made me do it!” (Page 11)

Sonnets for Sinners is broken down, categorizing sonnets into attractions, fevers, lamentations, farewells, endings, and epiphanies. For anyone interested in reading more poetry, particularly classic sonnets and classic poets, readers would enjoy the commentary from Wareham. It is not only informative, but witty.

Kind Cuts by Chandler Haste (page 66)

“I don’t want to hurt or abandon you
— so what to do?” you ask. Well maybe first
drop me into a pot of boiling glue
then have a witch doctor apply a curse.
Or when that fails and I rise in pursuit
of you, have a firebug set me aflame.
Or cut out my tongue and render me mute
then poke out my eyes and publish my shame.
Or, here’s aptly felicitious fate
for this hopelessly addicted lover:
Bobbitting! — that could be the kindest bite
to slice me out from under your thumb of.
Off the top of my head that’s my advice,
Bow to it gently, and in love, rejoice.

Despite the mix of contemporary and classic sonnets, I think there is enough in here to count for the contemporary poetry challenge, and this makes book #13.

This is my 1st book for the Clover Bee & Reverie Poetry Challenge.

This is my 12th new-to-me author for the 2010 New Authors Challenge.

FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of Sonnets for Sinners by John Wareham from publicist Sara Hausman at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

Filed Under: 2009-10 Valparaiso Poetry Review, 2010 Clover Bee and Reverie Poetry Challenge, challenges, New Authors Challenge, poetry, Read in 2010, review copy, reviews Tagged With: John Wareham, read in 2010, review copy, Sonnets for Sinners

Mailbox Monday #71

February 28, 2010 by Serena

I cannot believe that the last storm passed over us without dropping snow. Yes, there were flakes in the air, but none of them stuck. Poor New England and my mom. . .she got some snow this weekend.

Marcia at The Printed Page and Kristi of The Story Siren both sponsor memes in which bloggers share what books they’ve received in the past week. I’m going to continue calling these Mailbox Mondays, but The Story Siren also has In My Mailbox.

Here’s what I received:

1. Poetry Speaks: Who I Am edited by Elise Paschen

2. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith

What did you get in your mailbox?

FTC Disclosure: Clicking on title and image links will lead you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary, though appreciated.

Filed Under: mailbox monday

34th Virtual Poetry Circle

February 27, 2010 by Serena

I’m back from my mini vacation. I hope to have a bunch of reviews for you this week. It was great visiting with my cousin and her girls. I think we all had a great time, though now I wish we lived closer and could hang out more!

If you guys are interested in some of the photos I took while they were here, please feel free to check the right sidebar photo slideshow or you can click here.

It’s the 34th Virtual Poetry Circle, and it’s time to visit with a contemporary poet, but before we do that, I wanted to thank everyone who has participated in this project thus far. Feel free to spread the word.

Additionally, you should start noticing some small changes here on the blog, including possible article suggestions at the end of my posts (Thanks Bloggiesta for calling this widget to my attention) and some share buttons, which I’m not overly thrilled with, but they’ll do for now.

I would also love to get a new three-column template that meshes better with my header, so if anyone would like to volunteer, please email me.

OK, Here’s a poem up for reactions, interaction, and–dare I say it–analysis:

Remember, this is just for fun and is not meant to be stressful.

Today’s contemporary poem is from John Wareham in his Sonnets for Sinners, though he really creatively took the words, sentences, and utterances of public figures and fashioned them into a sonnet. Look for my review of this book next week.

Tiger Balm (using Tiger Woods’ words; Page 14)

You want a partner to witness your life;
a someone I never found, not even
at home — yet, suddenly, you’re touching sides
of me I never knew; why didn’t we find
each other years ago? It’s brutal that
you can’t always be with me. I want you
next to me, on me — I need to gaze at
you. Yet do I truly know who you are?
Will I just be fifth on your list? One more
person who just happens to be famous?
Well, my brain says yes, but my heart says no.
I hate feeling so weak, I’m tougher than this.
Get it together and get on the flight;
we can have make-up sex after we fight.

Let me know your thoughts, ideas, feelings, impressions. Let’s have a great discussion…pick a line, pick an image, pick a sentence.

I’ve you missed the other Virtual Poetry Circles, check them out here. It’s never too late to join the discussion.

FTC Disclosure: Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

Filed Under: virtual poetry circle

AWOL; I Have Visitors…

February 24, 2010 by Serena

I’m going to be a bit AWOL while I have my cousin visiting with her girls.

Don’t miss me too much!

But. . .

You can help break the tie!

A Novel Menagerie’s Beautiful Baby Contest has gone to a tiebreak, and Charlee is up against some stiff competition.

He’s tied with Milou from Bermudaonion for Best Dog!

I urge you to vote for this cute pup, who is not quite a pup anymore.

VOTE NOW!

Filed Under: announcements

You Can Break the Tie! Vote Charlee

February 23, 2010 by Serena

A Novel Menagerie’s Beautiful Baby Contest has gone to a tiebreak, and Charlee is up against some stiff competition.

He’s tied with Milou from Bermudaonion for Best Dog!

I urge you to vote for this cute pup, who is not quite a pup anymore.

VOTE NOW!

Filed Under: announcements

Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney

February 22, 2010 by Serena

Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney is a coming of age novel set during a tumultuous time in Ireland’s history. Set in the early 1930s, Ireland and Britain were in the midst of an economic battle in which farmers refused to keep paying back the loans that enabled them to buy farmland. And Britain consequently began placing tariffs on all Irish goods — all the while the political system in Ireland was tenuous.

“Of course it was all still being run by politicians. We have an old saying here: ‘No matter who you vote for, the government always gets in.'” (Page 15)

The narration is conversational in tone as Ben MacCarthy tells his family history, with tales on the side about the political climate of the time. Although he digresses from the main story of his father’s disappearance and reappearance with the Venetia Kelly Traveling Show, MacCarthy warns you ahead of time that he often falls off topic, but that most of his stories have some relevance to the main narration. A quirky technique, but enjoyable given that the digressions are entertaining.

“So, throughout this story you can expect three kinds of sidesteps: Important Digression, which will usually be something to do with factual history; Important Digression, where a clarification needs facts and I will ferry them in from a side road; and — my favorite — Unimportant Digression, which can be about anything.” (Page 10)

Delaney has created a multitude of characters with their own depth and meaning in the story, and there are references throughout to other classic works. He has created an energized menagerie through which readers will see and experience through Ben’s eyes as a young man in search of his father and himself. In many ways Ben is like his father, especially as the narration progresses. Readers will find that he is unwinding his story slowly and deliberately, mirroring how his father contains his emotions and his true passions from his family.

“Beside me, my father reacted so hard that he made the bones of his chair creak. He pulled back his hands, tightened them into fists, and held them in front of him like a man containing himself.” (Page 79)

The deliberate way in which the story unfolds enables readers to learn more about the MacCarthy family, the Kelly’s, and the climate of Ireland at the time. A nation and families stuck between the old traditions and the modern ways of the world, seeking the best path through to the other side. What propels Ben on this journey and what does he learn? Readers will want to pick up a copy of Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show to find out.

To enter for 1 signed copy of Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show or 1 audiobook narrated by Frank Delaney (US/Canada only):

1. Leave a comment on this post of what you would like to see in Ireland.
2. Leave a comment on my interview with Frank Delaney.
3. Blog, Facebook, Tweet, or spread the word about the giveaway.

Deadline March 1, 2010, at 11:59PM EST.

About the Author: (Photo Credit: Jerry Bauer)

Frank Delaney was born in Tipperary, Ireland. A career in broadcasting earned him fame across the United Kingdom. A judge for the Booker Prize, several of his nonfiction books were bestsellers in the UK, and he writes frequently for American and British publications. He now lives with his wife, Diane Meier, in New York and Connecticut. Ireland is his first novel to be published in the United States.

This is my 11th book for the 2010 New Authors Reading Challenge.

My 1st book for the 2010 Ireland Reading Challenge.

FTC Disclosure: I received a free copy of Venetia Kelly’s Traveling Show by Frank Delaney from publicist Leah Paulos and Random House. Clicking on title links or images will bring you to my Amazon Affiliate page; No purchase necessary.

Filed Under: ARC, giveaway, historical fiction, Ireland Challenge, New Authors Challenge, Read in 2010, reviews Tagged With: Frank Delaney, Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show