Earlier this week I called on my favorite writers: What books, I asked, do you hope to find under the tree? The wish lists rushed in. Books for everyone!
Judyth Hill — author of six books of poetry, and author-in-residence at Simple Choice Farm in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico — is bursting with books, wishes and wants:
• The Lacuna, by Barbara Kingsolver (she and Hill are featured at the San Miguel Writers' Conference in February)
• Posthumous Diary by Eugenio Montale
And, she adds, "the usual James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Stephen King bonbons!"
Bill Siverly — author of several poetry collections including the recently released Clearwater Way, and editor of Windfall: A Journal of Poetry of Place — says he has "way too many books already" but he'll make have room for Raymond Carver's short stories. "I've never read Carver, whose role in Pacific Northwest writing is considerable." Keeping with the Northwest theme, Siverly recommends three books by Robert Bringhurst who "brings a deep understanding and appreciation of Native American literature and literature in general, especially ancient literatures. A joy to read":
Gail Waldstein, poet and author of To Quit This Calling: Firsthand Tales of a Pediatric Pathologist, offers her book list, along with a wish for more time to read:
• William Maxwell: Later Novels and Stories: The Château / So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell
• The New York Times Practical Guide to Practically Everything, Second Edition: The Essential Companion for Everyday Life by Amy D. and Peter W. Bernstein (editors)
Rick Schultze, author of the memoir When Movie Was A Band: The True Story of My Short Life as a Rhythm Guitar Player, is modest in his book requests:
Sage Cohen, author of Writing the Life Poetic: A Guide to Reading and Writing Poetry, is all business with her suggestions:
What's on your wish list? Anything to add, expand, highlight, rewrite or delight? Please share your comments, suggestions and reviews here.