LITERARY GAZETTE of REVIEW BOOKS

A SUPPLEMENT OF THE RIVER REPORTER 2007 You’re leading in Industry because you are taking avantage of technology, so why build your house the old-fashion way?

More than 30 Modular Homes on Display • Fully Decorated 1,000 to 3,5000 Plus Sq. Ft. • Over 6 Quality Manufacturers 10 Year Home Owner’s Warranty • Bank Financing Take Advantage of Technology Call Shorten Homes ask for the DESIGNER GROUP

1-800-458-0249 “Living High with Low Prices” SHORTEN HOMES

1110 Scranton-Carbondale Hwy. • Scranton, PA 18508 • www.shortenhomes.com

2 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE of REVIEW BOOKS Contents FICTION Contributors 5 Mary Greene Harpsong by Rilla Askew BRANDON ADAMS is the author of “Broke: A Poker 6 Anne Willard Voodoo Hearts by Scott Snyer Novel” and “The Story of Behavioral Finance” (with Brian 7 Mary Greene Russian Lover and Other Stories by Jana Martin Finn). He teaches a popular course in behavioral finance at Harvard, and he is a regular in the world’s biggest poker NON FICTION cash games and tournaments. 9 Therese Broderick The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old Tradition in a THERESE L. BRODERICK, MFA, is a freelance writer Brooklyn Workshop by John Marchese and workshop leader living with her husband and daughter 10 Sheila Dugan Lighting the Way: Nine Women Who Changed Modern in Albany, NY. She teaches poetry through the Knowledge America by Karrena Gore Schiff Network (knolegenetwork.org) in Colonie and the Roarke 11 Brandon Adams The Poker Face of Wall Street by Aaron Brown social services center in Troy. Her poems have won nation- 12 Sandy Long The Place You Love is Gone by Melissa Holbrook Pierson al and local awards and have been published widely. 13 Vickie Kohler Trafficking in Sheep by Anne Barclay Priest CASS COLLINS is a writer and actress who divides her time between lower Manhattan and the Upper Delaware FEATURES River Valley. She shares her homes with her husband, Jim 14 Deborah Poe Words that dance: An interview with Lori Anderson Moseman Stratton; their teenaged children, Conor and Callison; and 15 Cass Collins Chairman Mao and Alice Walker: Legendary area their Schnauzer, Aengus. Her bi-weekly column, The River book club grows into the 21st Century Muse, appears in The River Reporter. SHEILA DUGAN, mother of five daughters and grand- POETRY mother of five, was a contributing writer of biographies 17 Therese Broderick Another Woman Who Looks Like Me by Lyn Lifshin for “The Third book of Junior Authors,” a Wilson Library 18 Deborah Poe birdsong beyond if / then: Handmade works publication; among them, the article on Alice and Martin by Lori Anderson Moseman Provensen. She resides in Milanville, PA and is a member 19 Priscilla Orr What Feeds Us by Diane Lockward of the Upper Delaware Writers Collective, based in Nar- rowsburg, NY. 21 Priscilla Orr Poetry Shorts 23 Mary Greene Shiv Maribito: Archiving the greats, one beautiful book at a time MARY GREENE is an associate editor at The River Re- porter newspaper in Narrowsburg, NY. She holds an MFA LOCAL INTEREST in poetry from Brooklyn College and is founder and director of the Upper Delaware Writers Collective in Narrows- 23 Vicki Kohler It’s a Long Road to a Tomato by Keith Stewart burg. She has read and performed in many local venues 24 Dorothy Hartz Black Dome Press Offerings: Local interest and has published two books of poetry. 25 Sandy Long Black Dome Press Offerings: Area trail guides 26 Dorothy Hartz Tom Quick Trail: A Chronicle of the Delaware River Valley DOROTHY HARTZ is a writer and retired English teacher living in Fremont Center, NY. Her poems and articles by James W. Burbank have appeared in local publications since 1997, when she 26 Dorothy Hartz Purple Mountain Press Offerings returned to the Delaware River valley after 30 years. She is a grant facilitator for the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance and FOR CHILDREN a member of the Upper Delaware Writers Collective, both 27 Sheila Dugan Kid’s Picks from Boyds Mills Press in Narrowsburg, NY. VICKI KOHLER lives in Eldred, NY on land that has been in her family for four generations. Originally a dairy farm, the property now has various gardens and is home to ducks, chickens, cats, dogs and a nasty goose named Ralph. Although the original dairy farm survived the Depression, On the cover Kohler is beginning to wonder whether it—and she—will survive the “fallout” from the current administration. TRR photos by SANDY LONG SANDY LONG is a writer, photographer and poet who LORI ANDERSON MOSEMAN, aka “Canoehead,” lives and writes her special brand focuses on regional environmental, cultural and commu- of poetry along the Delaware River in Northeastern Pennsylvania. For an interview with nity issues. For several years, Long wrote book reviews for Anderson Moseman, see page 14. The River Reporter, where she is currently employed as a reporter and columnist. PRISCILLA ORR, a recipient of fellowships from New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Yaddo, is the author of “Jugglers & Tides.” Orr’s poems have appeared in South- LITERARY GAZETTE ern Poetry Review, Nimrod, Worcester Review and other of journals and have been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. A Publisher REVIEW BOOKS Geraldine R. Dodge poet, Orr resides in Hamburg, NJ and Laurie Stuart is an associate professor of English at Sussex County Com- Section Editor Assistant Publisher Mary Greene munity College. Danielle Gaebel DEBORAH POE’s writing is forthcoming or has recently Section Editor appeared in Denver Quarterly, Caesura, Red Mountain Mary Greene The Literary Gazette, a special publication of The River Reporter, is pub- Review, Copper Nickel, Drunken Boat and the anthol- Production Manager lished by Stuart Communications, Inc. Entire contents ©2007 by Stuart Commu- ogy Fingernails Across the Chalkboard: Poetry and Prose Connie Kern nications, Inc. on HIV/AIDS From the Black Diaspora. Her poetry col- Marketing Director The River Reporter maintains an ofﬁ ce at 93 Erie Ave., Narrowsburg, NY. lection “Our Parenthetical Ontology” is forthcoming from & Cover Design Its mailing address is P.O. Box 150, Narrowsburg, NY 12764. Phone 845/252- CustomWords. Lori Malone 7414. E-mail [email protected]. The River Reporter is online at river- Advertising Sales reporter.com. ANNE WILLARD is an associate editor at The River Re- Emily Grillo Subscription to The River Reporter is $57.00 for two years, $33.00 for one porter newspaper in Narrowsburg, NY. She lives in Han- Jennifer Bitetto kins, NY. Eileen Hennessy year or $22.00 for six months. USPS 354-810. Periodical postage paid at Narrowsburg, NY 12764, and additional mailing ofﬁ ces. Publication date: July 5, 2007

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 3 Building Dreams One Home at a Time • Custom Modular Plans • Mobile Homes, New & Used • Hundreds of Options • Decorated Models Available • Design & Decorating Services Available on Premises

• Complete Turnkey Packages Available • In-house Financing • One-Stop Shopping • More Than 20 Models on Display Homes Starting at $79,900* *delivered to your site and foundation We will have you in your wonderful NEW COUNTRY HOME for the 2008 Arts Season!

Modular Is Better, Brookside Is Best 394 Route 17B, Monticello, NY 12701 • 845/794-6689 268 Service Road, Parksville, NY 12738 • 845/295-0803 Open: Monday-Friday 9 am to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Family Owned and Operated for Three Generations www.brooksidehomes.com

4 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Harpsong By Rilla Askew University of Oklahoma Press, 2007 Fiction Review by MARY GREENE

“Harpsong” tells the story of Harlan west, with Oklahoma at the center. Sha- earth in much the same way Oklahoma ma landscape that is encompassed, says Singer, a fictional folk hero in depres- ron’s hope to rejoin her family is much tethers the pair to its wind-driven, dry Askew, by “land, wind, the force of sky sion-era Oklahoma. The story is told in of her motivation to stay on the move. landscape. As they travel about, meeting and distance, the thickly wooded hills.” three voices: folksay, which generates Harlan’s motives are different, harder to kind people who help them and cruel Her Oklahoma characters are a distil- the myth of Harlan Singer and how he articulate and deeper. He searches for a people who don’t, the voice of Profit lation of the American character, says rose into legend; Sharon, the voice of mystical old bum named Profit, with posits the notion that the ratio of good Askew, for the state is uniquely placed Harlan’s “possum-haired” teenage wife, whom he traveled for a time. Harlan’s and bad people is about 60-40. Sharon in the “gut” of the nation to draw upon who, with gritty, relentless practicality, time with Profit seemed to have shaped goes on to take the measure of this in Southern, Western, Midwestern and tries to hold to the truth of things; and him into something more, and perhaps herself and in her travels. In the end, she Southwestern influences. The town of deepsong, which is Harlan’s own ver- less, than human: he is unable to care says, after all that happens to the pair— Cookson, where the story begins, is a sion of his calling—lyrical bursts of verse for his wife or himself; yet he becomes and it’s plenty—and all the fortunes and real Oklahoma town, whose original expressed mostly from the “bed of white the deep song of (mostly) misfor- streets and buildings ended up under stones” in Harlan’s thicketed, riverside the nation, spill- tunes of the peo- the TenKiller Reservoir, and this sort of hideout. ing the suffer- ple that they meet, nuance is typical of Askew’s storytelling The thing is, Harlan Singer (aka ings, the blame “As a fiction writer, “My husband was prowess, where the details add up in a Wee Willie Joneses, W. William Jones) and also the hope a tender-hearted way to create whole cloth. Harlan sang is homeless. He limps into Sharon’s into the air—and you are always man.” She sees his the song of the people with his harp; sharecropper yard in Cookson, Okla- the people’s failings, too—for he sang his own song upon the stones homa (the secret of Harlan’s limp is psyche—with his throwing your example, how he of the earth; and all the songs were cov- one of several secrets, slowly revealed) harmonica. The imagination into what means to atone ered up eventually by rock and water. and takes up with the family for a while, song comes from for what he has Askew uncovers them, and by doing doing the odd chore and ineffectually an eternal source it is to be a human stolen and taken so, she enhances our understanding of helping with the cotton crop. As he through Harlan; from others, but our history, our legends and myths and does everywhere, he initially charms the comes, as Profit being. As a historical he’ll leave some our difficult landscapes. She illuminates family with his harmonica playing and says, when “God sort of empty ob- what we’ve lost, what we stand to gain, ability to write lyrics on the spot. But af- enters us through writer, you’re doing it ject, just a symbol, the “paltriness of our sin” as compared ter witnessing a kiss in the cotton field, sin, through the without under- to God’s mystery, as Harlan might put it. Sharon’s mother becomes wary and or- holes we cut in in another era.” standing the sac- In the end, “Harpsong” is a love story. It ders Harlan away. He and Sharon steal our souls by our rifice involved in tells about the love between two people; off to get married, and thus Sharon, at own imperfec- —Rilla Askew true atonement. the love of landscape, mountains, rivers 14, becomes Harlan’s wife, companion, tion.” Harlan is As in her other and forests; the love Americans harbor— caretaker and fellow traveler. Without often rendered books, Askew sometimes wrongheadedly—for their a plan, the two set off riding the rails, inarticulate by the “silent web,” the deals with themes of sin, greed, choice, ideals and mythology. The book is a joining the other hobos and the wave of “great clotted fullness” in his throat, evil, goodness, atonement, love and love song to the American voice and the history that produced Hoovervilles and and the only way he can speak is to sing, mercy. As in her other books, Harlan American perspective; and ultimately it outlaws, taking their chances with star- to strangers and crowds and bums and represents and carries within him a is about the love that is involved—with vation, mishap and the vicous railroad mothers and kids. larger force than he can control. “Harp- all the accompanying stark failings and bulls. Sharon, on the other hand, whose song” begins with characters whose supreme acts of kindness—in being fully The two journey in a wide, cinematic father was a preacher, has a clear and voices are so authentic and perfectly human. Q loop, a “figure eight,” the symbol of eter- uncomplicated notion of sin and its tuned you will hear them in your sleep. nity, going north and south, east and consequences. She tethers Harlan to It begins with landscape—the Oklaho-

It's a great country place to entertain family and friends. Join us for one-of-a-kind food and flare. ins Creek Viney Well-known for adding those special alk ard touches to parties and caterings. C Wine-Tasting and Vineyard Tours German & Continental Specialties Calkins Creek Vineyard is located on our 6th generation family farm 10 miles north Restaurant & Inn of Honesdale, Pa. Come tour our farm and 3 acre vineyard & see our winemaking For Info call process in an old airplane hangar. Then taste our wines in our large underground Fabulous Appetizers wine cave where our wine is stored in oak barrels at a constant 55 degrees year 845-856-5361 Super Salad Bar round. Our main tasting room also offers locally made cheeses from neighboring 176 Route 209 North dairy farms, homemade grape jelly, hand made rugs, etc... Port Jervis, New York 12771 Let us cater your next affair. Lunch: Wed. & Sat. Only • Noon to 4pm No party too small. 192 Fallsdale Road • Milanville, PA 18443 Fri.-Mon. 10 am - 4 pm Dinner: Tues. thru Sat. 5 to 9pm • Sunday 1 to 8pm www.calkinscreekvineyard.com 570.729.8077

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 5 INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL AMERICAN ELECTRIC, LLC Serving Sullivan County FULLY INSURED Sull. Co. License # 273 • NJ State Lic. # 12380

Voodoo Heart Bucket Truck Available Scott Snyder M. Popolillo The Dial Press, 2006 Fiction/short stories 845-932-8111 • 845-583-1015 Review by ANNE WILLARD Lake Huntington, NY From any ordinary perspective, Scott themselves.” [emphasis Snyder’s]. www.AmericanElectricOnline.com Syder’s protagonists all have one thing in It is this strange twist of character common: they’re losers. that turns the climactic moment of the But Snyder’s work is not about ordi- story, in which L.J. is responsible for yet We’re more than just a lamp shop. nary perspectives, and in his topsy-turvy another near-fatal accident to Gay, from world, where beauty is found in ugliness a tragic irony to an act of grace: for Gay, We fix all types of lamps including and redemption not just through, but in, the new ordeal is merely another trea- antique, reproductions & new lamps. suffering, these losers achieve what one sure to add to his hoard. Did he strike might call a Pyrrhic defeat: they lose the up a friendship with L.J. out of compas- • Rewire all types of lamps. battles, but by some strange subterranean sion or because he intuited that L.J. had • Socket repair. calculus of the heart, they sometimes win this gift in store for him? We are left We sell antique (refurbished) lighting, and have the war. unsure. Most of the protagonists in “Voodoo It is, in the end, their attraction to hundreds of glass and fabric shades. Heart,” a collection of short stories, be- disaster, their tenderness for the bro- Don’t throw out that priceless lamp come obsessed with beings that bear ken, the malformed and the wounded, some kind of stigmata. There is Wade, that saves Snyder’s characters, for there because it doesn’t work – we’ll fix it! who lives alone with a cat whose eyes have is certainly no shortage of these things been disconnected from his brain in a lab in their world on which they may lavish experiment. He falls in love with—and their passion. Tunney’s Lamp Shop wins—a woman grotesquely disfigured Snyder’s writing is spare and uncom- Visit us on 15-17 Main Street, Sparrowbush, NY by an accident, only to lose that love, promising. He uses few modifiers, and or call us at 845-856-5763 step by step, to her gradually returning the bizarre behavior of his characters beauty. There is is allowed to the Wall Street stand without "Call for merger special- “It is, in the end, their explanation or Free Quote" ist, Max, who excuse. Against Storage Sheds suffers a men- attraction to disaster, this clean tal breakdown, background, their tenderness for the the occasional Gazebos ostensibly in Custom-Built grief for having metaphor re- to meet your needs lost his beau- broken, the malformed and ally pops. One tiful fiancée. of his protago- But, in truth, the wounded that saves nists has a job the fiancée scouting above Come see our models, Snyder’s characters.” many in stock seems barely Niagara Falls to register—he for people try- can’t name her friends or the play she is ing to go over in barrels. They don’t bob, Many styles to choose from working on. Though it manifests in rage as one might expect, Snyder writes; rath- and suspicion, what really lights the fire er, they “come at him like mice moving MARSHALL MACHINERY, INC. Route 652 • 5 mi. east of Honesdale • Mon.-Sat. 8-5 under him is the man she leaves him for, beneath a carpet.” a catatonic country singer whose claim to The best summation of Snyder’s char- 570-729-7117 www.marshall-machinery.com fame is that he is galvanized to life only acters might be found in the title of the in the presence of a live audience. Then story about Matt and Gay, “Happy Fish, there is L.J., a black sheep in hiding from with Coin.” It comes from the name of a his wealthy family, who finds a substitute restaurant they frequent. Tyler Hill Of¿ ce family in a man whom a childhood fire “Gay loved the name. He supposed it Route 371 Damascus Township and an airplane accident have left para- meant ‘good fortune’ in some other lan- Tyler Hill PA 18469 lyzed from the neck down. guage, but figured the expression didn’t 570/224-7653 Ask for Marion Thol It is in fact this man, Gay, the most translate well. ‘That’s what I like about it, www.thpagoldc.com [email protected] deeply disabled of Snyder’s characters though,’ he said. “I like that the restau- Marion Thol in “Voodoo Heart,” who is probably rant’s owner just kept the phrase exactly the apotheosis of redemption in his how it went in his language, no matter Lovely Wooded and Private Retreat Delightful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath custom designed home on 3 beautiful world—to the extent that such a thing how it might sound to people here.’” acres. exists there. Keenly sensitive to the lost It’s a quality that Snyder’s characters Designed with À oor length windows, cathedral ceilings, skylights, huge master bedroom, formal dining room, lovely breakfast nook and souls about him—that’s how he con- share. Denizens of a strange country, Sunroom. Close to The Delaware River and many amenities. #2693 nects with L.J.—he makes a living giv- they still struggle to communicate in the Motivated Seller $399,900 Ask For Marion Thol ing inspirational speeches on the basis world most of us inhabit while refusing of his misfortunes. The crowds love to compromise their own unique lan- Endless Possibilities Country Inn, B&B, Art Gallery, Equestrienne Use. Lovely Victorian him. “Twice the universe had arranged guage. Gay goes on, “It’s like he trusted Farmhouse on 15 pretty Acres with pond. With Immaculate 10 itself into a great instrument of death other people to understand, even if it bedroom, 9 baths, Country Porch, patio, beautiful enclosed À owerbeds. Close to Narrowsburg, Callicoon & NYC. #2731 and bore down on him, but how did he sounded strange at first.”’ With Snyder $590,000 Ask For Marion Thol feel about it? Lucky. Not just for having as our translator and guide, this faith is survived his ordeals, but for the ordeals justified, at least for a little while. Q

6 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Step back in time to an authentic 1950’s ice cream parlor located on the beautiful Delaware River.

Russian Lover We have a 5-page Dessert and Sundae menu • 55 Flavors of Milkshakes • Hard & Soft varieties available • Mexican deep-fried ice cream – our specialty! and Other Stories • Hand-dipped creations & hundreds of Sundae combinations. By Jana Martin Visit our new Fudge Counter Verse Chorus Press/YETI Books, Featuring delicious homemade fudge. 2007 Fiction/short stories Open 7 days a week Riverside Creamery Review by MARY GREENE Friday & Saturday 12 noon - 11pm 5 Water Street • Port Jervis, NY Sunday - Thursday 12 noon - 10 pm Call for more details 845-856-8560 Sense of place is strong in this col- a precision of telling details that do half lection of 15 stories, ranging from New the work to convey the story. Her longer Jersey to Chinatown and the Bronx to stories are punctuated by shorter ones Massachusetts to the Midwest and Flor- that are at times impressionistic and elu- Italian food so good, Italians eat here! ida. Martin’s characters are frequently sive. Her longer works are more success- on buses, in cars and cafes, getting ready ful in the way that they get down deep Serving imported pastas from Italy, stuffed pastas, chicken, veal, eggplant, to reach a cataclysmic moment that will into the character’s world and psyche. In unique cajun dishes and sandwiches. change their lives forever. These are the opening story, a daughter is leaving not cheery customers traveling through Boston after a “bad boyfriend” experi- Fresh seafood twice weekly from New peaceful, pristine landscapes. Rather, ence and some involvement with drugs England and New York markets. Friendly tavern. We have Quick Draw! they are characters that strive, from mo- that has left her altered. Her father, a ment to gritty moment, to carve out a “pat-on-the-back kind of man” whom sense of authen- she pictures “at ticity and con- the kitchen table, Gino’sTAVERN & RESTAURANT nection with the “Martin’s prose is …at his black ro- 845-856-3965 world—often at tary phone by the can of Quaker Since 1924 – 83 Years of Service – 4 Generations – Same Family – Same Location great cost. Accidents, ill- muscular and poetic, Oats,” is a touch- Featuring Black Angus Steaks • Prime Rib Daily • Chops nesses, sex, de- stone for her, Extensive Italian-American Menu leaping off the page partures and loss the figure that Located on Route 6 & 209 in Port Jervis, NY • ww.ginostavernandrestaurant.com e y w r are all themes with a precision of encompasses the explored by Mar- title of the story, tin; or more ac- telling details.” “Hope.” At the curately, they same time, his are vehicles her world is one she characters push against to find out who has irretrievably left. they are. Family is important, but fam- “Russian Lover,” the title story, uses ily is rarely a nurturing environment in the unique premise of a soon-to-be-ex these stories—rather, it is a unit to rail daughter-in-law writing a long letter to and rage against, a thing to leave. One her mother-in-law to explain her outra- leaves, but the roots from one’s upbring- geous behavior one year ago in the fam- ing are thick and tangled, as in this de- ily’s New England blue blood home at scription from “Rubber Days:” Christmas dinner. Her husband coldly “I came from Ohio, from a mother’s left her for another woman whom he empty house in a wintry field. It’s all met abroad. It is now a year later, the a northern, unheated blur now: our Christmas season again, and Amy feels scrabbly yard and Lake Erie smell, perch “so pointless, like this small singular on Fridays, …old rusty car coughing it- person among all this tinsel and pres- self awake, midnight sky turned white ent-buying and holiday window dress- by the cold, prairie wind rumbling my ing and women glowing in their men’s girl room, rocking the dresser free of my arms, the frenetic lies of this awful sea- hairbrush, my glass horse figurines. I’d son.” The act of writing to Mrs. Watson lay sweaters on the floor to catch their catapults Amy into a meditation into Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc. nightly fall. Mornings, my mother would her own New Jersey Italian-Polish roots, Long Ridge Road, White Mills, PA 18473 • email: [email protected] • 570-253-1185 watch me gather up the fallen. her own sense of values and her own— “You’ll go places, she’d say.” quite attainable—desires. Dorflinger Glass Museum 1867 Glassworker’s In this story, where the daughter goes “Russian Lover and Other Stories” Wednesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. House to is a house of prostitution in Florida, is entertaining stuff: witty, engaging, Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 45 Charles Street where women service men by humiliat- challenging and, ultimately, satisfying. NOW TO OCTOBER 28; WEEKENDS IN NOVEMBER White Mills, PA ing them. Further, the daughter is in a As Martin’s characters come to resolu- 2007 SPECIAL EXHIBITS Open Dates for 2007 1 to 4 p.m. hospital trying to recover from an attack tion and even redemption, we readers Uncommon Treasures: July 7 & 8 • July 22 that should have killed her. Thus is the hum in tune, feeling triumphant as New Additions to August 5 • August 25 September 1 & 2 • October 6 & 7 irony and sorrow of that mother’s pre- well, and hurriedly turn the page to the Museum Collection November 24 & 25 (noon to 3 p.m.) diction. read a little further, to see what hap- Adults $2 • (55+) $1.50 • Students (6–18) $1.00 Martin’s prose is muscular and po- pens next. Q Celebrating 200 Years Wildflower etic, at times leaping off the page with of Glassmaking Music Festival in Wayne County Saturday Eve. Concerts July 7 to Aug.11 Sunday July 22 & August 11 Come see the changes in our gift shop! Tickets: $20 HANDBLOWN ORNAMENTS • HANDMADE GLASS JEWELRY (except Preservation Hall Jazz Band: $30) GLASS ANIMALS • CAKE PLATES • UNIQUE PAPERWEIGHTS Info/Order Tickets Call 570-253-5500 www.dorflinger.org • www.wildflowermusic.org

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 7 A Wise Investment

That Will Continue To Grow!

Throughout the years, Westchester Modular Homes has helped thousands of families build the home of their dreams. Building a new home is your biggest investment. . .one that is sure to provide you and your family financial security. At Quality Crafted Homes, we offer one-stop shopping that includes financing, land search assistance and full turn-key construction services — from start to finish including porches and garages. Discover how easy it is to make this wise investment. Call or visit our model today! QUALITY CRAFTED HOMES 325 County Road 25 & Rt. 52 • Narrowsburg, NY 12764 (845) 252-7301

Featuring High-Quality Andersen® Products INDEPENDENT AUTHORIZED BUILDER WESTCHESTER MODULAR HOMES, INC. AN EMPLOYEE OWNED COMPANY

8 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old “The book’s major revelation is that Tradition in a Brooklyn Workshop the violin’s miraculous sound is, By John Marchese essentially, unknowable.” HarperCollins, 2007 Non-fiction Review by THERESE BRODERICK Contributed photo John Marchese What does a superb violin maker know tools of his own trade: conversations re- But much is imperfectly known about god-like presence in the book is Antonio about making a violin for a superb violin- corded and transcribed, library research, the violin. Marchese touches frequently Stradivari (1664?-1737), the greatest vio- ist? More than anyone else, but still not a pilgrimage to the Museo di Stradivari upon the many “conjectures, suspicions lin maker of all time. His Italian “spirit” everything. That’s the conclusion drawn in Cremona, Italy, attendance at confer- and downright superstitions” of violin hovers over the work of everyone. But by author John Marchese after spending ences and many hours spent listening making and playing—the mystique of any sense of reverence is offset by good- several months in the company of crafts- to some of the most glorious music ever the instrument. The book’s major rev- natured nods to Harry Potter (“a cham- man Sam Zygmuntowicz and musician composed and performed. The relative elation is that the violin’s miraculous ber full of secrets”) and Star Trek (“you Gene Drucker. In this intimate and cap- merit of old-versus-new is a major con- sound is, essentially, unknowable. No have gone where few have gone before tivating account of that collaboration, we cern of violin makers and players; accord- one but the violinist can hear the sound you”). Marchese’s book is, overall, a po- learn about the mystique, history, science ingly, Marchese draws upon sources both directly below his ear. Violin players lyphony resulting from the gentle pluck- and business of constructing the instru- historical and contemporary. cannot perfectly describe that sound for ing of several strings: religion, myth, ment known as “the magical box.” Along Marchese arranges his findings into violin makers; and acoustical scientists literature, music, pop culture. the way, we are cajoled into considering a satisfying harmony of detailed descrip- cannot perfectly explain the total effect If we listen carefully to one of that some of life’s most profound and time- tions, dialogue, historical asides and of the air vibrations which they analyze polyphony’s most frequent keynotes— less questions. personal commentary. His clear and and quantify with advanced technology. the notion that any kind of excellence Marchese, an award-winning jour- economical prose is rewarding to read, What gets lost in translation is the cen- requires “caring more and more about nalist who divides his time between and the 13 chapters, plus “Coda,” pro- tral mystery. less and less”—then we should pay close Narrowsburg, NY and New York City, ceed at an easy pace. A self-described Does that “unattainable realm of attention to a couple of autobiographi- studied music in college and enjoyed a “mediocre musician,” Marchese writes sound” render Marchese’s project a fail- cal details mentioned only briefly by 25-year career as a trumpet player. Now an inviting book that will appeal to a ure? No, because the book is about more Marchese: that he is middle-aged (as was more of a music lover than a profession- wide-ranging readership--and especially than just the destination. Like its literary Stradivari at the peak of his career) and al, he was inspired to start this book af- to any musician who no longer aspires cousins (Robert Pirsig’s “Zen and the Art that he is engaged to be married. Dur- ter hearing a young violinist perform a to greatness but who still wants to hang of Motorcycle Maintenance” comes to ing the same span of time that Marchese spellbinding rendition of Irving Berlin’s out with the best of the best. mind), “The Violin Maker” is a “pilgrim’s is researching the violin’s magical “femi- “How Deep Is the Ocean.” As Marchese Being that fan in the wings is one of progress.” We stand witness as Marchese nine shape,” he is creating his own per- put it, “The kid had a sound.” the great pleasures of “The Violin Mak- gradually thinks and feels his way to wis- sonal magic. It is not too presumptuous For several months prior to spring er.” We walk though Zygmuntowicz’s dom: at first falling in love with a beauti- to read this book in yet another, deeper 2002, Marchese devoted himself to private Brooklyn workshop, surveying ful sound; later, at his uncle’s deathbed, way—as one man’s search for the secret figuring out what makes the sound of $40,000 worth of wood samples. We realizing that music is profound solace of perfect love. a violin so special and whether that dine at Drucker’s favorite Tibetan res- for grief; surviving a “small crisis of faith With Marchese, we rediscover one sound can be put into words. Marchese taurant, where we learn why he some- and understanding” at the scandals of truth of existence: because we can never got permission to watch Zygmuntowicz, times eats with his left hand under his tampering; then finally accepting all the fully understand the people and things an internationally respected “luthier” leg. As Drucker’s violin is assembled imperfections and incomprehensibility we cherish, the best that we can do is to (violin maker), as he painstakingly con- from start to finish, we learn in stages of the still wondrous world of violins. In practice, each day, the basic skills of love structed one of the finest instruments about gougers, ribs, purfling, bumble- the final chapter, Marchese arrives at “the and work that have been taught for cen- in the world—a violin commissioned for bee stingerettes and the peculiar ingre- true soul of craftsmanship,” which, para- turies by the most dedicated practitio- the professional use of Gene Drucker, dients in varnish. We listen in on schol- doxically, is simply the day-to-day practice ners. In “The Violin Maker,” Marchese acclaimed member of the inimitable arly debates about the tension of the of traditional skills. proves that he has studied his own liter- Emerson String Quartet. bass-bar, and we overhear gossip about While certainly part spiritual quest, ary masters and has, with patience and

As a journalist, Marchese builds and hoaxes, forgeries, tamperings and cos- “The Violin Maker” is not a heavy- love, produced the indescribable sound bolsters the story of that process with the metic “antiquing.” handed Christian allegory. The only of a beautiful book. Q Shop Locally – 11,000 sq ft Furniture Showroom W SUMMER CLEARANCE SALE WINDOW TREATMENTS W FABRICS & WALLPAPERS Waste Management Shop at Home Services Historic Downtown Beach Lake Transfer Station 29 Jersey Avenue, Port Jervis, NY 845.856.6153 Open to Public www.myspace.com/thewelldressedroom • Recycling Drop-Off (available on premises) Hours: Mon. thru Sat. 9-5:30 pm; Sun. 1-5 pm • Contractors Welcome • Accepting: MSW and C&D Waste Herman Zube – Proprietor FINANCING AVAILABLE Conveniently Located Just Off Rt. 652 • Call for Details, Directions & Pricing 12 MONTHS • NO PAYMENTS • NO INTEREST Hours: Monday – Friday 7-5:00 • Saturday 7-Noon Featuring: Call our Friendly Customer Service The W eellll Lancer, Hickory Hill, Graber, Hunter Douglas, DressedRd Roooomm Carole Fabrics, Vaughan, Bassett, A.A. Laun, 1-800-225-5930 at HOCKENBERRY FURNITURE Best Chair, Catnapper, Möbel

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 9 Lighting the Way: Nine Women Who Changed Modern America By Karenna Gore Schiff Hyperion Miramax Books, 2005 Non-fiction Review by SHEILA DUGAN

Little is know about the women class ticket. Several lawsuits followed, by Democratic Union, draws the reader founded the Community Service Orga- Karenna Gore Schiff has chosen to emu- Wells-Barnett and others, both successful into the fascinating political life of the nization and the Agricultural Workers late, and many of us have probably for- and unsuccessful, ending, sadly, with the woman who would eventually become Association in 1958. gotten more than we remember about infamous decision in Plessy v. Ferguson. the first woman cabinet officer in Ameri- Helen Rodriguez-Trias, the head of pe- those we do know. In her introduction Schiff moves from Well-Barnett to can history. diatric departments in several hospitals and concise autobiography, Schiff tells us Mother Jones, known for her famous With similar deftness and familiarity, in New York and New Jersey, devoted why she chose these women as her per- rallying cry, “Pray for the dead and fight Schiff unfolds the story of civil rights work- herself to community medicine, espe- sonal heroines. Shiff, who owns a house like hell for the living.” Schiff fleshes out er Virginia Foster Durr, born in Alabama cially pediatric AIDS. She was an early in Lew Beach, NY, is the daughter of Al more. to a “genteel but poor” family descended advocate for women’s right to choose, Gore Jr. and Tipper Aitcheson Gore. Of After her husband and all four of her from slave owners. Married to National and at the same time led the fight against her paternal grandmother, Pauline Lafon children died during the yellow fever epi- Lawyers Guild icon Clifford Durr, and forced sterilization. Gore, she writes, “I did not profile my demic of 1867, and the 1871 Chicago fire, the sister-in-law of Hugo Black, she main- Schiff became interested in her final grandmother, but all of these women re- which left her homeless, Mother Jones tained a stubborn Southern-belle discon- subject, Gretchen Buchenholz, after mind me of her in some way. This is a joined a radical group of unemployed nect until the poll tax, red-baiting and working with this prolific child welfare personal rather than an academic work, men known as “Coxey’s Army.” Later other injustices pulled the conscientious worker for two years. Beginning in 1974 and the process I used for selecting the she formed Durrs into the with Merricat’s Castle, a preschool proj- women I write about here reflects that.” “the Mother civil liberties ect, Buchenholz helped to establish the Schiff saw all of these women as con- Jones Band” of vortex. Yorkville Soup Kitchen, along with a daz- nected in some way, each acting “as much striking miners, “Pray for the dead and fight An easy zling array of children’s spaces included out of patriotism as humanitarianism, a traveling from like hell for the living.” connection is in the ABC project, which started as a sense that what makes this country great town to town made between preschool in the notorious Marinique is the principle that anyone, no matter urging other —Mother Jones Virginia Durr welfare hotel. what his or her background, should have miners to join and her friend In her short postscript, Schiff reiterates the opportunity to succeed.” In connect- their strike. Her Septima Poin- her reasons for choosing these esoteric ing these women and bringing them agitating resulted in several arrests and a sette Clark, the education director at women. “Although I initially focused on into the present, Schiff often interjects trial in which a U.S. attorney deemed the famous Highlander Folk School for lesser known women in order to discover thoughts of her own, usually with foot- her “the most dangerous woman in civil rights, which the Durrs supported. some new faces,” she writes, “I found notes, sometimes interrupting her own America.” Later, when Highlander formed an alli- another benefit: their stories give insight narrative to add her own observations. In contrast to Wells-Barnett and Jones, ance with Martin Luther King’s South- into how political movements are built Despite these interruptions, the narra- Alice Hamilton, physician and scientist, ern Christian Leadership Conference from the ground up, often by people tions are fascinating and well-done. was born into a wealthy, intellectual fam- (SCLC), Clark became SCLC’s director who never receive credit for their even- Devoting about 50 pages to each sub- ily. She worked with Jane Addams’s Hull of education and teaching. tual success.” ject, Schiff guides us through the lives of House and was instrumental in eradicat- Dolores Fernandez Huerta was the Of these nine women, only five have nine heroic women. She begins with Ida ing tuberculosis, occupational diseases co-founder, with Cesar Chavez, of the been inducted into the National Wom- B. Wells-Barnett, born six months before and other diseases primarily affecting the United Farm Workers union (UFW) in en’s Hall of Fame. With the help of this the Emancipation Proclamation. Nearly poor. 1962. By the time Huerta met Chavez, book, perhaps the other four will be so three quarters of a century before Rosa The section on Frances Perkins, sec- she was a seasoned activist, having co- honored one day. Q Parks refused to sit in the back of the bus, retary of labor under FDR, lends itself civil rights activist Wells-Barnett success- to wonderful descriptions of political fully sued the railroad after she was phys- events. The subchapter describing the ically dragged by baggage handlers into 1924 Democratic convention, when Per- roebling i nn the “Negro car” despite holding a first kins was chairperson of the Women’s on the Delaware 155 Scenic Drive • Lackawaxen, PA 570-685-7900 • www.roeblinginn.com Let us take you away...... to Arabian Nights, Wuthering Heights, A ﬁ ne bed & breakfast and Twenty-thousand Leagues Under the Sea. in the heart of the Upper Delaware Valley. Fiction …and a Very Special Non-Fiction Children’s Canoeing, ﬁ shing, historic History Selection Biographies sites and bald eagles 1000’s of Cookbooks books to at your doorstep. Classics choose from.

570-685-7900 AT THE UPPER MILL book online at 150 Water Street, Milford, PA 18337 www.roeblinginn.com 570-296-BOOK (2665) Barbara C. Buchanan, Proprietor 155 Scenic Drive • Lackawaxen, PA

10 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER “A% Sullivan County Legend” For 24 years a leading source in the county for: Natural Health Products: supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, and bath & beauty products. Gifts: Delightful greeting cards, stationery, world music CDs, shawls, windchimes, gemstone jewelry, crystals, toys – many beautiful gifts for all The Poker Face ages. of Wall Street Books: Beautiful, unusual and hard-to-ﬁ nd – ﬁ ction, art, animals, healing, yoga, spirituality and more. Special orders always welcome. By Aaron Brown Mention this ad for a free Espresso or Cappuccino! John Wiley & Sons, 2006 Non-fiction 322 Brickman Road, So. Fallsburg, between Fallsburg High School and Tarry Brae Golf Course Review by BRANDON ADAMS M-F 10am to 6pm, Sat. 10am to 5pm, Sun. 11am to 5pm • Call for directions • 845-436-8818 Open everyday, year around “The Poker Face of Wall Street” is up a strange penchant for poker. He’s the first book to bridge Wall Street and managed to maintain a godfather-like poker in an intelligent way. The mes- presence in both the finance and poker Natural, Organic, Specialty, Fancy sage is clear: investors can learn a lot worlds—he is considered an authority from poker players. It’s not obvious that figure on both the most popular quan- this would be true—after all, most poker titative finance forum (www.wilmott.

PEGALA Vitamins & Supplements players are idiots. Poker players tend to com) and the most popular poker fo- court risk and destruction actively in rum (www.twoplustwo.com). Natural Foods all aspects of their lives, not the least, “The Poker Face of Wall Street” financial. So what can we possibly learn provides a keen insight into the mind ”We have a co-op state of mind” from these action junkies? of the gentleman poker player. Brown Author Aaron Brown makes a strong and his poker buddies don’t have to Voted The River Reporter’s case that risk is overcompensated for in play serious poker; they are overpaid Best Health Food Store 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006 business and financial markets (most in their day jobs. For the poker player, people turn down too many profit- building a fortune by taking risk in the financial markets is not enough. There Visit us Today! able bets because they are overly averse Gifts, Baskets & Cards Gifts, Baskets to risk). He argues that playing poker has to be at least a possibility of serious 114 Richardson Avenue, Shohola, PA makes you more comfortable with risk, pain. Wall Street poker players all have (570) 559-7937 • [email protected] and it teaches you to think about risk a little bit of a sadistic streak. Brown is under pressure, in an analytical way. a somewhat tame version of the breed, Herbal Teas & Coffees, Bulk Orders Some of the most fascinating parts but he understands it better than any- of this book deal with the economics of one, having consorted among them for the poker world. Brown beat the poker 20-plus years. boom by 20 years—he’s seen a lot of com- For books of this type, I am a diffi- Assisted Living at an Affordable Price ings and goings in the poker world. In cult audience. I’ve been around finance these pages, he gives the most accurate and poker for a long time, and I’ve read With its breathtaking natural beauty, you’ll notice right away that overview of the poker economy that I’ve much of the popular material in both Bethany Village is something special in assisted living. seen. After all, it’s quite similar to the fi- areas. I find that most new finance and Some of our unique features include: nance world. The poker world is mostly poker books cover material that’s overly • RN Clinical Coordinator efficient. There are a handful of stars familiar. Brown’s book is different. The • 24-Hour StafÀ ng that can systematically beat the game reason is simple: he’s a bit smarter than • Large wall-to-wall carpeted rooms and achieve huge rents. There are many the rest of us. He understands the poker • Individually controlled HVAC more who are lucky but think they are and finance worlds a little deeper than • Private bathrooms with emergency call system good. Most are average but believe they most, and he masterfully conveys that • Large indoor common area are just a secret or two away from beat- understanding here. Moreover, this is • Restaurant-style dining with entree selection ing the game. the first book to make the connection • Nightly room checks Brown has perhaps the perfect between Wall Street and poker. For Call for a personal tour. background to write this book. He’s a Wall Street types who like to operate An Assisted Living Community Harvard math star turned Wall Street a bit near the edge, poker has much to 150 Noble Lane, Bethany, PA 18431 • 570-251-3463 quant, and along the way he picked teach. Q Please visit our website to view the Best Elder Care Facility: www.bethanyseniorliving.com

If you don’t like Servicing Wayne and Pike Counties, PA and to play in the tall Sullivan County, NY grass call... ALL YOUR MACIEJEWSKI LAWN CARE NEEDS ,inc. G DOG BI LIGHT HAULING SPRING & FALL CLEAN UP FEATURINGLandscaping CULTURED STONE FOR FOUNDATIONS & FIREPLACES LAWN MOWING Specializing in new home, lawn installation, tree planting, drainage, FREE ESTIMATES retaining walls, patios and walkways . Hardscaping around pools. FULLY INSURED 1-570-224-6405 366 Swago Rd. • Damascus, PA L 845-557-3313 Jason Maciejewski, Sole Proprietor A E www.maciejewskilandscaping.com W R E-mail: VOTED 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006 READER’S CHOICE BEST LANDSCAPER N CA [email protected]

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 11 The Place You Love is Gone: Progress Hits Home By Melissa Holbrook Pierson Published By W.W. Norton and Company, Inc., 2006 Review by SANDY LONG

Loss is never easy. Particularly when the stinginess of water releases within turned it into Hunter Ridge Estates? places where they live, the realm in loss involves home, one’s sense of self this same reservoir system, we forget …You might have an easier time of it if which their daily lives transpire. When can be irreparably harmed. That such about the 26 communities lost—and the someone would just acknowledge the a multi-generational family farm is sold loss should occur under the glaring mar- countless lives affected—in the name of fundamental existential tragedy of more for a housing development or forested quee of “progress” is an abomination progress, of serving the needs of a vast, driveways, of what is lost and how it lands are cleared for yet another stretch occurring with increasing frequency, distant city where the yawning maw of hurts to know it will never come back.” of macadam, a certain sorrow, somehow according to Melissa Holbrook Pierson, endless population growth claims ever Noting the irony of New Jersey’s slo- tinged with fury, ensues. who tackles this dire subject in her lat- more resources. gan, “The Garden State,” Pierson de- Pierson captures this aspect of loss est book, “The Place You Love is Gone: Pierson hasn’t forgotten, and her scribes the state as “…nothing but con- when she writes, “What you have per- Progress Hits Home.” heartbreaking crete, houses, ceived is what shapes the universe. It Pierson examines the facets and account of the driveways, is what has shaped you, you will realize fractures of loss through the prism of process is a sear- garages, apart- with justified awe, if only you will go three very different places. The first two ing reminder “[New Jersey] has ment build- back to wander in the old orchards of are Akron, Ohio, Pierson’s childhood to those of us ings, roadways childhood, now gone in ugliness and home, and Hoboken, New Jersey, where who have be- crystallized the attempts (10,700 miles for personal gain, and feel the wretched she spent her 20s. The third, while not come numb to and counting!) anger of this loss.” directly related to Pierson’s personal the high cost of the entire country to lined with As she mourns the insidious impact history, will be of particular interest to of progress. In look the other way while strip malls as of progress on her hometown of Ak- readers who live or vacation in the Up- language that far as the eye ron, Pierson protests, “I can’t help it if per Delaware River region, for its focus is both poetic anything that was here at can see, high- I want to live in the past! It’s my past, is the displaced towns laid to rest in and lacerat- ways, glass of- the time forty years ago when there was watery graves during the creation of the ing, Pierson the Dawn of Time gets fice blocks, still some wide-open space into which reservoir system in upstate New York. declares, “It is and the oc- to insert some dreaming, and still some Imagine coming home to find a no- coming to get the heave-ho in favor of casional tree darkness at night over it.” tice attached to your property announc- you. (You can’t they haven’t While there is much frustration and ing its condemnation. In the name of stop progress). something people can turn cut down yet.” fury contained within these covers, it is some “greater good,” in this case, the It is joined to Later, she arguably justified. And though it would creation of the reservoir system that death as the into money.” explains, “…it provide some comfort to dismiss this supplies New York City with water, your only other is just that this dark and bitter diatribe as the frustrated home, your land, your community will thing that can —Melissa Holbrook Pierson one state alone barking of a pessimistic prophet, one is disappear—forever. never be avoid- has crystal- left with the disturbing sense that Pier- Imagine watching as your home ed.” lized, brought son’s mark is true. is knocked down, razed and burned. In the chapters devoted to Ohio and to a breathtaking new level, the attempts In her willingness to cry out against Imagine seeing the waters rise to fill New Jersey, Pierson decries the impact of the entire country to look the other this outrage of taking that passes for the landscape you knew, the lanes you of endless development. In frustration, way while anything that was here at the progress, Pierson warns, “What you walked, the forests and meadows that she asks pointedly, “But can you forgive Dawn of Time finally gets the heave-ho know and love is finite. It is already slat- framed your very existence. Imagine the people who, in return for money— in favor of something people can turn ed for removal.” leaving your dead behind, or digging up nothing but money!—have taken the into money.” Pierson lives near Kingston, NY and their remains for relocation. dirt road upon which you and the sala- Most people are deeply affected, is the author of “Dark Horses and Black Today, distracted by concerns about manders wandered in rich solitude and whether they realize it or not, by the Beauties” and “The Perfect Vehicle.” Q

NATURE'S GRACE Health Foods and Deli

Upper Delaware Writers Collective FULL LINE OF NATURAL AND SPECIAL DIET FOODS • FRESHLY PREPARED FOODS • 1258 Crystal Lake Road VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS • LICENSED NUTRITIONIST & IRIDIOLOGIST Narrowsburg, NY 12764 947 Main St., Honesdale, PA • 570-253-3469 www.uppdelawarewriterscollective.com Monday–Saturday 10-6; Friday 10-8 845-252-7506 www.naturesgrace.net

12 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Trafficking in Sheep By Anne Barclay Priest The Countryman Press, 2006 Memoir Review By VICKI KOHLER

Henry David Thoreau wrote, “Most rid little houses dotting the northern from local people who became her home. There is a grace to the rhythm men lead lives of quiet desperation end, noisy water-skiers plying the wa- friends. There are, also, trips by truck of life there that simply doesn’t exist and go to the grave with the song still ters, and worse.” After the purchase of and by ferry, transporting sheep, cattle, in the city.” in them.” Anne Barclay Priest is in the the island and realization there was an various dogs and a “guard” donkey. If Eventually, Priest relocated to up- minority—her life has been and is one awful lot of brush to be cleared, she this were not enough, Priest was also state New York. With her usual adven- of unabashed exuberance-—a celebra- began to investigate the possibility of raising two sons and pursuing a suc- turing spirit, when she wanted to leave tion of friends and the natural world. putting sheep on it. This simple desire cessful acting career, spending part of New York City, she drew a 90-minute- Her memoir, “Trafficking in Sheep,” grew into a pur- the year in New drive circle around the city and ended begins in 1971 when she traveled to suit and a way of York City. up in Greenville, in Orange County, Nova Scotia to buy some land, 50 life that has de- “I fell in love with the If this mem- NY. “It was 78 miles from New York acres of “pasture, woods and marsh, fined Priest’s life oir were just City—well within my circle. I had mostly marsh.” As the real estate agent for the past 35 point, with Rodney, with about a “gritty” found my [new] farm.” and a neighbor, Rodney, walked off to years. As a friend woman and her “Trafficking in Sheep” is a book for find the edges of the property, Priest and mentor told Nova Scotia—all of it, experiences with those interested in, of course, sheep. stayed behind to look out over the her, “Well, you raising sheep in But it is also for people who not only scene. She was “content to stay… and have to shear even the fog. I couldn’t beautiful plac- appreciate the natural world, but have enjoy it alone. A half-mile offshore lay them, vaccinate es, it would be a desire to be an integral part of it, to a beautiful island that looked blue in them once a year, believe my luck.” enough. But it is enjoy it before many of its splendors the mist. The ocean to the south and worm them, put —Anne Barclay Priest about more than are gone. About her uncanny ability east and the swamp to the north and the ram out at trafficking in to find her happy place in the world, west would assure my privacy. As the the right time of sheep. There’s Priest writes, “I’m always surprised mist became fog and rolled in across the year-around Christmas for island hardly a page that goes by without when my navigation turns out just the end of the point, Rodney and the sheep so the lambs will be born in May Priest’s use of the word “friend.” She right. You’re going along in thick fog, agent were swallowed up in it, her yel- when the grass is already growing—and meets many people, neighbors, friends unable to see anything, as if you were low dress and straw hat the last thing take the lambs to market.” and helpers, generous to share their in a different world entirely… Sud- to fade. My heart sang at last… I fell in Fortunately for the reader, the time, talents and knowledge. “Living in denly there is the landmark you have love with the point, with Rodney, with memoir contains great stories of train- Nova Scotia is like being thrown back been aiming for. I’m always relieved, Nova Scotia—all of it, even the fog. I ing sheep dogs and of Priest’s trials in in time, not because it is backward, but surprised, too. There’s an element couldn’t believe my luck.” learning to work with the dogs. There which it is not, or because the pace is of magic in it.” Priest bought an old house, moved are the many trips back and forth to slower, which it is, but because people “Trafficking in Sheep” can be pur- it to her property and in 1973 bought the island in boats that she had to learn take time for each other,” writes Priest. chased at book stores and at The Herb the 138-acre Blue Island. She wrote,“I how to navigate, in waters and weather “As hard as people work, they still take Shoppe, 15 Jersey Avenue in Port Jer- learned that a developer was trying she grew to understand through trial time to visit, whether on the street in vis, NY. Q to buy it. I panicked, imagining hor- and error and with abundant help a chance encounter, or in someone’s

Licensed Real Estate Sales Agent PA & NY “in the heart of the Delaware Valley” The Inn at Lackawaxen PENN 8 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY 12764 845/252-3547 YORK OR Located on Scenic Drive REAL ESTATE 100 4th Street, Honesdale, PA 18431 570/253-6606 Open for Lunch & Dinner everyday www.pennyorkrealestate.com except Tuesdays – opening at 11:00 a.m. Licensed in both New York Bar Open 7 Days A Week and Pennsylvania, I believe I can be of assistance to you Lackawaxen, PA with all your real estate needs. 570-685-7061 www.innatlackawaxen.com (845) 252-3547 OfÀ ce (845) 252-3568 Home Lodging Available [email protected] Eileen Hennessy Sales Agent

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 13 Chairman Mao and Alice Walker: Legendary area book group grows into the 21st century

TRR photos by Sandy Long By CASS COLLINS TRR photo by Cass Collins It’s 1979. You are an educated wom- arns Goodwin (“No Ordinary Time,” the message was too “anti-American.” Words that Dance: an, living in rural Sullivan County, with 1996) to “Quotations from Chairman Through it all, there was a deep sense An interview with Lori Anderson Moseman a growing family. Outside, the feminist Mao”(1980) to the epic novel “Iron- of caring and respect for others, and world is burgeoning. You can do any- weed”(1985) by William Kennedy. an uncompromising thirst for intellec- By DEBORAH POE thing, it tells you, but what you want is As time went on, the readers learned tual discourse among a community of TRR: Canoes and negotiating water feet of water, I figured I needed to stop in the game Twister. Its rules are simple: mother, grandfather. How do issues of about their processes. Gather with other to raise your family while staying intel- some tricks of the trade, like not sched- thoughtful women. Q have long decorated the landscape of thinking of my house as a writer’s hovel reach to one’s fullest capacity. Yes, we family and legacy inform your poems? writers. Share your work. Writing poetry lectually curious. What you need is a uling a December meeting—too many your poetry—paddling, floating and car- and treat it like a gathering place. My will all end up in a heap on the floor LAM: My syntax, my humor, my asso- is like bowling: if you want the pleasure community of like-minded women. obligations. They also started collect- rying—as well as a personna you created husband Tom and I decided not to buy (hopefully giggling), but each of us has to ciative leaps, my logic, my angst and my of a strike, you have to practice rolling the That’s exactly what Nancy Kane and ing a dollar donation from each mem- that you call Canoehead. Can you com- a new couch; we got folding chairs and risk over-extension. We need to reach out joy were all cultivated at the dinner table. ball. It is the same with poetry, although Ellen Galligan found when they started ber. The money has gone for good ment on this? started hosting events. I already belonged to others and beyond others. Push limits; How I enter and exit conversation, how I you don’t need special shoes. the “book club before there were book- causes that range from funding a library Tips on Starting a LAM: Carl Jung would say water is to the Upper Delaware Writers Collec- stretch yourself. Life requires stamina. process information is shaped by ma, pa clubs” in Nancy’s living room in Forest- of popular fiction for the Delaware Val- the unconscious; there’s no way to write tive in Narrowsburg, NY, but I discov- TRR: In your statement on aesthetics and my brother. My parents’ words and In addition to her handmade books, burgh, NY. ley Job Corps to supporting a girls book Book Group In 1977, Marilyn French published group in Mexico and a Peace Corps without images of water. Creativity myths ered the Big D Arts League, a Hancock, that accompanies “potbelly letters,” you ways are shaped by their parents before Lori Anderson Moseman is the author Thinking about starting a book “The Women’s Room,” which went on worker in Ecuador. (contemporary and ancient) begin with NY writers’ group. The salo[o]n format allude to a refusal of being held hostage them. This seems obvious, but when I of “Walking the Dead” (Heaven Bone group? You can begin by simply ask- water. I write about being active in water is to feature two poets and a visual artist. by language, writing, “she will run out notice it, I’m almost always surprised. Press), “Cultivating Excess” (winner of to become the best-selling feminist novel Founding member Galligan, who ing some people you know to help you (paddling, floating, carrying) because I We listen to the work and then we party. past border guards.” What draws you to There is a family propensity to delight in The Eighth Mountain Book Award) ever published. That same year, Nancy has a PhD and is VP for Academic and organize the ﬁ rst gathering. Address don’t want to drown. Sometimes activity The audience has been fantastic—open play around with or subvert traditional language, yet there is this profound with- and “Persona” (Swank Books). She has Friday chronicled the search for identity Student Affairs at Sullivan County the following questions early on to cre- is good—builds strong bones. Sometimes and supportive. form? holding of stories. I write about family an MFA in Creative Writing from the that millions of American women were Community College, found she had al- ate a group that is well run, interesting it is avoidance behavior: who really wants TRR: You’ve LAM: I’m both to discover who we are, and I write out University of Iowa’s Writers’ Workshop pursuing, in her groundbreaking book, ready read 80 of the 100 books on her and rewarding. to enter the collective unconscious? I’m referred to “Floor a good girl and a of a hardwired family compulsion to let and a Doctor of Arts in Writing and “My Mother/Myself.” Judith Guest’s grad school reading list in 1989, thanks Group composition “When the flood filled our novel, “Ordinary People,” was the first to the book club. “It was a validating of the vintage that I immersed myself Mud / Floor smart mouth. I words dance out loud. My grandfather I Teaching from University at Albany. • What’s the ideal size of your group? unsolicited manuscript ever published experience,” she said. Another valida- in Carol P. Christ’s “Diving Deep and Boards,” “Color, first floor with four feet of want to be obedi- refer to in “Forge” was a loquacious man For more information about her • If you need to recruit members, how by Viking Press. In 1980, the film ver- tion came when her daughters grew up Surfacing: Women Writers on Spiritual Carry My Canoe” ent, and I want in laconic Montana. You had to love him books and the High Watermark Salo[o], will you extend invitations? sion of the novel won the Academy thinking every woman went to book Quest.” The second wave of feminism and “potbelly let- water, I figured I needed to be original. My for it. email [email protected]. • What requirements do you have for Award for best picture. group. Galligan and her oldest grand- was full of water—you know, Adrienne ters” as “hand- Dad was a goody- TRR: What are you working on now? For a review of her handmade books, membership? The world was an interesting place, daughter have read 10 books together. Rich’s “Diving into the Wreck,” Louise mades.” Can you to stop thinking of my two-shoes and my LAM: One project is a novella, “Bolt,” see page 18. Q Reading preferences and selection and women like Kane and Galligan Co-founder Kane is a retired Eng- Erdrich’s 1986 short story “Fleur” [now explain a little mother was a hel- set in 1880 when my abused great grand- process house as a writer’s hovel wanted to be in it, even as they tended lish teacher and school secretary in chapter 2 of “Tracks”] and Jamacia Kin- more about this? lion. Seriously, I mother was released from indentured • What types of books will you read? to the needs and demands of young Eldred, NY. She said the group has caid’s “At the Bottom of the River.” Liter- LAM: You and treat it like a believe we have to servitude; she headed west to find her What criteria will you use to choose ary bla bla aside, my parents made sure I should see my change language mother in the silver mines of Nevada. The children and busy households. come to mean more to her than just books? At the time, they weren’t expect- discussion. After her mother’s death could swim a mile by the time I was ten. mother’s hands: on the level of poems in “Flood Mud / Floor Boards” • How far ahead will you plan? gathering place.” ing their home- from Alzheimers, TRR: How do the areas where you short, stubby, wide word choice and are part of a larger poetry manuscript, • How will members obtain books? live [Brooklyn, NY and Northeastern as a man’s, full of sentence structure “Temporary Bunk,” that asserts our grown book club seeing the group —Lori Anderson Moseman Meeting logistics PA, next to the Delaware] shape your sunspots and wrin- if we are ever go- homes and our ideas are just temporary to grow into the “The best talks en masse at her writing? kled from resins. I ing to change in- dwelling places. I’m also trying to finish 21st century, but mother’s funeral • Where will you meet and how often? What time period works best? LAM: Immediate images and experi- love them. They were always transform- justices in the world. Language conven- “Light Each Pause,” a poetry manuscript it did. Along the come when made her realize ences fuel my writing. My book “Perso- ing junk into folk art. She’d take some- tions assist in the consolidation of power and “homemade” about a trip to Japan way, it picked up they had shared • Will you meet in the same location each time or rotate your meeting na” has a whole section called “Subway thing abandoned and make it useful. and distribution of resources. in 2006. about 40 mem- members disagree.” their lives with locations? Bride” that deals with 9/11, because I That’s how she made our house a home. TRR: In much of your writing, you TRR: What writers do you read over bers, all women. one another. • How long will meetings last? moved to Brooklyn just before 9/11 and I see my “handmades” or “homemades” use footnotes and reference historical and over? Of those, 15-24 Both Kane had to commute through the World as an extension of that training. people, dates, literary citations, events. LAM: T.S. Eliot. Gerard Manley Hop- are regulars, attending every month. and Galligan acknowledge that the • Will refreshments be provided? By whom? Trade Center to get to my teaching job in TRR: How did you first come to the How would you explain this use of sourc- kins. Jorie Graham. Jane Miller. Czeslaw The group rotates between living rooms, group encompasses a diverse political Newark. I wrote my newer book “Flood realization that you were a writer? es in your work? Milosz. Franny Howe. Joy Harjo. Ai. Denis with the host leading the discussion. spectrum of thought. They say the best • What time will be designated speciﬁ cally for socializing? Mud / Floor Boards” because, after the LAM: I never thought, “I can do LAM: What are humans on this plan- Johnson. Cole Swenson. Joyelle McSwee- In 1979, it would have been easy to talks come when members disagree. June 2006 flood, I had to slop mud and that,” about writing. I just did it. I do et for? I’m not Buddhist enough to accept ney. Erin Moure. Flannery O’Connor. become a self-help club, but that’s not At a recent meeting of the group, Al- • Will member fees be required, and if so, what will they be used for? sand mold spores out of our house for remember a moment during my fourth that we’re here just to be. (I’m working to- Bruno Schulz. Göran Sonnevi. Pablo what these women craved. It was the ice Walker’s novel “Now Is The Time months. Writing helps me navigate my summer working in the woods as a forest- ward that.) I’m trying to make sense of it Neruda. Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, life of the mind they missed most in To Open Your Heart” was the featured Facilitating discussions world. ry major—slash burning, cruising timber, all: connect some dots in a constellation Gertrude Stein. Gerald Stern. Others their temporary roles as homemaker read. Jan Hirschfeld was the host and • How will each discussion be led? TRR: You created the High Water- running grade lines for roads—when I that shows up in the sky more than once. that I read a lot are my poet-friends; we moms. A diverse group of women, geo- book talk leader. Her home at St. Jo- • Will you designate a leader? mark Salo[o]n series in November of said: “I’d rather be writing.” That’s when I’m not a fan of television, so my world constantly exchange work. graphically dispersed—from Rock Hill, seph’s Lake provided the gracious set- • Will you use readers’ guides when 2006, in the aftermath of that flood I picked up a second undergraduate de- is an eclectic collection of books. Some TRR: How do you come to language NY to Pennsylvania border towns—they ting, complete with a buffet supper—an- available? along the Delaware and Susquehanna. gree in Technical Journalism. My poem references are to a literary canon that I’m on the page? And do you have any advice grew by word of mouth, by friends invit- other legendary aspect of the gatherings, • Who is responsible for providing Can you speak about the genesis of that “Core Bore(r)” in my “All Steel” manu- expected, as a (former) college professor, for young writers? ing friends. and a requirement of hosting, but not author information and giving writing series and its corresponding chap- script speaks to that moment. to have read and understood. Some refer- LAM: I have a whole bag of tricks I’ve From the beginning, it was decided as important, say the women, as being an introduction to the group’s book series? TRR: In one of your poems in “pot- ences I’m introduced to by friends. learned from others or made up myself. this would not be a women’s issues club. comfortable facilitating the discussion. discussion? LAM: My parents are physical educa- belly letters,” you write, “damn if she’ll TRR: In your poem “Forge” from I take a fragment of a conversation, an Rather, the focus was on literature. The first speakers talked admiringly • What ground rules should be tion teachers, so I was trained to believe be the dame that gives/ in. she spins “Floor Mud / Floor Boards,” you write, excerpt from a book, an image I saw, an They made the criteria award-winning of Walker’s prose, “its spiritual power” established? all human endeavors should happen in in an open spot.” How does this quote “Legacy is weird business./ I learned my experience I had. Sometimes poems be- texts, whether fiction or non-fiction, and “cleansing” quality. Soon, dissent- • Can members who haven’t read the teams. If life gets difficult, make your speak to your motivations as a writer? longitudinal leaps from his storytelling.” gin as a rhythm in gibberish, and I have that were available in paperback for af- ers entered the discussion, saying they book attend? team bigger and stronger. So when the LAM: In that poem, which is called In fact, many of your poems work around to find words to use. My advice to young fordability. A glance at the well-docu- felt “preached at,” “lectured to.” “There • Will guest speakers be invited? Photo by Karl Bode flood filled our first floor with four “dot . .,” the character Dot is engaged family members—mother, father, grand- writers is to read and talk to other writers mented book list shows interests from was no subtlety,” said one. “Too new- the historical commentary of Doris Ke- agey,” offered another. Another felt

14 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 15 Helping Sullivan GROWSince 1913 When you’re ready to look for fi nancing, see us fi rst. Unlike most other banks and mortgage companies, The First National Bank of Jeffersonville offers fi nancing on:

• Mobile Homes • Second Homes • Business Properties • Restoration Projects • Small or Large Parcels • Hobby Farms We know you’ll be happy with our low closing costs, our competititve rates and our friendly, helpful staff. We pride ourselves on originating CATSKILL PAINTINGS ON DISPLAY AT and servicing all our loans from the day you come in to fi ll out the application till the day you make the JAY BROOKS STUDIO last payment. Whether you’re looking to fi nance 289 TONJES ROAD your fi rst new home, a vacation getaway or to open a new business, CALLICOON, NY see us fi rst. (NEAR VILLA ROMA)

Jeffersonville 845-482-4000 Eldred 845-557-8513 Liberty 845-292-6300 Loch Sheldrake 845-434-1180 Monticello 845-791-4000 Livingston Manor 845-439-8123 Narrowsburg 845-252-6570 PLEASE CALL 845-482-3075 Callicoon 845-887-4866 ON-LINE BANKING Wurtsboro 845-888-5890 FOR APPOINTMENT AND/OR DIRECTIONS. Wal#Mart/Monticello 845-794-3988 www.jeffbank.com 24 HOUR ATMs IN ALL TEN LOCATIONS MALEK FURNITURE WAREHOUSE EVERYDAY LOW PRICES HUGE MATTRESS INVENTORY FURNITURE FOR EVERY ROOM In-Store Financing Available e y w r OPEN DAILY 845•796•4800 186 EAST BROADWAY MONTICELLO, NY 12701 (NEXT TO APPLIANCE CITY) www.malekfurniture.com

16 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Another Woman Who Looks Like Me By Lyn Lifshin David R. Godine, publisher (New Hampshire) Black Sparrow Books (Boston), 2006 Poetry Review By THERESE BRODERICK

If you haven’t yet heard of Lyn Lifshin, colleges, universities and high schools. both contain the same word or phrase. elegiac. Indeed, the book’s last section, a then consider getting a copy of “Another Her awards and prizes are numerous. De- A bedroom vanity, a woman’s long hair, sequence of six poems on the theme of Woman Who Looks Like Me,” if for no spite this impressive career, Lifshin is still the glider chair on the porch—these and dying birds, is heartbreaking. From that other reason than to become familiar not among the approximately 500 poets many other motifs recur throughout the section entitled “the wind won’t carry with one of America’s longest-reigning profiled on the website of the Academy book, resulting in a thick and satisfy- us” come these lines: “I heard goose mu- poetry idols. If you’re already a fan, then of American Poets (www.poets.org). ing texture. In addition, sometimes two sic / from the pond, / slow and deep as don’t miss this collection of 161 new po- Readers who have already had their or more poems become entwined in a a cello in a minor / blue key, music for a ems, each a glimpse of loss or loneliness full of Lifshin’s work may consider the tighter way as variations on a theme; for / plane crash, mournful / as the stunned that reminds us “how it is never easy to title of this book a warning that most of example, contiguous poems about “the family.” know / what not the poems there- bee man” or an entire section titled “a The forms of the poems in this lat- to keep.” in look much love of blueness.” est edition are consistent with those of Living near “Lifshin’s poems require like her earlier But the book’s deepest mirroring is Lifshin’s previous work. With the excep- Schenectady, NY, poems. Indeed, the encounter of life with death. The tion of one modified pantoum and one Lifshin needs that we look in our own the title itself re- “me” in this collection regards her young- modified blues song, these free verse no introduction sembles the title er self, her many possible alter egos, and poems don’t bother with perfect rhymes among upstate po- mirror and ask some of Lifshin’s 2004 her deceased relatives as highly charged or patterned stanzas. And most of them ets. As recently as book, “Another presences that co-exist in time. Lifshin’s are leggy: slender columns both grace- July 2006, she was hard questions.” Woman’s Story.” poems require that we look in our own ful and seductive. Within the first few the featured poet And while it is mirror and ask some hard questions. words, the poems find a firm toe hold, at the monthly true that most of What is our true identity? Who are we then they twirl down the page, always in poetry open mic at the legendary Caffe these new poems are trademark Lifshin, in relation to others, or in relation to the balance, departing with a soft kick. The Lena in Saratoga Springs. Lifshin has her writing is neither tiresome nor shal- past and future? opening lines of “Wintergreen” illustrate been writing poetry for more than 40 low (except perhaps for the persistent Lifshin makes those inquiries by fo- this nimbleness: years. She is the author of more than substitution of “tho” for “though” and cusing on the strong and often painful “always there in my mother’s 100 books—sometimes releasing as many of “thru” for “through”). If we are still bonds between female members of an pocketbook between eye- as three in one year—and has edited four listening to The Rolling Stones, then we extended family—self, mother, sister, im- glasses, a broken watch, anthologies of women writers. She is can still read Lyn Lifshin. migrant grandmother, cousin and the coupons, lipsticks, keys lauded as “Queen of the Small Presses,” The book’s title is also a signpost daughter-I-might-have-had. Childhood she was always sure she’d although her work has appeared as well for the poems’ many beautiful features. rites of passage, puberty, the physical lost. In her last days, she in major periodicals such as American The most obvious is the mirroring by features of women, tensions between sib- wanted the Life Savers on Poetry Review and The Christian Sci- one poem of another poem’s contents. lings, childbirth, the ailments of old age, the nightstand. Like Joy ence Monitor. She has taught at several One poem “looks like” another in that the ghosts of the Holocaust—these are perfume and Jolie Madame, Lifshin’s ongoing concerns. This book’s a whiff of wintergreen is largest section of 35 poems, “written on the smell of my mother, the body of the night,” sketches several what she longed for her erotic encounters. last years as she had longed Given their preoccupations, are these for emeralds, for green to poems intended primarily for female move into late Vermont readers? Perhaps. Certainly these poems winter snow.” Wellness Counseling arise from one woman’s physical and Lifshin’s regional details about Ver- How many minutes do you really get to spend emotional experiences. And the most mont, Lake Champlain, Otter Creek important men in these poems—a stingy and Mineville may produce a sense of with your physician during your ofÀ ce visit? Dr. Betty deMaye- Caruth, PhD., RN, father and a missing lover—disappoint homecoming among New York State The national average is 5 to 10 minutes. CHTP, RM/T, Director the women in their lives. Nevertheless, readers, but the poet’s mention of out- If you are one of the many who want more information and would like to take more control these poems are not retro-feminist rants dated references such as Jayne Mans- of your health, than consider making an appointment for Wellness Counseling against oppression. The politics of these field, the mini-skirt and Nancy Drew with Dr. Betty of the Minerva Educational and Treatment Center. poems is the one-on-one power game may leave the reader wondering whether between individual men and women. Lifshin has possibly, alas, become old- Dr. Betty has been an RN for over thirty years, retains a PhD in Holistic Health Care and has been practicing in both the “traditional” medical settingas well as the holistic arena. Therefore, these poems have something fashioned. This combination of knowledge and experience allows Dr. Betty to help her clients. to say to male readers, too. Or possibly not. For as her extensive Whether or not entirely autobiograph- and snazzy website (www.lynlifshin. Goals and a treatment plan will then be developed by Dr. Betty and the client. In this way ical, these poems do seem to be drawn com) proves, Lifshin has worked hard the client can determine what will work best for them to deal with their health challenges. from real life—their surfaces strewn with for decades in order to earn her laurels. To schedule your appointment you can e-mail Dr. Betty at [email protected] the commonplace belongings of flawed Even as a woman of a certain age, Lif- or call 570-253-8060. Phone consultations can also be scheduled for those human beings: a nicotine-stained clock, shin continues to mold her legacy. And who cannot come to Dr. Betty’s of¿ ce in Honesdale. a candy dish missing its top, shoplifted part of that legacy may very well be that Join Dr. Betty’s FREE E-Newsletter List. cashmere, pink-framed glasses that don’t she, like her dancing mother, was “in Just go to www.minervaed.com and enter your e-mail address. fit. And because the people who owned control of her audience / to the end.” “to study, experience and integrate healing into your life” those belongings are absent or deceased, Is Lyn Lifshin a poet whom we should the poems are, at the least, sad and poi- keep? Absolutely. Q 303 Deer Lane . Honesdale, PA 570-253-8060 gnant. At most, the poems are lovely and www.minervaed.com

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 17 birdsong beyond if | then: Handmade works by Lori Anderson Moseman Review by DEBORAH POE Photos by Karl Bode Matthew Klane spoke to me of Lori roles or family and ancestors, her writ- from the standpoint of a long line of has done in the face of crisis, and on the Anderson Moseman’s work, praising es- ing is questioning, re-questioning, resist- writers and artists who are put into con- nature of that crisis: pecially its rigor. Klane was a student of ing and challenging. Anderson Mose- versation with each other, such as Emily “Water is always zipped within Anderson Moseman’s in Albany some man asks us to look at depths that lie Dickinson and Edith Södergran. human skin, needs to be ferried years ago. Klane’s praise led me to medi- beneath the surface. “Floor Mud / Floor Boards” largely across highways gone missing.” tate on what rigor means for Anderson If this sounds like a chore, it isn’t. works through the issues of the 2006 Canoehead, an identity in “Color, Moseman’s work. What I continually re- Anderson Moseman’s writing comes to flood, turning the loss and crisis into a Carry My Canoe,” is an ever-shifting turned to was the way in which she gath- the page in concrete imagery, appealing creative work, both through poetry and pleasure to read. Just as Eliot’s vowels ers language on the page—forging con- to both sensation and intellect. Wheth- a visual art piece photographed and pulse, so do Anderson Moseman’s, nections between words, between poets, er aural, tactile or visual, her images included throughout the book. One pulling the consonants with them. Here between allusions, between sources seem- carry an intensity of becoming and be- of the first poems, “Paddle Song,” is and throughout the book we are held by ingly disparate, between languages and ing in this world. Anderson Moseman’s divided into two columns. The poem language’s musicality and fluidity. Imag- cultures. Anyone who knows Lori Ander- awareness of musicality devises engage- can be read as one, two or even three es of canoe portages from videopoems son Moseman will undoubtedly recognize ment with sound in addition to mean- poems. Weaving from one to the other as photography stills are included and how forging connections is echoed in her ing. Her poetry appeals because it works column is itself like rowing. “kan ikke in conversation with the poems. relationship to her community. intensely on the & doshitemo ike- At a spring conference I attended, Anderson Moseman’s handmade or musical and phys- nakereba do suru poet Annie Finch spoke metaphorically homemade books, “Color, Carry My ical level as well “The artist, a gardener, ka” takes both a about working with poetic form, de- Canoe,” “potbelly letters,” and “Floor as operating on Norwegian lan- scribing working with beeswax. At first, Mud / Floor Boards,” are all extraordi- the cognitive level gathers world citizens guage tape made beeswax is hard, unmalleable. The more nary gifts combining her unique vision through image by Brits and a you work with it, however, the more pli- through language, visual art and pho- and language. for a feast. Japanese koan to able it becomes. Anderson Moseman’s tography. As in her other collections, “potbelly let- show what can- craft is the plied and pliable stuff. Few these homemades include a writing that ters” is a collec- It is in the silence that we not be done with writers push against language and form is deeply engaged with landscape. But tion of home- a “boy with no so successfully. Alongside the rigor with Anderson Moseman’s landscapes are mades, bundled swallow our differences.” ears,” “the snake which she pushes language around on not merely landscapes as in city, river with five books, with no legs” or the page, Anderson Moseman’s work and home. They are figurative places the fifth a state- —from“Reclining Green,” victims of flood. bridges poetic tradition, exhibiting ver- too, places with which identities are ment on aesthet- Lori Anderson Moseman By showing what satility and a wide range of craft. Her strangely and inextricably linked. The ics. One of the cannot be done, work is at once rigorous, meditative, negotiation of multiplicity required for important things the reader is able opaque and clear. It’s this range that al- inquiry into such landscapes is not al- about “potbelly letters” is identity con- to suss out what can. “When Floodwa- lows her to forge connections both on ways easy to swallow. Anderson Mose- struction within a community of writers ters Engulf Your Home Again”—per- and off the page where “we live / be- man’s poetry is often experimental and and artists. Community is understood haps the most beautifully lyrical poem yond and in syllable / in univocal sus- always takes risks. Reading her work, interpersonally—as in “a fine crew team” in “Floor Mud / Floor Boards”—aptly pension— / birdsong beyond if|then.” one is aware that something is at stake. listed as a footnote of fellow artists in a follows. The speaker meditates on what For an interview with Lori Anderson Whether dealing with floods, gender “boat.” And community is understood her community of women can do and Moseman, see page 14. Q

Escape to the Pocono Mountains. Fine accomodations for all seasons. 191 N & Niles Pond Rd. Our rooms & suites are 6 miles North of Honesdale, PA tastefuly decorated with www.innwillowpond.com private exterior entries. 5 beautiful acres and a Antiques • Treasures • Unusual Gifts • New Seats for Old Chairs gazebo overlooking our signature pond at this intimate inn. The Equinunk Emporium A hearty country breakfast with delicious meal choices. 4348 Hancock Highway (Rt. 191 North), Equinunk, PA • 570-224-4551 Gardie Mueller Close to many local activities & attractions. Hours: Sat. & Sun. 10-5 pm, During the week, by chance or appointment 570.253.3930 “When I’m here, the door is open.”

18 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER What Feeds Us By Diane Lockward Wind Publications, 2006 Review by PRISCILLA ORR

This is Lockward’s second full- as Eve walks out of paradise, apple in it was not. And finally, the sentence follows the breath, as the woman in the length collection of poetry from Wind hand, unencumbered by Adam. that starts with linguini as the object; poem seems almost passive in her de- Publications. The first was “Eve’s Red Lockward’s wit and sensual lan- the subject, we, deflected; and the single struction of both the letter and the land. Dress,” 2003, in addition to her chap- guage is evident throughout the col- syllable verbs, stabbed, pitched, twirled In the second sentence, we are invoked book, “Against Perfection” (Poet’s Fo- lection. Her poem, “The Best Words,” and spun. to witness the “billowing and consum- rum Press, 1998). What makes this luxuriates in language. A more subtle example is from “Py- ing,” sounds that evoke a mythic quality book so astonishing, along with the “The ones that sound obscene but romania,” where a forest ranger takes a in the action of the poem. precision of line, the music in the lan- aren’t… letter from her ex into the woods. The journey through “What Feeds guage and the complexity of imagery, Words like asinine, poppycock, “She reads the letter one last time, Us” illuminates the way we make and is the way the darker moments of the titmouse, tit for tat strikes a match and kindles his destroy our own mythologies. Memory, past infuse the present without being woodpecker, pecorino, poop deck, words, however reconstructed, is the trigger merely confessional. At the same time, and beaver.” watches them shrivel. to coming to some deeper knowledge. the lushness of the natural world, fruit, The titillation of simply saying the Think of the entire forest in And along with memory, it is sensual- bees, sex, emerge to mitigate the brutal- poem aloud gives pleasure. But it would flames, ity of the natural world that keeps us ity of the past. The last stanza in “The be a mistake to only focus on her lan- the blaze billowing and consuming, in the present moment. Pain is fraught First Artichoke,” the opening poem of guage. Beneath the fruit, the linguini, trees surrendering to fire, with the dark and sweet decay. Pleasure section one, prepares us for the intuitive the meditation on green lies the under- skeletons of timber, and charred is ripe and lush throughout these po- structure of the poems to follow. current of the past, where weeds grow, remains.” ems, a kind of sustenance for our pas- “But first we had that miracle on a Dashund is gobbled up by a steam The first terse sentence rhythmically sage. Q our table. shovel and a father disappears. This is We peeled and peeled, a vegetable the father who loved artichokes, who striptease, “tweezed shards of glass from my bloody and worked our way deeper and feet.” deeper, Lockward creates a complex union of down to the small filet of the love and fear, with all its messy incon- delectable heart.” sistencies. In “Showdown with the King Reading this collection is exactly Bee,” the father emerges: like this. We work our way deeper and “You come to me in nightmares deeper to the heart of the work, where huge and hairy, hanging over my BUILDING? RENOVATING? There’s a lot that goes into building a new home, or renovating an bees threaten to sting, where blossoms bed, old one. You’ll want the home of your dreams to feel as comfortable waiting for me to sleep.” as it looks. Your family will use your home’s heating, cooling & are “violet blue as bruises,” where one is water systems on a daily basis. New construction and renovations seduced by a pear, where a body can be But it’s not just the imagery alone that offer the perfect opportunity to make choices that can optimize your home for energy effi ciency, improved water, and indoor air quality. “covered with the dusty charm of pol- makes the poems startling. The marriage Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. can help you make the choices you len” (as in “The Bee Charmer”). If there of music and image needs mention. The need to make today for tomorrow. is pain in this world, there is certainly rhythm of a poem comes from two plac- pleasure and seduction. Paradoxically, es, the line and the sentence, and the Thermostats Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. can install a thermostat that will the title includes all of us, so from the intersection of them both. Combined give you precise and comfortable heating and cooling control. beginning, we are on a journey with with sound, music moves into us before Lockward through desire, memory and our mind can even process the meaning Air Cleaner With Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc., you’ll be sure that the air the extraordinary language of everyday of the poem. But meaning is conveyed delivered through your heating and cooling system is clean. life. through the music of the language, and “What Feeds Us,” the title poem in Lockward is masterful here. “Linguini” Humidifi ers is a perfect illustration of this: Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. can install a humidifi er that will seven parts, serves as a preface. The properly maintain the humidity level in your home while giving poem starts with the speaker on a trip, “Linguini knew of the smooches, your family comfort and protecting your woodwork and fl oors. maybe a writer’s colony, as she is forti- the kisses, Ultraviolet Air Treatment fied by “two books I love, a laptop/clean the molti baci. It was never Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. can install a system that zaps white paper, a radio/ in case I get lone- spaghetti surface mold and airborne bacteria. ly.” Quickly, we shift to a world lush between us, not cappellini, nor Ventilation with characters and food. Sometimes farfalle, Tight and energy effi cient homes can trap stale air inside. Let Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. bring in fresh air effi ciently and they are the same; a chocolate maca- vermicelli, pappardelle, fettucini, economically. damia nut cookie triggers memories of perciatelli, Indoor Air Quality Joe longing for “luscious” Darlene with or even tagliarini. Linguini we Mold is a growing concern. Let Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. “long yummy legs.” (Joe is a “fat-assed stabbed, pitched, assist you with their new environmental HVAC testing. kid/with zits.”) The third section is an and twirled on forks, spun round unbridled fantasy of stuffing one’s self and round High Effi ciency Water Heating Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. can provide you with a high with burgers and fries, gorging one’s self on silver spoons…” effi ciency water system. to satiation. The precision of memory I may not know what molti baci is, but by the time I get to it, I am so caught Energy Star intersects immediately with the pres- Replacement Systems ent, and in the next section we move in the sounds and rhythms and the pas- Let Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. protect you and your family. to a past, with a punishing father who sion of this couple, that I don’t mind does not allow his daughter to eat all not knowing. This passage starts with a day. “He says crybabies don’t eat.” The declarative sentence. Then the passage last section seeks triumph over the past, “it was never” and the long list of what Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. Keeping your home cleaner, healthier and more effi cient 845-252-6735 • 1-866-788-4914 Contractor Pro Serving the Upper Delaware River Valley Air Duct www.NarrowsburgHVAC.com Cleaning Systems

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 19 OCA ULOUS L L THEAT FAB RE COMPANY PLAYHOUSE 2007 Broadway • Musicals Comedies • Dramas SUMMER SEASONS* JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER & First Week in October Student & Senior Citizen Discounts Air Conditioning Historic Playhouse *Refer to the weekly schedule in The River Reporter Hawley, PA 570-226-9752

" #% $ ###! !! !! ! !!

20 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Poetry Shorts Reviews by PRISCILLA ORR A Girl Becoming, poems 2002-2005 Repairs By Mary Leonard By Christopher Porpora By Jessica G. de Koninck Pudding House Publications, 2007 Anne’s House Press Finishing Line Press, 2006

Mary Leonard’s chapbook, “A Girl,” “Becoming” is a collection of poems On first read, this collection seems is a collection of 12 poems that draw us by Popora, who also does the cover art an unadulterated journey into grief. into the perilous journey from girl to for the book. The spare, symmetrical From the opener, “Chagall’s Windows,” woman to girl. Leonard, who donates lines of the drawing of a studio are a which draws on the surreal quality of a portion of her book sales to Equality good opening into his world. In this Chagall’s work, the immensity of one Now, is clearly an accomplished poet. odd collection of 74 poems, roughly woman’s loss on 9/11 distills the chaos The lead poem, “Wearing my Best,” organized, we feel like we are entering many of us felt that day. chronicles a time when a nine-year-old someone’s studio, the voice almost con- “She floats like dust, like paper girl would hold her mother’s hand as versational at times. That intimacy may encircling a crystal tower… they navigated a sale table in Altman’s be his strength here, though the danger She floats, looking for something or a BLT at Schrafft’s. The innocence is that we feel as if we are are intrud- lost, something written down. of the young girl is superseded by the ing rather than being drawn in to the She cannot propel herself longing for the mother, whose attention work. fast enough. Each gust teases is elsewhere: There is the use of form, though there a page from her eyes. Our Lady Of The Shipwrecks “Mother’s eyes glaze, seems no obvious unifying premise, One sheet burns. Ashes drift By Alan Catlin, But I’m too young for the not even sections to point to a theme. like memory, like sleep. Men drop, Finishing Line Press, 2006 words she needs. I squirm These elements would not be troubling falling like paperweights. in my seat and whisper Let’s if there was some sense of how these po- They disappear, as if erased…” Catlin, a 16-time nominee for a Push- leave…” ems speak to each other, how the collec- However, these poems go beyond cart Prize, received an Honorable Men- Later in the poem, the longing is tion speaks as a whole. Some poems are grief and a widow startled into a new tion in the Bright Hill Chapbook com- transformed into the material. written in traditional forms. Other po- life. They celebrate a good marriage and petition. These lyric poems, written, as “Mother says, after the wedding ems read like a journal entry of rhyming the strength of love. Here de Koninck’s he says, in the manner of British painter I’ll shop just for you. thoughts. “I can’t even begin/to write irony plays out in questions, as in the JMW Turner, are evocative of an earlier I dream of a camel hair coat, of about you/because of what might/hap- poem “Absence,” where the simple diffi- time. Reading Catlin’s poems made penny loafers, of blonde hair.” pen if I do.” This stanza is the entire culty is in answering the gas man’s ques- me want to see the painter’s work, so I That longing weaves its way through poem; it reads more like notes for a tion, “is my husband at home.” Similar- clicked on the web and found exquisite the book to the title poem, the last poem than the completed poem. ly, the poem that asks “How Far Away paintings from early 19th-century art. It poem in the collection. This speaker is When there is imagery, the syntax is Dead” explores the very questions we is an extraordinary challenge to write more certain, if not streetwise, and like is confusing. From “Looking for you:” most want answered but for which there short lyrics that will convey the essence all of us is pulled toward what can dev- “…and finding you/drenched/in later is no definitive response: “Space folds of place. Most readers look for the imag- astate us. afternoon sunlight/in a green sweater/ in on itself/like the curved nuances of ery that links location to the human sto- These poems show the range of a wrapped/the light then/shone a little/ memory/or grief’s sharp creases/in the ry. Catlin’s poems are paintings in their skilled poet, one adept in lineation, im- on me/like through/emerald/glass.” brain…” own right, with the narrative elements agery, narrative and lyric. “Drawing On No matter how many times I read the The title poem exemplifies this poet’s implied. Where he succeeds, the music Nails,” written in tercets, is structured poem, I stumble on wrapped, and not gifts. The vigil by her husband’s body in the line and the images lift off the like waves coming off the shore. Clever, in a way that takes me more deeply into immediately after his death is stunning page, as in “The Shore at Folkestone, I thought on first reading: a poem about the poem. in its simplicity: Twilight 1845 after Turner:” “…wraiths a woman who does not like red nail pol- So why should we read Porpora’s “You would have done the same of mist rising/from still water…” ish, but likes work? In the midst of the aphorisms, cli- for me Or from “The Wreck of a Merchant “pale apricots and peach chés and rants against the political part Taking note of the details Ship:” neutrals that make of the poetry world, there are some love- Of the flesh after life, what “waves; detritus my nails look ly moments. “Tender fathers” is one: changed of ship: mastheads like seashells “Watching this tender father What remained the same…” the dead like the edges carry his sandaled, sleeping boy The straightforward, intimate tone are strapped to” of waves” through the archway mitigates the shock of such a moment. The final poem in the series, “The This poem looks like waves until the up the tiled steps, Then the poem moves to Home Depot, Burning of the House of Commons,” poem turns. From the smell of polish, stepping so, his arm the place that “smells like men,” where moves beyond any evocation of Turner the poem moves to the chemicals of her stretched, as if cradling the speaker remembers her husband in its power and extraordinary render- father’s “turp,” which transform his cel- his own sleeping heart.” “meandering the overstocked/aisles, in- ing of the power of nature’s elements: lular structure, red blood cells overrun There is an older poetic voice amid specting the intricacies/of toggle bolts. “…such is/the fire’s intensity/bucket by the white cells trying to stave off the these poems, and that voice works for And though she can now “shim a table” brigades are/useless, even layered/ “tiny waves of death.” This transforma- Porpora: “Maybe we could hide away or “tighten a faucet,” love and grief have clouds burnt orange,/the sky’s tender tive quality is evident in several of the awhile/there’s a little country road I woven themselves together into an al- valance/subsumed, totally engulfed/by poems, which is why poems like “Di- know. /And with every winter stretched tered life. Q flames.” This is a poet in the height of rections for My Daughter” disappoint mile/be gone in drifts of snow.” his power. when they take a didactic turn at the These shorter lyrics, meditations, Some poems are so spare, the speak- end. Leonard is much too good a poet speak from a more authentic voice. The er’s voice so submerged, the reader must for this. Whether it’s make-up hidden music and imagery sing together, and work to enter the poem fully. In “Thun- in a Plano tackle box, the girl who stole the poem works. Craft is such an essen- derstorm with Fireworks,” the odd syn- money to buy Kohl to “rim my eyes” or tial part of the poet’s work, and it’s clear tax obscures the poem and works against the girl confessing French kissing 4X, Porpora is capable. Perhaps this writer the power of the imagery. Catlin takes a there is always a latent desire at work needs a good editor, one who will help great risk in circumventing the sentence in the poem, an understanding that him discover his most striking work, to create the lyrical pieces, and in most women are the keepers of desire, even who will help him abandon that which of these 20 poems, his effort is flawless. at their own expense, we “want to hold does not succeed. on to the lines and the lure.”

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 21 TURNER REAL ESTATE 2352 NYS Highway 97 • Pond Eddy NY 12770 www.TRENY.com (845) 557-3800

This spectacular 5000 sq. ft This Cape Cod Log sits on 3 river valley home on 5+ acres acres overlooking the Delaware w/Koi pond w/waterfall & River. Set on a quiet country deeded ½ acre parcel on road, it boasts breathtaking the river. 3 bdrm, 3 bath, views of the river valley, huge LR w/stone fpl, lg. E- and the PA countryside. The I-K, sunroom w/wd.stove, master bedroom has its own immense rec room & work bath/w multiple skylights. 3 shop, 40 ft. front porch & an bdrms, 3 full bths, a living room 800 sq.ft rear deck overlooking w/cathedral ceilings, and a pond. Great house for large family room. Slate ﬂ oors entertaining. $599,000 (#898P) throughout. This is the perfect country retreat. $289,900. (#873P)

This property is one of the A private drive & gated few properties on Mohican entrance lead to this Lake that fronts directly on marvelous 4000 sq. ft. lakefront the lake. The home sided with contemporary home. The airy texture 111 & consisting of l344 & spacious interior boasts 5 square feet is in immaculate bdrms, 4 ½ bths, 2 fpls, & a huge condition. 3 bdrms, 2 bths, rec room. In addition there are baths, an eat-in kitchen & wood ﬂ oors throughout & 900 a large living room which sq. ft. of decking which allows overlooks the lake. An l8 foot for views of a pristine mtn dock allows access to the lake lake. Wonderful gardens, sandy for swimming, ﬁ shing and beachfront and a tranquil & boating. Very best lakefront. peaceful setting make this one $299,000.00. (# 907C ) of the most desirable properties in the area. $550,000. (# 919M)

This hidden gem sits on a This 4 bdrm Pa farmhouse quiet country road above the needs lots of TLC but is Delaware River Valley. As soon beautifully situated on 95 as you set foot on this property, acres w/a great & silo. . The you feel as though you have land is absolutely spectacular, stepped back in time. It sits offering a blend of rolling on over fi ve acres of private fi elds, woodland, stately wooded land which is absolutely stonewalls & a picturesque beautiful w/stone walls & pond w/breathtaking mtn fantastic rock formations. views covering miles of Pa This 800 sq. ft cottage is a farms. The deed allows for 2 perfect getaway requiring magnifi cent homesites. This little maintenance. Absolutely is a property you must see to adorable. $159,000. (#904R) appreciate.....$499,000. (#917D)

This charming 3 bdrm, 2 bth Words cannot describe the home sits on 2+ ac of beautiful tranquility, peace & serenity property on a quiet country that embrace this home. road. The large enclosed There are places in the world porch and screened deck are that renew and restore ones perfect settings for dining soul… this is deﬁ nitely one & relaxing. The house has of those. The presence of lots of charm, and is just water on 2 sides is only one minutes to some of the best of the reasons. A guesthouse recreational sites in the area... welcomes company & offers great ﬁ shing, swimming, as well as an opportunity kayaking, & hiking. $299,000. to experience the sounds & (#798R) beauty of these mountain streams....$399,000. (# 913G)

This 4 bedroom home Here we have a low overlooks pristine mountain maintenance lakefront home lake. With lakeviews from with 4 bdrms & 2 full bths. both downstairs bedrooms Oak ﬂ oors in living room and expansive deck, this and dining room w/vaulted home is an affordable family ceiling & bluestone ﬁ replace. getaway. Other features Country kitchen leads to include 1 ½ baths, and a large a glass enclosed sun porch kitchen with a breakfast with serene lake views. 2 car nook. Lake access is just a detached garage. Beautiful short walk away. Plan early lakefront on non-motorboat for a summer of boating and lake. Immaculate condition... barbequing. Will not last at $439,900. (# 902C) this price….$169,000. (#870K)

22 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER What are You Shiv Mirabito: Breathing? Archiving the greats, one Do you have pets in your home? Does anyone in your home smoke? beautiful volume at a time Does anyone in your family suffer from allergies, asthma or breathing difficulties? By MARY GREENE Do you ever suffer from a dry throat, dry skin or experience static electricity in your home? Do cooking or other odors tend to linger in your home? Shiv Mirabito believes in the power “Transcendental Tyger.” Do you tend to use anti-bacterial household products like soap or cleaners? of poetry to “create a better culture and Mirabito spent a part of his teenage Have you ever purchased or used portable (plug-in) room air cleaners or humidifiers a more peaceful world.” And he is do- years with folk hero and beat poet Alan to relieve symptoms of unclean or dry air? ing his part. Ginsberg on Ginsberg’s poetry com- Are there some rooms or areas in your home that are uncomfortable The Woodstock, NY resident be- mune in Cherry Valley, NY. “It totally or that vary dramatically in temperature? gan Shivistan Publishing ten years ago, changed my life,” said Mirabito. He Do you regularly program your thermostat for energy savings? creating limited-edition chapbooks by found out “you don’t have to eat meat” well-known and or comb your hair. Has it been more than a year since you had your heating and cooling system cleaned and inspected? lesser-known poets, Mirabito hasn’t including Robert “Mirabito spent a part combed his hair If you answered yes to any of these questions Kelly, Anne Wald- in years, and his call Narrowsburg Mechanical for an indoor air quality apointment. man, Ira Cohen, of his teenage years with dreadlocks reach IInn today’stoday’s airtightairtight homes,homes, indoorindoor airair Enid Dame, Laynie his ankles. It’s a qqualityuality isis a growinggrowing concern.concern. MostMost hhouseholdousehold dustdust containscontains dustdust mites,mites, mold,mold, Browne, Iris Litt, folk hero and beat poet good guess that mmildew,ildew, pollenpollen andand animalanimal dander.dander. Peter Lamborn he’s also a vegetar- MManyany ofof thesethese contaminantscontaminants areare ccirculatedirculated throughthrough thethe centralcentral airair systemssystems Wilson and others. Alan Ginsberg.” ian. iinn mostmost homeshomes andand cancan aggravateaggravate thethe ssymptomsymptoms ooff asthmaasthma andand allergies.allergies. The chapbooks are In addition to beautiful, color- Shivistan Publish- ful, artful creations using homemade ing, Mirabito organizes the Woodstock How can these contaminants be removed from your air duct system? paper and are produced in Nepal. Mi- Mountain Poetry Festival at the Colony rabito, who has studied Hinduism and Café in Woodstock, which holds mu- Buddhism overseas, calls his book en- sic and spoken word events all season Narrowsburg Mechanical, Inc. terprise the “Woodstock-Nepal connec- For more information about the poetry Keeping your home cleaner, healthier and more efﬁ cient tion.” The chapbooks also sometimes festival and Shivistan Publishing, visit 845-252-6735 • 1-866-788-4914 Contractor Pro anthologize Woodstock area poets and www.colonycafe.com or call 845/679- Serving the Upper Delaware River Valley Air Duct Mirabito’s own collection of poetry, 5342. Q Cleaning Systems

FullFull leatherleather boutique,boutique, completecomplete lineline ofof partsparts andand accessories.accessories. Customizing...Customizing... ourour It’s a Long Road specialtyspecialty forfor thethe seriousserious to a Tomato motorcyclemotorcycle enthusiast.enthusiast. By Keith Stewart Illustrated by Flavia Bacarella Marlowe & Co., 2006 Non-fiction Review by VICKI KOHLER

There is a tendency to romanticize In the small-farm world that Stewart farming, at least until you have put in inhabits, stewardship is a privilege and your own garden a few times. It’s a lot a responsibility to be nurtured and en- of work! But, if you stick with it, the couraged—not conflated with personal rewards are many. And Keith Stew- gain. Sustainability is a way of think- O’Toole’sO’Toole’s art knows this better than most as his ing about and practicing farming that book “It’s a Long Road to a Tomato” assumes future generations will rely illustrates. Take the “amateur” garden on the same land to feed and nourish Harley-DavidsonHarley-Davidson experience, multiply it a few thousand themselves. Sadly, it has proven difficult times and you have a taste of his expe- to practice this style of agriculture at the riences during the past 20 years as the modern corporate level. forfor thethe bikerbiker inin youryour life life proprietor of an organic farm in Orange This book is also a feast for the eyes, County, NY. He sells his produce at the beautifully illustrated by Stewart’s wife, Union Square Greenmarket and to res- Flavia Bacarella. “It’s a Long Road” is taurateurs in New York City. available, among other places, at The The chapters of the book are essays Herb Shoppe, 15 Jersey Avenue, in Port written over the course of eight years. Jervis, NY where, in July and August, SullivanSullivan Street,Street, Wurtsboro,Wurtsboro, NYNY The most engaging ones deal with is- Stewart’s famous heirloom Rocambole sues of stewardship of the land and sus- garlic is also available. Q 845845 -- 888888 -- 24262426 tainability.

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 23 Black Dome Press Offerings Hendersonville, NY The Catskills Denning’s Point: A Hudson www.blackdomepress.com T. Morris Longstreth River History From 4000BC to 518/734-6357 Printed from the 1918 original the 21st Century Illustrated Jim Heron 2003 Illustrated Non-fiction/Local interest 2006 Non-fiction/ Local history Local Interest Reissued for the 100th-year anniversary of the Catskill Park Forest Preserve By DOROTHY HARTZ Denning’s Point on the Hudson, just in 2004, “The Catskills” recounts the south of Beacon, NY, is the home of “camping and tramping” of the author the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Es- during a three-month, four-hundred- The Catskill Park – Inside the Blue Line: tuaries. Selected in 2003 over 20 other mile excursion through the park in 1917. The Forest Preserve & Mountain Communities of cities to house the $100 million center, Longstreth, also the author of “The Ad- the site may someday represent to ripar- America’s First Wilderness irondacks,” was a teacher, essayist and ian studies what Woods Hole, MA does poet who lived and worked for a time Norman J. Van Valkenburgh and Christopher W. Olney to oceanographic studies. Jim Heron, in Kingston. His ramble, “an intimate Photographs by Thomas Teich the Institute’s project historian, has journey…for fun and fish and freedom,” 2004 chronicled the Point in terms of geol- was filled with natural wonders (Wind- Non-fiction/Local history ogy, archaeology, social history, industry ham High Peak, Wall of Manitou, the and recreational use and makes a clear This beautiful tribute to the first supplemented by a full reprint of the various Catskill Cloves and Slide and case for the wisdom of its selection as a hundred years of the Catskill Park, sec- 1886 Carpenter Report to the State Hunter Mountains, among others), major destination not only for environ- ond largest after the Adirondack Park, Forest Commission, which influenced chance encounters (one with John Bur- mental study, but also for research into describes the history and management the Legislature to create the park and roughs) and impressions of villages, America in the making. Henry Hudson, of the preserve since its establishment which contains a particularly interesting farms and boarding houses along the George Washington, Alexander Hamil- by the New York State Legislature in cameo of Livingston Manor as represen- way. Edward J. Renehan Jr., author of ton, railroad tycoons, brickworks for a April 1904. “The blue line,” or map tative of Sullivan County’s acid and “John Burroughs: An American Natu- rising New York City—all have a connec- line delineating the park from its envi- lumber industries at the time. Authors ralist,” considers this book “unique and tion to Denning’s Point. The book illu- rons, has a near mystical significance Van Valkenburgh and Olney both have delectable…an engaging guide to that minates history with reverence for the to true lovers of the Catskills, effect- had long distinguished careers in con- rugged, history-rich place.” ing escape to and protection for what, servation and land management. Van significance and natural beauty of the Hudson River. Q to many, is sacred space. In explicating Valkenburgh has also penned a fictional Reviewer’s note: The above two selections the mystique of the Catskills, the book mystery series showcasing the Catskills, are logical companion volumes to give a thor- tells well but shows better with a port- perfect for reading by flashlight while ough understanding of the past, present and folio of stunning color photographs by camping in the park. future of Catskill Park. Thomas Teich. The chapter-essays are

Style. Function. Harmony.

RASMUSSEN’S UPPER DELAWARE FURNITURE STYLISH HOME FURNISHINGS FOR LESS Open Monday - Saturday 9-5 • 90 Main Street • Narrowsburg, NY • 12764 • Phone: 845-252-3901

24 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Black Dome Press Offerings Hendersonville, NY www.blackdomepress.com 518/734-6357

Area Trail Guides By SANDY LONG Catskill Region Waterfall Trails with Tales: Gunks Trails: A Ranger’s Guide The Traveler’s Guide: Cool Cascades of the History Hikes to the Shawangunk Mountains Guide to the Catskills and Shawangunks through the Capital By Edward G. Henry Hudson River By Russell Dunn Region, Saratoga, 2003 Valley: From 2004 Berkshires, Catskills Saratoga Springs to and Hudson Valley Roughly 80 miles north of New New York City “Waterfalls have turned waterwheels York City and 70 miles south of Albany, and driven turbines and generators to By Russell Dunn and one will find southeastern New York’s By Tim Mulligan run cider presses, bellows, grinders, Barbara Delaney Shawangunks. These are the mountains 1981, reprinted 2006 vertical saws and buzz saws, trip-ham- 2006 upon which Edward G. Henry, author mers—virtually every kind of hand tool of the “Catskill Trail Series,” focuses in The New York Times calls this title that formerly required human muscle,” Russell Dunn and his wife, Barbara “Gunks Trails.” “The best guidebook to the region,” and writes Russell Dunn in his Catskill Re- Delaney, team up again to capture a se- Though the Shawangunks (pro- this 20th Anniversary Edition appears to gion Waterfall Guide. This is just one ries of 30 hikes with historical elements. nounced “shon-gums”) run from Kings- live up to the claim. Labeled the classic piece of waterfall trivia offered up in Intrigued with the mysteries implied by ton to Port Jervis, NY, Henry limits the and definitive guide to the Hudson River this informative guide. old stone foundations and rusting piec- hikes and walks included in the book Valley, this new edition has been fully re- With its straightforward title and es of machinery encountered on their to the area between High Falls and El- vised and updated. clear structure, this guide to the region’s hikes, Dunn and Delaney set out to re- lenville, NY. The best guide books bring something abundant and beautiful waterfalls is trieve the history associated with such In the book’s foreword, U.S. Con- of the author’s essence into the publica- both practical and easy to use. Focused “ghostly shadows” of once-vivid reali- gressman Maurice D. Hinchey notes, tion, and this one hits that mark as Mul- on the falls in Eastern New York, the ties. “Ed Henry’s vivid description of the geol- ligan’s frank and personal assessments guide is separated into two sections, The result is “Trails with Tales,” ogy, geography and ecology of the Ridge reflecting his tastes and opinions are wo- both of which are preceded by regional where readers can tag along as this duo perfectly defines the unique natural and ven throughout. “I do not pretend to like map locators and even poems. hikes into history, exploring the past by cultural character of the Gunks.” While every place I describe—and I will tell you The first section focuses on waterfalls following the paths of “the explorers this statement concisely summarizes the why,” he writes, adding, “I have written of the Catskills, including those of the and legendary figures of the region.” book’s essence, what distinguishes this this book as I would talk to a friend.” three “cloves” (Kaaterskill Clove, Platte Self-described as “hikers who enjoy guide is the knowledge and perspective Friends sometimes disagree. While Clove and Stony Clove). As described history as opposed to historians who Henry has gained as a park ranger and I found the stone sculpture garden at in the guide, the Catskills contain these like to hike,” Dunn and Delaney select- employee of the U.S. Forest Service. Opus 40 near Woodstock to be thor- three main ravines, or notches, in the ed the hikes not only for their historical Henry now works for the U.S. Fish oughly fascinating when I visited, Mul- mountain ridges, used by travelers to interest, but moreover for their natural and Wildlife Service and the National ligan describes it as “depressing, an inter- make their way through the mountains. beauty. The history spans pre-Colonial Wildlife Refuge System (NWR). For esting idea gone crazy…” though he lauds The second section looks at the times through the Industrial Revolu- this reason, it is not surpising to find certain aspects of the site. waterfalls of the Shawangunks, or tion, while the range of geological fea- included among the book’s pages the The book is divided into sections cover- “Gunks,” which are a continuation of tures includes waterfalls, mountains, Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, a 3,500- ing the upper, middle and lower Hudson, New Jersey’s Kittatinny Ridge and Penn- lakes, islands, caves, geysers, gorges and acre property that includes the remains starting in Saratoga Springs and following sylvania’s Blue Ridge mountains. more. of the former Galeville Army Airport. the river’s flow to culminate in New York Beginning with a description of the Places with historically compelling This grassland habitat teems with City. These are further broken down by waterfalls in each of the four seasons, pasts are brought to life; people with pe- more than 150 species of birds, as mil- county,and each is followed by descriptive followed by a history of waterfalls in culiar stories live again in this satisfying lions of raptors and other birds follow listings of Mulligan’s recommendations the region, the guide is punctuated with and enlightening book. the Shawangunk Ridge during spring on where to stay and to dine. quirky snippets like “The Grin Factor”— For example, “No Bottom Pond” is and fall migrations. Henry details many The guide includes phone and website an unproven claim that waterfall enthu- described as a disappearing and reap- additional animal and plant species that information, and Mulligan links readers siasts experience increased well-being as pearing mountain lake, featuring an thrive in this preserved habitat, which to additional resources, such as organiza- a result of the negative ions released by area containing sinkholes, crevices and also includes meadow, forest and wet- tions associated with various sites. Illus- waterfalls, which stimulate the produc- small cave openings. But its history adds land areas. trations by Stan Skardinski and an occa- tion of serotonin in the brain. Dunn a compelling component to the trek The book is organized into sections sional map supply the graphic elements identifies waterfall types and degrees of as one reads the story of miner Oscar along the mountains’ northeast to in the publication. difficulty, then provides a list of tips for Beckwith, who murdered his partner, southeast axis, with hikes to places like Readers of this guide will enjoy its enjoying them safely. Simon Vandercook, got caught broiling Bonticou Crag, Mohonk Mountain many fine aspects—walking and driving This is the guide to grab if you’d like pieces of the body atop his woodstove, House and the Trapps. Other sections tours of the river cities; information on to get there easily with a clear idea of then hid in the caves around No Bot- explore the Minnewaska State Park Pre- recreational opportunities like hot-air what you’re going to find. Sprinkled tom Pond to escape authorities. serve and Sam’s Point Dwarf Pine Ridge ballooning, eagle-watching and river raft- with images from historic postcards and In addition to a description and his- Preserve, while an “off-the-ridge”section ing; assessments of unique restaurants maps generated by Dunn’s wife, Barba- tory of each hike, the book includes in- includes hikes off the eastern and west- and inns—plus a spirited sense of adven- ra Delaney, using National Geographic formation on accessibility, difficulty, di- ern sides of the ridge. Maps are includ- ture brought to life by a writer who clear- topographic studies, this guide includes rections and any associated fees, hours ed, along with photos of natural features ly enjoys traveling through the Hudson a good mix of falls that range in terms of and restrictions. The hikes are organized and flora found throughout the region. River Valley to experience its many riches accessibility from roadside ease to seri- by region and then by geographic prox- The tidy publication is packed with and to share them with readers. ous hikes. Descriptions, history and di- imity, so it is possible to plan more than the kind of detailed information that In addition, the book now has its own rections for each waterfall are provided. one hike in an outing. Photographs makes it worth taking along to review website at www.hudson-river-valley-travel- and images from old postcards appear while visiting the site, thereby enhanc- ers-guide.info. Q throughout. ing one’s understanding of this beautiful New York State natural resource.

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 25 Purple Mountain Press Offerings Fleishmanns, NY www.catskill.net/purple/ 800/325-2665, 845/254-4062

Tom Quick Trail: Reviews by DOROTHY HARTZ A Chronicle of the Delaware Valley Up On Preston Mountain: Loomis: The Man, The Sanitarium, and The Search for By James W. Burbank, illustrated The Story of an Tusten Historical Society, 2006 American Ghost Town the Cure Non-fiction/Local history By John Polemus and Richard By John Conway Review by DOROTHY HARTZ Polemus Illustrated Illustrated Purple Mountain Press and Harbor Author James W. Burbank was Sul- chapter to the exploits of its name- 2005 Hill Books, 2006 livan County Historian from1948 un- sake, followed by an analysis of the Non-fiction/Local history Non-fiction/Local history til 1954, an original Sullivan County effects of the coming of the D&H Ca- Community College Trustee and nal and the railroad on the trail. The Co-author John Conway, Sullivan County His- founder of Fort Delaware, a museum book ends with a discussion of the Richard Pol- torian since 1993, thoroughly addresses of colonial life in Narrowsburg, NY, modern trail —State Route 97, new hemus lives the phenomenon of The Loomis Sani- currently cele- in Burbank’s in Dutchess tarium, an innovative tuberculosis treat- brating its 50th lifetime and re- County near ment facility and landmark in county anniversary. cently designat- the New York- history during the first half of the 20th This volume, “The trail [Burbank] ed a New York Connecticut century. Conway places the story of Al- featuring the describes was actually a State Scenic border, in fred Lebbeus Loomis, founder of the fa- New York/ Byway. sight of Pres- cility, and Edward Livingston Trudeau, Pennsylvania network of Indian trails Whatever we ton Moun- his friend and counterpart in a prior border towns call it (Burbank tain, where crusade against consumption, as T.B. from Port explored and forever makes a good a ghost town was widely known in the 19th century, Jervis, NY to case for keeping marks aban- in both historical and medical contexts. Hancock, NY, altered by Tom Quick.” the Tom Quick donment by poor Yankees, freed slaves He traces the institution from its incep- which comprise name alive), the and a Schaghticoke Indian tribe, all cast tion in the doctors’ belief in the efficacy the Tom Quick trail’s history is in the shadow of America’s first indus- of “the rest cure,” gained from personal Trail, was published from an original alternately quaint and dramatic and trial boom—the age of iron. Despite the struggle with the disease, through the Burbank manuscript discovered by always fascinating, and this chronicle efforts of the three groups to establish journey to the realization of Loomis’ his daughter after his death. The trail authenticates it with both humor and homesteads in “The Oblong,” a left- dream to build a sanitarium, which he describes was actually a network respect. Burbank referred to his work over bit of land free for the taking after functioned in Liberty from 1896-1942, of Indian trails explored and forever as a “word picture of the Delaware a negligent land conveyance from Con- to its demise under the ownership and altered by Tom Quick, “a vivid figure Valley.” It would make a welcome gift necticut to New York, the forests around administration of Bernarr (sic) Macfad- during early settlement of the region for a native history buff or a newcom- them were cut away to provide charcoal den, one of the more colorful charac- (who) waged long and bitter strife er alike, and the Tusten Historical So- for the iron furnaces serving the grow- ters in a generation of unconventional for supremacy over the Red Men of ciety is to be commended for making ing towns, making the homesteaders’ health reformers. Conway concludes the Delaware Valley… After reading it available. subsistence impossible. The authors, with the real estate pedigree of the ar- more about Tom, you may draw your The Tusten Historical Society is descendants of two of the principals chitecturally significant complex, abun- own conclusion as to whether he or housed in the Tusten-Cochecton in the story of Preston Mountain, were dantly illustrated in the book, now long his adversary was the most savage.” branch of the Western Sullivan Public introduced to the area as children and, parceled off and repurposed. Q After introducing “The Settle- Library in Narrowsburg, NY (845/252- after a lifetime of fascination with the ments,” the individual communities 3360). The publication can be pur- lore, researched all available resources established along the trail, down to chased from Signatures gift store at in order to tell of “a brave and resource- the names of original settlers and ear- the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance in ful people…whose stories deserve to be ly businesses, Burbank devotes a full Narrowsburg (845/252-7576). Q told.”

Good for you never tasted so good. Homestead School Lower Sodium Deluxe Ham* Deluxe Low Private Montessori School Sodium Roast Beef • Preschool to Fifth Grade • Full-Day Kindergarten Golden Classic®, • State CertiÀ ed • 20 Minutes North of Port Jervis Chicken Breast Ovengold®, Roast • 85-Acre Campus • Full Academic, Enrichment Breast of Turkey and Outdoor Education Programs • Foreign Language, Art and Music Classes

For more information: Peter & Marsha Comstock/Directors 845-856-6359 www.homesteadschool.com Homestead School The Homestead School Established 1978 428 Hollow Road • Glen Spey, NY

26 • LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 THE RIVER REPORTER Kids’ Picks from Boyds Mills Press Honesdale, PA www.boydsmillspress 800/490-5111, 570/253-1164

Reviews by SHEILA DUGAN

Winter Song: A Poem by too soon, leaving the reader hoping for a princess who looks on helplessly as sun moon stars rain more from Hall and Provensen in the her six brothers are turned into swans. William Shakespeare future. The brothers appear to tell her that in By Jan Cheripko Illustrated by Melanie Hall order to break the spell, she must weave Ages 14 and up Introduction by Alice Provensen Six Swans: A Folktale Retold six shirts and keep silent until they ap- Front Street, Asheville, NC, an Ages 6 and up pear and don the shirts. After six years, imprint of Boyds Mills Press, 2005 WordSong, an imprint of Boyds Mills By Christine San Jose during which time the princess mar- Fiction Press, 2006 Illustrated by Jes Cole ries and has a child who is stolen from Ages 6 and up her, the brothers return, the shirts are “Ice./Ice This concluding poem from Shake- 2006 thrown over them, and they return to everywhere./ speare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” features their former shapes. The sister-in-law Thousands Melanie Hall’s characteristic dreamy wa- Long before the Brothers Grimm pub- confesses to the princess, who now can of/thousands tercolor, crayon and colored pencil art lished “Household Tales” in 1812, the speak, that it is she who hid the baby. of thousands/ that pulls the reader into another world, story of six princes who were bewitched She is forgiven and all is well. red, brown, another time—17th-century England. and turned into swans by their wicked In this affable version, San Jose’s black, gray,/ With a simple, effective introduction stepmother was popular throughout description of each prince individually, reaching by Alice Provensen—herself a children’s Germany. Combining her well-known and Cole’s lovely renditions, endear the branches en- book writer and illustrator—and a glos- skill with illustrator Jes Cole, Christine reader to the brothers and to their brave cased, immo- sary of Elizabethan terms to guide the San Jose has pared down the Grimm sister. bilized, still, way, this book is a wonderful entrance version and tweaked it a little so that silhouetted, wicked stepmothers do not do all the stretched out in homage to the conquer- into the world of Shakespeare. A School Year The curtain opens upon a soft, win- horrible things they do in the Grimm ing king.” try world, awake with frozen outdoor version (a jealous sister-in-law does some Of Poems: What a great way to start a book—any activities and a church full of cold, tired of them), and only one infant is spirited 180 Favorites from Highlights book! Aimed at teenage adventure-seek- away, not three, as Grimm would have ers, this opening certainly works. And people, while a pleasant-enough-look- Selected and annotated by Walter B. you believe. so does most of Jan Cheripko’s novel, ing greasy Joan doth keel the pot. This Barbe, PhD The tale is told in the first person by written from the perspective of a young book, and Shakespeare’s poem, ends all Illustrated by Dennis Hockerman budding photographer, Danny Mur- Ages 7-10 taugh. 2005 The title is borrowed from the e.e. cummings poem, “anyone lived in a It is al- pretty how town.” A quote from that ways enjoy- poem at the beginning of the book in- able to find troduces the reader to the import of a good book Fun, Food and the title: “Women and men (both little of poetry and small)/cared for anyone not at all/ Fantastic Times. for children. they sowed their isn’t they reaped their Join us at our new Piano Bar Lounge for great cocktails and a good time And when same/sun moon stars rain.” Thursday Nights Mussels and Clams – Only $5 a Dozen the book has The story moves fast. After Danny Friday & Saturday Nights – Join us at the Piano Bar been edited discovers his college girlfriend with an- Saturday Nights Enjoy the sounds of Sarah Marie & Joseph by Walter B. other guy, he jettisons his music school- Prime Rib Daily and other Nightly Specials Barbe, the ing and returns home to the small parent or “pretty how town” where he grew up. teacher can Three He meets Stephanie, a somewhat older rest assured that the poems inside the woman with a past, and together they book will provide any child with hours Wishes discover one secret after another bur- RESTAURANT of fun, learning, relaxation, stimulation THE FINEST IN CONTINENTAL CUISINE ied in the town’s own hushed-up past. and awareness. The drawings by Dennis 570-729-8187 There is plenty of good dialogue in this Hockerman, who has illustrated dozens book, and lots of excitement. However, of children’s books, are a fine accompa- the story begins to lose momentum as niment to the charming rhymes. it becomes weighted down with senti- Showcasing some of the most de- Everything is better by Starlight... ment—like a ponderous quotation from lightful poems by some of the most de- St. Augustine—that is just a little too Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday Brunch. lightful poets to have graced the pages heavy-handed for this breezy novel in- Monday night is seafood night. of Highlights for Children (Ivy O. East- tended for a young audience. Wednesday night is pasta night. wick, Mabel Clare Thomas, Edna Ham- Despite the added weight, “sun Regular menu always available. ilton, Vivian G. Gouled and others), moon stars rain” is sure to appeal to its Barbe and Hockerman have produced a The Inn offers a comfortable and charming respite for the vacationer intended audience, and will make good superb children’s treasury that will eas- or for that extra room when family or friends come to visit. summer reading for young people who ily withstand the test of time. “A School want to curl up in grandma’s big wicker Year of Poems” is sure to have its place chair for an afternoon’s adventure. Q on bookshelves in libraries, book stores, classrooms and children’s rooms for generations, becoming classic children’s literature, like Highlights itself.

289 Starlight Lake Road • Starlight, PA 18461 • www.innatstarlightlake.com • 570-798-2519 / 800-248-2519

THE RIVER REPORTER LITERARY GAZETTE 2007 • 27 Primetime.

How much we care is as important as how much we know.

Whether you’re in primary school or in the prime of your life, you deserve world-class medical care. That’s why Crystal Run Healthcare has a strong commitment to primary care. Some of our physicians are internists caring for adult patients. Some are family physicians who treat adults and children. Still others are pediatricians who keep the kids happy and healthy. Every one is board certiﬁed or board eligible. And every one considers your well-being their number one priority whether you’re a year-round resident, a second homeowner or visitor, or you need immediate treatment at our Urgent Care facility. No wonder Crystal Run is the fastest growing medical practice in New York State LAURENCE TAWIL, MD — and one of the fastest growing in the nation. At Crystal Run Healthcare, you’re not BOARD CERTIFIED: INTERNAL MEDICINE just a test result. You’re a real person, primed to go. Schedule your appointment today!

ROCK HILL: 845.794.6999 MIDDLETOWN: 845.703.6999 URGENT CARE: 845.796.5444 URGENT CARE: 845.703.6333 8A - 9P Weekdays 6:30A-10P 7 DAYS A WEEK Saturday 8A-8P Sunday 8A-6P LIBERTY • ROCK HILL • MIDDLETOWN • GOSHEN • NEWBURGH CRYSTALRUNHEALTHCARE.COM “You can take a book anywhere in the world, and open it, and if there is enough light, it will begin talking to you.” —Kurt Vonnegut, 1922-2007