Judging A Book By Its Lover

I love reading books about books, books about reading, and anything book that falls in between. If you love to read, if you hoard books, or spends hours in the library only to carry out your loans with a equipment dolly, then this is the latest literary criticism book for you.

At Subterranean Books this past Saturday, I stumbled upon "Judging a Book By Its Lover: A Field Guide to the Hearts and Minds of Readers Everywhere" by Lauren Leto.

Since picking it up, I've barely been able to put it down. If it wasn't for things like family obligations, work, school, etc., I would have finished this that very afternoon in the local restaurant I hid in.

Leto is a well read reader who is impressive with her witty stories about life, reading, and growing up as a bookcat (not a bookworm as she argues). Oh course she could be faking it, as she provides clear steps about how to fake reading some of those books people claim to have read.

Her take on J.D. Salinger readers and fans is quite funny. Book club rules presented a'la Fight Club format is cute. There are sections on being a Harry Potter fan as a adult, how to write like any writer, bookstore pick-up lines, all delivered with such a deft skill, "page-turner" is really the only adequate description.

If anyone read "Texts From Last Night: All the Texts No One Remembers Sending" then you may already be familiar with her smart humor.

"Judging A Book By Its Lover" is one of those rare books that I not only recommend, but one of those few I may actually buy extra copies to give out to friends.

Until Next Time....
Readingly Yours,
Michael

Losing a Poetry Outlet

In case you hadn't heard by now - Sagebook Frenchtown is closing its doors Sept. 15, 2012.

The owner and her staff were kind enough to host poetry readings once a month, and it's too bad we poets are losing another outlet. But business is business, and bookstores come and go.

She's having a big blowout sale on her remaining inventory, so now may be your last chance to grab up some book deals.

Until next time,
Michael

Poems, Prose and Pints

Poems, Prose and Pints will be presenting at Dressel's Public House this Tuesday, June 5 poets and writers:
Jon Dressel
Maria Theresa Balogh
Alexander Balogh
Amy Genova
Melissa Singleton
Shane Seely
Jennifer Tappenden
Kelli Allen
and
Musical guest: Steve Mendenhall

Fun starts at 7 p.m.

It's the Third Wednesday of the Month Again

Tonight night is another night of poetry reading at Sage Books Frenchtown. Mic turns on at 7 and stays on until we're done.
I know I've said this countless times before, but it's the perfect place to get over those public reading jitters, practice up, or even just share some of your favorite works by your favorite authors, either poetry or prose. The owner even encourages musicians.

We had quite the surprise turnout last time and even ran out of chairs. So come prepared to stand if necessary.

And as always free coffee and snacks too.

Until next time...
Readily Yours,
Michael

Teen Poetry Circle: Poetry Journals and "Louder Than A Bomb" at St. Louis Public Library

In honor of National Poetry Month, the St. Louis Public Library will be hosting the following events:

On Monday, April 2, the Carpenter branch will host the Teen Poetry Circle: Poetry Journals. Starting at 6 p.m., and aimed at grades 6 - 12, this event will allow teens to create and read poetry among peers. Supplies will be provided.

On Wednesday, April 18, the Barr branch will show the documentary "Louder Than A Bomb" from 5 - 6:45 p.m. "Louder Than A Bomb" follows the fortunes of four Chicago-area high school poetry teams as they prepare for and compete in the country's largest youth poetry slam.

Reading at Sage Books Frenchtown

Tomorrow night is another night of poetry reading at Sage Book Frenchtown. Mic turns on at 7, off at 9, but no one will complain if we go over on time.

It's the perfect place to get over those public reading jitters, practice up, or even just share some of your favorite works by your favorite authors, either poetry or prose. I've heard they'll even let a musician or two take over if they have the gumption.

Don't be a stranger. Come out and have some free coffee and snacks too.

Until then...
Picking my poems for the night,
Michael

A Means to Meaning: The Triptych

Poetry and the visual arts will combine on March 16, when the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis hosts "A Means to Meaning: The Triptych : Artists and Poets Offer Us Energy, Courage, Faith & Fun."

Six visual artists each created a triptych and is paired with a poet who wrote a poem in response to the triptych. The form of the triptych in this exhibit refers to the triangular relationship between artist, poet, and viewer/reader.

The event runs from 5:30  - 7:30 p.m.

Poetry readings will begin at 6:30 p.m., and I've heard (but not yet confirmed) that Michael Castro will be one of the poets behind the microphone. As I learn more, I'll post it here.

Until then...

Tripping,

Michael

February SCC Coffeehouse

Well, due to some technical difficulties, I was unable to announce that I would be reading at the SCC Coffeehouse Thursday night. So now, after the fact, let me inform everyone that I read four poems last night, one of them brand new.

What made last night unique was an additional technical difficult that for the first two readers, of which I was #2, the microphone wasn't working. Felt like I was at a slam, competing against a soft-voiced Christy Gant. Other than that, though, the night went well and I received a good number of compliments.

The next SCC Coffeehouse is Friday, April 13, 7 p.m.

Until next time....
Slammin',
Michael

Editing a Literary Journal - Lindenwood Writing Program

This Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7:15 p.m. poet and author Kelli Allen will be discussing the process of editing a literary journal as well as other topics related to publishing creative writing at the Lindenwood Universiry Cultural Center Conference Room in St. Charles, Missouri.

For Lindenwood students, this is a perfect colloquium opportunity on a fascinating subject you will need in your future.

The Day after Sage

Another fun open mic night at Sage Books in Frenchtown. Ultimately, I didn't record any video, but that doesn't mean I won't next time. Thanks to 2nd Street Bike Stop Cafe for providing the coffee and snacks (which included some gooey sugary butter something and some peanut butter balls).

Don't forget, the next open mic event at Sage Books is Wednesday, March 21, 2012 (just a silly reminder: it's always the third Wednesday of the month).

Until the next post...
Still on a sugar high,
Michael

Sage Books Frenchtown Poetry Reading and maybe some YouTube Clips

Once again boys and girls, it's the third Wednesday of the month, and Sage Books Frenchtown will be hosting OpenMic Poetry Night starting at 7 p.m. and running until we run out of poets. :-)

Also, I may decide to whip out the ol' camera and start videoing some people for posting on YouTube. Don't worry, if you don't want to be video'ed I won't, but if you ARE a camera ham like me, here's your chance for some YouTube time.

See ya tonight,
Michael

"A Night of Poetry at the FAC" Winter Recap

"A Night of Poetry at the FAC" was a surreal success. The night led off with Michael Castro's "Poetry Is...", eventually moved to Peter Carlos's "Dreamfish", a couple of travel poems by Teddy Norris, before Kelli Allen then Dawn Dupler "Talking Back to the Minivan", ending with a few sureal poems by Julia Gordon-Bramer.

For a handful of the poets, this was their first time at the Foundry Art Centre, and the effective use of the facility mixed with just the right lighting gave the atmosphere a soft, welcoming, cafe-type feel.

The turn-out was better than most expected, and Russo's supplied the drinks.

Everyone left excited about the April event coming up, and we're already starting to talk about a late summer event (maybe August or September). I'll keep everyone informed...

Until Next Time...
Still pumped,
Michael

A Night of Poetry at the Foundry Art Centre

Only a week away from one of the largest poetry events west of the Missouri River. "A Night of Poetry at the FAC" will be held Friday, Jan. 27, beginning at  7 p.m. at the Foundry Art Centre in Historic St. Charles, Missouri.

Poets to read include:
Michael Castro
Peter Carlos
Teddy Norris
Kelli Allen
Dawn Dupler
Julia Gordon-Bramer

There'll be a cash bar provided by local restaurant Russo's, and most of the poets will have table set up for books sales and autographs.

Admission is only $5.

If you're in the St. Louis area and you love poetry, this is something you don't want to miss.

Until Next Time...
Excitedly,
Michael