After many years as a children's bookseller, Sophie now mostly reads YA and children's picture books. Her favourite genres are mystery and dystopia. But sometimes she just buys books because they have a nice cover.

A Poem from Charlottetown Bookseller Joseph Simmons

 

ALMOST PERFECT 

 

I sank into the rocking chair, 

a cup of steaming tea in hand, 

a biscuit clenched between my teeth, 

an afternoon of reading planned. 

 

The fire crackled heartily, 

and filled the room with warmth and cheer, 

while snowflakes brushed the windowpane 

and added to the atmosphere. 

 

I packed some cushions 'round my knees 

and blankets 'round my neck and waist 

until around four-fifths of me 

were comprehensively encased. 

 

Then—joy of joys!—the cat appeared 

and launched herself upon my lap, 

deciding it was just the place 

to host a lengthy winter’s nap. 

 

And there I sat, ensconced in snug, 

as comfortable as I could be, 

embraced by pillows, quilts, and cat

as I embraced my mug of tea...

 

And that was when I saw the truth

and gave a soft, internal screech–

I’d gone and left my paperback 

a couple inches out of reach.

           On a spring-like November evening, readers, writers, and word lovers gathered at Halifax's Central Library where Sheree Fitch, Deirdre Kessler and Alexander MacLeod participated in a panel discussion moderated by John Flood. John coined the term “readerity” in a 2019 lecture in which he spoke about a significant book/reading experience from his childhood and the experience of rereading that book as an adult.  Now, three years later, three other authors share their reflections on their reading and writing lives, on the books and reading experiences that have shaped and guided them, and on the shifting ways they see and experience these books.

 

As a reader, thinker, and lover of words myself, the discussion that transpired fascinated me! I grappled with the questions John posed to the panelists. It was evident everyone was inspired by these authors and that they too had their own stories to reflect on and to share. I was deeply moved by Sheree's memories of her father that are inextricably woven into the fabric of her relationship with books, stories, and childhood.  Alexander's response to a question about an author's “ownership” of their work and the role of the reader in relation to a written work set my brain on fire! I have not stopped thinking about this yet and have continued the discussion with other readers in my life as I try to work out my own thoughts on authors and readers and what their respective roles are in defining and creating a book. 

 

In addition, there was Deirdre's unexpected discovery! Thirty years after her six-year-old self had pored over the gift of a book called the Audubon Bird Guide: Eastern Land Birds and was mesmerized by the indigo bunting, Deirdre was in the Mojave Desert and she spotted an indigo bunting. Along with that discovery came “an indescribable sense of coming home to myself.”  All these weeks later, I still feel something stirring in me when I imagine the profound wonder of that experience, and I think about what is my “indigo bunting”?  Will I, too, find it someday when I least expect it?  

 

The discussions that night, along with the essays each author wrote, were thought-provoking, heart-warming, and illuminating. Thank you to these authors and to Dan MacDonald for sharing a passion for books and reading. I still don't know if I fully understand the concept of “readerity” yet, but I love the conversations and contemplations that it has inspired. I am looking forward to the next instalment in this series. 

 

- Lisa Doucet

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George Elliott Clarke Presents: Five Poets Breaking Into Song Sunday February 12, 2023 2 - 4PM 

Paul O’Reagan Hall, Halifax Central Library

TD presents African Heritage Month 

Since 2020, George Elliott Clarke, the 7th National Poet Laureate, has enlisted Canadian composers to set the poems of Canadian icons including Leonard Cohen, Louise Bernice Halfe, Gwendolyn MacEwen, and Al Moritz to music. 

 

Joining George for the latest edition of his patented series will be Afua Cooper, Amatoritsero Ede, Sylvia Hamilton, El Jones, and Monica Mutale. Come enjoy hearing the poets read from their works, and listen to how local composer Nevawn Patrick has set their poetry to music performed by vocalist Linda Carvery with pianist Holly Arsenault.