Bonus Episode! We're celebrating National Poetry Month
and our feelings about poetry might surprise you...
Hello, listeners!
I have officially reached the “practicing floral watercolor and feeding my sourdough starter twice a day” phase of social distancing. It’s much better than the “wake up and stare at the wall in existential dread” phase from a few weeks ago, and I figure that once my sourdough starter is ripe, it can only get better from there.
Today’s bonus episode was so much fun to record. I know we’ve both said it before, but I’ll say it again: our weekly podcast recordings have been such a bright spot in these strange times, and it’s extra special to hear from listeners who are enjoying Novel Pairings right now, too.
In addition to discussing our personal feelings about poetry (coming to enjoy poetry was a winding path for both of us), Sara and I share a few of our favorite poems and poets, a peek into our classrooms, and recommendations for amazing novels in verse. We’re not here to convince you to read poetry if it’s not your thing, but chances are, you might relate to our own high school poetry experiences (spoiler: they weren’t great).
If you’re feeling inspired to celebrate poetry with us, here are a few more resources:
30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month at Home or Online
Open mics, gatherings, and other online poetry events
Online classes from the International Writing Program (FREE)
We also stocked our Bookshop.org storefront with a ton of poetry collections, in addition to all of the texts we mention on the podcast episode.
Some of these links are Bookshop affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you make a purchase using these links (plus, you support independent bookstores).
Currently Reading:
I’d hate to jinx it, but I think I’m finally finding my reading rhythm again. I just finished Beach Read by Emily Henry last night (thanks to NetGalley) and loved it. It’s worth a pre-order if you want a perfect blend of romance, women’s fiction, and meta-narrative about writer’s block. Every now and then, I read a short story from N.K. Jemisin’s collection, How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? And I just downloaded a space princess romance (?!) because sometimes you need a bonkers premise to pull you in. I’ve also been tearing through audiobooks* lately. A few titles of note: Most Likely by Sarah Watson, Open Book by Jessica Simpson, and Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
*Listeners, we’re excited to be partnering with Libro.fm to offer you three audiobooks for the price of one. Just click this link to get three audiobooks for $15 all while supporting the pod and independent bookstores!
Where to find us:
Download episodes of Novel Pairings wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. Find Sara at @fictionmatters and my blog. Find me at @chelseyreads or @hereadsheread. We love hearing what you’re reading so feel free to tag us!
We declare after all, there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of any thing than of a book!
Have a lovely week, everyone!
-Chelsey