'Let's do Lunch' at 77 Square
APPETIZERS
All of Madison, it seems, has taken up knitting these days -- even a high school senior of my acquaintance likes to knit during French class (she says it soothes her mind) -- so no doubt knitters will delight in next week's appearance by the self-styled yarn harlot Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (www.yarnharlot.com).
Pearl-McPhee will discuss "Things I Learned From Knitting (Whether I Wanted to or Not)" at 7 p.m. Monday at Borders East, 2173 Zeier Road.
On Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m., poet Martin Espada will read from "Republic of Poetry" at Escape Java Joint, 916 Williamson St. He will be joined by Madison poets Fabu Mogaka, Eric Mata and Josh Healy.
Finally, perennial Madison favorite Elizabeth Berg will read from her latest collection of short stories, "The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Borders Books West. Publishers Weekly has said that Berg "has a knack for sentimental but authentic stories about women who find affirmation in true-to-life situations."
ENTREE
The day I heard the news about The Capital Times ending its 90-plus-year run as a daily print edition, I shut my office door and had a good cry. It wasn't that I thought radically rethinking the paper was a bad idea (after all, wasn't that the whole point of Mr. Evjue's original experiment?), it was just that I grew up as a writer and an editor under the careful tutelage of my editors at the paper: John Nichols, Jacob Stockinger, Linda Brazill, Phil Haslanger and, most recently, Lynn Danielson.
I know, ultimately, that this plan to keep the best of print and embrace the reality of the virtual makes good sense. And I'm even going to be part of the changes -- this column will continue on as ever, appearing twice monthly in the newly conceived and truly exciting 77 Square. You may even see more of the virtual me in the nearish future.
Still, I do write about the printed word. I guess I'm allowed my moment. More importantly, just as a kid imagines her childhood home will always be the refuge from adulthood and is then heartbroken to learn that mom and dad plan to exchange the four-bedroom, two-story for a sleek modern condo, so was I shocked and dismayed to realize that the place where I became the journalist I am today was undergoing its own transformation.
But then, everything changes. In my nine-plus years of covering Madison's literary scene, I have watched bookstores come and go, authors arrive and leave, projects begin and end, and fads wax and wane. For old time's sake and before my column steps into a brave new future, here are some of the best and worst moments I've seen in the Madison literary scene:
- The WORST (surprisingly, there aren't that many!):
Experiencing the exodus of many worthy writers over the years, including: Tenaya Darlington ("Maybe Baby" and Isthmus) to Philadelphia; Dean Bakopoulos ("Please Don't Come Back From the Moon") to Mineral Point; Imad Rahman ("I Dream of Microwaves") to Manhattan, Kan.; and the list goes on.
Witnessing Paris Review editor and celebrated author Philip Gourevitch shout "the barbarians are at the gate" in response to Kevin Smokler's assertion that "the Dylan of the 21st century will be found in hip-hop" during a panel discussion at the 2005 Wisconsin Book Festival. Not surprisingly, people got up and walked out of the auditorium. (Don't you just love how writers will say whatever comes to mind?)
Watching many bookstores fold their doors over the years. From the beloved and venerable Canterbury Booksellers to a rash of wonderful used booksellers, the years haven't been kind to small bookstores, and thus, to readers.
- The BEST (The reeeaaally short list!):
Witnessing the expansion of several worthy literary outlets, including the new Avol's Bookstore (in the former Canterbury Booksellers space), which hosts numerous poetry readings and smaller literary events throughout the year, and Madison Public Library's focus on literary endeavors such as readings, exhibits and other outreach.
Being present when the Wisconsin Book Festival was born in 2002 and having the pleasure of participating in numerous events. This annual celebration of the book has done a lot to foster literary community and reading in the city of Madison. Constantly reinventing itself and deeply invigorating, this annual event is a must-attend.
Watching Madison become increasingly respected for its literary offerings, its livability and its charm, which, in turn, attracts more writers to our doorstep. Among some of our newer notable denizens: Rae Meadows ("Calling Out") and Michelle Wildgen ("You're Not You").
And with those reflections, I bid you all a fond adieu -- the briefest of pauses, a mere hiccup between columns. When I see you again, it will be May 8, and I'll be in 77 Square, and so will you.
DESSERT
The search has begun for Wisconsin's next poet laureate, an appointed position charged with spreading the good word about poetry throughout the state. Denise Sweet currently serves in the position, and it was previously held by Ellen Kort.
The two-year appointment will begin in September. A major portion of the laureate's work will be performing publicly, attending literary events throughout the state and visiting various locations throughout the state to promote poetry and literacy.
Poets, ages 18 and older, with a publication history, Wisconsin residency of at least a year and the ability to devote time to traveling are encouraged to apply for the position.
Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. May 9 at the Wisconsin Humanities Council, 222 S. Bedford St., Suite F, Madison, WI 53703. Applications will first be reviewed anonymously, with finalist applications forwarded to the governor, who will make the appointment.
To learn more about application criteria and to download the application, visit http://artsboard.wisconsin.gov/static/call_poetlaureate.jpg or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Wisconsin Arts Board, 101 E. Wilson St., First Floor, Madison, WI 53702.
hls@literarylunch.com; www.literarylunch.com
