Book festival brings authors and readers together
Kat Lerue - May 1st, 2008For the past 11 years the Northern Arizona Book Festival has promoted literature and literacy in northern Arizona through readings by local and visiting authors, and by hosting writing workshops and writing-related panels.
The festival continued to regale Flagstaff with exciting readings by distinctive writers, and this year’s festival, held on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, was no exception.
Guest authors at this year’s festival included Dorothy Allison and Tim Seibles.
Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard out of Carolina, read her work on Friday at the Orpheum Theater.
“Dorothy Allison really got into her reading. It was amazing and powerful,” said Elissa Senra-Sargent, a senior anthropology major.
Saturday’s reading at the Orpheum was equally distinctive. The reading opened with local writer Jill Divine, who teaches poetry at Coconino County College.
Divine read poetry from her book, Game. Much of Divine’s poetry was based around her experiences as a mother, and as a poet. Divine dedicated her reading to her parents and their support.
One of Divine’s students attended the reading and was equally supportive of the writer.
“It was really nice to see my instructor get recognition for what she does,” said Samuel Raymond, a CCC freshman.
Divine’s reading was followed by a reading from Sean Carswell. Carswell read three chapters from his novel Train Wreck Girl, a book that is equal parts tragic and humorous, which is set in Flagstaff at the turn of our century.
Carswell, who sported a turquoise-dyed goatee, broke out into an impromptu dance during his reading.
“I really liked how familiar his writing felt,” said Zane de la Cruz, a sophomore environmental science major.
Finally, the stage was graced with award-winning poet Tim Seibles, who gave an exciting and energized reading of his work.
Seibles, author of the poetry collections Hurdy-Gurdy and Hammerlock, read primarily from his latest collection of poetry, Buffalo Head Solos. He opened with the poem “Fearless,” a poem filled with wild nature-related imagery.
Seibles read several of his poems, punctuating his performance with relatable and funny asides. He dedicated one poem to the late NAU poetry professor, Jim Simmerman. Another poem, “First Kiss,” a rollickingly erotic ode to mouth-to-mouth action, was dedicated to “lips and everyone who has them.”
Seibles’ reading elicited much applause and even a few shouts from his audience.
Following the readings, all three authors signed copies of their books and spoke with audience members.
The Northern Arizona Book Festival continues to dazzle the local community with an exciting array of visiting authors and continues to be a satisfying experience for book lovers.
In the words of Sendra-Sargent, who was minding the merchandise booth: “I’m just so in love with this festival. I admire the fact that this exists.”