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Read All Over celebrates the bookworm in all of us, showcasing readers in Vancouver and the books they love most. |
| Bonnie Nish is a poet and storyteller. She is the co-founder and Executive Director of Pandora's Collective, a writing collective that hosts the Twisted Poets Literary Salon, Word Whips, and Book Talks. She is also the Executive Producer of the Summer Dreams Literary Arts Festival. |
What are you currently reading?
Nothing (laughs). I was reading on the plane (home from Europe) a book of short stories about Berlin that I bought in Berlin.
I just bought two books of poetry: one called The Red Thread by Elizabeth McKim, she was the poet laureate where I was going to school this summer (European Graduate School in Saas-Fee, Switzerland), and Sally Atkins' book of poetry, Picking Clean the Bones, which was quite delightful. I haven't read Elizabeth's book but I heard her read from it.
In all honesty, the only thing I've been reading for the past two years is stuff for my Master's thesis, which I've just finished.
How do you like your books served up best - audio books, graphic novels, used paperbacks, library loaner, e-reader...?
I like to own books. Hardcovers so I can take them to bed with me.
Bonnie Nish with one of her favourite books in her reading chair at home. Cody makes sure her feet stay warm.
What books have changed your life?
Probably my favourite poet is Li-Young Lee. A lot of people don't know him, and I'm surprised. He's an American poet originally from Indonesia and China and he now lives and teaches in Chicago. His poetry really changed my voice and the way I write and view poetry. Absolutely the work of Li-Young Lee. You can see him on YouTube on the Berkeley Lunchtime reading series. He talks about breath and just the way he thinks.
The one book you always recommend is...
Li-Young Lee's books. He has this poem called "Have You Prayed?" from his book Behind My Eyes. I've used it in different things like workshops. I had to do a presentation for one of my master's courses and I used it, and when I was at Saas-Fee I took over a writing group one day and I used it.
Where is your favourite place to crack open a book in Vancouver?
My favourite place is to get on a bus, so I don't have to drive, and go somewhere and take a book with me. There's nothing better than getting on a long bus ride or train ride with a book and getting totally absorbed.
Favourite Vancouver/Lower Mainland writer?
I love Daniela Elza's work. She's probably one of my favourite poets. Robin Susanto, who's not a big-name poet, is also one of my favourite poets. Aislinn Hunter as well. I love her work.
What's next on your reading list?
I've just started a PhD and so I have to do a critical analysis of The Soul's Code by James Hillman.
What writer would you love to hear read their work?
Li-Young Lee. I would go anywhere to hear him read.
What book or story impressed you as a child? Were you obsessed with any particular ones?
As a teenager, oh, I would go through whole series of books by writers. Thomas Hardy. I would just sit and read. I would go to my best friend's cottage and sit on the beach or by the window at night and read. Her dad was an English professor so I would just go through their shelves. Dostoevsky, Slaughterhouse Five, a whole bunch of Vonnegut. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Dickens. All the classics.
What book makes you feel like a kid again?
Not any book in particular, but any good book of poetry will move me to that place. My dad used to read poetry to me all the time when I was young. My father had an amazing memory and there was one poem he used to recite to me all the time, "Trees" by Joyce Gilmore, so I always remember that poem.
What is the most cherished item in your library?
My ex-husband and I, one of the things we loved doing was going to used book stores when we travelled. We collected old books. I have an old copy of a Dickens book, just to be able to feel the leather. Those are probably some of my cherished books. But I have a collection of poetry, it's like an anthology of poems, that my Dad gave me and I would say that is probably my most cherished.
Your life story is published tomorrow. What's the title?
"Finding Voice," which was the title of my Master's thesis.
The Summer Dreams Literary Arts Festival is August 25 at Trout Lake. Look for our preview next week.
