CA Conrad

i have finished reading this book but i don't want to take it off my currently-reading shelf. it's one of those books that when you finish, it's still...more i have finished reading this book but i don't want to take it off my currently-reading shelf. it's one of those books that when you finish, it's still not finished with you. more than any other book i've read, it is about process. it contains photocopies of CAConrad's notes, the germs of exercises he poses for finding new ways into show more poetry. the base matter has always been there, but Conrad draws new maps to access them. he shows us what the poetry landscape looked like when he was there but that doesn't mean it will look the same for you. and he does expect you to take part. it's interactive. there is a need for poetry in an aching and cruel world full of war and pain. he wants everyone to join him and he teaches us how to make our own way into poetry, not pedagogically, but by example. if you are lucky enough to begin this book, you will never finish it. it is ongoing and will live inside of you like something refreshing and inspiring, constantly renewing hope that war and pain are only one aspect to a life full of wonder and discovery. show less

Mostly fun and completely surreal. Many poems are also deep and heart-wrenching, too. CAConrad has a peculiar sense of humor or brutality disguised as humor that leaves one feeling disturbed in their epiphanies.

CAConrad is one of my favorite poets! For me he's like Eileen Myles in that I know I can invite basically anyone to a reading of his with utter confidence that they will have a good time and thank me for it. Same goes for his book. Read his blog: phillysound.blogspot.com.