Powell Books

Lynn Powell, Old and New Testaments (University of Wisconsin Press, 1995)

Wow. This is some seriously fine stuff.

Lynn Powell's first book of poetry (which won three awards, including the Norma Faber First Book Award) is a testament in every sense of the word. Don't bother trying to tell the Biblical literalists, however. Powell's volume focuses on the earthly, and how the spiritual relates to it; this is the kind of stuff capable of making a person understand how the physical and the spiritual are intertwined, not exclusive.

The four parts of the book go through four aspects of life (birth, sensual awakening, marriage, and death), emphasizing the beauty and harmony of each, the spiritual aspect working with, but never dominating, the physical:

"Oh God, keep me a mediocre Mary!
Dilute my children's love with selfishness,
let them refuse the treacherous kiss, never know
the miserable cup. Make their lives long, happy, ordinary-
and forgive the mother, reaching for Your hem, craving that miracle."
("Raising Jesus")

A wonderful book, highly recommended all around. ****

When friends of mine were arguing recently about whether to raise their new baby with or without a conventional religious education, I gave them Lynn Powell's Old & New Testaments. In Powell's hands, the Bible stories and verses, mysteries and perils learned in childhood become a vital myth that colors and deepens almost every aspect of daily life, for both the child and the adult she becomes. One is tempted to conclude that the conditions of a Baptist upbringing are necessary and sufficient to make a poet-that this is the school all poets should go to. Of course, the material is well served by the observant imagination of the child Powell was and the keen intelligence, humor, and sure-footed craft of the adult poet who has clearly found her metier.

Powell's book, winner of the 1995 Brittingham Prize in Poetry, is organized in four parts representing the Old and New Testaments of the title, but not in the expected order: Genesis, Song of Solomon, Revelation, and Job-the beginning, the idyllic time, the end, and finally, returning to the Old Testament's most timeless book, Job, the existential present.

The poems range over childhood and family, illness and age, marriage and parenthood, love and marital conflict, with biblical and daily-life texts interwoven in the most natural and immediate way. At the outset, in "Nativity," we realize how compatible the Bible stories are with the domain of childhood and the imagination. The poem's structure (a sestina) reflects the interplay of contradictions and opposites, and their many mutations, that will continue throughout the book and that is inherent in the story of Jesus. It begins:

Some parents shy away from the body,
but we hush up about the cross-
rereading our daughter the story about Jesus
we most believe in: mother
and father kneeling after the hard birth,
humbled by the exhaustions of love.

In its alternations and ringing-of-changes on the six repeated words (most of which are different tones of the same, muted vowel), the unstrained sestina suits well the alternations of, and variations on, its ideas. The words Powell commits the poem to-body, cross, Jesus, mother, birth, love-prove up to the task, able to sustain the poem's progression of meaning. This is partly because she lets them assume many forms: As the narrative moves through the six stanzas, "birth" alternates with "death," "Jesus" with "Christ" and "God." "Mother" becomes "Mommy," and also the poet's mother to whom she whispered, "I think God would have picked me as Mother/Mary if he'd sent his son right now", and finally both "Mom" and the "Mary" whose part the child has taken. The cross takes on varied meanings, as an adjective (Herod, jealous and cross), and later, part of the sweet, vivid picture of the poet's baby son, enlisted as Jesus in his sister's play, "a prop, lovingly swaddled in blue dish towels, his head criss-crossed/with paisley scarves..."

There are many more poems that deserve mention for the arresting pictures they paint, their observant juxtaposition of the sacred and domestic, their transparent, playful craft. Powell's world is a world where the implications of the imagination are taken seriously, and where we're reminded that the Bible is as fertile a source for intelligent, lively contemporary poetry as Homer or Dante. In showing us this world, Powell has created a remarkably unified and satisfying book

Powells.com is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon and online bookseller that operates like Amazon. I get their monthly newsletter, which has reviews of the latest books as well as interviews with authors. Sometimes I read the interview, depending on who the author is. This book, however, is all interviews. All kinds of writers and artists talking about their books. Bill Bryson, Mary Higgins Clark, Roddy Doyle, Ian Frazier, A.M. Homes, Anne Liebovitz, Paul Thereau, and others. It's well done. Weich keeps the interviews interesting. And although I enjoyed some more than others, I read a lot of interviews I would usually pass on, and found some of them surprisingly interesting, even added some of their books to my wish list.

When writers stop by Powells, a large, independent bricks and mortar bookstore in Portland, Oregon, to read and sign books, employee Dave Weich interviews them for Powells.com, the Internet side of the business. Weich does his homework, reading (and comprehending) each author's works in advance and skillfully drawing them into discussion. The results are highly engaging, informative conversations that compare to Terry Gross's interviews on NPR. This volume gathers 22 interviews that largely took place in 1999 and 2000. It is interesting to read a rather prophetic exchange with David Brancaccio about e-commerce that took place before the bubble burst, or to check in on Helen Fielding between the Bridget books. Pico Iyer has some cogent observations on globalization, while Bill Bryson, William Least Heat Moon, and Paul Theroux talk about travel and place. Weich is a charming host who gets his guests to reveal the realities of publishing and how they got started in addition to talking about how they create. This is time spent pleasurably and money very well spent--the proceeds benefit the Literacy Volunteers of America.

you have to admit, ricky's camera has captured specific moments in time when new york was for the most part, very raw and exciting. from snaps on the sneak tip on Ave A. to flicks of method man hangin in the east vil, powell has produced another instant classic for all hip hop fans and other pop culture enthusiasts to enjoy.

Ricky Powell brings New York, both old and new, to life. On every page, faces and places come together reminding you of an era. "Public Access" is exactly what it says: access to Ricky's personal New York City. Enjoy the party.

If you are like me you have always felt there was something missing in modern religion...the feminine side of God. This book helps explain what happened to that aspect of the divinity when the Catholic Church gained control of Christianity and made it completely male-oriented, condemning any sign of femininity to silence and dishonor.

This is a very good introduction to the Sophianic tradition, which has transcended many faiths and cultures since the dawn of mankind. Powell does a good job of integrating different historical sources and experiences to provide us a compelling account of the role of The Divine Sophia in human history, despite the historical attempts to suppress Her influence.

Telling Lies about the Wolves, the new book of Mason Powell's "literary tales," is a great treat and a pleasure to read. These fourteen stories, written between 1978 and 1984, represent a startling variety of styles, and each one is an understated gem by the renowned Berkeley writer.

Many of the stories concern homosexuality, directly or peripherally, and Powell paints magnificent pictures of the LA. theater scene, San Francisco's South of Market hustling world, high school jock culture, and more,in colorful studies of intimate relationships undergoing powerful change

The first two stories in the book, one funny and one almost painfully tender, touch on the author's high school experiences with girls, the movies, male friendship under fire, and teenage sexual identity. "Bruce Hagarty: All-American" also explores the fine line between roles that gay men must play. In this case, a professional sports hero's personal fantasy life is revealed to a perfectly--drawn stereotypical gay couple, with unexpected and humorous results.

"At a Party in Pasadena", one of the two "supernatural" stories in this collection, plays with spirit possession or channeling, as it meets knee-jerk Kinsey-scale self-definition. The main character falls in love with a sexual spirit briefly inhabiting the body of his male heartthrob, but, as it happens, the next time the spirit appears it is in another body....a woman's!

The other story dealing with the supernatural is "Chisolm Legacy", a hard-core western ghost story. Powell creates a frightening, atypical haunted--goldmine--inherited--from--crazy--uncle yarn of terror, torture, and the salvation of love

"Coming Out" is a charming and very funny coming--out--to--parents story with a twist. "Trash Body" could be subtitled, "Three drag queens exchange marvelous, weird, and bizarre pickup stories while looting a dumpster".

And the title story, "Telling Lies about the Wolves", describes the unlikely events leading to the author's journeying to Alaska with a crew filming a B--movie sequel about wolves. The deliciously detailed, eventful movie-making process is disastrously interrupted by a theatrical accident, when a "controlled" explosion starts an avalanche, and a war of personalities becomes a battle for survival.

Powell's published novels range from the excellent cop mystery "For the Love of a Green-eyed Piano player" to the heavily erotic S&M classic "The Brig." His short stories have been published all over, and are fairly hard to find, so this collection will please Powell's longtime fans and engender new ones.

Most of the stories collected in Telling Lies about the Wolves were written in the late 1970's and 80's for magazines aimed at the gay market. With this collection, they can reach a wider audience. Like Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City, these stories capture the flavor of the gay culture, in all its splendid variety, that flourished before AIDS. Powell has a gift for turning prejudices and preconceptions on their heads with wry compassion. Those who are familiar with the gay subculture will have a particular appreciation for some aspects of the stories, but they should appeal to anyone who is human. In this day of shrinking short story markets, Mason Powell demonstrates just how good short fiction can be.

This is a great book and deserves the 5 stars I gave it. When I ordered the book, I was not aware of its contents in terms of photography or writing. But with the combination of beautiful photographs but perhaps more importanly with the writing, the books actually makes you experience the house as though you were actually there. The author's gift for language, combined with his technical understanding of architecture in general and the elements of tropical Asian architecture in particular, will feed your imagination with ideas about the wonderful possibilities of finding design elements that will bring joy to your life. Highly recommended, for looking at, and for reading.

Architect Robert Powell, a contributor to some of the latest Asian tropical style/garden/architecture books, has written this fairly straightforward book highlighting some remarkable Asian homes of recent design. It is very well illustrated and many of the photos show shadows and light to excellent effect.

It is something of a showcase for several Asian architecture firms, and the range of style is remarkably wide. Powell gets into the philosophy behind each design, discussing such matters as flow, function, exploitation of view or site features, use of vernacular, even local religious or cultural beliefs. Each house (total: 27) has its own chapter, with several good photos, general plans (!), elevations, and an essay about the structure and what each architect was expressing. While the text is sober and without fluff, reader can find in it a pleasing sense of respect for land, nature, materials, culture. (One disgusting exception: the photo of a room in a Thai house which contains several tiger and other exotic animal skins on the floor)!

If you are working with an architect and want to produce a certain effect, this book offers real solutions and helpful possibilities. Amazing variety.

I took the very first edition of "Turn Left at the Pub" with me on my very first trip to Britain in 1972, when I was a graduate student on a limited budget. Rather than doing the usual tourist stuff, I wanted to get a "feel" for what Britain was, and had been during the medieval period I was studying. This book was terrific: the authors offered fresh perspectives on popular destinations such as Bath and the Cotswolds, and their recommendations for "off the beaten track" walks in Cornwall were superb. The descriptions were informative, thorough, and great fun to read. Later editions of the book have updated the contents while remaining true to the spirit of the original. This is one of the best guidebooks I've ever used, and it has much to offer to the seasoned traveler as well as the person making a first trip to Britain. I highly recommend it.

I agree withthe high praise given this book by the previous reviewer, but I would not give the book five stars. While it covers many areas often neglected in tour books of Great Britain, it does not give the detailed information which distinguishes a truly invaluable guide.

Twenty walks are included, though some are in the same location: Bath (2), Cambridge (2), Canterbury, Chichester, Church Stretton, Dorchester, Hay-on-Wye, Knole, Oxford (2), St. David's and Solva, Salisbury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Tenby, Wells, and York (2).

Each walk is covered in eight to ten pages including a one or two page map (labelled with main thoroughfares only). The tours lead one to enchanting sites and draw one's attention to architectural and historical points of interest, but the narrative is minimal and so may detract from one's enjoyment of a place. No information is given about the approximate length of a walk or transport to and from the walk, nor niceties such as refreshments available along the way, but museums are listed with times (not phone numbers). There is good index.

I would rate this book three-and-a-half stars but that is not possible. I will round up to four because I think that the spirit of this book is not to document every step of your way, but rather to help you enjoy the underdiscovered path; in that it succeeds, and would make a lovely supplement to a more traditional tour book.

The plot follows three sisters in the Caribbean who one day witness a turtle laying its eggs on the beach. Since the eggs are sought after by humans, they organize to protect them. During the plot we get to follow the daily rhythms and activities, and smells and sounds are brought to life.

This text holds your interest in the development of the plot while you bask in vibrant and vivid descriptions of the sunny Caribbean West Indies. Young sisters are fascinated by the ocean animals that choose their beaches to lay their eggs. A wonderful informative story that describes the plight of the threatened extinction of Leatherback Turtles. On a cold Winter's day, this book warms you until you hear the rocking of the waves and sounds of Caribbean rythms echoing life in the West Indies.

I'm not sure what I expected, but the stories were very personal. I liked that, and it captured the region well. As a true city-folk, I read this book prior to my recent visit to the Powell River region. It prepared me well for what I was to find there, and I appreciated the flavor of the region more by reading this book. Unfortunately, I didn't get to experience some of the secret spots the author highlights, since many of these locations are impossible for tourists to access without a boat. But the stories gave me a flavor of life in this region. At times, it wasn't clear how much of this was fiction and how much was factual, but after a few chapters that didn't seem to matter. It was simply a good book to describe a unique geographic area that is very difficult to reach (requires at least two ferries). The author's website indicates that there will be a followup volumbe (Up the Main). I'll definitely be first in line to buy it.

I love to read about the local area and find new places to visit. I recently found "Up the Lake" and the cover photo caught my eye. I was intrigued by the word stories in the title and wasn't disappointed. The author's personal reflections and "stories" were fun to read. The maps and pictures were an added bonus and gave me ideas of places to visit and things to try when I get time off this summer. Good read.

Wabi Sabi for Writers is a philosophical source of inspiration for intermediate to advanced writers. Author Richard Powell, who studied at the Kootenay School of Writing under such acclaimed authors as Margaret Atwood and David McFadden, Wabi Sabi for Writers emphasizes that while perfection is great to strive for, the struggle to create flawless beauty is in essence a false idea in an imperfect universe - absolute "perfection" is impossible, yet imperfection contains within its own sense of timeless beauty. Written in a soothing style of narrative flow, Wabi Sabi for Writers applies ancient Japanese aesthetic to modern practical principles and suggestions, and is filled cover to cover with tips, tricks, and techniques for improving one's writing production rate. From the value of personally experiencing and connecting with nature, to applying the concept of "yugen" in hinting at depths below the surface and engaging the conscious mind to puzzle over the unseen, Wabi Sabi for Writers is an invaluable and inspirational tool for promoting personal fulfillment as well as improved quality in one's writing.

I found this book in the most unlikely places-- a local new age store. Later would it prove to be one of the best places to find such information. I own Powell's other book, Wabi Sabi simple, which provides a broader and more introduction to this concept. I was amused and amazed that here was a book on a subject that I am growing more and more interested in, encapsulated inside a well written, personal account on writing.

According to Powell, writing lends itself well to the ways of wabi sabi. For it is through exploration, simple natural elements, connecting and sharing with others the passion for writing, and the test of time that turns an item into something wabi sabi. The same can be said about writing. Good writing, has to have certain universal elements, explore some "element of nature" (natural or humankind), and withstand the test of time. Writers also need a reader, for without the act of sharing, the story cannot be complete. The rest of the book, then, uses inner dialog with the haiku poet, Basho; personal tales of experience that help to illustrate how one achieves points while being on the path of wabi sabi; and examples of writing, contemporary and canonical, that he considers wabi sabi to show writers how to apply this to their own works

The book is broken down by topic chapters, these being: Wabi Sabi for Writers, Inspiration, Education, Wabi Sabi Beauty, Enlightenment, Motivation, Community, Wabi Sabi Elements, and Craft. Powell sets the theme of each topic with a small inner dialog question and answer session between himself (the writer) and the great haiku poet, Basho, who he questions about why these elements are important to both wabi sabi and a writer who desires to attain the idea of finding the truth through the craft of words. He then goes into the heart of each chapter discussing how writers can get more out of their daily and lifelong practice of writing if they applied these concepts and ideas to their work. While Powell focuses most of his examples around his love of haiku and other Japanese poetic forms, he says that any writers can benefit from the knowledge of wabi sabi.

And I agree with him. Already this book has awoken a new perspective in me. The chapter on Community, for example, discusses how we writers aren't really meant to practice our craft in a vacuum, but rather share and get help from other writers. We are not meant to write alone. Only one half of the story gets told, the other half... unfolds when someone else reads and interprets our words. Not to mention all the writing groups (like NaNoWriMo) which encourage writing with partners, in groups and sharing ideas and pitfalls so that others can help us gain more insight into our own works.

The book also helps shape your words and your voice as you write. It's a constant reminder that writing takes time to develop and uncover the right words to use for the right scene. It is okay to not get things down right the first time, that you can go back and add more complexity and layer more meaning onto the draft as time goes on. In the chapter on Wabi Sabi Elements, Powell suggests that instead of passing off time or seasons in your work, you should describe the world around your characters, the smells in the air, the way that leaves fall of trees or snow sprinkles to the ground to instill a sense of natural beauty and wonder into your written work.

I also like how Powell breaks down each chapter into smaller chunks and snippets of things we, writers, can do to add a greater dimension and spirituality to our works. We're not just carefully crafting stories but we're breathing real life into the works. It's easier to break apart this large ambiguous concept into more concrete chunks and makes a lot more sense. Which could be one reason why I have never really finished Wabi Sabi Simple, even though I enjoyed reading it as well.

The book ends with a glossary of common Japanese terms and a small (but comprehensive) appendix of Suggested Reading which contains contemporary works, alongside some good books on haiku and history on Basho. The reading list alone is an added bonus to view works of wabi sabi writing in practice.

I highly recommend this book for those who are into wabi sabi philosophy, writing haiku or just wanting to maybe add another layer of dimension onto your writing crafts and want to expand and explore new writing techniques.

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