Poems by Richard Jarrette
Michigan State University Press (2010)
If you are like me, you’ve often wondered why someone picked out a particular book to give to you as a gift. Also, if you are like me, your reading is very scheduled, organized, chosen, valued, and reserved for those precious times when you can relax and concentrate. Often when a foreign book enters your chosen realm, a first response can be: Why this book? I’m already stacked. How do I fit this book in?
I ask you to consider and ponder why this particular book and why now. Usually the giver has put some effort and thought as to why they think you would want to spend your time reading their gift. This exercise can be an interesting puzzle to solve. Receiving a book to read that has never crossed into your reading plain of desire can lead to a rewarding and bonding experience. A possible starting point for a new conversation adding to a larger and deeper friendship.
Recently, my old Lemurian bookseller pal Tom sent me an inscribed copy of Beso the Donkey. Upon receiving, I scanned the poems (not too intimidating); Read the wrapper blurbs (W. S. Merwin, James Hirschfield and Joseph Stroud: All poets whose books I have enjoyed); Critiqued the wrapper art and felt that Beso came for a reason. Reading in the midst of Christmas retail exhaustion, this little book has been very pleasant. I doubt if I ever would have looked at this book. It wasn’t part of Lemuria’s inventory and I didn’t know the poet. Beso has been refreshing.
My point is that when you receive a book this Christmas don’t be too quick to judge your interest level. Let the gift settle into your life figure out why it is within your reach and why now. I believe books come when they are supposed to–why and how I am not sure. However, usually there is a reason; Naturally, it just happens. A wonderful rewarding reading experience can be the intended gift.
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