I’ve officially returned for my spring semester at the University of Kansas!
As many of you already know, I’m studying to get my bachelor’s degree in English and Creative Writing. Because of that, I’m in two writing courses this semester—Poetry and Nonfiction. I’m really excited for what this semester will bring. I’m sure I will have the wonderful opportunity to connect with other passionate readers and writers (just like the magnificent opportunity this website has brought me by introducing us!)
For fun, I thought I’d share what books we’re reading in regards to these subjects. Maybe you’ve already read them, or maybe you’ll think about picking them up. Either way, I’m sure I’ll review them as time passes, and I hope you all can gain as much as I hopefully will from them.
Poetry Writing:
Well Then There Now by Juliana Spahr
The new black by Evie Shockley (I’ve actually already read this poetry collection, and it’s fantastic representation of generational shifts within the black culture.)
The Unmemntioable by Erín Moure
Poetry! Poetry! Poetry! by Peter Davis
Nonfiction Writing: (I’ve never taken a Nonfiction writing course, so I’m particularly anticipating this one.)
How to Write a Sentence: And How to Read One by Stanley Fish
Short Takes: Brief Encounters with Contemporary Nonfiction Judith Kitchen
The Art of the Personal Essay: An Anthology from the Classical Era to the Present by Phillip Lopate
Crafting the Personal Essay: A Guide for Writing and Publishing Creative Non-Fiction by Dinty Moore
Touchstone Anthology of Contemporary Creative Nonfiction Works from 1970 to the Present by Lex Williford and Michael Martone
Today I read the first 51 pages of Spahr’s “Well Then There Now” and Sarah Levine’s essay “The Essayist Is Sorry for Your Loss,” (via Touchstone Anthology) and I already love them.
What required readings did you love the most in school? Which ones were the most helpful? I’d love to hear your answers.
Happy Friday!

On January 24, it was my father’s birthday! This (with our creepy glowing eyes) is our surprise party for him.
~SAT