reader / writer / teacher
Over the last year or so I am finding I have more and more unread or half finished books on my desk and shelf. I think that has to do with an issue of focus and depression. And I have revision tasks I’ve put off and off for far too long as well. My Monte … Continue reading when a writer loses the way
D and I escaped from the election and Trump fallout and enjoyed the Hoagland Center for the Arts’ presentation of A Raisin in the Sun. I’ve always enjoyed Lorraine Hansberry‘s family drama and the production had some strong performances. I found the play to be a very timely message on standing up and facing injustice as well … Continue reading a raisin in the sun
After a long semester of teaching I found some time to indulge in studying the novella Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo. I’ve been an admirer of Rulfo’s career and this book reads as a tremendous progression from his short stories I was introduced to in his book The Burning Plain. What I found in this work is a … Continue reading quick note–twin peaks, juan rulfo and spirit world voices
Episode 562 This American Life–The Problem We All Live With I’ve lived and taught in the Midwest for ten years now and have yet to fully understand the place and the people. After the Michael Brown shooting and the Ferguson riots, I found this incredible episode of This American Life on Michael Brown’s school district–the worst district in … Continue reading podcast recommendation: this american life episode 562–the problem we all live with
available now on kindle, smashwords The House of Order–stories, the first collection of composite stories by John Paul Jaramillo, presents a stark vision of American childhood and family, set in Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. 2013 International Latino Book Award Finalist–The Mariposa Award–Best First Book–Fiction Latino Stories.com 2013 Top Ten “New” Latino Authors to Watch (and Read) Continue reading the house of order now available on kindle and smashwords
The power of the Internet brought me this mp3 of Amy Hempel reading “The Harvest” and suddenly I know what we’re listening to in class tomorrow. http://www.wiredforbooks.org/mp3/AmyHempel.mp3 Amy Hempel — “I moved through the days like a severed head that finishes a sentence.” Continue reading amy hempel reading
This film is from 2009 and from director Bobcat Goldthwait. I missed it because of a limited release. I most admired Robin Williams playing a frustrated writer and teacher in this dark comedy. Love the scenes in poetry class. “I used to think the worst thing in life was ending up alone, it’s not. The … Continue reading film recommendation: world’s greatest dad
Fascinating documentary about Sam Shepard’s forty year letter writing correspondence with friend Johnny Dark. Shepard stands as one my favorite authors and I enjoyed the inside look into how Shepard works and operates as a playwright–travelling around with his dog and his typewriter. Continue reading documentary recommendation: shepard and dark
Just heard of this film adaptation from Lois Lowry’s novel. Looks well done. Continue reading the giver film adaptation
Lately for many reasons I feel I’ve been living inside of a Philip K. Dick novel, so I’ve been rereading a couple of my favorite–Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said and A Scanner Darkly. What does a scanner see? Into the head? Down into the heart? Does it see into me, into us? Clearly or darkly? … Continue reading film recommendation: a scanner darkly
Happy to hear my story “Arkansas Flood 1964” will soon have a home in Pilgrimage Magazine. Continue reading “arkansas flood 1964” in pilgrimage magazine
Big Sur may be my least favorite Jack Kerouac novel. While On the Road and The Subterraneans captured youth and restlessness, Big Sur relates the aged, alcoholic Kerouac. And perhaps that is why I don’t enjoy the book. Kerouac’s persona is one of such a broken down writer unable to cope with fame and personal relationships. … Continue reading quick review of big sur feature film
The other day a student came in to the office while I was reading a graphic novel and asked me what I was doing slacking off at school. He seemed to think I was getting away from my responsibilities. Well, this holiday I’m thankful I will have a bit of time off soon to prep … Continue reading thankful for graphic novels
I was interested to find this update on the Neruda exumation. Seems that he was not poisoned but family not satisfied or convinced according to a few articles. Continue reading update: neruda not poisoned
I’ve long read and admired Junot Diaz‘ style of prose. I’m almost embarrassed to say how much I’ve modeled my own work after his. This latest collection of work contains all the themes of trouble and failure at its heart. And also the redemption. I continue to admire how the work follows a consistent universe … Continue reading quick review of junot díaz’ this is how you lose her
