Langston Hughes

This happy looking dude is Langston Hughes. A fantastic African-American poet who lived from 1906-1967. He's very assecible. Anyone could read his poetry, and appreciate/understand it. The most common theme dealt with in his poetry is racism and the African-American identity. I recently read all of his written poetry and fully enjoyed every moment. poets.org has an awesome recording of Hughes reading his poem, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers" which is one of my favorites.

I, Too, Sing American (probably his most popular poem)

I, too, sing America.

I am the darker brother.
They send me to eat in the kitchen
When company comes,
But I laugh,
And eat well,
And grow strong.

Tomorrow,
I'll be at the table
When company comes.
Nobody'll dare
Say to me,
"Eat in the kitchen,"
Then.

Besides,
They'll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed--

I, too, am America.

If you're interested in expanding your knowlege of poets/poetry, Hughes would be an awesome start.

Narcissistic Walt and Non-Competitive Alisha

Walt Whitman is among the first American poets. It's true, he's pretty much the shiz of poetry, almost every American poet since Whitman can't help but draw from him. Unfortunately, if you read his work, "Song of Myself", it's hard to avoid how much he really adores himself. Annoyingly so. I cannot deny his genius, but can't help but comment that reading "Song of Myself" was somewhat excruciating (seriously Walt? Over a hundred pages of prose dedicated to yourself?...then again, what is a blog if not a overtly lengthy self reflection?).

One phrase did stick out to me. "...battles are lost in the same spirit in which they are won" (yup, that's it. Out of a hundred pages I connected with twelve words...not say the rest wasn't interesting, the passage about "twenty eight men bathe by the shore"was an adventure...just not applicable to me). Anyhow, back to analyzing how this phrase affected me. I'm not really a fan of competition. I suppose this originates from my supressed perfectionism that insists I want to be the best or nothing at all. I remember in high school debate I'd be so torn up about getting second place, while my coach and peers were congratulating me, I was contemplating quitting...bizarre! Whitman points out that it doesn't really matter if you win or lose, it's the "spirit of the battle" that teaches you. I would be better off taking chances, pushing aside perfectionism, and delving into the battle (even if it means last place!!) than standing safely ignorant on the sidelines.

What battles am I avoiding now? Couldn't say, but it's something to think about...

Book Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo and The Girl who Played with Fire

Larson Steig

 

Ah...What to say? Well...it's definitely a fascinating murder mystery with a very unexpected twist. I couldn't put it down BUT this is definitely PG13. I won't spoil much to say it deals with women, the way they're treated, and this culminates in a specific character who's a victim of sexual abuse. It's pretty candid about her abuse and extremely descriptive, so if that doesn't appeal to you don't read it! I personally find the feminist theme quite compelling. It also takes place in modern day Sweden which I found equally interesting. Compelling enough that I picked up the second novel in this trilogy,  The Girl Who Played with Fire. I wasn't as impressed by this second novel as the first. The first one's plot revolves around cracking a murder mystery that's several decades old, it's quite unique. It's uniqueness is largely lost on the second novel. It's quite interesting but not as believable or as unique as the first. I'll definitely have to read the third novel (the second novel leaves you hanging!) The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest...I have a feeling it's all about conspiracy theories (shout out to Trevor!).

Random Tid Bit-The author, Steig Larsson is from Sweden and has a unique Swedish view of the world. But even more interesting is that fact that after submitting these three books to the editor he passed away. Given the editor had to work without Larsson's guidance, what we see may or may not be exactly what Larsson intended.

September 2, 201