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The Opposite of Clairvoyance by Gillian Wegener - Review & Giveaway

Friday, 29 August 2008, 12:10 | Category : Book Review and Giveaway, Poetry
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Scan through the archives of carp(e) libris reviews and you’ll find quite a selection of poetry. As I learn more and more about poetry, and as we learn to have a deeper appreciation for it through reviews and giveaways, I’m refining my tastes in the craft a little more with each book. The Opposite of Clairvoyance holds something of a blend of strength of voice and gentleness of spirit that I keep finding myself drawn into. Gillian Wegener’s selection of poems in her new book (published by Sixteen Rivers Press) covers a multitude of subjects that keep continuity through Wegener’s unique voice and musical rhythm. I often wonder how poetry would sound when read aloud by the poet, and this book is no exception.

Whether you’re a nature lover, someone who gains solace from reading heartbreak, or a mom in love with her kids, you’ll find something to relate to in The Opposite of Clairvoyance. But don’t make the mistake of thinking this poetry is cotton candy and tulips. There is a power to the voice as well as an edge, and many of the poems have an undercurrent of longing or reveal a disappointment in life. Regardless of the topic, each one ends leaving the reader to pause and reflect. For me, this is one of the main reasons to read a poem - reflection, either on the positive or negative aspects in life, and possibly the hope that the poet feels the same way we do, expressing it in ways we never thought to attempt.

To win your own autographed copy of The Opposite of Clairvoyance, read on.

3 Ways to Win:

1.) Leave a comment telling me what you look for when choosing poetry. Do you like something you can relate to? Easy to understand? Or do you like something more abstract? Have fun with your comment! Winners are randomly chosen, but if the name drawn doesn’t respond, I choose the next winner by comment.
2.) Email subscribers are entered into this and all future giveaways, for as long as their subscription is active. Simply place your email address in the little white box at the top of my sidebar on the right. (Please make sure to verify your Feedburner subscription by responding to the email they send you. If you don’t receive it, check your junk mail. Only verified subscriptions are entered for all the giveaways.)
3.) Blog about this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post. Come back and leave me a Comment with a link to your blog post.
Do all three, and you’ve got three entries to win! You have until midnight EST on Monday, September 1, 2008, to enter.

39 Comments for “The Opposite of Clairvoyance by Gillian Wegener - Review & Giveaway”

  1. 1Clifton Wade

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 15:50

    Sounds interesting!
    Thanks for this great contest prize!

  2. 2Constance Spanios

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 16:06

    Every once in awhile I find myself in the mood for poetry. It’s usually when something has happenned that has touched my heart, and I can’t seem to find the meaning for it, so I look for meaning in written words… between Psalms and poetry, I often find my answer somehow. I look for things that relate to what I am experiencing, and I find new and different perspectives. Words can be very hurtful, but they can also be very soothing and healing, as well. This would be a nice “after bath with a glass of wine” book!!!!

  3. 3ruth

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 17:24

    My poetry choice is definitely about something with which I can relate. I enjoy realistic portrayal of scenes, feelings and events. This type of reading soothes my heart and soul.

  4. 4Anne

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 17:45

    I enjoy poetry that makes me think and stirs emotions in me! Any emotions!

  5. 5Maja

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 18:19

    I like the one that depicts love suffering or yearning, or erotic one.

    Subscriber.

  6. 6Cindi

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 20:09

    I am eclectic in the poetry that I read depending on my mood at the time. Sometimes, relating to the poetry is important and other times I need the challenge of the abstract and more to think about. You find the most unique and interesting books. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks, Cindi

  7. 7Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 21:20

    I like beautiful prose, and haikus. Great giveaway, thanks!

  8. 8christopher h

    wrote on 29 August 2008 at 23:13

    i read poetry that friends tell me about. well, that friends insist i read.

  9. 9Zoe Lee

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 0:47

    Hello-
    For me poetry has to be passionate and have a strong sense of direction. I love double entendre, and love poems especially.

  10. 10gautami tripathy

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 4:16

    I write poetry.

    I choose poetry whih touches me. Which makes me think.It can be abstract, it an be specific. I can read any kind depending on my mood.

    Do count me in!

  11. 11Susan C

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 8:05

    I like long poems that tell a story!

  12. 12Kimberly V.

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 9:24

    I look for poetry that “speaks” to me and gets me thinking. I like poetry that helps me to find the beauty all around us and the true meaning of life. I also like funny poetry. Silly poetry is fun sometimes to read with the kids.

    Thank you for the giveaway. I am also a subscriber.

  13. 13Kathy Scott

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 10:51

    I wish that someone would write me some love poetry. My husband is so unromantic.

  14. 14Desmond

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 16:39

    I prefer poetry that 1) rhymes, 2) scans, and 3) makes sense. These days, I’ll settle for two out of the three.

  15. 15BRANDON CAIRE

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 19:42

    I love reading soft poetry!

  16. 16mark

    wrote on 30 August 2008 at 19:49

    Not a big fan of poetry, but can change.

  17. 17Elizabeth M.

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 5:31

    I generally like poetry that evokes images and thoughts for me. It’s usually abstract and leaves me not completely sure what the author’s meaning is. When reading poetry to the kids though, it’s all about silliness and rhymes.

  18. 18Sharon Jones

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 5:42

    Ilove fun poetry…easy to understand and something I can read to my grandkids

  19. 19Karen Gonyea

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 9:15

    I love poetry, especially inspirational.

  20. 20Alicia

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 17:03

    cool

  21. 21Ed Nemmers

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 18:46

    Poetry that is a mystery after the first reading, which takes thought to crack, is what I like.

  22. 22cathleen n.

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 19:55

    When choosing poetry, I kind of skim through first, to get a sense of what sort of poetry it is. The more “I, me, I” self-centered it is, the less I’m apt to choose it. Plus, the best poetry has actual rhythm to it, and not just arbitrary indents and sentence breaks like it was done by a mad word processor!

  23. 23Kayce C

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 20:48

    I like poetry that soothes me.

  24. 24Rebekah Crain

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 20:57

    Oooh, I love poetry, so would really enjoy a chance to read this book.

    For me, poetry is all about the presentation and the topic. If the author chooses a boring topic but can portray it in a beautiful light I can still be drawn in. The language and way it is put together is what really syncs it all together.

  25. 25Brenda S.

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 21:45

    Sounds interesting!

  26. 26S

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 22:09

    I look for poetry that is dramatic and different - not the typical subject matter.

  27. 27Liz

    wrote on 31 August 2008 at 22:54

    poetry is music to my ears!

  28. 28Christine Mitchell

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 8:55

    When reading poetry, I look for something that flows well and is easy to read. Also something that I can relate to, but if the words used are too confusing to me I have to look in a dictionary to understand, even if I relate to it, I’m not going to enjoy it because I can’t just sit and enjoy reading it.

    Thanks :)

  29. 29Deb

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 13:03

    Poetry to me is all about arranging words in patterns that evoke something in the reader, either beauty, passion, emotion, or simply appreciation for the talent and skill behind the form. Narrative should do the same, but poetry should do it with the barest economy of words. That’s what I look for in poetry books.

  30. 30Melissa Leinart

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 13:12

    I look for poetry with emotion, something that moves me.

  31. 31Jan Evans

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 17:59

    Count me in please!!

  32. 32Janet L Hale

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 18:08

    Reading poetry relaxes me at the end of a long day. I hope to win.

  33. 33Frances Watson

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 18:19

    poetry makes me feel alive

  34. 34Buddy Garrett

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 19:35

    I look for subjects in poetry that I’m interested in. It is usually life and love.

  35. 35Kobi Hendrix

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 21:07

    I look for poety that is inspirational yet easy to read.

  36. 36Rose

    wrote on 1 September 2008 at 21:26

    Count me in

  37. 37Lily Kwan

    wrote on 2 September 2008 at 3:51

    I like poetry that “sounds pretty”!

  38. 38amandasue

    wrote on 9 September 2008 at 9:54

    I love poetry that has meaning, someonething with alot of feeling, and its nice to sometimes read stuff i feel I can relate to

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