Part of the Quarternote Chapbook Series from Sarabande Books, Contents of a Minute gives us a look into the poetry of Josephine Jacobsen, celebrated poet. This 29-page collection is filled with recently discovered and previously unpublished poetry and is a great collection whether you’re just discovering Jacobsen’s work or you’re already a fan.
Jacobsen’s poetry is filled with depth and rhythm. If you’re new to poetry, I would suggest someone like Jacobsen for her ability to pull the reader into a scene without being confusing. This is not to say her poetry is simple–it is anything but. In fact, the subject matter often has dark undertones, speaking of death or longing. But it is not so heavy as to drag the reader down and leave them wallowing. There is something redeeming about the beautifully swaying beat and the unusual rhyming schemes in many of the works, such as in the poem Natural, one of the recently discovered. It is almost sung, and even if you’re not the poetry-spouting type, you may just find yourself trying to commit a fragment or two to memory for later.
Whether you’re a poetry buff or not, I encourage you to check out Jacobsen’s work. She won many awards in her lifetime, including the Robert Frost Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Poetry, the highest award a poet can hope for. If you’d like a copy for yourself, I have an extra one just for giving away. Enter to win by midnight on Friday, June 20, 2008.
1.) Leave a comment telling me something about your poetry reading habits. Do you ever read poetry, or is it something you’re hoping to try? (Something more than “I want this book” is kindly suggested.) If the randomly chosen winner doesn’t reply to my email telling them they’ve won, I often choose the #2 winner based on their comment.
2.) or Subscribers are automatically entered into this and all future giveaways. Just enter your email address in the little white box on the upper part of the right hand column. (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.)
3.) or Blog about this giveaway on your blog with a link back.
If you do all three, you have three entries to win.
I have a several books of poetry that my husband and I have brought on vacation to read together. I would love to start to expose my grandchildren to poetry.
I love to read and to write poetry. For me it is a window into my soul.I read poetry to my children who are 4 and 6.
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I would love this. I was a big poetry fan in college. I’d love to get back to it. Thanks for the opportunity!
This looks wonderful
I didn’t enjoy being “taught” poetry. I do, however, enjoy reading poetry on my own. Some poets I love – Howard Nemerov, Matthew Arnold, William Blake.
i don’t read a lot of poetry, but would love to read more
i have always loved poetry. It is a genre of writing I wish I read more
I love poetry, the best is what I learned in school years ago.
As a kid, if my grandma thought we were faking sick to stay home from school, she made us memorize a poem. Hated it then … love it now.
gkstratos @yahoo.com
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I’ve always been a poetry girl. In school, I used to write poem after poem after poem….especially when having crushes on boys!!
As a teacher, I always thought it was very important to share poetry with the students. I taught 4th grade, and I read them at least one poem a day during our morning meeting. They really loved it! I also did a lot of poetry writing with the students. Some were really talented, too!!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this giveaway!! I’ve also signed up for your newsletter.
Michele
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com
I generally don’t read entire books of poetry although I used to do that. I typically will look for poetry on a subject that’s on my mind at that time and then read through poems until I find one I like and then I save that one. Also, my daughter writes poetry which is full of imagery and deeper meanings so I take great enjoyment from reading that.
I can’t write poetry worth the darn, but boy oh boy I love reading Silverstiens books. They are fantastic.
Would love to win!!!
Unique poetry books such as this one appeals to me greatly. There are several American and British poets that I always enjoyed.
I have never been a poetry reader! but this book looks enticing and interesting and would be a nice introduction to poetry for me! Please enter me!
The fun part about reading poetry for me is the sound and rhythm and music of it. My ears respond to a poem before the analytical part of my brain does, and if my ears don’t like it, my brain is not going to get involved!
I have been reading Philip Larkin’s collected works over the past year. I’m really enjoying it. Last summer I worked my way through Elizabeth Bishop’s poems and savoured them too. Seamus Heaney is definitely my favorite.
Thank you for this fabulous giveaway!
I’ve always been a fan of poetry. I wish I could discover this new author, whihc sounds great.
Thank you for the opportunity!
I write poetry. And very good at it too! Check my blog
rooted.
And one has to read poetry, appreciate it fully before venturing out into poetry writing.Mary Oliver is one of my favourite poets along with classic poets.
How do you say it? Poetry is what sustains me…
Hi! I see at one point she was the poetry consultant to the U.S. Library of Congress! Pretty impressive. I have enjoyed poets and poetry for as long as I can remember. Lyrical, rhythmic lines fascinate me! Please enter me in your drawing. I always appreciate it. Thanks, Cindi
I like poetry but it’s hard to find good poetry these days.
Yes indeedy I read poetry. Wanna know my favorites? Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton!
This book sounds right up my alley. Dark.
I just subscribed for another entry. And of course, for your reviews and lovely little tidbits!
I would like to be more exposed to poetry – this would be a great prize!
COOL BOOK
poetry is the song of the language, and is also the sole of history.
I would love to introduce my daughter to poetry early. This book looks like a fantastic one to start that journey.
Sounds like a winner to me
I write poetry myself and would love to read someone else’s poetry for a change!
I love poetry, I read it every chance I get.
I don’t read poetry, but every once in a while I’ll come across a great poem in a magazine and wonder why in the world I DON’T read it!
Sounds like a nice read
I use to write poetry quite a bit and my kids are doing alot of that in school. I would love to give them a copy of this!photoquest@bellsouth.net
I love poetry, this would be a nice win, thank you.
I generally only read poetry for school – but this sounds intriguing
I love poetry and haven’t seen Jacobsen’s work for decades.
I have just recently started to read poetry. I would love to read this author.
I love to read the somewhat darker stuff, and would certainly like a chance to get to know this poet! thanks for the chance eh.
I like to read poetry.:)
Reading poetry helps me unwind. When I read it, it clears my mind and helps me relax at the end of the day. Pair poetry with a nice glass of wine and I am one happy lady!:-)
count me in
Neruda is one of my favorie poets.
I love poetry!
I actually do want to read more poetry, but I haven’t known quite where to start, other than picking up random books of poetry. Anyway, this collection sounds wonderful, and I’d love to win it!
Love the contests; however the excitement of a minute sounds great
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I read poetry in short spurts depending on my mood.
I like this book.
I love poetry, and read it whenever I can. This book would really be great!
Sounds like a interesting book to read