When Donald Justice wrote in "On a Picture by Burchfield" that "art keeps long hours," he might have been describing his own life. Although he early on struggled to find a balance between his life and art, the latter became a way of experiencing his life more deeply. He found meaning in human experience by applying traditional religious language to his artistic vocation. Central to his work was the translation of the language of devotion to a learned American vernacular. Art not only provided him with a wealth of intrinsically worthwhile experiences but also granted rich and nuanced ways of experiencing, understanding, and being in the world. For Donald Justice--recipient of some of poetry's highest laurels, including the Pulitzer Prize, the Bollingen Prize, and the Lannan Literary Award for Poetry--art was a way of life. Because Jerry Harp was Justice's student, his personal knowledge of his subject--combined with his deep understanding of Justice's oeuvre--works to remarkable advantage in For Us, What Music? Harp reads with keen intelligence, placing each poem within the precise historical moment it was written and locating it in the context of the literary tradition within which Justice worked. Throughout the text runs the narrative of Justice's life, tying together the poems and informing Harp's interpretation of them. For Us, What Music? grants readers a remarkable understanding of one of America's greatest poets.
A very original and compelling novel- highly recommended
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Easton's The Life History of a Star is one the most amusing books I've read in years. The heroine, Kristin Folger is a wise, cynical, and vulnerable teengaer. Her observations on adolescence, the universe, and her dysfunctional family made me laugh out loud, and had tears in my eyes. A wonderful and compelling book. I have purchased several copies for my friends.
This is a powerful book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I couldn't put it down until I'd finished it. It's so well-written that you forget that it's a novel and not really a diary. Kristin's observations on her family, her friends and the 70's are insightful, often highly entertaining, and at times, heartbreaking. There were so many things in this book that touched me; Kristin's intelligence and individualism, the politics of the time - seen through her eyes, and the richness of the characters. By the end of the book I felt as if I had lived through it all with them.This book is listed as being appropriate for ages 12 and over but I think that anyone who was ever 14 would love it and anyone who lived through the 70's would be impressed with how well the feel of the time is conveyed.
Life History of a Star
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Great book - interesting characters, insightful and witty. I didn't want to put it down once I started it. I strongly recommend it for adults as well as teens.
Life History- Oustanding
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
The LIFE HISTORY OF A STAR is definitely my favorite book of the year. The heroine, Kristin Folger brought me right back to the agonies and ecstasies of adolescence. I loved her spunk, vitality, intelligence, humor, and vulnerability. She was so vital and real to me that I felt sad to finish the book. I laughed and I cried, and I couldn't put the book down. Easton is a talented new writer, and I look forward to her next book eagerly. I hope there will be a sequel to The Life History Of A Star. The characters were so vibrant and unforgettable; it was hard to say good-bye to them at the end of the book.
brilliant satire
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This book is masterpiece: funny and intense. A great read for adults as well as teens.
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