by Rebecca Thomas

Colson Hall has been a buzz with words this semester. In the past few months, we’ve had no less than seven readings. Read on to find out more about them. If you weren’t able to witness the readings yourself, don’t fret. Follow the link to hear their podcasts.

Our reading series kicked off in September with Jonathan Coleman reading from West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life a work that he co-authored with Jerry West about the legend himself. Let me tell you, anytime that I get to hear about Jerry West, Coach Wooden, and Ann Beattie, I’m in heaven.

Later that month, Katy Ryan read from her recently published anthology Demands of the Dead: Executions, Storytelling, and Activism in the United States. To read about Katy’s anthology read Rebecca Childers’ recent interview with Katy.

The English Department co-sponsored a poetry reading with Spanish poet Miguel Sapotra Bon. MFA alumna Amanda Cobb read from her translations of Miguel’s work while he read the Spanish, and at times, the Catalonian versions.

Students from the summer Writing Appalachian Ecology class read from their essays. Co-sponosred with the Biology Department, the students demonstrated the beauty of environmental writing. Who knew that soil composition could be so beautiful!

In an epic double-feature, Bruce Bond and Michael Blumenthal read their poetry in mid-October. Read Bruce’s poetry here, and Michael’s here.

Professor Ethel Morgan Smith read not once but twice this semester from her recently released Reflections of the Other: Being Black in Germany. Read about Ethel’s new book in Rebecca Doverspike’s article.

Our Virginia Butts Sturm Writer-in-Residence this year was Jaimy Gordon. Jaimy kicked off the workshop week by reading from her National Book Award Winning novel Lord of Misrule. Read more about the workshop and the program in Rebecca Thomas’ article.

While the fall readings are over, we’re eagerly anticipating the spring. In 2013, we’ll hear, amongst others, from faculty member Mark Brazaitis, MFA alumna Amanda Cobb, and undergraduate alumna Jessie Van Eerden. Check our website or follow us on Facebook to find out more details.