New in the Book Gallery

By Sunil Freeman

It’s hard to overestimate the important role literary journals play for authors and all of us who enjoy good writing. For people just starting to publish, having work accepted by editors offers significant validation. And when the journal appears, whether in print or online, writers begin to reach a broader audience, beyond the people they may know in a writing group or audience members in the many open mic readings around town. 

For readers, journals give an opportunity to hear new voices, to check out, in the immortal words of DC native Marvin Gaye, “What’s going on.” Poet Marilyn Hacker could be speaking for many of us when she tells of her appreciation: “I've been an inveterate reader of literary magazines since I was a teenager. There are always discoveries. You're sitting in your easy chair, reading; you realize you've read a story or a group of poems four times, and you know, Yes, I want to go farther with this writer.”

If you’re looking for where to submit your work, please take advantage of the literary journals in our book gallery. Feel free to browse or to purchase copies, and don’t forget that members get a 30% discount on books and journals. There’s something for everybody, whether you’re sending out work now, or just looking for good new writing. Here’s a brief glimpse at a few of the journals now on the shelves.

Poetry includes poems by Yusef Komunyakaa, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Victoria Chang, Stephen Dunn, and Stanley Plumly. Plumly’s poem, “Variation on a Line from Elizabeth Bishop’s ‘Five Flights Up,’” is one he read at our program celebrating publication of the recent Poems in Medicine anthology edited by Michael Salcman. In the back of the journal Rebecca Hazelton reviews Joanne Diaz’s My Favorite Tyrants. Some of you may recall that we were fortunate to have Diaz read at the Center a few years ago after her selection as an Emerging Writer.

In the current issue of Field, poet Thomas Lux pictures Attila the Hun meeting Pope Leo I. Elsewhere in the journal, Sandra M. Gilbert offers an ekphrastic poem, “Gauguin, 'The Meal (The Bananas).'” As always, Field has several reviews of recent poetry collections. This issue includes Martha Collins’ review of Ailish Hopper’s Dark-Sky Society, and David Young’s review of Mark Strand’s Collected Poems. Young notes, regretfully, that his review was written, but had not yet been published, when Strand died.

Poet Lore, published by The Writer’s Center, is America’s oldest continuously published literary journal. Poets active in the local community are well represented in the current issue. They include Dan Vera, Maritza Rivera, Carlos Parada, Elizabeth Acevedo, Elizabeth Rees, Carmen Calatayud, Terence Winch, Heddy Reid, and Patricia Gray. We were also fortunate to partner with Letras Latinas, resulting in Pintura:Palabra, a portfolio of poems selected by Francisco Aragon. Poet Lore has always had an international outlook, with a particular interest in translation. This issue offers several of Maryam Ala Amjadi’s translations of Iranian poet Rira Abbasi.

Poets & Writers includes details on more than 65 contests for writers. This July/August issue has a very generous feature in which well-established writers introduce the summer’s best debut novelists. Several authors are interviewed in this section. Elliott Holt and Julia Pierpont discuss her debut novel, Among the Ten Thousand Things. Elsewhere, Tayari Jones interviews Angela Flournoy, author of The Turner House. Check out the issue for comments, and insightful conversations between several other novelists.

Gulf Coast always offers a nice combination of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. The current issue includes a long section in which Natalie Diaz, Tarfia Faizullah, David Tomas Martinez, Roger Reeves, and Alan Shapiro talk about poetry and identity in America. It’s a very stimulating conversation, well worth reading.

That’s just a brief overview of some of what we have on the shelves right now. Please stop by and check out these and the many others journals.

Weekly Spotlight on Literary Events: July 24th-July 30th

 David Madland – Hollowed Out: Why the Economy Doesn’t Work Without a Strong Middle Class

Friday, July 24^th at 7:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/david-madland-hollowed-out-why-economy-doesnt-work-without-strong-middle-class

Author David Maland will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss his book Hollowed Out: Why the Economy Doesn’t Work Without a Strong Middle Class. He will converse with editor in chief of Democracy and special correspondent for Newsweek/The Daily Beast, Michael Tomasky.

The D.C. Poetry Project Monthly Writers Workshop and Open Mic Poetry Master Class

Saturday, July 25^th at 11:00 am

Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library

1630 7^th St NW,

Washington, D.C. 20001

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Poetry-Project/events/223447326/

The D.C. Poetry Project presents the Monthly Writers Workshop and Open Mic Poetry Master Class on the fourth Saturday of every month. Poets and spoken word artists are welcome to attend this program, which has been nicknamed “Half and Half Saturday.” The first half of the program features a writer’s workshop. The second half of the day features the Open Mic Poetry Master Class which focuses of performing and reciting poetry.

Elspeth Cameron Ritchie – Women at War

Saturday, July 25^th at 1:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/elspeth-cameron-ritchie-women-war

Co-author and editor of Women at War, Elspeth Cameron Ritchie will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss her book and women’s experience in the military.

Robert W. Doubek – Creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: The Inside Story

Saturday, July 25^th at 3:30 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/robert-w-doubek-creating-vietnam-veterans-memorial-inside-story

Author Robert W. Doubek will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss his book Creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: The Inside Story and examine the history behind Maya Lin’s memorial.

Barry Svrluga – The Grind: Inside Baseball’s Endless Season

Saturday, July 25^th at 6:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/barry-svrluga-grind-inside-baseballs-endless-season

Barry Svrluga, author of The Grind: Inside Baseball’s Endless Season, will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss his book, which expands on Svrluga’s earlier reporting as a Washington Post sportswriter. 

Genevieve Lester --  When Should State Secrets Stay Secret?: Accountability, Democratic Governance, and Intelligence

Sunday, July 26^th at 1:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/genevieve-lester-when-should-state-secrets-stay-secret-accountability-democratic

Author Genevieve Lester will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss government oversight and secrets and her new book When Should State Secrets Stay Secret?: Accountability, Democratic Governance, and Intelligence.

The Federal Poets Reading

Sunday, July 26^th from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

The Writer’s Center

4508 Walsh St.

Bethesda, MD 20815

http://www.writer.org/page.aspx?pid=299&cid=1&ceid=1650&cerid=0&cdt=7%2f26%2f2015

The Writer’s Center hosts a weekly reading each Sunday. This Sunday, The Writer’s Center presents a reading by members of The Federal Poets. Readers include Jacqueline Jules, Michael H. Levin, Judith McComb, and Donald Illich. The program will be followed by a reception. Free admission.

The Joaquin Miller Poetry Series, Jo Pitkin and Miles Waggener

Sunday, July 26^th at 3:00 pm

Rock Creek Nature Center

5200 Glover Road, NW

Washington, D.C. 20015

http://wordworksbooks.org/miller_cabin.html#schedule

Poet Jo Pitkin and poet Miles Waggener will be reading at the weekly Joaquin Miller Poetry Series. If you wish to share your work, you can sign up for open readings at 2:45 pm.

Thomas Mann – The Oxford Guide to Library Research

Sunday, July 26^th at 5:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/thomas-mann-oxford-guide-to-library-research

Thomas Mann, a Library of Congress reference librarian and author of The Oxford Guide to Library Research, will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss his book and library research.

Naomi Jackson – Star Side of Bird Hill

Monday, July 27^th from 6:30-8:30 pm

Busboys and Poets (14^th & V location)

2021 14^th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/naomi-jackson-star-side-of-bird-hill

Politics & Prose at Busboys and Poets presents a reading with author Naomi Jackson. Jackson will be reading from her most recent novel, Star Side of Bird Hill.

William Finnegan – Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life

Monday, July 27^th at 7:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/william-finnegan-barbarian-days-surfing-life

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse presents a discussion with William Finnegan about his book Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life.

Monday Night Open Mic Poetry hosted by Shelly Bell

Monday, July 27^th from 8:00 pm-10:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (Shirlington location)

4251 South Campbell Avenue

Arlington, VA 22206

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/monday-night-open-mic-poetry-hosted-by-shelly-bell3663

Busboys and Poets Shirlington location’s weekly Monday night open mic features two hours of entertainment from rookie and professional performers alike. This weeks open mic will be hosted by performance poet, songwriter, and author Shelly Bell. $5 cover charge. 

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Drew Law

Monday, July 27^th 9:00 pm-11:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (Brookland location)

625 Monroe St NE

Washington, D.C. 20017

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/monday-night-open-mic-hosted-by-drew-law2946

Busboys and Poets Brookland location’s weekly Monday night open mic invites local poets and performers to take the stage for a night of entertainment hosted by poet and performer Drew Law. $5 cover charge.

826DC and Upshur Books present a Modern Mythology Workshop

Tuesday, July 28^th at 10:00 am

Upshur Street Books

827 Upshur Street NW,

Washington, D.C. 20011

https://www.facebook.com/events/763646170414607/

826DC and Upshur Books present a Modern Mythology Workshop in which students, aged 6-12, are invited to craft their own myth stories. This workshop is free.

Layne Mosler – Driving Hungry: A Memoir

Tuesday, July 28^th at 7:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/layne-mosler-driving-hungry-memoir

Layne Mosler will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss her recently released memoir, Driving Hungry.

Beltway Poetry Slam

Tuesday, July 28^th from 8:30-11:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (Brookland location)

625 Monroe St NE

Washington, D.C. 20017

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/busboys-and-poets-beltwayslamdc-present-the-beltway-poetry-slam1650

Beltway Poetry and Busboys and Poets host their monthly poetry slam the last Tuesday of every month. The event is open to writers from the D.C., VA, and MD area. Each open slam is two rounds. Those wishing to participate in the slam must arrive by 7:30 pm. $15 cover charge.

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Gowri K.

Tuesday, July 28^th from 9:00 pm-10:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (14^th & V Location)

2021 14^th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/tuesday-night-open-mic-hosted-by-gowri-k5268

Busboys and Poets presents their Tuesday Night Open Mic at the 14^th and V location. This week’s open mic will be hosted by poet Gowri Koneswaran. $5 cover charge.

Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans with Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights

Wednesday, July 29^th at 12:00 pm

National Archives

Constitution Avenue, NW, between 7^th and 9^th Streets

Washington, D.C. 20408

http://www.archivesfoundation.org/event/enabling-acts-hidden-story-americans-disabilities-act-gave-largest-us-minority-rights/

Author and professor Lennard Davis will be at the National Archives to discuss his book Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans with Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights and how the American With Disabilities Act became the model for most civil rights laws on an international level. The program will be followed by a book signing. Free admission.

Tamara Winfrey-Harris – Sisters Are Alright

Wednesday, July 29^th from 6:30 pm-8:30 pm

Busboys and Poets (14^th & V location)

2021 14^th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/tamara-winfrey-harris-sisters-are-alright

Politics & Prose at Busboys and Poets presents a reading with Tamara Winfrey-Harris, author of Sisters Are Alright.

Sir Richard Burton, Victorian Rebel Explorer: Evening Program

Wednesday, July 29^th at 6:45 pm

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Independence Avenue and 7^th Street, SW

Washington, D.C. 20560

http://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx?ID=231955&utm_source=CAGW&utm_medium=OAnonSI&utm_content=cagwEVMay2015&utm_campaign=CAGW&tmssource=206718

The Smithsonian Associates presents a program with biographer Dane Kennedy as he discusses Sir Richard Burton, the Victorian-era explorer. Tickets for this event are $30-$40.

Book Hill Talks: ‘Gutenberg in the Cyberstorm’ Screening and Discussion

Wednesday, July 29^th at 7:00 pm

Georgetown Library

3260 R St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20007

https://dclibrary.org/node/49474

What does the future hold for books? Booksellers? And (most importantly) libraries? Stop by the Georgetown Neighborhood library for a screening the Deutsche Velle TV Arts 21 short doc Gutenberg in the Cyberstorm (26 min), followed by open discussion.

Paula McLain – Circling the Sun

Wednesday, July 29^th at 7:00 pm

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/paula-mclain-circling-sun

Author Paula McLain will be at Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse to discuss her new novel Circling the Sun, in which she examines the personal life of the first woman to fly solo east to west across the Atlantic Ocean, Beryl Markham.

Reading with Robert Doubek for Creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Wednesday, July 29^th at 7:00 pm

Upshur Street Books

827 Upshur Street NW,

Washington, D.C. 20011

https://www.facebook.com/events/381437422052607/

Robert Doubek will be at Upshur Street Books to discuss the details behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and his book Creating the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: The Inside Story. Doubek is an attorney and former Air Force officer.

The DC Poetry Project Blogtalk Radio Show Presents: Poets on Fire Live!

Wednesday, July 29^th at 8:00 pm

Blogtalk Radio

http://www.meetup.com/DC-Poetry-Project/events/bsprhlytkblb/

Poets on Fire is a weekly open mic call-show brought to you by the DC Poetry Project. Every Wednesday night you can tune in or join the show, which is open to poets, spoken word artists, and other writers. The free call-in number is (646)-716-8754.

Wednesday Night Open Mic

Wednesday, July 29^th from 9:00 pm-11:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (5^th & K Location)

1025 5^th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/wednesday-night-open-mic264

Busboys and Poets 5^th & K location presents a night for entertainment or performance at the Wednesday Night Open Mic. $5 cover charge.

Reading with Christopher Mannino for School of Deaths

Thursday, July 30^th at 4:00 pm

Upshur Street Books

827 Upshur Street NW,

Washington, D.C. 20011

https://www.facebook.com/events/104799073198043/

Upshur Street Books present a reading with Christopher Mannino, author of Schools of Deaths, The Schythe Weilder’s Secret, Book 1.

Tim Weiner – One Man Against the World: The Tragedy of Richard Nixon

Thursday, July 30^th at 7:00 pm

Politics & Prose Coffeehouse and Bookstore

5015 Connecticut Ave. NW,

Washington, D.C. 20008

http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/tim-weiner-one-man-against-world-tragedy-of-richard-nixon

Politics & Prose Bookstore and Coffeehouse presents a discussion with author Tim Wiener about the fall of Richard Nixon and Wiener’s new book, One Man Against the World: The Tragedy of Richard Nixon.

For Sizakele Performance + Book Release: 14 Years in the Making

Thursday, July 30^th from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm

Busboys and Poets (5^th & K location)

1025 5^th Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/event/for-sizakele-performance-book-release-14-years-in-the-making

Makers Lab and ZAMI at Busboys and Poets 5^th & K location presents a celebration of the release of Yvonne Fly Onakeme Etaghene’s new book For Sizakele, which was in the works for the past 14 years. She will perform her poetry along with doing a Q&A and book signing.

Spit Dat! Open Mic

Thursday, July 30^th at 9:00 pm

ECAC, 2^nd floor

733 Euclid Street, NW

Washington D.C. 20001

http://spitdat.wix.com/dc

Spit Dat! is a weekly open mic held every Thursday hosted by Drew “Droopy” Anderson and Dwayne B. $1 cover charge.