I found this at a huge second-hand book sale in the spring. It was on my shelf for a little while, but I took it down for the trip home during Thanksgiving and finished it a few days later. I think the back cover above is a good description.
Category Archives: Books
Books #1: Eye of the Beholder
In June 2011 I found this book of Newfoundland photography. Although I use a digital camera for the photos that I post on this site, I find that they all contain the similiar feeling or quality. I have also noticed this effect in the photos taken by other amateurs like myself.
When I found Eye of the Beholder I realized that it is a good example of photography that does not have this mysterious quality. It is a refreshing break from the torrent of photos are being taken today with digital cameras.
Also, I’d like to point out that the images here, and those found elsewhere in the book, show an older Newfoundland. Maybe not from a different age, but from 30 years ago. Perhaps I have been in the city too long, but I feel that these pictures demonstrate a Newfoundland that seems to exist less and less. Take Plate 53, I remember scenes like this one from my childhood. Lately these seem to be a lot less common-place. Plate 58 is another example. The fences seen here were once endemic. Again, I haven’t seem them around as much.
Poetry #2: Without A Voice, Judy Hartman
This is the bright and simplistic cover for Without A Voice (1985). The book is very small, a little more than 15 cm long and 11.5 cm wide. Thirty-one pages in all.
The back of the book has a statement from the poet:
“I have cerebral palsy. I was born with a kind of brain damage which has resulted in my being unable to speak. For this reason I cannot always express what I really feel…”
Found in June 2011.
Books #1, Covers #1: Point Blank and Dear Johnny
I may post some of the writing from these books later on. Today I am simply showing their covers.
Point Blank has a startling image. The overload on red underlines the menace of the title. The gun sights are focused on the eyes. I guess that considering that it is a book of poetry, if it hopes that it will blow your mind, it will have to go through the eyes. That’s the only way in after all. As for Dear Johnny, it speaks for itself.
Found on June 25th, 2011.
Poetry #1: Such is Life/Newfoundland Across the Bay
I bought this book of poetry in June 2011. It was published in 1985. The plain black cover with the picture on the back caught my eye.
I have posted a poem from the book below. It is fairly representative of the poetry found inside. Jeen takes a straightforward approach. The lines rhyme in a consistent pattern. And they are not obscure rhymes, these are common, arms/charms rhymes. The emotions conveyed are common emotions too. But rather than reduce the poems, this approach enhances them.
“Newfoundland Across the Bay” is interesting as well because it represents a set of circumstances that occurred frequently in Newfoundland in the past. The problem does not usually occur to such a dramatic effect today. Transportation is much better than it was. Communication has improved drastically. But the island is still isolated, and to leave one place for another can still mean being away from friends and family.
