Memory and Heaven

by Christopher Howell

Book by Howell, Christopher

Genres: Poetry

79 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

Christopher Howell is the author of seven previous books of poetry, most recently Just Waking. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, the Helen Bullis Prize, the Washington State Governor's Award, and fellowships from the Artist Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission. His work has three times been awarded the Pushcart Prize. He is professor of English and creative writing at Eastern Washington University and senior editor at Eastern Washington University Press. He lives in Spokane.

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Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure what to say about this book of poems. I do not yet have the language to say what I think, much less to actually recognize what it is that I think.

I really liked four of the poems, and I got a few prompts from lovely lines throughout. I also like much of his repeated imagery; for example, the moon, and scholars.

The poet is quite articulate and addresses some truths of the human condition. Would possibly re-read it someday and would not be averse to trying his other books to get a better feel.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you rate a book that just seemed "o.k." until one poem blew your mind? Well, I guess that poem ("The Ride" if you get a chance to read it) elevated the book to 4 star status for me. It is such a fantastic poem about youth and its loss, youth and its aftereffects, how one moment is lost and unforgettable.

The rest of the book was good - it just didn't hit me like that single poem did.

[Nicole Hardina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without question, a book to return to, again and again.

[polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread