The Odyssey: Choosing a Translation

With over 60 English translations, knowing which translation of The Odyssey to read can be difficult.  In the original Greek, The Odyssey is in blank verse, using dactylic hexameter, both of which are common attributes of Greek and Latin poetry. Some translators of The Odyssey choose to keep their translation in blank verse while others …

Today by Billy Collins

As March comes to a close so does National Reading Month. You likely know that reading comes in many different genres and themes for readers of all different interests. We hope you have enjoyed some of our recommendations and thought of reading in new ways this month.  Spring is now officially here, so I hope …

Winter Wonderland

The snow continues to fall in our Lakeshore community and I have begun to hear those around me expressing hope for warmer weather. One of my professors begins each of our classes with an attendance question. Last week’s question was: what is your favorite thing about winter? One of my classmates replied saying, “my favorite …

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

This week we’re sharing another holiday-themed poem that many know and love.  “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” was originally written by Clement Clarke Moore, but the poem was originally published anonymously on December 23, 1823 in a newpaper in Troy, NY. It was not until 1837, 14 years later, that Moore received credit for writing …

The Twelve Days of Christmas

This past summer, we published a post about how songs can be considered a form of poetry. Songs as poems are especially apparent throughout the holiday season with Christmas music playing in stores, over the radio, at Christmas events, and so many other places.  Today marks twelve days until Christmas, so it is the perfect …

Busy Bee

It’s that time of year again. With the holiday season comes the busy season of getting Christmas gifts, going to holiday events, or taking exams if you are a student or teacher. The holidays can be a hectic time and also a sad time. I struggle sometimes to enjoy the holidays and feel like I …

Reflections on An American Sunrise

Our 2021 Big Read Lakeshore programming has come to an end. Even though our events are over, we hope that the discussions are only just beginning about An American Sunrise and the themes within this collection of poetry.  Joy Harjo’s poem “An American Sunrise” reminds us of the fact that even though something has ended, …

Students Engaging with An American Sunrise

We are thrilled that Joy Harjo joins us today to discuss her collection of poems, An American Sunrise. Several Hope College classes engaged with this book or met with Harjo to talk about the writing process.  Professor Moreau’s English 380 Class:  Professor Bill Moreau teaches the secondary English methods class at Hope College. His class …

Kick-Off Event with Joy Harjo

There is only one week until the kick-off of our 2021 Big Read programming! We are so excited to learn alongside you and engage creatively with this year’s selection An American Sunrise and Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story.  Joy Harjo is a poet, musician, author, and activist from the Muscogee Nation. She is …

Q&A with Poet in Residence Jack Ridl

Our Big Read team is excited to announce that Jack Ridl will be our Poet in Residence this November for our 2021 Big Read program. Jack Ridl began teaching English at Hope College in 1971 until he retired in 2006. He is the author of several national award-winning collections, as well as poetry textbooks and …