The poems beat with the pulse of myth and music. There’s a strong storytelling component and recurring natural imagery such as crows, horses, and the landscapes of the Southwest. Her writing is deeply personal, rooted in her individual experience as a woman and Native American, and at the same time, universal in exploring human pain, compassion, and love.Įven if you’re not usually a poetry fan, Harjo’s work is surprisingly accessible. The book is a collection of Harjo’s poetry written across a twenty-six year period, providing the reader insight into the evolution of not only a remarkable poetic voice, but also the development of a remarkable person. One such opportunity for discovery is poet Joy Harjo, visiting Eugene this weekend to keynote the fourth “Big Read” program with her “How We Became Human.” Why? Well, studies show that reading for pleasure reduces stress, heightens empathy, slows the onset of dementia, and makes us more active and aware citizens. The National Endowment for the Arts has partnered with Arts Midwest to support over a decade of “Big Read” programs across the nation, in which an entire community reads and explores a single book, together. I’m Connie Bennett, Director of Eugene Public Library, with a book review of “How We Became Human” by Joy Harjo.
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