WordgatheringA Journal of Disability Poetry and Literature |
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WelcomeWordgathering is excited about starting off its ninth year of publication with two pieces that explore disability in the Arabic world. Faleeha Hassan's short story, "Granny" centers around the plight of conjoined twins in the Muslim world. Hassan's story, originally written in Arabic, has been rendered into English by notable Arabic translator William M. Hutchins. The second piece is as an essay from Tunisian writer Saloua Ben Zahra, who examines the role of disability for women in Tahar Ben Jelloun's novel The Sand Child. In addition to Ben Zahra's essay, this issue of Wordgathering also contains essays from five other writers: Ona Gritz, Paul Hostovsky, Minter Krotzer, Kerry Neville and Roy White. Brief descriptions of each of these essays can be found on the Essays index page. Along with the essays, readers who enjoy interviews will find two this time around. Beth Haller describes her work as a scholar in media and disability. Poet Daniel Sluman describes the work on his latest book and his upcoming work on an anthology of British disability poetry. For sheer growth in number, our Book Reviews section takes the prize in this issue with reviews of ten books. These include new books of poetry from Barbara Crooker, Meg Eden. Rebecca Foust, Des Kenny, Kobus Moolman, Jill Stein and Kathi Wolfe. Two novels are reviewed, Laline Paull's sci-fiction story The Bees and Arleney McNeney's, Post about basketball and disability. The remaining book reviewed is Anne Kaier's memoir, Home with Henry . The journal is exceptionally lucky to have Victoria Lewis, one of the leading figures in disability theater, editing this issue's Reading Loop. Lewis’ essay, "IN PRAISE OF PLAYS not The Christmas Carol takes a look at the work of playwrights with disabilities who have pioneered the field including James MacDonald , David Freeman, Lynn Manning, Mike Ervin, John Belluso, Susan Nussbaum and Kaite O’Reilly.
Poetry in this issues includes work from several writers new to Wordgathering: Sandra Becker. Tony Gloeggler, Jessica Goody, Kate Grisim, Liv Mammone, and Elaine G. Schwartz. Poets making return visits are Lisa Gill, Daniel Sluman and two poets named Nancy Scott. Wordgathering continues the practice it began last year of providing audio versions of each poem. Those of you who involved in the field of disability studies probably know about the recent death of one of its leading figures, Tobin Siebers. Our Response feature varies from its usual format to pay tribute to Siebers as a scholar and person. Included in this tribute are the personal thoughts of Petra Kuppers, Alex Lubet, Carol Marfisi, Travis Lau and Christopher Krentz. Wordgathering continues to use Twitter as a means of letting others know about upcoming readings, new work, and important events in the world of disability studies. We invite you to follow us on Twitter at @wordgathering.com. We also maintain a presence on Facebook and hope that you will check us out there to post your own comments. Wordgathering continues to seek work that develops the field of disability literature. We invite the submission of poetry, short fiction, drama, art and essays that discuss poetry from a disability perspective or that contribute to the theoretical development of the field of disability literature. The journal appreciates hearing from authors whose books are consistant with the mission of Wordgathering and would like them reviewed. We value our readers' opinions and hope you will send your comments, concerns or ideas to Us at comments@wordgathering.com. The Editors Return to Top |
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