Reading to celebrate 'A Cappella,' Mennonite poetry anthology, Jan. 13

GOSHEN, Ind. -- Seven poets from the newly published anthology of Mennonite poetry, A Cappella: Mennonite Voices in Poetry, edited by Goshen College Associate Professor of English Ann Hostetler, will read from their work and comment on their participation in the anthology during a celebration of the book at Goshen College Jan. 13 at 8 p.m. in Rieth Recital Hall.

"A reading by so many of the poets who have contributed their work to this volume seems a highly appropriate way to celebrate this book," said Hostetler. "Hearing the poets read their work in person will help readers to hear the harmonies and conversations between them."

Di Brandt, Jessica Smucker Falcon, Jeff Gundy, Carmen Horst, Shari Miller Wagner and David Wright will join Hostetler in a reading of poems from the book. The reading will be followed by a reception and book signing. The event is free and open to the public.

This first anthology of Mennonite poetry, published by the University of Iowa Press, features 24 poets, of which seven are GC alumni, including Julia Kasdorf, David Waltner-Toews, Gundy, Miller Wagner, Horst, Smucker Falc—n and Barbara Nickel. In this collection, the Mennonite poets -- men and women of diverse ages -- explore issues of identity, sexuality, religious doctrine, cross-cultural experiences, memory, family and individuality, sometimes with doubt and sorrow but always with candor and urgency. Often, their struggle to break free of rigid patterns, to maintain the integrity of individual experience while honoring the will of the community, speaks to an earnest desire to marry change with a respect for tradition. These poems poignantly grapple with contradiction and compromise, the unavoidable components of a made world.

"Skillfully edited with attention to balance and variety, this highly readable book includes work from award-winning writers in the United States and Canada as well as surprising and accomplished new voices," said Publisher's Weekly. "Lyrical, provocative, and sometimes funny, these poems question orthodoxy and find beauty in unexpected places."

A Cappella: Mennonite Voices in Poetry is available at bookstores, on-line or directly from the University of Iowa Press (call 800-621-2736).

Hostetler, Smucker Falc—n and Horst will also be reading poetry and signing books Jan. 10 at the Mishawaka Barnes & Noble at 4 p.m.

Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college's Christ-centered core values -- passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership -- prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron's Best Buys in Education, Kaplan's "Most Interesting Colleges" guide and U.S.News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition, which named Goshen a "least debt college." Visit www.goshen.edu.

Editors: For more information, contact Jodi H. Beyeler at (574) 535-7572 or jodihb@goshen.edu.