In this exclusive audio publishing event, Billy Collins, former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares an evening of his poetry in a benefit reading for WNYC, New York Public Radio. Often compared to Robert Frost, his poetry has been embraced by people of all ages and backgrounds, and his readings are most often standing room only.
Performed by the author at Peter Norton Symphony Space in New York City, Billy Collins reads 24 of his poems, including "Dharma" --a spiritual yet humbling ode to man's best friend, "The Lanyard--an amusing recollection about the popular, if not pointless, summer camp pastime, and "Consolation" --a tongue-in-cheek reflection of a cancelled European trip, and the benefits of staying home instead. In addition to the poetry readings, Collins also spends some time in a brief question and answer session where he reflects on what makes good poetry, his own process of reaching his audiences as a poet, the success of his Poetry 180 programs in schools nationwide, and an amusing sidebar on his memories growing up as an only child. At times pensive and sardonic, amusing and subtly sarcastic, Billy Collins Live celebrates both the simple and the complex in a language that appeals to all.
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"This CD of Billy Collins reading his poetry live is phenomenal. I would challenge anyone who says they don't like poetry to listen to this. And for those of us who already do, you can appreciate rare stroke of brilliance. Billy Collins is great to read, but much better to listen to. "
— Lindsay (5 out of 5 stars)
" Billy Collins makes poetry accessible even to those of us (like me) who think they don't enjoy or understand it. "
— Sari, 12/22/2013" Only 4 stars because it wasn't long enough. I live Billy Collins. He is an Everyman poet, speaks plainly and beautiful. I love the music of his words. "
— Sally, 12/19/2013" It is a treat to hear Billy Collins recite his poetry. The introduction by Bill Murray is funny and smart. "
— Sandi, 12/13/2013" Enjoyable. A nice break in the stream of novels. What my Dad might have called a "wry sense of humor." I'll search out and read more from him. "
— Dave, 12/1/2013" Nice diversion. Intro by Bill Murray is equally fun! Loved the Lanyard and the Medieval Memories. "
— Lisa, 11/11/2013" The poet is not only talented, but he is hilarious. "
— Jocelyn, 10/25/2013" My favorite poet. Hearing him read is a wonderful way to see the humor in the poems. "
— Jennifer, 10/19/2013" Billy Collins shows that poetry doesn't have to be hard to understand. His humor and observations of everyday life make this a wonderful audiobook. Great intro by Bill Murray, too. "
— Nat, 9/13/2013" It was really fun. The way he express his poem was very touching. "
— Chiuho, 9/5/2013" Reading Billy Collins is a terrific experience, but LISTENING to him read his poems is hilarious and transcendent. "
— Vicki, 5/20/2013Billy Collins served two terms as the Poet Laureate of the United States, in 2001 to 2003, and then as the New York State Poet for 2004 through 2006. He is the author of several collections of poetry. He has won the Mark Twain Award for Humor in Poetry, the Norman Mailer Prize for Poetry, the Levinson Prize, and the Oscar Blumenthal Prize and been named Poetry magazine’s Poet of the Year and a New York Public Library Literary Lion, among many other awards and honors. He is a distinguished professor of English at Lehman College of the City University of New York and is the senior distinguished fellow of the Winter Park Institute in Florida.