Book Mark: Canada Reads Poetry

For anyone who follows the annual 'Canada Reads' competition, the CBC has been running a supplementary contest called 'Canada Reads Poetry' to celebrate National Poetry Month.

The books and panelists are:

• Forage by Rita Wong, defended by Sonnet L'Abbé
• Inventory by Dionne Brand, defended by George Murray
• Selected Poems by Alden Nowlan, defended by Susan Musgrave
• Sheep's Vigil by a Fervent Person by Eirin Mouré, defended by Jacob McArthur Mooney
• Nox by Anne Carson, defended by Anne Simpson

The online debate is occurring right now over on CBC Books. This is a great idea to extend the 'Canada Reads' brand and promote poetry but not sure about the online format. Have yet to be convinced to read any of the books being discussed by just reading the comments about them. Will be interesting to see who is judged as the winner through this forum, and if this exercise overall will be considered successful.