In today’s poetry news round-up we take a look at the story behind “Bosom Pals” a collection of poetry put together by breast cancer survivors from which all profits will be going to charity and we reveal the names of some of the contenders for the National Book Awards Poetry Prize

Poetry for Breast Cancer

Today at the University Hospital Galway a book of poetry titled “Bosom Pals” will be launched. The book is the brainchild of poet and writer Marie Cadden. She came up with the idea in 2014 when she realised just how many other Galway poets had experience of breast cancer.

When she spoke with Lisa Frank, one of the co-directors with Doire Press they realised that they did, in fact, have the makings of a book and set out to find other poets to help them realise the idea. Now two years later, the book which includes contributions from eight poets is due to be launched.

It hasn’t just been a labour of love for Cadden, but also a work of hope, not only is she a survivor of breast cancer but she now been diagnosed with advanced stage lung cancer. It is hoped that the book helps to raise awareness amongst the academic community, and help others who are going through their diagnosis and treatment by lending a face to the breast cancer journey.

The eight poets included in the book; Robyn Rowland, Marie Cadden, Lorna Shaughnessy, Susan Lindsay, Marion Cox, Mari Maxwell, Mary Hanlon, as well as Mary Madec have all donated their poems to the book as have CL Print in Casla. All profits from the sale of the book will be given to Breast Cancer Research, Galway to help fund their research work.

National Book Awards – Poetry Contenders Announced

This week sees the announcements this year’s contenders in the various categories of the US National Book Awards, and yesterday the shortlisted poetry entries were revealed, finalists will be chosen from this list and announced on 4^th October and the winners will be announced on 15^th November at the award ceremony in New York.

The judges have also been announced and include; Jane Mead who was on the long list for a National Book Award; Gregory Pardlo 2015 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for his poetry; Nick Flynn, poetry writer and former fellow of the Guggenheim; Monica Youn who has previously been a contender for the National Book Award and also Richard Siken who took home the

with his book “Crush”.

The shortlist includes

The book, which is his fifth collection to be long-listed for the award deals with the issues of how homophobia, doubt and the confusing love of a parent can shape the life of a gay child.

Also included on the list are works by Marie Howe; this is her first time to make the long-list, as well as debut collections from Chen Chen, Layli Long Soldier, and Mai Der Vang.