In the moment: Bright life in the U.S. inspires Amherst poet

Like most of the winners of the recent Bright Lights Big Verse contest, in which poets from across the country were invited to extol the virtues of Times Square, Amherst poet Henk Rossouw's relationship with the iconic stretch of New York City real estate is merely a passing one. Of the four top finishers (out of a field of 500 entries), only one lives in New York. The others, like Rossouw, are occasional passersby. But, that doesn't mean Rossouw, a student in the MFA Program for Poets & Writers at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, didn't have plenty to say.

Henk Rossouw's 'Chez Times Square': The text

The text of Henk Rossouw's 'Chez Times Square'.

Book Bag

Twice a month, Book Bag features works of area writers and books of regional interest. Most of these titles are available at local bookstores or through online retailers.

Valley Readings

The following author appearances, readings and book events are planned for the coming week in the Valley.

Augusten Burroughs shares his holiday stories

It's not uncommon for people to say that their holidays don't live up to a Norman Rockwell painting, but Augusten Burroughs says his holidays have been "hideous."

Review: Burroughs imbibes holiday spirit

"You Better Not Cry" (St. Martin's Press, 206 pages, $22), by Augusten Burroughs: Even among high-functioning alcoholics, Augusten Burroughs is an acquired taste.

But for those who like their holiday spirit with gallons of vodka and a heaping portion of irreverence, "You Better Not Cry" is at times a laugh-out-loud read.

Celebrating the memoir: Is fiction's day gone for good?

When browsing online or in a bookstore, one might easily conclude that every third person in the country is actively engaged in writing or reading a memoir The rest have it on their to-do lists.