One Word

October 15, 2010
Versatile writer and editor McQuade had one of those seemingly simple ideas that prove to be the catalyst for wildly imaginative creations. She invited 66 writers to riff on one word that arouses intense feelings, one word they obsess about, and the result is an incandescent and unpredictable collection of word jazz performances. In his dizzying response to baffle, Albert Mobilio plays magician, highlighting the endlessly fascinating sleight of mind that language sets in motion. Brenda Hillman takes on the essential but overlooked as. Bitchin, blog, eek, and fiasco are parsed, while Srikanth Reddy takes on fact in a poem. Arthur Sze muses over the Quechua word quipu, which means knot, while Mary Swander teaches us about topsoil, and Brock Clarke considers the inadequacy of very. Supreme, funky, poetic wordy pleasure coalesces into an irresistible book for everyone who loves the chain reactions language sets off as words trigger deep memories, sensual reveries, cattiness, and erudition. McQuades delectable gathering also provides enticing introductions to writers who will be new to many readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)