Read A Good Book: Narcopolis by Jeet Thayil

Jeet Thayil is a poet and his first novel,Narcopolis, has been published by Penguin Press in 2012. The story takes place in Bombay’s drug-centered underworld during the 1970s when opium is being left behind for a new and far more dangerous drug: heroin. The characters are an intriguing mix and encompass those who take drugs, those who sell drugs or sex, and those who do both as well as those who enter rehab or who die before considering rehab. Drugs, sex, violence, and perversion are all eloquently displayed in the pages and you will find yourself rooting for those who try to untangle themselves from this underworld. My favorite character is Dimple, a “hijra” (eunuch) who tries to improve herself by reading books in English and escape the life of selling her body while also working in the opium dens. Dimple finds a way to escape the brothel she is in by tying herself to just one man who has other wives: Rashid. However, Rashid is prone to violence and is also lamenting the change in the times as he does not wish to deal in heroin despite losing customers at his opium den. There are many characters that you will be fascinated by: Mr. Lee from China who turns pipe smoking into an art form; Rashid’s son, Jamal, who saves Dimple out on the streets with just one word to the would-be attackers, and many more that get tangled up and then lost in Bombay. The book is a page turner and I highly recommend it for anyone curious about such a crime-ridden world.

You can check out a copy at your local library or local bookstore, or to purchase a copy on Amazon, go to:
http://www.amazon.com/Narcopolis-A-Novel-Jeet-Thayil/dp/159420330X

Thanks for dropping in, please stop by again after next week as I am taking next week off to get some extra work done...

American Literary Review Poetry Contest

The number one thing to tell you is that there is a $15.00 Entry Fee by check addressed to “American Literary Review” so submit your absolute best work, you may send up three poems by October 1st. Three $1,000 prizes will be awarded!
You will need a cover page with your contact information, they ask that you Do Not Include your information on the accompanying pages of poems, and don’t forget that all-important Self Addressed Stamped Envelope!

Snail Mail to:
American Literary Review Poetry Contest
P.O. Box 311307
University of North Texas
Denton, TX 76203-1307

Definitely check out further details at:
http://english.unt.edu/alr/contest.html

Good luck to all who submit, please stop by tomorrow for another Good Book Review…

Poems Found by Poet Hound

https://sites.google.com/site/whiteknucklechaps/josh-bernstein/2
“Jade is Jaded” by Josh Bernstein

https://sites.google.com/site/whiteknucklechaps/josh-bernstein/10
“Sagittarius” by Josh Bernstein

Thanks for clicking in, please drop in again Friday…

Lilliput Review Issue #184

Don Wentworth’s latest issue encompasses nature and the inevitability of death. Below I am happy to share a few poems:

Late Afternoon Landscape

A dead juniper stripped of its scales;
two thirds of the moon
rolling through daylight; dry grass
between yellow and white; an oak
forest rippling beneath the ridgeline;
darkness moving upstream
climbing stone by stone.

By: David Chorlton, Phoenix AZ

This poem allows me to reminisce about my short time in Phoenix so I cannot help myself. It is a beautiful landscape and this poem captures it well.


thank the weeds
for pulling you
closer to the flowers

by: Rich Heller, Pittsburgh PA

This one’s for all you gardeners who grumble as you’re pulling weeds (I do when I’m at my parents’ house). Count your blessings!



While you were onstage reading another poem

A man carrying a garbage bag in the rain
performed the stations of the cross
and moved his lips in silent prayer.

By: Kyle Vaughn, Dallas TX

This poem proves that poetic moments happen beyond the poem itself, wonderful poem.


If you enjoyed this short sample please purchase a copy on-line for a mere $1.00 at:
http://lilliputreview.blogspot.com/

Thank you for reading, please click in tomorrow…

Ameriquebeckian Blog

Very cool blog about all things poetry, art, and inspiration by an adventurous lady, check it out at:
http://ameriquebeckian.blogspot.com/

Thanks for clicking in, please drop by again tomorrow…