Oregon Reads “Stubborn Twig”

The Oregon Library Association has chosen the novel “Stubborn Twig: Three Generations in the Life of a Japanese American Family” by Lauren Kessler as its adult selection in the state-wide sesquicentennial celebration-through-reading, “Oregon Reads.” The Salem Library contributes to the program with two months of special events.

“‘Stubborn Twig’ is an uniquely Oregon book, set in Hood River and flavored with the rich history both of our agricultural base and the struggles and triumphs of one family trying to gain footing in our state,” said Sonja Somerville of the Salem Public Library.

Among the many events in March is the Modern Voices Author Series, featuring the book’s author. Kessler, a professor at University of Oregon, gives a presentation regarding the research and writing of “Stubborn Twig,” and will speak more about the family the book is based on, the Yasui family. The event takes place on March 10 at 7 p.m. in Loucks Auditorium. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

“Stubborn Twig” is also the feature at “Books for Lunch,” a recurring book discussion group meeting at the library. The group meets at noon on March 18. “Books for Lunch” is free and open to the public.

“I hope Salem Public Library’s activities from March to April will encourage people not only to read the book, but join in discussions about the book, to explore Japanese cultural traditions, and learn more about the broader experience of Japanese immigrants on the West Coast,” Somerville said.

Individual book groups can now reserve “Stubborn Twig” book kits from the Salem Public Library to aid in their exploration. Book kits contain 12 copies of the book and suggested discussion questions. Call (503) 588-6052 for more information, or visit the library’s website at www.salemlibrary.org.

Poet Speaks to Salem

Xero Skidmore, his stage-name selected for its self-depreciating nature, is a national success in spoken-word poetry, ranking twice among the nation’s top five slam poets through the National Poetry Slam competition. Active in the Baton Rouge poetry and teaching community, Skidmore works as program manager and teaching-artist for the WordPlay Teen Writing Project. He comes to speak at Willamette University on invitation from Pulitzer-prize nominated writer and Hallie Ford Writing Chair, Olympia Vernon on March 12, from 7-8:30 p.m.

“I didn’t even think she knew who I was when we first talked, but she had seen me perform at a poetry venue in Baton Rouge a few years ago,” Skidmore said. “Of course, I knew who she was and I was quite flattered.”

Xero, who originally attended college to become a music teacher, believes spoken-word poetry gives him more freedom of expression than either music or written poetry alone.

“It’s not that spoken-word allows me to speak in ways that songs or written words do not, but there is a musicality and writing within the structure of every piece. The “flow” of it is supposed to reflect the cadence and rhythm that I’ve prescribed in my use of spacings, stanza breaks, and line breaks. No pun intended, but the line for me is pretty blurred,” Skidmore said.

He talks of the evolution of his work and the changes that have enriched it.

“I think my work has evolved specifically in my pacing, subject matter, use of imagery, figurative language, economy, and overall power,” Skidmore said.

He is reluctant, however, to presume about the effect of his work on his listeners.

“I can’t be the final judge of how poignant it is. Not realistically. That’s my audience’s job,” Skidmore said. “My aim is to always move my audience emotionally and psychologically. I want to give the audience a piece of my life to study and, hopefully, appreciate.”

For more information of Xero Skidmore visit his website at www.xeroskidmore.com.