It is so sweet to see Kala Pani as one of the General Collections Staff Picks of Spring 2024 at the San Francisco Public Library. My first book—which came out in the world when I was yet to go through shifts in worldview—and, indeed, key life transitions—propelled itself into the world of its own accord. But, preoccupied as I was at the time with shedding/changing/growing, I didn’t do much to tend to its arrival. My thanks will always be with Sandra and Ben Doller at 1913 Press for taking a chance on the book. With the precipitous closure of SPD and the uncertainty in its wake, I am so glad Kala Pani can be found at SFPL and other libraries.
Here is what the SFPL Librarians say about it:
"Reading Kala Pani is like journeying through Alice’s Wonderland. One is constantly amazed by surreal turns of phrase and event. Characters appear and disappear, sometimes laughing, sometimes raging, sometimes descanting lines that make sense in a nonsensical or outlandish way. This whimsical story containing many stories, presents six nameless “world travelers,” Joycean doubles Sameshape and Othershape, ducks, the idea of ducks, a lentil bean and much, much more. Kala Pani is a constantly evolving work that casually deconstructs any notion of a stable identity, whether gender, literary genre or national identity. At the same time, the book’s playful tone and linguistic virtuosity is quite captivating. Author Monica Mody has written an astounding and unforgettable work."
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This month I have three poetry readings coming up:
If you are in the Bay Area, I will be reading with Sophia Naz at the SFPL Main Library this Sunday, April 14, at 1pm. Details are here.
On Saturday, April 20, I will be reading at Poetry in the Parks at the Alhecama Theatre, El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, along with poets Melinda Palacio, Perie Longo, Emma Trelles, Stephanie Barbé Hammer, and Takunda Chikowero.
On Saturday April 27, I will be reading as part of the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival at Alameda Park, organized by David Starkey for the Community Environmental Council.
If you are in these regions, maybe I will see you at one of these events. Meanwhile, here is to sharpening our grace as we wend our way through the path life is co-creating with us.
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