Inspirational Haiku Memoir Named June Book Sense Pick

BERKELEY, CA, —Abigail Friedman was an American diplomat in Tokyo, not a writer. A chance encounter leads her to a haiku group, where she discovers poetry that anyone can enjoy writing. Her teacher and fellow haiku group members instruct her in seasonal flora and fauna, and gradually she learns to describe the world in plain words, becoming one of the millions in Japan who lead a haiku life. This is the author's story of her literary and cultural voyage, and more: it is an invitation to readers to form their own neighborhood haiku groups and, like her, learn to see the world anew.

"I'm thrilled that The Haiku Apprentice found favor with book sellers across America and is now a Book Sense pick. What a victory for all of us who are drawn to haiku," said Ms. Friedman.

The Book Sense review ran as follows:

"Abigail Friedman weaves a journey of self-discovery with the art of haiku. Wrapped in images of plum blossoms, fragrant baths, calligraphy brush strokes, and silence, her story struggles with the mysterious subtleties of both life and 'the poem.' She inspires the reader to embark on the solo trip, 'down that narrow road, to the interior' and to wake up to life. Hurrah!" —Amy Carlson, A Book for All Seasons, Leavenworth, WA

Book Sense is a national marketing campaign on behalf of the independent bookstores of America. It is both a local and national effort to shine a light on the knowledge and diversity of independent bookstores.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Discover the beauty of haiku and be inspired to start your own haiku group!

The Haiku Apprentice allows any newcomer to learn the basics of haiku, and the experienced haiku veterans to enjoy a fresh approach. This new perspective on an ancient art appeals to book buyers, writers, and journal-keepers. The book includes a special appendix on writing haiku in English, starting a haiku group, and further reading on haiku, plus questions for reading groups.

Abigail Friedman joined the Foreign Service in 1988 and served her country in DC, Paris, Tokyo, the Azores and most recently as Consul General in Quebec City. She is a member of the Haiku Society of America and Haiku Canada. She is a founding member of the bilingual Quebec Haiku Group in Quebec City.

Michael Dylan Welch is a poet, editor, and publisher. More than 2,5oo of his poems have appeared in hundreds of magazines in 10 languages. He is vice president of the Haiku Society of America.

Visit the Book Sense Pick listing at http://www.booksense.com/bspicks/June06.jsp

See the cover image at http://stonebridgepress.blogspot.com/2006/06/haiku-apprentice-is-june-book-sense.html

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