A look at life’s journey to happiness
Jonathan Bennett holding book signing Thursday for his third poetry collection
A Keene writer’s latest book of poetry hits the shelves this week.
Happinesswise is Jonathan Bennett’s third collection of poetry. It’s been in the works for about five years and is comprised of about 30 poems.
The father of two said he’ll often pen a number of poems before he pauses to see if and how they fit together. Some make the cut and some don’t.
Although the book’s title might point to a book of cheery verses, Bennett said it’s “extremely loosely” based on happiness.
“The poems are about life’s journey towards happiness and questioning what that means,” Bennett said.
Because Bennett is also a fiction writer (he’s authored five fictions books), he said some poems are imaginatively created based on other’s experiences and some derive from his own specific life experiences.
Happinesswise is an even split of both.
There are poems about the ups and downs of Bennett’s relationship with his autistic son, poems about palliative care patients and physicians, and poems about big moments of happiness or just the opposite.
The take away from Happinesswise isn’t cut and dry, Bennett said, because reading poetry is a really “personal act.”
“I hope that it makes people think about life and about language.”
The Vancouver born, Australian raised writer moved to Peterborough in 2005, later making his way to Keene.
By day, Bennett is the CEO of Laridae, a local management consulting company. And by night, the 48-year-old is often busy penning poems or working on his next non-fiction read.
“I’m always working on a poem or two,” he said.
He’s already got some fresh pieces stored away, which could potentially go towards his next book or other publication.
The author also had works published in periodicals and journals including, the Globe and Mail, Best Canadian Poetry, The Walrus, Southerly, Cordite, and Antipodes.
Typically though, Bennett said he tends to sway back and forth between poetry and non-fiction, having a book of one published and then the other – but he’s not sure what’s in line next this time.
A book launch for Happinesswise is happening Thursday at Hunter Street Books from 5 to 7 p.m.
The 71-page, soft cover read is available at most book stores for $18.95.