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Printer-Friendly ModeAuthor reads works, signs books, answers questions
March 27, 2006 —
Bestselling novelist and poet Marge Piercy gave a reading of selected works in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall as a part of the continuing Valley Voices program Thursday night.
Piercy had a bit of an eccentric entrance and after a brief struggle with the microphone, said "safe sex for microphone." The comment set the relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.
Her poems ranged from the serious to the hysterical, reaching every topic from family to world politics, showing the fullness of her work and talent. She spoke heavily of the war, government, and touched on subjects such as the controversial Patriot Act. American home life and family were also prevalent topics in her selected pieces.
The audience was very receptive to her poetry, laughing along with the unconventional humor in her work and even waiting politely while she searched for her place.
Piercy received her bachelors from the University of Michigan and has since been considered an "Important figure on the literary scene since the 1960s," said SVSU professor Judith Kerman, who gave a brief preface to Piercy's reading.
A select few students and faculty were privileged to join her for dinner prior to the event, according to Kerman.
After her reading, which lasted a little over an hour, she stuck around to autograph her books, which were on sale at the doors. Piercy also answered questions from students and other audience members during the signing.