Anais Nin Journals Inspire Poetic Connection

Editor: Alan Gray, NewsBlaze

A Poet's Tribute to the Great Diarist

Award winning writer Diana Raab's new poetry collection, Dear Anaïs: My Life in Poems for You, is dedicated to famed diarist Anaïs Nin.

In the book's introduction, Raab writes directly to Nin, as if speaking personally with her, "You've taught me the intrinsic value of the written word, how to dig deeper into my emotional truth, and the importance of having love in my life. And for all these gifts, I thank you." Ever since discovering Nin's journals, Raab has kept them stacked by her bedside table, forming a deep connection with the diarist; time and again Raab turns to the journals for her own inspiration.

Nin's journals span several decades, providing a deep insight into her personal life and relationships. Although she never met Nin, Diana Raab chose Nin as an audience for her precisely crafted poems, which commemorate intimate scenes of Raab's life. Indeed, there are many parallels in their lives. Both Raab and Nin began keeping a journal as young girls in response to a loss in their lives. Nin lost of her father who left the family for another woman and Raab lost her beloved grandmother to suicide.

Award-winning poet, Denise Duhamel says "Dear Anaïs: My Life in Poems for You," is not only a tribute to the late diarist, but also a tribute to diaries themselves. Each of the book's poems, culled from Raab's own notebook, offers intimate portraitures, tiny memoirs in verse. Raab's poetry is seductive in its earnestness, appealing in its vulnerability, mystery and enchantment."

Raab's poetry collection addresses a broad view of personal issues, including early romantic crushes, teenage angst, raising children, the relationship with her father, and the death of her beloved grandmother. More universal themes such depression, adultery, and being left by a man can be found within the pages of this highly accessible book. Dear Anaïs, My Life in Poems for You also includes a preface penned by Tristine Rainer, a personal friend of Nin's.

Today Raab shares the benefits of notebook keeping with others by teaching high-risk teens, writers and women's groups. She stresses the power of keeping a notebook and how poetry can be born from its pages.

Diana M. Raab, MFA, is a memoirist, essayist and poet. She teaches in the UCLA Writers' Program and the Santa Barbara Writers' Conference. She also conducts workshops around the country. Raab's memoir, Regina's Closet: Finding my Grandmother's Secret Journal (2007) won the National Indie Excellence Award for Memoir, and was recently announced a finalist in the National Best Book Award in the memoir/autobiography category.

DEAR ANAIS: My Life in Poems for You
By Diana Raab
Plain View Press
96 pages $14.95 Paperback
Pub. Date: September 2008
ISBN: 978-1891386411
www.dianaraab.com

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