IN THE PACE OF THE PATH is one of the most interesting and unique books to ever come across my desk. Everything about it is masterfully crafted. This is a beautiful collection cover to cover, and an eye-opening read. Alan Bern brings an issue to the forefront that many choose to ignore: Homelessness. He does this in a way that makes you realize we’re all human beings with the same wants and needs—no matter your circumstances—we all yearn to be seen and loved. Not to be swept under life’s proverbial rug.
Inside you’ll find a slipstream of thoughts from conflicting points of view; in an alleyway and behind a reference desk at the local library. Broken up in sections beginning with bullet point memories that could have come from either side. Memories of a longtime city resident with no discernable past/present timeline. Brought on by walks around Berkeley, CA. Peppered with photography taken by the author of local scenes around his hometown.
This is a hefty book both literally and figuratively. The heavy stock paper gives this 114-page book weight, and even more weight is added with Alan’s words. You’ll know you’ve gotten a hold of something real when you hold it in your hands, and the text brings substantial depth to that statement. This “hybrid fictionalized memoir” is a thoroughly enjoyable read that slips seamlessly between poetry, prose, and storytelling. Taking you on a journey around Berkeley relayed through the experiences of people from all walks of life. IN THE PACE OF THE PATH is a must-read rollercoaster of emotions. I promise you won’t be let down if you grab a copy.
—JDCIV, Founder/EIC of Cajun Mutt Press, author of Bad Weed Never Dies and I Pledge Allegiance To The Flag
“A captivating literary experiment, as well as a moving story.” — Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/alan-bern/in-the-pace-of-the-path
“Alan Bern’s prose and poetry are an empathetic and lyrical journey through his life. Magical and unexpected. I was surprised again and again.”
—Delia Ephron, author of Left on Tenth
“Alan Bern’s fictionalized memoir IN THE PACE OF THE PATH also represents a diverse array of styles as he moves between free verse poetry and prose to build the story of his life in Berkeley and his career in the public library system.
Bern steps away from the library reference desk to pursue the atmosphere of Berkeley from various vantage points past and present. He captures this milieu with vignettes that move between experiences with the fluid viscosity of time travel and psychological self-inspection.”
–D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
https://www.midwestbookreview.com/mbw/nov_23.htm#dianedonovan
“Alan Bern’s IN THE PACE OF THE PATH walks the border between poetry and prose, between the surreal and the realism where surrealism spawns, between the past and future which is the pace of the moment by moment of a life. I have learned from Bern’s clarity in poetry and prose to walk the edges of my homeland and step out into the unknown, while carrying the life I have lived within me. This is such an important work to read now and reread as we move through our lives.”
—Rusty Morrison, co-publisher of Omnidawn, and author of Risk, to be published by Black Ocean April 2, 2024
Alan Bern’s IN THE PACE OF THE PATH charts his life in his hometown of Berkeley, California, and gives an insightful look into his career in the public library serving that hometown, especially the unhoused, with love and compassion.
TO PURCHASE: https://therawartreview.com/2023/10/18/announcing-the-publication-of-in-the-pace-of-t he-path-by-alan-bern/
Retired children’s librarian Alan Bern received an MA in Creative Writing from Boston University studying with poet Anne Sexton and classicist Donald Carne-Ross. Alan is a Pushcart nominee and has published three books of poetry and a hybrid fictionalized memoir, IN THE PACE OF THE PATH, UnCollected Press, 2023. Alan has a chapbook, because lack, forthcoming from back room poetry in June 2024, https://backroompoetry.co.uk. Recent awards include: Longlist, The Bedford Competition (2023); Winner, Saw Palm Poetry Contest (2022). Recent/upcoming writing and photo work include: EcoTheo Review, Thanatos, The Hyacinth Review, DarkWinter, Feral, Porridge Magazine, and Mercurius. Alan is also a published/exhibited photographer and runs a fine press/publisher with artist/printer Robert Woods, Lines & Faces: linesandfaces.com.
