Brother Holland reading “Johnny Depp is Not Coming” at Gonzofest 2023
The new face of the seeker in the crowd, Ben Holland has traversed the globe in search of many things – mostly himself. To now reside in Kentucky after having been chased out of Camelot (some may call it Connecticut), surviving tours of duty in as far away and exotic places as Iraq and Kuwait, is what could be called a small miracle. Belonging now to tribe of transplants that is Louisville, he finds himself square amid a life that is once again evolving into something more fit for his creative spirit. At the urging of his lovely wife, he is finally pursuing an active writing career, and it starts now!
J.J. Campbell (1976 – ?) is old enough to know better. He’s been widely published over the years, most recently at Synchronized Chaos, Horror Sleaze Trash, The Beatnik Cowboy, The Asylum Floor and Disturb the Universe Magazine. You can find him most days on his mildly entertaining blog, evil delights. (https//:evildelights.blogspot.com)
Michael E. Duckwall was born and raised in the Ohio Valley. A featured poet at the 10th and final Gonzofest in Louisville Ky. His poem “Making Messes” was included in the anthology Encore released in January 2023, and his first book of poetry The Ramblings of a Recovering Poet was published by Pure Sleeze Press in July 2023. Cajun Mutt Press recently published his collection of poetry and artwork titled 7.2 SkullQuake in February 2024. This is how he describes his poems: “I don’t write, I release. I’m not sure if I could hold any of this in, even if I wanted to. Poetry.. my therapy, my friend, my release.”
Danny D. Ford’s poetry & artwork has appeared in numerous online and print titles. He has seventeen chapbooks to his name, including the recent collections Rum Lime Rum (Laughing Ronin Press 2023) and Sucking on a Wet Pint (Anxiety Press 2022). He can be found in Bergamo, Italy.
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
IN THE PACE OF THE PATH by Alan Bern
“A captivating literary experiment, as well as a moving story.” — Kirkus Reviews
“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.”
“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.
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.
