Karen Alkalay-Gut

Poet

Ramat Aviv
Israel
IL

Author's Bio

After 25 books of poetry, a biography, and thousands of poems and articles, I'm thinking of becoming serious about writing. My latest book of poetry in English is "Layers" (2012) but I feel a few more coming. Whatever results, it's clear my concentration is on communication, with humor as a means of enabling transmitting even the most painful and pleasurable of experiences. On the back cover of "Layers" is a poem: Admit it

There was a reason you picked me up
the size, shape, awakened an ache
the heft felt true to your hand
It’s only a book, so you might
give up in the middle
or the beginning of your browsing

But admit it
You’ll remember me

Publications & Prizes

Books:
So Far So Good (Sivan, 2005)
,
Avra Cadivra (ZeBook Press, 2002)
,
High Maintenance (Neamh, 2001)
,
In My Skin (Sivan, 2000)
,
The Love of Clothes & Nakedness (Sivan, 1999)
,
Harmonies/Disharmonies (Etc. Editions, 1994)
,
Ignorant Armies (Cross-Cultural Communications, 1994)
Prizes won: 

For Poetry: prizes from BBC World Service, Prairie Schooner, FemSpec, Arvon, and numerous others. Numerous prizes in Israel for poetry books. For research and travel: Fulbright travel, British Council, University awards.

Personal Favorites

What I'm reading now: 
So What? by Taha Mohammad Ali

More Information

Gives readings: 
Yes
Travels for readings: 
Yes
Identifies as: 
Israeli American
Prefers to work with: 
Any
Fluent in: 
Yiddish
Born in: 
London
Raised in: 
Rochester, NY
New York
Please note: All information in the Directory is provided by the listed writers or their representatives.
Last update: Jul 05, 2013