'Living in a story'

 

“I think the job of writing and literature is to encourage each one of us to believe that we're living in a story.” –  Naomi Shihab Nye

 

Born in 1952, Nye is a self-designated "wandering poet," traveling the world to lead writing workshops and conduct inspirational talks.  She lives in San Antonio – where she earned a degree in English Literature at Trinity University. 

 

Her writing career, which includes contributing to or publishing some 30 books of poetry, several novels, and many stories for kids and young adults, began as a child growing up in St. Louis, where her first poem was published at age 7.

 

Among Nye’s most notable works is the YA novel Habibi, the story of a 14-year-old girl and her Arab father and American mother who move from a home in St. Louis to live in Palestine, mirroring a time in her own life.    The semi-autobiographical piece, the title of which means “beloved,” addresses a wide range of themes including change, family values, war, peace and love.  Winner of multiple awards, the book was named by the American Library Association as one of the best books for Young Adults written in the 20^th Century. 

 

“Poetry calls us to pause,” Nye said.  “There is so much we overlook, while the abundance around us continues to shimmer, on its own.”