Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to attend a lecture given by Alex Marzano Lesnovich, a brilliant author of creative nonfiction, who discussed the importance of an archive of one’s life. I am neither a faithful blogger nor journaler. I am, however, a faithful reader. So often I find looking back on what I have read during a given period says much more about what was happening in my life than any other record I might try to compile.

In August, I read 10 books in translation, or about the craft of translation: I found myself part of a reading group about poetry in translation through my work with Brooklyn Poets. I read 6 works by Italian authors or featuring Italian history: I departed the U.S. for a vacation in Italy at the end of the month. And I read 7 books of poetry, or prose by authors who are also poets: August is Sealey Challenge month, which encourages participants to read one book of poetry every day for the month of August. While I did not officially participate this year, I did use the opportunity to read more poetry.

Head to your local indie bookstore and check out these titles, or find them at my bookshop storefront here.