12/05/2019

(Thursday)

Make Disney Buttons!

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Eric Johnson Presents The Conditions We Live

6:30pm - 7:30pm

The Conditions We Live is a story of life and discovery, unapologetically told through poetry. 

Living life can be messy, beautiful, uplifting, and soul crushing. Eric Johnson brings these emotions and more to life in his debut collection. The Conditions We Live follows a loose narrative of growing up in modern society where we are constantly torn between our better and baser natures, how to live in an increasingly fractured world, and how to find solace in the moments. When the big picture looks bleak, the moment holds a transcendent beauty nonetheless. 

With approachable poems about everyday life, this collection intends to open the moments we live to find a mindful presence in our lives. Beginning with images of traveling and discovery, the collection descends into chaotic and sometimes poignant moments of growing up, no matter what our age, ultimately leading to an understanding of self and purpose. Whether you read from cover to cover, or simply dip into the middle, the poems in this collection provide a slice of life, a moment in which there is beauty to explore. 

Eric Johnson grew up in Western Massachusetts and graduated from Western New England University and The University of Massachusetts with a B.S. and M.A. in English Literature respectively. Eric started his career as a middle school English teacher in an inner city school, but transitioned to a high school where he continues to teach English and Creative Writing.  He teaches at Ludlow High School. Always passionate for a good story in all of it’s forms, Eric has finally taken the plunge into becoming a published author.

Eric shares his (mostly finished) home in the woods of Western Massachusetts with his wife, two children, and their Aussie. Being an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, much of his work juxtaposes human life with the natural world.

Join us for a reading and book signing by Eric Johnson.  Please RSVP by calling 583-3408 or by stopping by the circulation desk.