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books
Roy Anthony Shabla is an esteemed poet and writer with credits in both fiction and non-fiction on various subjects. His work is known for its humanity and its startling epiphanies on the reality of human nature, often with a humorous bent.
He is the author of several books, most notably, eating God and (PEACE) WORDS, each of which chronicles the progress of a spiritual person in the physical world. His most recent full book of poetry, libretti lumi, is a cycle of poems exploring the nature of love and communication. His most recent chapbook book of poetry, conversations, is already receiving great reviews.
Excerpts from eating God and libretti lumi have been used in several short art films, one of which is the poetic masterpiece, body of water. See roytube.com.
Spoken word / language poetry / sound poetry ~ with music. Listen for free or download.
Roy Anthony Shabla is a longtime publisher and editor, book designer, and bookmaker specializing in small, limited edition, letterpress broadsides and chapbooks.
Roy Anthony Shabla curates a monthly poetry series in Downey, California. Follow the green salon on Facebook.
See foreign language books by Roy Anthony Shabla.
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Open Table
This collection of traditional Zen Buddhist koans is lovingly retold for the modern student of Buddhism. The language and cultural details of the koans are simplified for the Western reader without diluting the cultural flavor or significance. Koans are Zen Buddhist teaching tools –riddles, anecdotes, and such– used to liberate the logical mind of the student. The linguistic nature of koans lends itself to poetic language and, thus, these koans are offered and expanded in poetry instead of prose. Even if you are familiar with the practice of Zen koans, this book will enhance your understanding of the koans themselves, further opening that important aspect of Buddhist monastic culture to you. A penetrating and simply powerful read for both student and master, open table is a landscape for the journey of the mind and soul.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
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RADIANT IN ALL REALMS
This small book of guided meditations will change your life. From the very first reading, you will feel a tangible effect. Use it as a spiritual first aid kit. This meditation poem takes affirmations to an entirely new level and your spiritual life will thank you. Very advanced but still accessible to the beginner. A metaphysical triumph! Read this book everyday and you will live forever.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
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y i x
this book of avant garde sound / language / deconstructionist poetry is written in spanish, english, and yiddish with an extra section in japanese and highlights in ukrainian. it is a magical, musical descent from nonsense to gibberish that will change the way you look at poetry and language itself. very fun, very puzzling, this book is different every time you read it. an absolute must for lovers and students of language.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
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keys
Through the resonant images of keys, this small book of avant garde verse and prose poetry illuminates the family history and interpersonal relationships of the poet, achieving self-awareness for the writer and reader, and releasing the obstacles to creativity. Or, to put the key in the lock, it is a delightful story of growing up and learning who you are.
Non-linear and non-narrative in format, this chapbook, like the cycle of life itself, is a puzzle whose picture gets clearer as the pages turn... and you will find yourself in different places every time you read it. You will find yourself different every time you read it.
And, as always, it is a love story; it is the story of the long, slow process of unlocking love for yourself and others.
You will never look at a key the same way again.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
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conversations
This chapbook of minimalist poetry shines a spotlight on the reality of modern interpersonal communication. A delicacy and subtlety unknown to Richard Brautigan permeates this work; a clean starkness visited only by Mishima; a clarity possessed only by the great haiku poets ~ this is conversations.
The first review: In his latest literary effort, conversations, Roy Anthony Shabla becomes the proverbial "fly on the wall". From this vantage point, he observes and light-heartedly describes the awkward social interactions inherent in the potential and ongoing relationships of others as well as his own. His inimitable poetic banter is both entertaining and biting and can even be, at times, poignant. A highly readable chapbook, conversations is a welcome addition to Shabla's growing ouvre.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
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i write therefore i am
The lovechild of Dr Seuss and Philip Glass is a Zen master named, i write therefore i am. Or, i am not. This chapbook is a hall of mirrors which reflects more reality than fantastic or fractured distortion. It is a writer’s handbook on why we write; two poems about the soul of poetry. It is music and psychoanalysis and a string of epiphanies knotted like a cat’s cradle. Hypnotic, dizzying… the book is a "must read" for any writer and any reader who considers literature an essential part of life.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
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libretti lumi
Lyrical and deeply resonant, this book of post-modernist poetry explores the dynamics of inter-personal relationships and communication. Built on classical forms, the work draws a direct line from the modern avant garde back through colonial and medieval literature to ancient Rome and Greece. In many ways, it is a summation of the long tradition of literature in the Western world.
But don’t let that intimidate you. libretti lumi is a simple and personal account of the effects of love. You will find yourself and your relationships in this book ~the title implies the epiphany you will have when reading it.
Non-narrative in format, libretti lumi is the cycles of poetry for two operas. Actually, it is one cantata (a pre-cursor form to opera) and one opera. It is also thoroughly modern and accessible. |
Toying with the game between science and spirituality, libretti lumi sheds light on the inner garden from which both science and spirituality spring. It is a book of emotions rationally explored.
The poetry itself is clean and spare, the style is straightforward. While referencing classical forms, there are no overt classical allusions in the work ~you do not need a PhD in literature to read this book. You just need a heart and soul.
review of libretti lumi
reading of libretti lumi
$11.99 purchase book from publisher
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(PEACE) WORDS
This is the most autobiographical book I have written thus far. It is a "portrait of the artist as a young vandal" complete with confessions of illegal international activities. It is also a moving story of finding one's artistic self in the world despite current trends and styles. The backdrop of the narrative is the peace, human rights, and ecology movements and it is a beautiful primer on the work of peace, protest, and public art. It is even more important and powerful during this time of lingering war.
$14.99 purchase book from publisher |
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eating God
This is the updated and expanded version of the highly acclaimed book of ecstatic poetry, eating God. It is a transcendent cycle of poems documenting the spiritual awakening of a simple man in the modern world. It will delight and refresh you with its reality and compassion. This is a book you will read and read again. And share with others. "If poets could be superstars, at least in this time and country, Roy Anthony Shabla would be the man to watch!" ~Spirit of the Valley
review of eating God
$14.99 purchase book from publisher |
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Feng Shui Every Day
This is a feng shui book anyone can use. Simple, clear ideas about architecture that will change your life. Includes secret information most masters will not reveal. Do not buy or remodel a house without it. This book is your most important purchase during difficult economic times. Highly praised by feng shui experts.
$12.99 purchase book from publisher |
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Child Harold at the Zoo
This is the coming-of-age story of a regular boy in an irregular world, the story of a divine boy in a mundane world. It is perfect reading for anyone trying to find a relationship with his own family or anyone trying to find a place for himself in society. Very quirky and funny, very real and enchanting. Gives you hope about being in this crazy world.
$9.99 purchase book from publisher |
foreign language books
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