Several poets are great at writing poetry but not so good at reading it. Bonnie Larson Staiger excels at both. Her poetry reveals a strong sense of place and an eye for the beauty and difficulty of life. Her reading of her work demonstrates a strong sense of self and the ability to meaningfully connect with her audience. If you have the opportunity to hear Bonnie speak, do not hesitate. You will be rewarded with a fascinating, enriching, and thoroughly enjoyable evening.
~Dr. Sarah Clark, Asst. Professor of English
University of Mary
The Creative Writing Club can’t stop raving about Bonnie Larson Staiger’s visit. She was lively, personable, and raw. You never know what you’re going to get when you invite artists for a reading of their work but Bonnie did not disappoint! Her poetry came to life as she shared the stories of her inspiration and made creative writing conventional. Not only is her poetry special but her ability to share it is as well.
~Jordan Grant, President
Creative Writing Club, Univ. of Mary
Bonnie Larson Staiger’s poetry is all the more impressive for her bold, quiet presentation.
~Ken Smith, Editor
Dickey County Leader
I so enjoyed meeting Bonnie at the ND Book Festival! Her reading was amazing. She is just such a wonderful writer and human being. So many folks who were at our workshops mentioned her specifically as being a stellar facilitator. What a rock star!
~Lana Schlect
Ellendale Arts Council
I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your poetry reading at Ferguson Books. It would be my dream to put stories into words the way you can. I admire your depth of knowledge and your sense of humor too!
~A Reading Attendee
We are driving west on I-94, having just passed Exit 23 in the midst of the beautiful Badlands. I’ve been viewing the scenery with a keener eye than ever before. Thanks to your poetry reading and group discussion. I learned so much about how to enjoy poetry, poets who have been significant influences in your life, and some fun stories.
~Group Discussion Participant
I learned more about how to enjoy and appreciate poetry in an evening with Bonnie at our book club than I have in any class I’ve ever taken.
~Off the Shelf Book Club member
WOW! Bonnie’s book is a real page-turner. I didn’t know that was possible for a book of poetry.
~A Surprised Reader
Bonnie Larson Staiger’s poetry reading was absolutely beautiful. I felt like I entered her brain. I am not a big poetry reader, but something about her poems really attracted me. I think it was the simplicity, or maybe it was the way she wrote about North Dakota. I have never been to a poetry reading before and I was surprised that I did not want it to end. There was a connection between her and the audience.
~A Student in Masterpieces of American Lit
Dickinson State University
When I read poetry by my friend, Bonnie, I’m reminded that she is an artist. Some of our past conversations, however, point to her broad knowledge of ND history and her deep understanding of the human soul. Most certainly I need this reminder to put intellect aside long enough to encounter nature. Not to think about nature, but to be with it and experience nature without analyzing it. Furthermore, I’m convinced that Bonnie has met the people who show up in her poetry, so I ask myself: Is she a time-traveling historian or a poet or a spiritual writer? (Excerpt from an introduction to public reading)
~Dorothy Renner
Instructor of Psychology, DSU
Heart River Writer’s Circle
I really think your hard work these past few years has brought you close to the bone: you threw down a draft the other day that is lyrical, sonically interesting, delicious to articulate, and moving in its sad awareness of the coming winter. It is personal and universal.
We are doing what we dream of, despite the toughest of times. So glad to be sharing the process with you.
~Alex B., poet
Rockport College/Maine Media Classmate
Brooklyn, NY
Bonnie Larson Staiger 