What Should I Read Next? Ep 481: A reading life that comes in waves
Jun 10, 2025
Join Evan Carlson, a Chicago-based actor and poet, as he dives into the search for fiction that resonates like the nonfiction he adores. He shares his unique relationship with reading and challenges he's faced to find engaging narratives. From poetry's transformative power to the intersection of storytelling and performance, Evan reflects on his artistic journey and the impacts of modern distractions on reading habits. The conversation also spotlights thought-provoking titles like 'Poetry, a Survivor's Guide' and 'Bluettes,' bridging emotions and reflections.
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Poetry Mentorship Sparks Passion
- Evan found new poets through his college poetry professor Mike Tooney, who gave him recommendations that ignited his love for poetry.
- This mentorship transformed Evan's experience from boredom to excitement with contemporary poetry.
Meeting Mark Jokic Changed View
- Evan met poet Mark Jokic in a college poetry class and received a personal gift of Jokic's novel.
- Jokic's work inspired Evan to see poetry as alive, strange, and fun rather than boring or academic.
Stephen Crane's Poems Surprised Me
- Stephen Crane's poetry, written over a hundred years ago, feels surprisingly modern, strange, and short to Evan.
- This poetry challenged Evan's idea of what poems can be and showed them as accessible and exciting.
