肉肉传媒 Libraries has selected "Ocean" by acclaimed poet and 肉肉传媒 creative writing instructor Sue Goyette as the 2026-27 title, inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to explore the ocean鈥檚 profound influence on life and identity on the Atlantic coast.听
Published by , "Ocean" is an award-winning collection of interconnected poems that explore our relationship with the sea. Drawing on the landscapes and cultures of Halifax and our coastal communities, Goyette blends observation and imagination to explore the ocean as a force that shapes our lives and sense of place.
"Ocean" was a finalist for the in 2014 and later received the .
I still think about and draw from what I learned. It was such a rich writing experience.
"Writing Ocean taught me something about being open to the poetic and imaginative flex and what that makes possible," said Goyette, reflecting on the collection more than a decade after its publication.听
She says the experience taught her to embrace the possibilities of imagination and trust the creative process.鈥�
"I still think about and draw from what I learned. It was such a rich writing experience. The imaginative aspect of the work still feels especially meaningful to me right now, given the state of the world."鈥�
Goyette describes writing the book as "a creatively wild experience," adding "I can still feel how those poems moved through me to get to the page and how crucial the trust in the process was."
When asked about what advice she might have for those new to or uncertain about poetry, Goyette said there is no right or wrong way to read a poem. 鈥淩eading a poem is a lot like setting off into a new place or a new experience. Staying curious helps.鈥澨�
A first for the program
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Ocean is the first poetry collection ever selected for Dal Reads听鈥� an exciting moment for the university鈥檚 community reading program. Dal Reads brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members through a shared reading experience and related university-wide events.
"Ocean" was nominated by Bart Vautour, associate professor in the Department of English, who was thrilled the title was selected.听
"'Ocean' has been consistently finding new readers in the years since it was first published, and not just English-language readers:鈥疧cean鈥痟as been translated into French, Spanish, and German. I鈥檓 glad that the book will now find new readers from across the 肉肉传媒 community听 鈥� students, faculty, administrators 鈥� anyone who might be unsure about the rich contributions the arts make in the work we do here at a university positioned on the edge of the ocean.鈥澨�
For readers who may be new to poetry, Vautour offers simple advice: 鈥淟et the salty and sweet language of Sue鈥檚鈥� "Ocean"鈥痺ash over you. I promise you鈥檒l come out the other side refreshed."
鈥淟et the salty and sweet language of Sue鈥檚鈥� Ocean鈥痺ash over you. I promise you鈥檒l come out the other side refreshed."
Hear from the author and get your copy of Ocean
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肉肉传媒 Libraries will host a public reading and conversation on Tuesday, October 27 from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Beaty Marine Centre for Biodiversity. Join us under the whale skeleton to hear select poems from Ocean read by author Sue Goyette.听
Attendees will have an opportunity to receive a free copy of Ocean, hear from the author, ask questions, and connect with fellow readers from across the 肉肉传媒 community.
A limited number of paperback copies will also be available through 肉肉传媒 Libraries. Watch for book stations at libraries across campus.
Copies of the eBook are also available to borrow:
(Novanet)听
or directly in your
First time borrowing an eBook? Get more from Dal Libraries.