U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze talks about the importance of New Mexico Book Association gala in Santa Fe to raise funds to support books and authors in the state. The gala is from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe Las Campanas, Club Room. 

Susan Morée:
Arthur, it's so exciting to be able to talk to the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate. Tell us about the New Mexico Book Association, where you're going to be a special guest.

193 poets. 366 days. One state.

​This long-awaited anthology of New Mexico poetry is finally here. It officially comes out on September 15—but we are celebrating early.
We invite you to join us for a slate of incredible readings featuring some of the greatest poets in the state, alongside debut poets and other acclaimed writers publishing their poetry for the first time.
Can’t make a reading in person? You can still preorder your copy now, and we will ship it well before the publication date. It’s your own personal sneak peek.
Albuquerque. Santa Fe. El Rito. Details below for all of these—beginning next week on August 13 and 15.

First, though, check out the contributor list. Holy smokes, pinch us.

Amon is trekking through the forest, seeking solitude as he nears the end of his guilt-ridden life. A hunter who has lost his family and crippled him through a landslide, he is spiritually broken thinking that he could have changed the course of events. He comes across a wounded wolf - a mortal enemy of his village - and decides to help the wolf recover. Amon and the wolf, Kwewu, build trust and mutual respect over the weeks as Amon tells the wolf stories of his culture and traditions while the wolf heals. Problems arise when the villagers discover the wolf. Amon and Kwewu provide meaningful lessons for the villagers as they transcend to become twin stars in the night sky. At its core, Twin Stars is a story about what we owe to one another, and to the world we share with all living things. It asks whether mercy is a luxury we can afford only in times of plenty, or whether it is precisely in our darkest moments that compassion becomes most essential. It explores the idea that healing is not a solitary act but a shared journey, and that sometimes the broken must recognize their own reflection in another's suffering before they can begin to mend.We invite you to walk with Amon and Kwewu through the high country, to sit with them in the aspen clearing, and to witness their ascension into something greater than themselves. May you find in their story a reflection of your own journey, the wounds you carry, the bridges you've built, and the light that enters through the cracks.

The New Mexico Book Association is saddened to learn of the passing of founding member Richard Polese.

As one of the original architects of the NMBA, Richard played a crucial role in shaping the organization into what it is today. We owe him our deepest gratitude for his years of unwavering dedication, support, and passion for literacy.

The New Mexico book community has lost a true champion. He will be deeply missed by the NMBA board, staff, and the countless members he inspired.

Services will be Friday May 29, 2026.  Visitation at 12:00pm at Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light, Funeral Service at 1:00 at Rivera Family Kiva Chapel of Light.