Author & Work Overview - Margaret Atwood designed the cover for her first poetry volume [1] - Atwood's new book, "A New Genre," includes short stories and children's books [1] - Her memoir, "Book of Lives," covers her life from a freerange childhood in Quebec [1] Influences & Education - Atwood was homeschooled until age 12 due to her father's entomology field work [2] - Growing up with biologists made her particular about details [4] - Atwood enrolled at Victoria College at the University of Toronto to become a writer [4] Career & Performance - Atwood was a young poet during the 60s in Canada [5] - She performed in student plays and reviews at Hard House theater [5] - Atwood is known for her attention to detail, even in performances [6]

Core Message - Grief is not a problem to be solved but an experience to be acknowledged and integrated [3] - Grief is not linear but layered, shapeshifting, and embodied, moving through our bodies [4] - Grief is a universal human experience, not an exception [5] Reframing Grief - Instead of resisting grief, the industry suggests welcoming it as a teacher about love [2][3] - The industry proposes giving grief a name, voice, and purpose, particularly through creative expression like poetry [8][9] - Poetry, with its fragmented and rhythmic nature, provides a language for grief when ordinary words fail [10][11][12] Practical Applications - The industry recommends naming grief, imaging it, and sharing it to create community and lessen loneliness [14][15][16] - The industry encourages a shift in language, replacing "I'm fine" with more honest expressions of grief's weight [17] - Grief is not the opposite of love but another face of love, emphasizing the importance of sitting with grief [18][19]

Societal Impact & Activism - Amanda Gorman advocates against racial inequality and book banning, using her poetry for activism [2][6] - Gorman's poem being banned in a Florida school highlighted concerns about children's right to read and learn [7][8] - Reports indicate over 10,000 book bans this school year, a more than 200% increase from last school year, raising concerns for children's rights [9] Empowerment & Community - Gorman's new children's book, "Girls on the Rise," emphasizes community, allyship, empowerment, inclusivity, and facing fears [2][3][4] - The book celebrates young women and girls, inspired by Dr Christine Blazy Ford's testimony, aiming to empower them to speak their truth [5][6] Poetry's Role - Poetry is seen as a critical language for expressing shared humanity and hope, especially during protests and national moments [12][13] - Gorman aims to use her poetry to inspire the country to return to love, legacy, and connection [16] Future Aspirations - Gorman expressed her ambition to run for president of the United States in 2036, driven by a desire to address policy issues and make a difference [13][15]