Former Birmingham Gallery Owner's Poetry Collection on Michigan's Notable Books List

Above, Diane DeCillis looks out the window at the Lido in Venice. (Photo via DianeDeCillis.com)

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A West Bloomfield poet’s new book, “Strings Attached,” has been named one of 20 books highlighting Michigan people, places and events to the 2015 Michigan Notable Books list by the Library of Michigan.

Diane DeCillis’ inspiration for the collection, recently published by Wayne State University, is a young elephant calf with a thin rope tied to its leg. Even as it grows into a massive animal, the elephant thinks it is still restrained and never attempts to break free.

“This powerful, funny and sometimes self-deprecating collection considers all the ways that strings bind us in relationships, and explores their constant tightening and loosening,” the Library of Michigan said of the book.

The 2015 list highlighting exceptional books bringing attention to Michigan authors and stories includes fiction, short story collections, history, children’s picture books, mysteries, poetry and memoirs.

Topics are as diverse as as Detroit’s World War II role as the “arsenal of democracy” to fishing the Au Sable River to Kalamazoo favorite son Derek Jeter’s dream-come-true children’s book about playing shortstop for the New York Yankees.

“These wonderful reads celebrate, in their own unique ways, Michigan’s people, places and events,” State Superintendent of Public Education Mike Flanagan said in a news release announcing the list. “The Michigan Notable Books list is a great way to showcase each year a new crop of talented writers in a state steeped in history and natural beauty and rich in stories and characters.”

Each year the MNB list features 20 books, published the previous calendar year, which are about or set in Michigan or the Great Lakes region, or are written by a Michigan author. Selections include nonfiction and fiction books that appeal to a variety of audiences and cover various topics and issues close to the hearts of Michigan residents.

The statewide MNB program began in 1991 as a Michigan Week celebration paying tribute to and raising awareness to the many people, places and things that make Michigan life unique.

“The MNB selections clearly demonstrate the vast amount of talent found in writers focusing on Michigan and the Great Lakes region” state librarian Randy Riley said. “The list continues to offer something for everyone.”

This year’s MNB selection committee includes representatives from the Library of Michigan and its foundation; the Archives of Michigan; Grand Rapids Public Library; Genesee District Library; Howell Carnegie District Library; Lansing City Pulse; Michigan Center for the Book; Michigan Humanities Council; and Schuler Books & Music.

DeCillis previously owned the Print Gallery and Southfield and later, Lido Gallery in Birmingham, where she also hosted music and poetry events. In 2013, she sold Lido Gallery – at one point named one of the best Detroit area venues for poetry – so she could write full-time.

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