Ryan Vine to Present Latest Poetry Collection at Minnesota Discovery Center

The evening will start with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by a poetry reading at 6 p.m. and a book signing at 6:45 p.m., with the conclusion of the event at 7:30 p.m. Vine, a professor of English at the College of St. Scholastica, grew up along the St. Louis River in Duluth and began writing poetry during high school.

"The Cave," which is Vine's fourth collection, addresses themes such as fatherhood, generational trauma, and the connections between place and lineage. His first book, "Distant Engines," was published in 2006. Vine cites his high school English teacher, Jim Johnson, as a significant influence, introducing him to the works of Walt Whitman.

Vine's contributions to poetry have earned him several awards, including the Northeast Minnesota Book Award and the Robert Watson Poetry Prize. "The Cave" was recognized in 2025 as one of the "Best Poetry Books" by the California Review of Books and among the "Top 5 of 2025" by Zenith Bookstore. The book's inaugural reading took place at Zenith Bookstore in Duluth, followed by events in Mankato, Grand Rapids, and Superior, Wisconsin. Another reading is planned for next week in Grand Marais.

When reflecting on his upcoming reading, Vine expressed his hope that the audience enjoys the experience and feels inspired to explore more poetry. He is also a recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, which supports this event with funding from Minnesota voters and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Critical responses to "The Cave" highlight its deep thematic resonance. Connie Wanek described the work as masterful and moving, while Dobby Gibson praised its vivid imagery and emotional immediacy. Michael Bazzett noted the poignant exploration of parental hope and fear, and Patrick Phillips commented on the poet's honest and tender depiction of human love.