Acclaimed poetry collection by Dalhousie creative writing instructor Sue Goyette becomes the first poetry title chosen for the university’s community reading program.

Dalhousie Libraries has selected Ocean by acclaimed poet and Dalhousie creative writing instructor Sue Goyette as the 2026-27 Dal Reads title, inviting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to explore the ocean’s profound influence on life and identity on the Atlantic coast.

Published by Gaspereau Press, 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 Griffin Poetry Prize in 2014 and later received the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia Masterworks Arts Award.

“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.

She says the experience taught her to embrace the possibilities of imagination and trust the creative process.

“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.”

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. “Reading a poem is a lot like setting off into a new place or a new experience. Staying curious helps.”

Ocean is the first poetry collection ever selected for Dal Reads – an exciting moment for the university’s 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.

“Ocean has been consistently finding new readers in the years since it was first published, and not just English-language readers: Ocean has been translated into French, Spanish, and German. I’m glad that the book will now find new readers from across the Dalhousie community  — students, faculty, administrators — 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.”

For readers who may be new to poetry, Vautour offers simple advice: “Let the salty and sweet language of Sue’s Ocean wash over you. I promise you’ll come out the other side refreshed.”

Hear from the author and get your copy of Ocean

Dalhousie Libraries will host a public reading and conversation on Tuesday, October 27 from 12:00-1:30 pm in the Beaty Marine Centre for Biodiversity. Join us under the whale skeleton to hear select poems from Ocean read by author Sue Goyette. Stay tuned to Dal’s events calendar for more information.

Attendees can get a free copy of Ocean, hear from the author, ask questions, and connect with fellow readers from across the Dalhousie community.

A limited number of paperback copies will also be available through Dalhousie Libraries. Watch for book stations at libraries across campus.

Copies of the eBook are also available to borrow:

• Search the library catalogue (Novanet)
• Find it in Overdrive or directly in your Libby app

First time borrowing an eBook? Get more information and guidance on borrowing eBooks from Dal Libraries.