Karel Sloane, an August 2003 graduate in psychology of Loyola’s City College, published her first book, “With the Naked Eye,” nine weeks ago.

“With the Naked Eye” is a collection of inquisitive and reflective essays that find nature in the cities of New Haven, Conn., and New Orleans, La.

The essays are platonic in nature as they seek to answer the question, “What is natural?” using an inner dialogue.

“[It is] both a scientific inquiry and [a] philosophical exploration of how people view the human transformation of natural environments,” Sloane said.

“Much of the book is about opening up a dialogue on nature and the need for discussion and changes of perspectives around perceptions people hold about nature and the act of transformation,” Sloane said.

The potential to spark debate and Sloane’s persistence in creating venues for its discussion make “With the Naked Eye” a living work.

Critics have compared Sloane’s work to the creative nonfiction of her influence Annie Dillard, author of “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.”

Sloane, who was introduced to Dillard by Professor Bill Earl of Albertus Magnus College in New Haven, Conn., found inspiration through the similarities in theme between her poetry and the creative nonfiction of Dillard.

“If I could do it with poetry, then I could do it with another genre,” said Sloane.

Slone’s poetry has been published internationally 17 times.

Support from Loyola City College professors Dr. John Clark and Mary Grillet helped start Sloane on the path to publication.

“I still never thought that I would write a book, then when I transferred to Loyola two more professors greatly supported my literary endeavors, and it just started happening,” Sloane said. “Most of this was created because I found support for it. I submitted several chapters for publishing and all were accepted, which is really bizarre.”

Four chapters were accepted by Chatham College’s online magazine Fourth River. Hackwriters, an online British Journal dedicated to discovering new writers, published two more chapters.

The publicity attracted a publisher who signed Sloane under contract in September 2002.

In coalition with Loyola Women’s Resource Center, the Loyola Bookstore will hold a book reading, discussion, and signing for Sloane’s new book on Wednesday, Jan. 28th.

The book discussion is the second of a series of five to be held in the New Orleans area.

The Maple Leaf Bar on Oak St. will hold another reading/discussion of “With the Naked Eye.”

Contact Nancy Harris, 866-9359, for details on Saturday, Feb. 29th at 3 p.m.

Other discussions will take place at The Gold Mine in late March and at The Community Book Center in April.

“With the Naked Eye” is available for order online at www.amazon.com and at www.publishamerica.com. Five New Orleans bookstores have Sloane’s book in-stock, including Maple Street Bookstore and Loyola Bookstore.

Excerpts from the book can be read online at www.fourthriver.chatham.edu/archive/karelsloaneessay.html, www.hackwriters/Arkansas.html and www.hackwriters.com.

For further information contact Loyola’s Women’s Resource Center, 865-7088, or Booksellers, 865-3262, by phone.