Kim Addonizio Books

Set against the backdrop of late 1990s San Francisco, the story follows Rita Jackson, a young woman grappling with the trauma of her mother's murder and the unresolved disappearance of her husband, Jimmy. Living in shelters and navigating a turbulent lifestyle, Rita is burdened by guilt and a longing for reconciliation. Unbeknownst to her, Jimmy remains in the city, still in love and striving to overcome their shared struggles with addiction as he works to rebuild his life. Their intertwined fates create a poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption.

Through vivid imagery and compelling narratives, Kim Addonizio's collection explores various settings that reveal the hidden complexities of reality. Each piece invites readers to question perceptions and discover the unexpected layers beneath the surface of everyday life.

Poetry from the author of Tell Me, a finalist for the National Book Award.

The poems in this collection vividly portray the lives of Jimmy and Rita, capturing their emotional victories and defeats within a suffocating environment. Through Kim Addonizio's subtle approach, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the characters' struggles, allowing the poems to resonate deeply without the author's overt presence. The work explores themes of confinement and resilience, making the experiences of the characters both relatable and poignant.

From the nuts and bolts of craft to the sources of inspiration, this book is for anyone who wants to write poetry-and do it well. The Poet's Companion presents brief essays on the elements of poetry, technique, and suggested subjects for writing, each followed by distinctive writing exercises. The ups and downs of writing life―including self-doubt and writer's block―are here, along with tips about getting published and writing in the electronic age. On your own, this book can be your "teacher," while groups, in or out of the classroom, can profit from sharing weekly assignments.

In this fresh approach to writing poetry, the coauthor of the perennially popular The Poet's Companion offers sharp insights into the craft of writing. "The creative process is just that," maintains Kim Addonizio. "Not a means to an end, but an ongoing participation." A widely acclaimed poet and finalist for the National Book Award, Addonizio meditates on her own process as she encourages writers to explore both their personal and political worlds, to seek inspiration from poets new and old, and to discover the rich poetic resources of the Internet. Lively, accessible, and informative, Ordinary Genius ?provides wisdom gleaned through personal experience and offers a heady variety of writing exercises. Chapters on gender, addiction, race and class, metaphor and line invite each individual writer to find and to hone his or her unique voice. This is the perfect book for both experienced writers and beginners eager to glimpse the angel of poetry.

With both passion and precision, Lucifer at the Starlite explores life's dual nature: good and evil, light and dark, suffering and moments of unexpected joy. Whether looking outward to events on the world stage--the war in Iraq, the 2004 Asian tsunami--or inward at struggles with the self, these poems aim at the heart and against the feeling that Lucifer may have already won the day. from "Lucifer at the Starlite" Here's my bright idea for life on earth: better management. The CEO has lost touch with the details. I'm worth as much, but I care; I come down here, I show my face, I'm a real regular. A toast: To our boys and girls in the war, grinding through sand, to everybody here, our host who's mostly mist, like methane rising

America's Kim Addonizio has been called 'one of the nation's most provocative and edgy poets'. Her poetry is renowned for its gritty, street-wise narrators and wicked sense of wit.

Exploring the complexities of modern life, the urban tales delve into the struggles of characters grappling with indifference, addiction, and profound loneliness. Through a blend of graphic, humorous, and poignant storytelling, the narratives capture the raw emotions of rage and obsession, painting a vivid picture of a macabre landscape where desire remains ever-present. These unrestrained stories reveal the fragility of human connections and the dark side of urban existence.

The story intertwines the lives of an obsessive-compulsive individual, a pregnant teenager, and her unborn child, exploring their unique struggles and connections. With a blend of humor and poignancy, the narrative delves into the complexities of their experiences, capturing the challenges and unexpected moments of joy that define their lives. This debut novel showcases Kim Addonizio's talent for creating relatable characters and poignant themes, making it a compelling read.