Matt Rader Books

" Living Things thrives." - George Elliott Clarke, Halifax Chronicle-HeraldWritten in the year after the birth of Matt Rader's first daughter, Living Things honestly introduces the contradictions of the modern "how what we see in daylight is less than whole / and also more so." Using words in lieu of sonar, these poems bounce off the ecology of "shabby saturated grasses" and "panther-eyed armies of salal," and locate both author and reader within a literary genealogy. Matt Rader's poetry brings subtle slowness to a chaotic, fast-paced environment. It is both celebration and documentation of this world and its relationship to all living things.

Exploring themes of disability, access, and the human experience, this book combines memoir, essay, and poetic elements to offer deep reflections on vision, pain, illness, and death. Set mainly in the central Okanagan, it serves as a rich tapestry of references and associations, reimagining access as both a process and an artistic experience. Through its kaleidoscopic meditations, it invites readers to engage with profound and often challenging concepts in a unique and thought-provoking manner.

Exploring the journey into middle age, this collection of poems delves into the complexities of identity and belonging, reflecting on a life enriched by literature. The verses grapple with the nuances of place and self, inviting readers to contemplate their own connections to home and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and introspective themes, the poems offer a poignant examination of life’s transitions and the search for meaning.

Set against the backdrop of a nostalgic summer, the narrative explores the lives of a group of friends as they navigate the complexities of adolescence. Through shared experiences and simple moments, such as striking matchsticks on the front porch, themes of friendship, growth, and the bittersweet nature of youth emerge. The story captures the essence of fleeting time and the memories that shape us, inviting readers to reflect on their own formative moments.

Fiercely beautiful stories weave a kaleidoscopic vision of a real yet unsettling world. This collection stands out as a remarkably strong and original debut, offering a fresh perspective that captivates and challenges readers.