Turn Left Before Morning

by April Salzano

Turn Left Before Morning explores the daily struggles involved in parenting a child with autism. These poems map a mother’s quest for understanding of a world that requires a significant shift in perspective and a new definition of what it means to love a child. The key to navigating the rough terrain of autism is not something she discovers, but is instead something that has been subtly guiding her all along: autism is as wonderful as it is terrifying, as humorous as it is heartbreaking, in alternating and equal measure.

Genres: Poetry

39 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2016

About the author

April Salzano lives with her husband and two sons in rural Pennsylvania. She is currently working on a memoir on raising a son with autism and several collections of poetry. Her poetry and prose have been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and her writing has appeared in journals such as The Camel Saloon, Centrifugal Eye, Deadsnakes, Visceral Uterus, Salome, Poetry Quarterly, and Writing Tomorrow.

Reviews

[Marne Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are very plainspoken poems that detail Salzano's joys and struggles in raising a son with autism. I imagine that this would make a lovely gift for other parents who face similar challenges.

[Shannon Winward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal. An anthem of heartbreak and endurance for all special needs parents.

[E.T. Bowen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not much to say.

[J.S. Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plain and direct poetry, at times emotionally raw, dealing with the incidents and feelings inherent in bringing up an autistic child.