A woman is a woman is a woman is a woman

by Chrys Tobey

"Chrys Tobey's a woman is a woman is a woman is a woman is a book in which Gertrude Stein's roses and Freud's cigars collide. These witty, poignant poems--eco-feminist in their approach, abundant in their gestures and forms--engage our cultural moment while re-imagining the world's flawed history that got us here. Anaphora abounds, building, then subverting, then building again. The personas of her 'bitch goddesses' will make you laugh and rethink everything." -- Denise Duhamel

Genres: Poetry

78 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chrys Tobey walks a daring tightrope of feminist poetry themes and heartbreaking slices of life. Some of my favorite poems in here (For the Men Who Inquire, My Mother's Latest Theory, I Am Pretending There Was No Restaurant) use shorter lines to directly slice into the heart of the reader, but some of the more sprawling poems (Taking Care, Happy Poem) also do a potent job of taking your breath away. Oh--and making you laugh too. There's some very funny lines all over the place. Seek this one out.

[Tammy Stoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book three times... and seen Chrys read from it more than that. SHE IS A REVELATION. Central to this collection is her speaking as woman who, in the past, were not granted that privilege (Catherine the Great, Marie Antionette, etc). In addition to the power that comes from these poems, there is a very particular style of dry humor that gives everything such wonderful depth. This should be taught in classes, read in bathtubs, put into Christmas stockings, left behind in bars, and packed in suitcases everywhere by everyone. . .

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

title says it---excellent

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to read more poetry because dang, this book inspired me. Inspired me with the way she placed women in conversations with one another (she did this a few times) and how effective the pieces turned out.

I'm gonna read more poetry y'all. I think I might have the fever. It only took me forever and a day.

[Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal faves were For The Billboard Near My Home That Reads God Forgives Everything, I am Pretending There Was No Restaurant, and Catherine The Great Addresses the Audience’s Concerns. Each poem had its mesh of classic lovely imagery alongside the author’s dark humor which I greatly enjoyed.

[❄Elsa Frost❄ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanna give this one 6/5 stars. Better yet, an infinite amount of stars. <3

[Autumn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is not a strong enough word for how I feel about this book. These poems are smart, sassy, intelligent and accessible. Tobey's imaginative turns of phrase are transportive; her forms are fresh and playful. These poems stare down the complexity and confusion of lost love, family, and identity with a fiercely feminine, unflinching gaze.