The State She's In

by Lesley Wheeler

Poetry. "Wheeler's formal virtuosity wheels and sparks as she explores the impact of whiteness and sexism on the literal state--its history, its land, its educational institution--she occupies... "Wheeler's research, her feral witchery, her poems themselves, are an answer, if not the antidote, to the state we're in." --Diane Seuss

"These poems showcase Lesley Wheeler's acerbic wit and vast intelligence- all laced over with a compassionate spirit for what divides us  and  what makes us whole... This is a collection of uncommon frankness, a poet of uncommon grace." --Aimee Nezhukumatathil

"What is the state of Lesley Wheeler's  The State She's In ? Accompany her there on her travels through history and culture, past and present, and you will discover more than you knew existed, including a spell for ridding oneself of certain politicians and a feminist bingo card. There's exuberance in these forms, humor in this self-awareness, and best of all, fierce compassion for the lost and downtrodden throughout this powerful, intriguing collection." --Lisa Lewis

"The tinder of Lesley Wheeler's latest collection of poems ignites a tremendous bonfire with the glow of both history and the future illuminated in the present dark. In poem after exquisite poem she writes of both the spark and the ember, where 'Scent resonates / even though the blooms are closed.' Here in her breathtaking work the landscapes of the past are indelibly linked with our hardwired present."--Oliver De La Paz

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

About the author

Lesley Wheeler's books are Poetry's Possible Worlds, a book about reading 21st century poetry during a time of crisis; the novel Unbecoming; and seven poetry books, most recently The State She's In. Poetry Editor of Shenandoah, she was born in New York, raised in New Jersey, and now resides in Virginia. Her partner is comics scholar, fiction writer, and playwright Chris Gavaler. They have two children.

Reviews

[Isabella Martin]

Some favorites: “The South,” “The Ferry,” “Energize,” and “Spirals.”

[Taylor]

Simply: a revelation. A must-read.

[Cynthia]

In this wonderfully varied and deeply felt collection, Lesley Wheeler is documenting America’s present, for the future. She can take her place among the white feminist poets writing in order to protest and counter the ugly vestiges of misogyny and racism still evident today, and to participate in productive dialogue with such vital movements as Black Lives Matter. This is a major collection.

[Julie Leprieux]

Loved these smart, shapely, thoughtful intelligent poems. The author's book Possibilities of Poetry is one to look out for too!