Sweating It Out

by Deborah Turner

If you want a better understanding of what happened in the wake of George Floyd's unnecessary death, take a look at Deborah Turner's unflinching debut collection of poems, Sweating It Out .

In Sweating , Turner shows us the work behind discovering and breaking the rules of engagement, whether in community, family, love, or sports. Each poem, at face value, plays in a different arena--basketball, softball, tennis. Yet collectively, they stand as evidence revealing how the strength needed for real life has its roots in play. Hallowed traditions like call and response ("Double Dutch") and the blues ("Coming Down") score throughout Sweating . The mid-way poem, "Time Out," offers a thought-provoking break. But in the end, the triumphant "When I Rise" gives hope to anyone still struggling and a testament to those whose early struggles to cultivate change ("Juneteenth") make it possible to keep playing.

Early praise for this original and fresh collection of sports poetry describes Turner's work as a model and mentor text, and true to form you can find her own reading and discussion guide and more about her and her works at www.deborahturner.online.

Poetry readers are alert for ways to make the complex and distressing accessible and understandable. 2020 is awash with questions, uncertainty, and change. Let Sweating It Out help you work through your questions.

30 pages, Paperback

First published August 7, 2020

About the author

Deborah Turner comes from a long line of tall woman. Her jock poetry emerges, in part, from how coaches quickly spotted and recruited her for basketball, rowing, softball, and, track. She played the latter two in college where she stayed long enough to earn her doctorate. A librarian and educator, Deborah now writes poetry and prose full-time. Her creative works convey a sense of redemption, hope and the ability for all of us to be able to do better; a sentiment which resonates in today's topsy turvy world frequently missing a sense of optimism.

Currently, Deborah's working on her first novel, Harvesting Her Own Cranberries, and a memoir based in West Philadelphia. She blog publishes regularly at deborahturner.online.

Reviews

[Melinda Weil]

When I first began reading Deborah Turner’s poetry nearly 20 years ago, I was struck by the emotional and social maturity and depth of her writing. My favorite poem of Deborah’s - one that still brings tears to my eyes - has been in a frame on my wall for all those years. Reading her new book, "Sweating It Out," I am delighted that her insight has continued to flourish, producing multi-textured meaning. This is poetry that engages you with familiar action, slyly pulls the rug out from under your assumptions, and welcomes you to a profound perspective on identity.

[Jennifer A.]

Dr. Turner’s poetry is pleasantly unexpected. Her poetry touches on diverse topics such as women in sports, mental illness, lesbian and Black life experiences. Their treatment is intersectional and compelling as these topics which often go unremarked in poetry. Her poetry is intimate and tender. You feel her joy, dreams, loss, pain and respect for tradition. It is a powerful collection. Turner is a is a gifted poet. I found myself wanting more, and reaching for her volume to reread.

[Ellen Bass]

The poetry is clever and engaging. The imagery is palpable. And it made me think and smile, sometimes at the same time. What more could I have hoped for?