Amy Gerstler Knihy

From a "maestra of invention" (The New York Times) who is at once supremely witty, ferociously smart, and emotionally raw, a new collection of poems about womanhood Amy Gerstler has won acclaim for sly, sophisticated, and subversive poems that find meaning in unexpected places. Women's voices, from childhood to old age, dominate this new collection of rants, dramatic monologues, confessions and laments. A young girl muses on virginity. An aging opera singer rages against the fact that she must quit drinking. A woman in a supermarket addresses a head of lettuce. The tooth fairy finally speaks out. Both comic and prayer-like, these poems wrestle with mortality, animality, love, gender, and what it is to be human.

AMY GERSTLER’S COMMITMENT TO INNOVATIVE POETRY that conveys meaning, feeling, wit, and humor informs the cross section of poems in the 2010 edition of The Best American Poetry. The works collected here represent the wealth, breadth, and tremendous energy of poetry in the United States today. Featuring poems from top bards like John Ashbery, Anne Carson, Louise Glück, Sharon Olds, and Charles Simic, this edition also poignantly captures the current moment, including John Updike’s sonnets chronicling his final weeks. The anthology showcases exciting pieces from rising stars such as Bob Hicok, Terrance Hayes, Denise Duhamel, Dean Young, and Elaine Equi. It opens with series editor David Lehman’s incisive foreword about the state of American poetry and includes a marvelous introduction by Amy Gerstler. Concluding notes from the poets illuminate their works and writing processes, making this a delightful addition to a classic series. The anthology features a diverse range of voices, ensuring a rich tapestry of contemporary poetry that resonates with readers and reflects the dynamic landscape of American literature today.