Safe Space (Ahsahta Press New Series) by Jos Charles


Safe Space (Ahsahta Press New Series)
Title : Safe Space (Ahsahta Press New Series)
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 1934103705
ISBN-10 : 9781934103708
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 80
Publication : Published October 1, 2016
Awards : Lambda Literary Award Transgender Poetry (2016)

Poetry. LGBTQIA Studies. SAFE SPACE takes back its title from the term's intentional misuse within the neo-liberal/conservative imaginary, but this action can offer a reader only the slightest indication of the nervy energy pulsing within this first full-length collection by Jos Charles. Throughout the poems in SAFE SPACE, Charles defiantly articulates the terms of a radicalized vulnerability unashamed to feel and never feeling ashamed, reclaiming agency over both poetry and politics, refusing to placate any authority attempting to control bodies with violence. The poet's agile lyricism rips apart and reimagines theoretical discourses as confessional texts and vice versa, with severe lines and staccato rhythms. As a hyperkinetic interrogation of contexts that give rise to its disruptions of, and interventions on, youth, sexual trauma, and transness, SAFE SPACE is critical reading in both senses of the term. The collection dazzles and devastates, confronting a world whose ruin is long overdue with equal parts glee and sadness, compassion and power.

Safe Space (Ahsahta Press New Series) Reviews

  • Carolyn DeCarlo

    Safe Space is a brilliant debut, and a collection I will absolutely be revisiting after reading feeld, Jos's latest book. The book itself has been produced thoughtfully by Ahshata Press; the waxy endpapers and textured cover make the book feel good in your hands, and the generous margins allow Jos's words to breathe on the page. Their verse is tight, sensible, and certain, showing a real confidence only possible with practice and the passage of time; nothing about it feels rushed or, least of all, amateurish.

    Some of my favourite lines appear early on in the collection: "To exist in this world requires// all ur thought and yet it's absolutely/ effortless Even carrots do it". When things get more "unconventional", Jos's writing teaches you how to read it. I really enjoyed this aspect of the read, and am looking forward to more of it in feeld.

  • Shilo

    I can't decide what to rate this. I loved some of the poems, but some I did not care for, so I think I will just leave the stars blank, each person can decide for themselves without my impressions left staining things.

  • D.A.

    Fierce. An amazing collection.

  • Alyson Podesta

    I was looking for this book for so long after stumbling across it in a store one day and FOOLISHLY not buying it! Worth the wait