Title: No Matter the Wreckage: Poems
Author: Sarah Kay
First published March 18, 2014
143 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781938912481 (ISBN10: 1938912489)
Rating: 4.21
Overview
In her first collection of poetry, No Matter the Wreckage, Sarah Kay invites readers on a journey through her life and experiences. From her breakout poem “B” to new and beloved work, Kay’s words celebrate the little moments that make life worth living – the warmth of family, the joys of love, the thrills of travel, and even the unexpected connections between everyday objects.
Her poetry is both wise and fresh, offering readers an honest and powerful look into her world. With each poem, Kay invites readers to join her on a journey of self-discovery and exploration.
No Matter the Wreckage is a beautiful testament to the power of words and the human experience.
About the Author
Meet Sarah Kay, an inspiring American poet who is known for her spoken word performances. Not only is she an accomplished poet, but she is also the founder and co-director of Project V.O.I.C.E., a group dedicated to using spoken word as a tool for inspiration.
Sarah was born in New York to a Japanese American mother and a Jewish American father. She discovered her passion for poetry at a young age and began performing at the Bowery Poetry Club in the East Village when she was just 14 years old.
In 2006, she joined the Slam Team and went on to become the youngest person to compete in the National Poetry Slam in Austin, Texas.
Sarah’s talent did not go unnoticed, and in 2007, she made her television debut on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, performing her poem “Hands.” Since then, she has performed at various prestigious events and venues, including the Lincoln Center, the Tribeca Film Festival, and the United Nations, where she was a featured performer for the launch of the 2004 World Youth Report.
In addition to her spoken word performances, Sarah has also had her written poetry published in magazines such as Foundling Review, DamselFly Press, and decomP literary magazine. One of her most notable works is “B,” a short hardcover book that contains the titular poem, which she originally wrote in 2007.
The book also features stunning illustrations by Sophia Janowitz.
Most recently, Sarah performed at The Nantucket Project, a festival of ideas in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Her TED talk entitled “Beauty, Imagination, Enchantment” was a hit, as she shared not only her poetry but also her personal experiences growing up.
Sarah Kay is a true inspiration, and her work continues to inspire many.
Editoral Review
No Matter the Wreckage: Poems by Sarah Kay is a collection of insightful, poignant poems that explore the human experience with introspective lyricism. Sarah Kay is a renowned spoken word poet and the founder of Project V.O.I.C.E., an organization dedicated to using spoken word poetry as a tool for social change.
In this collection, Kay weaves together themes of love, loss, identity, and purpose through artfully crafted poems that offer a window into the modern human condition. The poems are written in a free verse style, with each piece flowing seamlessly into the next.
The collection is divided into four sections that guide the reader through a journey of self-discovery, from the depths of despair to the heights of hope. Kay’s use of vivid imagery and metaphor transports the reader to the world of the poem, immersing them in a sensory experience.
One of the strengths of this collection is Kay’s ability to capture universal truths through personal anecdotes. In “B”, she reflects on the feeling of being lost and searching for direction, speaking to the struggle that many young adults face when trying to find their way in the world.
In “Postcards”, she explores the weight of memory and the impact of loss, inviting the reader to reflect on their own relationships and experiences. Kay’s poems are not without flaws, however.
At times, the collection can feel disjointed, with poems that seem to belong in different sections placed side by side. Additionally, some of the poems lack the depth and nuance of others, leaving a few pieces feeling superficial in comparison.
Despite these minor shortcomings, No Matter the Wreckage is a stunning collection that will resonate with readers from all walks of life. Kay’s use of language is masterful, and her ability to speak to the human experience is truly remarkable.
Whether read as a whole or savored one poem at a time, this book is sure to inspire and move its reader. For fans of contemporary poetry and spoken word, No Matter the Wreckage is a must-read.
Its accessible style and relatable themes make it a great choice for readers who are new to poetry as well. Overall, this collection earns a solid recommendation and a rating of four out of five stars.
