Agora

by Gretchen Gales, Christine Sloan Stoddard (Photographer)

"Agora" by Gretchen Gales, with photography by Christine Stoddard, takes readers on a captivating journey of self-discovery, seamlessly blending the lyrical beauty of prose with profound introspection and beautifully somber illustrations that merge urban cityscapes with the tranquility of the countryside. In this poignant collection, Gales skillfully navigates the complexities of identity and the yearning for a sense of belonging. From the very first page, readers are transported to a world where deep roots intertwine with the longing for personal growth. Gales's enchanting descriptions of nature's embrace unveil the solace found within the sanctuary of trees and the untamed wilderness. Through her tender exploration of the power of imagination and the enchantment of literature, she reveals how the pages of a book can transport us to distant lands and ignite our spirits with boundless possibilities. Photographer Christine Stoddard, known for her work on "Hello New The Living and Dead," adds a layer of catharsis to the experience with her seventeen striking black and white images, perfectly capturing the mood and style of Gales's words. "Agora" stands as an exquisitely written testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It delves into the depths of personal identity, serving as a captivating exploration of self-discovery. With every turn of the page, Gales reminds us of the transformative power that comes from embracing our own unique path.

49 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2023

About the author

Gretchen is the author of the poetry chapbook Agora (Alien Buddha Press, 2023), the executive editor of Quail Bell Magazine and the co-editor of the anthology Her Plumage: An Anthology of Women's Writing. Her work has appeared in Insider, Bustle, Next Avenue, Plainsongs, Nebo, Sheila-Na-Gig, Headlight Review, and others.

Reviews

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got a beautiful, important read to share with you today. Agora, by Gretchen Gales, with imagery by Christine Stoddard, is a phenomenological chapbook of poetry that meanders city streets while sharing the lived experience of agoraphobia.

Gales' poems are beautiful, each one creating worlds within. Growing up in books and woods feels safe; as an adult venturing out, the poems show us what the world can look like to someone with this disability. It raises the questions: What is it like to live with agoraphobia? What does it mean to be brave...and what is the toll of such bravery? And how does one find their place in this world while living with agoraphobia?

If you live with agoraphobia, this book will deeply resonate with you. If you don't, there is so much to learn, and so much awareness and compassion to bring.

Highly, highly recommended.

Read our author interview! https://www.wanderingeducators.com/bo...

[Gretchen Gales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tbh, it's my book. This is like giving myself a high-five, but I worked very hard on it.