Position Papers

by Andrea Lawlor

From the publisher:

"A willfully deadpan absurdist drama plays out page by page throughout Andrea Lawlor’s POSITION PAPERS while meanwhile we’re treated to a catalog of rationalized pitch perfect fairly reasonable exercises pertinent to our day to day lives. It’s neither a how to book nor a how not to book; it’s more a it’s-a-good-idea-to-take-these-positions-to-heart and let them amplify one’s mind with a necessary guide."

Genres: Poetry

24 pages, Unknown Binding

First published March 15, 2016

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queer anti-capitalist proposals for a new country/world/future, one that is sustainable and accommodating of all kinds of difference: very funny, decidedly serious, heartachingly compelling. We want this world to be.

[eej · Rating 5 out of 5]

my fiction writing class is already starting off so good,, would recommend reading this !!

[William Bigelow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly amusing chapbook that consists of ten interconnected prose poems. It is a playful exercise in constructing a mock utopian vision that conveys a deep love of art, humanity, and all the rest of life that exists on this globe. It is a work that is to be taken very seriously and not at all seriously at the same time. While I liked every piece, the best one is my opinion was the last one entitled "Position Paper #3: Cell Phones." This describes leaving various types of notes on trees and what types of trees that certain notes would be left on. It has a low-tech but futuristic solarpunk vibe to it; an alternative to the internet and texting via an "ultra-hippie" system of bulletin boards. Another memorable image was in the sixth piece, "Position Paper #12: Fashion," that I can't describe any better way than simply to quote the sentence in was in: "Every solar-powered community laundromat will host end-of-year competitions to see who can make the most interesting and beautiful outfit from all the unclaimed socks and sweat-clothes.” The very first piece in the book critiques private property but assures the reader that people in this new country will get to live in their homes they had beforehand; the whole policy on housing hasn't "been entirely figured out yet." I found that hilarious and the author won over my respect immediately by showing a self-awareness with regard to how well-meaning leftist types act like they have all the public policy questions out there answered when they really don't. My only real complaint about this book is that it was far too short. I say this because when I decided to read it today, I was not expecting to have so much fun with it. I might have to check out the author's novel sometime.

[callista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did NOT expect to cry while reading this but oh well, here I am. Such a bittersweet experience parallel to everything that is happening in the world today. If you have 20 spare minutes I would definitely recommend giving this your time. It is available here for free :) https://www.factoryhollowpress.com/ou...

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

playful, invigorating utopian daydreams... a bit clumsy and quite flawed, but even it's failures are interesting imo

[Zoe]

they slayed my utopian city prompt

[Sylvia Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your every little way