"Kate Evans takes us from the dreamlike moonscape of a failed marriage through the alienated ravings of a middle-aged woman pursuing sexual misadventure, and finally arriving in the sensual present of new love against the backdrop of foreign cities. Throughout the book, she retains tight control over form and language, winking at us with sly rhymes and surprising line breaks. Target comes to us as sweet and juicy as ripe fruit from the achingly honest, increasingly expansive voice of an adventurer who has awakened to herself.” —Anne Jennings Paris, author of Killing George Washington
"Kate Evans’ new collection of poetry is a journey of home and away, the domestic and the exotic. The power of her language, her honesty, and her exacting images get at the heart of the ache and wonder of the human heart. Target celebrates life, love, and the challenges of living at the edge of self-discovery.” —Persis Karim, author of Tremors
Kate is the author of the best-selling memoir duo: WANDERLAND: LIVING THE TRAVELING LIFE and CALL IT WONDER: AN ODYSSEY OF, LOVE, SEX, SPIRIT & TRAVEL, named "Best Memoir" at the Bisexual Book Awards--where Kate was also lauded as "Writer of the Year" by the Bi Writers Association.
Her other books include two novels (FOR THE MAY QUEEN & COMPLEMENTARY COLORS), two poetry collections, and a book about teaching. Her stories, poems and essays have appeared in more than 50 publications. With Mary Janelle Melvin, she co-authored a French Revolution historical romance, REVOLUTIONARY KISS (under the pen-name Mary-Kate Summers).
Recipient of a PhD from the University of Washington and an MFA from San Jose State University--where she is Emeritus Faculty--she has taught writing and literature in California, China, and Japan. As a writing coach and editor, she helps writers unleash and shape their stories. She also leads writing workshops worldwide.
Half the year she lives in Mexico. The other half, she travels.
As soon as i started reading this book i didnt want to put it down. I loved everything about this book. There were many times i had to stop reading for a moment and reflect because the words hit so close to home for me. I cant say enough about Kates new book Target. 5stars in my opinion!!!
“Target” is an interesting and unique reading experience. “Target” is a collection of poems, separated into the years that Kate has written them. We see Kate early on, optimistic and happy in life. Then, over the years, Kate becomes a bit sad, melancholy, perhaps she’s had some experience with mental illness. We see her grow as a person through her writing, so this feels reminiscent of a memoir. In addition to “Target”, Kate also sent me a copy of her actual memoir, “Call It Wonder”.
Not only does Kate’s experience change in the years the poems were written, we also see different writing styles, some more writing techniques, and different voices in her different years. Kate has a fascinating use of juxtaposition through her book. She also uses metaphors, personification, and unique similes.
The poems I enjoyed most were:
1. First 2. Bed 3. Two Women on a Summer Morning 4. Housesitters 5. The Trip of a Lifetime 6. Valentine 7. Collison 8. Regeneration 9. A Life of Yes
* I received a complimentary copy for reviewing purposes. *