Shout: An Anthology of Resistance Poetry and Short Fiction

by Rosanne Parry (Contributor), Benjamin Gorman (Editor), Zack Dye (Editor)

The 25 incredibly talented authors and poets in this anthology aren't politicians asking for your vote. They aren't policy wonks peddling a three-point plan to undo the damage of the Trump administration. They aren't partisans concerned with winning at any cost. They are artists of different genders, races, nationalities, and religions. They're emerging authors and New York Times bestsellers. In this collection, you'll find stories that explore futures where climate change, sexism, racism, and capitalism have run rampant in ways that should only be left to the imagination. These writers are staring, clear-eyed, at the rising tide of fascism in the United States and around the globe. They're asking you:

"What kind of world do you want to live in tomorrow?"

and

"Who do you want to be today?"

And they aren't asking quietly.

Genres: Poetry, Anthologies

314 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2020

About the author

Hey there,
I'm the author of several novels for young readers, including the NY Times best seller, A WOLF CALLED WANDER and A WHALE OF THE WILD. There is information about all my books on my website.
I write because I love the power of story to illuminate and uplift our world. I try to write things that are heartfelt and encourage conversation in families and classrooms. If you wanted to ask me a question or invite me to come speak at your school or library, I'd love that. There's a contact me area on my website

When I'm not writing I try to be an advocate for literacy and libraries whenever I can. I like to read (obviously) and hike and dance and go to the beach and play the harp and write in my treehouse.

Reviews

[Karen Eisenbrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was excited enough about this project to submit a story. It's an honor to be included in a collection of such excellent and bracing work.

Each of the 25 works has its own take on the theme of resistance to fascism/authoritarianism/tyranny. Some are cautionary tales of the oppression future Americans may have to live under, some portray active resistance to injustice, and others provide the satisfaction of oppressors brought low by their own hubris.

It’s hard to pick favorites, but I will name a few. I couldn’t stop thinking about “Growth” by Janet Burroway, a grim and heartbreaking look at public utilities we take for granted. How self-sufficient would the average American be with all the comforts of modern life … except sewers and waste disposal? “Shout” by Benjamin Gorman is modeled on the Biblical account of Joshua and the battle of Jericho, but with a different wall and an unexpected Promised Land. “Last of Our Kind” by Heather S. Ransom is a harrowing thriller of smart, capable women on the run from active, deadly misogyny. “The Creamy Ichor Sauce over Lake Michigan” by TJ Berg is a darkly hilarious Lovecraft pastiche with a satisfying end to the corrupt powerful. “No Collision” by Jennifer Lee Rossman also provides comic relief, in the form of a deep space mission and some information the President doesn’t want found. “Dandelion” by K. A. Miltimore speaks of the value of books and kindness. The final piece, the poem “Anthem” by Bethany Lee, reminds us of what really matters and rhymes love with love.

Whether scary, dark, funny, or hopeful, each piece is encouragement to stand up for what's right before it's too late.

[Linda Teppler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Shout" is a challenging book. Sprinkled liberally between apocalyptic tales and poignant poetry are not only cautionary words, but abrupt reality checks. My favorite story was Growth by Janet Burroway for the extremely painful commentary on pure materialism. The poem Disfiguring History was very reminiscent of the beginning of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence. It seemed to have the same tempo, the same bold, dramatic flair and and yet contained reminders of all we have given up in order to have our "freedom." Consequences abound in every story and poem written. It's heart wrenchingly beautiful.

If you are tired of being depressed by the news; if you don't understand what people are so upset about, or if you need "a reason" then these are the words you want to read.

This book describes perfectly why we feel the need to resist ignorance, apathy, cruelty. It is a stinging reminder that our job doesn't end at the recycling bin. We have to go further than the end of the driveway or the weekly chat with the neighbor. We need to keep going until equality and justice for every person on the planet is the norm. Until our planet herself is as important as our Amazon deliveries arriving on time. It is time to resist until stupidity is erased.

[Tabitha Ormiston-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy from the publisher of this anthology for the purpose of review, and I feel privileged to have done so. Over recent years I've become accustomed to a slight cringe when opening the work of lesser-known writers, and so the sheer professionalism of this book was the first thing to appeal. Ah, but the content!

I'm not really qualified to review poetry, so all I can say about the poems is that I enjoyed them, they spoke to the heart. The stories, though! Despite the uniformly dystopian visions presented, every single one of these stories was an absolute pleasure to read. Personal favourites of mine were No Collision, by Jennifer Lee Rossman, and Emma's Knives by Karen Eisenbrey, the former for its sharp and humorous wit, which is served unerringly with a light and precise hand, and never overdone, a thing not easy, and the latter for its endearing portrayal of one person's lone fight, and for the charming contrast of the traditional recipes.

There is far less protest fiction being published in today's America than there ought to be; in recent years we have seen the world's view of this country degenerating from slightly patronising friendliness to appalled horror, loathing and terror. This fine piece of work will, I hope, form a spearhead to a new literary movement.

[Benjamin Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm one of the co-editors and I have a story in the anthology, so of course I think all the poems and short stories in this anthology are fantastic. I really hope other folks will feel that way, too, because a donation for every copy sold will be made to the ACLU, Black Lives Matter, Planned Parenthood, and Raices: Texas.

[Carlton Herzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to this anthology and am overjoyed to be in it. Why? First and foremost, it's for charity. I want my writing to be more than just an exercise in self-aggrandizement. Second, its the rare publisher who decides not to play it safe, hide behind the genre, and pretend our country isn't sliding down the sink along with the environment. We live in a nation of social injustice, environmental catastrophes, and the looming threat of a President for life. Yet, for all that, it's business as usual with people more concerned about the fate of their sports team, Facebook likes, their abominable SUVs and their stock portfolios than with their democracy, their planet and their moral compass.
There isn't enough space here for me to recite all the good things about the stories and poems in Shout. So rather than dwelling on details, I will say that they help me Resist the temptation to follow the herd over the cliff. Frankly, I feel like an astrobiologist who has discovered intelligent life in an otherwise cold, dead universe. An Ellie Arroway working the Arecibo Dish and getting a bounce back signal of primes: 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17...….
Carlton Herzog

[Michael D. Hansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bullsh1t!!!!!

Just reading the Introduction of this book shows how biased these 'author's are!!!! 90% of what they contribute to Trump's doing was actually done by OBAMA!!!! Kid's in cages??? Health care crises??? PLEASE!!!! It was Obama who did this!!! Just check the facts!!!! Social Security crises???? That started back in the 1990's if not sooner!!!! If you want to read a totally FICTION account of the past four years.... then by all means, read this book!!!! President Trump has only IMPROVED the American way of life. Look at the facts!!!! Not the BS these people are trying to shove down your throats!!! Impeachment??? What a laugh!!! WHAT indisputable proof has been offered??? As of Feb 3, 2020 we KNOW that there is no 'proof' whatsoever!!!! What has the Democrats done for America since President Trump came to office??? Nothing, nada, zero!!!! They spent the past 3-4 years TRYING to discredit the POTUS!!!! AND guess what??? They FAILED!!!! Yes, buy this book, if you want to LYAO!!!! It's a great comedy!!! Anyone associated with the writing of this book, should be deeply ASHAMED of themselves!!!! If you don't like the freedom you have in America, move to another country (preferably, a Socialist government run country). Oh, but wait..... how many people (especially ACTORS) promised to move from America if Donald Trump was elected POTUS??? And how many ACTUALLY MOVED!!!!!!????? That's right.... they couldn't find another country that would give them the same RIGHTS as they have in America..... Or.... The other countries wouldn't have their sorry arses!!!!! MAGA President Trump 2020, KEEPING AMERICA GREAT!!!! Mike Hansen, Nuneaton, England.... But an American citizen from TEXAS!!!! Fooking Love it or Leave it!!!!! Word!!!!