My War

by Matt L. Roar

“...Roar takes on loaded subjects with grace and startling beauty, but what we feel is terror, the ways in which children bring themselves up, try to propel their own lives one skate at a time. And always the wall ahead put up by speculators to keep kids down. That’s My War and that’s the truth of the matter, as you’ve never understood it this completely.” —Kevin Killian

Genres: Poetry

109 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Matt read at a backyard reading this summer and was instantly entranced by his words and his approach to them. This is sort of a lyric memoir with an aching nostalgia that feels painted over with a blunt honesty and almost nihilistic devotion to friendship and skateboarding. And look–I don't really know much about skateboarding, but Matt's enthusiasm for the culture (the LIFE!) of it is contagious. This text transcends the glow of youth, the weight of masculinity, and the lingering memories of companionship. Told in quick, sharp (almost random) vignettes and snapshots, I loved reading this book. One of my favorites of the year. More people need to know about this book.