Braver Deeds: Poems

by Gary Young

Winner, 1998 Peregrine Smith Poetry Competition Humane and devoid of self-pity, Gary Young's prose poems in BRAVER DEEDS eloquently remind us it is our response or reaction to tragedy that is the true measure of our self-worth. "Like a modern-day realist's morality tales, these poems are backed by a moral purpose as compelling and dramatic as it is instructive and wise." --Sherod Santos

74 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1999

About the author

Gary Young is a poet, artist, printer, and educator. His numerous awards include recognition from the Poetry Society of America—the 2013 Lucille Medwick Memorial Award (2013), the Shelley Memorial Award (2009), the William Carlos Williams Award (2003), and the Lyric Poem Award (2001). Gary has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities, and his print work is represented in the Museum of Modern Art, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Getty Center for the Arts, and special collection libraries throughout the country. He teaches Creative Writing, and is the Director of the Cowell Press at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Reviews

[Megan Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Braver Deeds is a gut punch of emotion. However, I will say that I don’t think the poet intends for this. I think he is more focused on creating a tangible environment, a place for the reader to live. Meaning, he focuses a great deal on scene and stays strictly in that moment. The effect of this pulls a focus which ultimately makes way for observational empathy.

This collection of prose poems is visceral and profound. He addresses deeply personal subjects such as the death of his wife, mental illness, abuse, and war. The collection itself is put together and arranged in a helix of transition which fascinated me. Prose poems suited these subjects well because the poet is pulling through narrative strands which complement each other throughout the collection. Furthermore, the simple diction and rich imagery evoke deep, deep emotion in which I think most people would be able to access. This book doesn’t require a pre requisite. Gary Young is direct and purposeful and, oh boy, I think I’m reading it again.

Feeling lucky I got a copy as well, because this is out of print.

[Angelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read this book of poems I feel as if I am reading something very private, very tender. I almost want to stop reading at some points, but I can't. The images are too real, the pain too tangible, the voice of the speaker: quiet, even, thoughtful. I'm compelled to move forward.