Unquiet Things

Poems

By James Davis May | Publisher: LSU Press

About the book

Grounded in wonder and fueled by an impulse to praise, the poems in James Davis May's debut collection, Unquiet Things, grapple with skepticism, violence, and death to generate lasting insights into the human experience. With compassion and humor, this second and final volume in Claudia Emerson's Goat Island Poets series exposes the unseen tragedies and rejoices in the small, surprising moments of grace in everyday life.
May's poems impart sincere astonishment at the natural world, where experiences of nature serve as \"stand-ins, almost, / for grace.\" His poems seek to transcend cynicism, turning often to the landscapes of North Georgia, his native Pittsburgh, and eastern Europe, as well as to his literary forebears, for guidance. For the poet, no force propels that transcendence more powerfully than love: love for his wife and daughter, love for language, and love for the incomprehensible world that he inhabits. These stylistically varied poems are by turns conversational, earnest, self-deprecating, meditative, and often funny, whether they're discussing grand themes such as love and beauty, or more corporeal subjects like fever and food poisoning.
Lyrical and strange, tragic and amusing, Unquiet Things traces an experiential journey in the ordinary world, uncovering joys that span from the lingering memories of childhood to the losses and triumphs of adulthood.

Editions of Unquiet Things

Paperback
ISBN 9780807162613
PDF
ISBN 9780807162637

Read an Excerpt

Grounded in wonder and fueled by an impulse to praise, the poems in James Davis May's debut collection, Unquiet Things, grapple with skepticism, violence, and death to generate lasting insights into the human experience. With compassion and humor, this second and final volume in Claudia Emerson's Goat Island Poets series exposes the unseen tragedies and rejoices in the small, surprising moments of grace in everyday life.
May's poems impart sincere astonishment at the natural world, where experiences of nature serve as \"stand-ins, almost, / for grace.\" His poems seek to transcend cynicism, turning often to the landscapes of North Georgia, his native Pittsburgh, and eastern Europe, as well as to his literary forebears, for guidance. For the poet, no force propels that transcendence more powerfully than love: love for his wife and daughter, love for language, and love for the incomprehensible world that he inhabits. These stylistically varied poems are by turns conversational, earnest, self-deprecating, meditative, and often funny, whether they're discussing grand themes such as love and beauty, or more corporeal subjects like fever and food poisoning.
Lyrical and strange, tragic and amusing, Unquiet Things traces an experiential journey in the ordinary world, uncovering joys that span from the lingering memories of childhood to the losses and triumphs of adulthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unquiet Things about?

Grounded in wonder and fueled by an impulse to praise, the poems in James Davis May's debut collection, Unquiet Things, grapple with skepticism, violence, and death to generate lasting insights into the human experience. With compassion and humor, this second and final volume in Claudia Emerson's Goat Island Poets series exposes the unseen tragedies and rejoices in the small, surprising moments of grace in everyday life.
May's poems impart sincere astonishment at the natural world, where experiences of nature serve as \"stand-ins, almost, / for grace.\" His poems seek to transcend cynicism, turning often to the landscapes of North Georgia, his native Pittsburgh, and eastern Europe, as well as to his literary forebears, for guidance. For the poet, no force propels that transcendence more powerfully than love: love for his wife and daughter, love for language, and love for the incomprehensible world that he inhabits. These stylistically varied poems are by turns conversational, earnest, self-deprecating, meditative, and often funny, whether they're discussing grand themes such as love and beauty, or more corporeal subjects like fever and food poisoning.
Lyrical and strange, tragic and amusing, Unquiet Things traces an experiential journey in the ordinary world, uncovering joys that span from the lingering memories of childhood to the losses and triumphs of adulthood.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Unquiet Things?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems

Where can I read a sample of Unquiet Things?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807162613

How long is Unquiet Things and how many pages does it have?

Unquiet Things has 94 page(s)

Is Unquiet Things part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Goat Island Poetry

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Unquiet Things?

James Davis May

Who is the Publisher of the book Unquiet Things?

LSU Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Unquiet Things is available as paperback(ISBN 9780807162613) and pdf(ISBN 9780807162637)

Where can I buy Unquiet Things online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Unquiet Things from below

Where can I buy Unquiet Things?