"Bliss Crisis opens us to the idea that discomfort offers a certain kind of blessing."—American Poetry Journal
"Jules Gibbs' first book bristles with verbal energy, wit and intelligence. But her playful ironies don't deprive her either of ambition or convictions: she tackles social injustice, cultural self-absorption, love and loss, with heart, verbal adventurousness and an already accomplished range of tones and voices. 'To the Imaginary may be one of the most marvelous exploratory poems about childlessness' I've read. The syntax of 'Even the Corpse Wants to be Beautiful' would impress Berryman with its confrontational pathos. The prose poem Absorption (Self) sends its probe to the heart of American narcissism, and like many poems here, can make you laugh out loud. Get used to her: after this marvelous debut I have a feeling her poems will be around for a long time."—Ira Sadoff, author of True Faith
Description
In her first book Jules Gibbs has plans to outsmart and dismantle the world using the old measure of song as her vehicle and bliss as her lever. There are bloody sacrifices to be made and some stewing sustenance to be tasted. There is damage done as well as considerable beauty being made. A crown sonnet at the center of the book is a fiery testimony to the ecstasy and conscience that form the antipodes of a relationship. Bliss Crisis introduces us to an extravagant beauty and reckoning of our selves.
About the Author
Jules Gibbs is the recipient of a fellowship from the Ucross Foundation, and the author The Bulk of the Mailable Universe. She is a visiting professor of English and creative writing at Hamilton College. She lives in Syracuse, New York, with her partner, the poet Bruce Smith.
October 2012