[stylist] exciting book review

[Chris Kuell]

http://www.wordgathering.com/issue41/reviews/kuell.html

 

Book Review: Dozen: The Best of Breath and Shadow 

 

Reviewed by Erin M. Kelly

 

In the literary world, a well-crafted body of work is the mark of a true
visionary—particularly in the realm of poetry and literature. It is the
product of well-calculated time, effort, and dedication on the part of the
individual who sets out to create something possibly bigger than themselves,
in hopes of contributing to the good of humanity.

 

Dozen: The Best of Breath and Shadow is a prime example of that dedication.
The anthology, edited by Chris Kuell, offers the "cream of the crop" of
poems and essays from the publication’s first twelve years, written by
writers with disabilities. Since its launch in January 2004, the publication
itself stands as the oldest of its kind to be edited by disabled writers, as
well as to exclusively publish work by individuals with disabilities.

 

Kuell, who took the reigns as Editor of Breath and Shadow—when former Editor
Sharon Wachsler made the life-changing decision to resign due to health
issues in late 2007—made it his personal mission to continue Wachsler’s and
her business partner Norm Meldrum’s tireless work. They wanted to not only
provide those with disabilities a platform for their voices to be heard, but
also to inspire readers to open themselves up to broader way of thinking. In
the foreword of the anthology, Kuell writes:

 

In the ensuing years I’ve read thousands of submissions, and along with the
Breath and Shadow editorial team, have shared hundreds of poems, essays, and
short stories with the public. Pieces that embrace living, inspiration,
expiration, mystery, darkness, and imagination.

Work that may or may not be about disability, but that is informed by the
author’s experience of disability.

 

It is against this backdrop that the works offered in this book are
celebrated and measured. These poems and essays are indeed about
disabilities and the uniquely complex challenges that come with having them.
However, they also call attention to human existence as a whole while strong
statements about society and humanity, in a way that arguably every reader
will be able to relate to in some way. These literary offerings bring forth
a robust sense of life, and what it truly means to be comfortable—or not so
comfortable in one’s own skin.

 

In this process of exploration, each writer whose words are featured arrives
at a place in which they do feel comfortable. Whether that happened during
the writing process or somewhere inside the writer physically, it challenges
the reader to ask themselves big questions which we all must ask ourselves
at some point.

 

Questions like, "Who am I, really?" and "What is my purpose in life?"

are on full display—and are answered in each contributor’s own unique style
and voice. In the poem, "Woeful Wheelchair" by Amit Parmessur, the opening
stanza addresses what pain is, through the eyes of the

writer:

 

She could not look into the twisted eyes  of the blind beggar I’d become.

She muttered good evening

to my white sleeve.

 

This brings the loneliness of pain to the forefront while subtly asking the
question, "Am I wanted?" Perhaps more important than that, it asks a
question of love. Parmessur beautifully reminds the readers that these—and
all emotions—are not exclusive. They are free for everyone, belong to
everyone, and are felt by everyone. It also lends itself to a universal
feeling of inclusiveness—the hope and need to want to have a connection with
someone or something. That’s as human as it gets, and in the trying times
this country is currently facing, it’s imperative, even vital, to utilize
the human voice and experience in a positive manner.

 

This reflects the idea that the need for creative expression is more
important than ever—to act as the spark that brings humanity together.

Disability, as well as the experiences that it harbors, are two contributing
factors of that creative power. Moreover, these two things can teach the
world how to harness that power until it becomes something magical. Perhaps
one of the most enduring examples of this, which the anthology offers
readers, can be found in Rick Blum’s essay, "On the Healing Circuit":

 

We’re a motley mélange of middle-aged mortals gathered together on a sunny
fall afternoon in a dimly lit suburban hotel ballroom, which has never been
used for a ball-or a dance of any kind for that matter.

 

Blum perfectly sums up the collective concept of inclusiveness that Kuell,
Wachsler, and Meldrum had envisioned over a decade ago. It reinforces the
notion that everyone—regardless of shape, size, age, gender, or
disability—plays a role in shaping the fabric of society.

The process may be messy at times, but as Blum’s words also suggest, every
individual has the ability to contribute to a larger idea or purpose—even if
it seems small.

 

Dozen: The Best of Breath and Shadow doesn’t just put good, quality writing
on display. Nor does it simply highlight the best work from a group of
creative individuals who deserve to be heard. This anthology is part of a
social movement—a movement in which people are listening more closely,
taking action, and allowing everyone to be involved in the creative process.

 

When a body of work is viewed in these terms—particularly this body of work,
it’s not outlandish or obscure to say could serve as a movement itself. The
words I’ve written here may not do it enough justice, but those of Sharon
Wachsler herself do:

 

There are countless ways in which circumstances by our physical or mental
conditions can leave their imprint on the shape, subject, or form of our
writing. This is part of the emerging disability aesthetic—and instead of
dismissing or discounting these differences, Breath and Shadow embraces
them.

 

Title: Dozen: The Best of Breath and Shadow

Author: Chris Kuell (editor)

Publisher: Breath and Shadow

Publication Date: 2016

 

 

 

Erin M. Kelly is a writer, columnist, and freelancer born with Cerebral
Palsy. Her work has been published by The Huffington Post, Upworthy, The
Mighty, The Good Men Project, Wordgathering , XoJane, and Oberon Magazine.
Kelly writes a monthly column entitled, "The View from Here," for the local
newspaper in Altoona, Pennsylvania, addressing the challenges she faces
daily. She enjoys freelance editing, serving as editor for the Ilse-Rose
Warg's memoir