… I thought it might be a good idea to post my review of her first book, which blew my mind and rocketed into my favorites list. I wrote this review back in January 2018.  I’ve read New American Best Friend cover to cover twice and have frequently pulled up a poem here or there when I’ve needed it. Her first work is amazing and I just got her new one today, the day it was published.  Woohoo!

New American Best FriendNew American Best Friend by Olivia Gatwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One word: wow. This should be on a mandatory reading list for everybody. It is a quick read, not because of the short number of pages but due to the fluidity of the writing. She is a fantastic composer who sculpts an idea in your mind for each piece. Hard, soft; happy, sad; intellectual, gut; in the moment, reflective.

I liked all the pieces, every single one. I did flag a few, though this is not meant to diminish the other pieces as they are as good. These ones simply caught my attention the first time: The First Shave, The Only Thing I Brought From America, Backpedal, The Autocross, Alternate Universe In Which I Am Unfazed By The Men Who Do Not Love Me, and Ode To My Bitch Face. That last one is the first piece I saw by Olivia Gatwood, in a video posted by a dear friend of mine.

I look forward to more of Gatwood’s work.