KHASHAYAR MOHAMMADI’s 2018 PICKS
1. “Chlorosis” by Michael Flatt and Derrick Mund (The Operating System)
As they describe the book themselves, “A break-up letter to the world.” The Echopoetics of “Chlorosis” forces us to face the bitter truths about our environment. through their rhetoric we sit down with 3D Glasses to watch nature crumble all around us. I highly recommend
2. “An Absence so Great and Spontaneous It Is Evidence Of Light” by Anne Gorrick (The Operating System)
Anne Gorrick’s quirky take on procedurally generated poetry made me question the agency of a poet in the age of internet and Artificial intelligence. this book is a document to the electronic zeitgeist of the timeline during which it was created. a book to be studied endlessly.
4. “ZUSE-80” by Lindsay Cahill (Inspiritus)
I gotta admit that throughout 2018, I often took refuge behind ZUSE-80 as my happy place. It is one of the most uniquely endearing and heartwarming books I came across this year. Its a book that I’ll infinitely revisit in times of sadness and discomfort.
5. “Slogan, Substance, Dream” by John Nyman (Anstruther)
a strong, philosophical look into the substance of poetry. a book that simultaneously inspired and challenged me. I recommend it to anyone interested in the theoretical approach to poetics and writing in general.
6. “Heart & Mouth & Deed & Life” by JM Francheteau (Anstruther)
a thrilling new collection by an introspective mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the micro-journeys the poems took me on. each poem is full of thought and reflection, loss and redemption, weakness and revival. one of my personal favorites this year.
7. “Weak Spot” by Fawn Parker (Anstruther)
a tale of grief told with brutal honesty. Fawn Parker’s latest poetry collection takes you on an emotional ride with bare-bone realism.
8. “Let This Be The End Of Me” by JC Bouchard (Bad Books)
I had always admired Bouchard’s work, but this collection cemented him as a truly unique voice in my mind. His minimalist poetry, along with his wonderful photography, tugged at my heart strings like no other book this year.
9. The Minola Review, edited by Robin Richardson
probably one of the best anthologies I’ve ever encountered. the stupendous quality of the writing aside, Richardson’s gathering of the material was a task beyond my comprehension. the best collection of Women’s writing available right now. Highly recommend it for both literary value and cultural significance.
10. “Everyone In Your Dream Is You” by Lily Wang (Anstruther)
the single most original collection of poetry I encountered this year. It made me laugh, made me tear up, made me feel complex emotions simultaneously. a truly remarkable debut by a truly brilliant emerging writer. Lily Wang is a name to look out for in the future!
Knife Fork Book 