Description
Sweating It Out
by Deborah Turner
$14.99, paper
978-1-64662-256-6
2020
Each of the relatable poems in Sweating It Out plays in a different arena—from a player on a basketball court coping with hits and misses of blended families, to a father-daughter duo lobbing their love back and forth over the net in a battle that only serves to strengthen the bond between them. Collectively, Deborah Turner’s work illustrates how the strength needed for real life has its roots in play. In this volume, she shows us the implications of discovering and breaking rules of engagement, whether in community, family, love, or sports. Beloved African-American traditions like call and response (“Double Dutch”) and the blues (“Coming Down”) echo throughout Sweating making this work not only accessible, but also thought-provoking. A mid-way meditation (“Time Out”) gives us time to think about being on the receiving end of unwanted bias, all too familiar in the era of the Me Too Movement. In a tribute piece (“Juneteenth”), Turner gives testament to those whose historical struggles to cultivate change opened the way for the rest of us to keep playing today. Like any good workout, the volume concludes with a (proverbial) shower (“When I Rise”), giving hope to anyone still struggling. Overall, Turner shows how sports easily translate into everyone’s personal experience and becomes a metaphor for life itself. Whether for reflecting on your own journey, wanting a gift for someone who appreciates sports, or trying to inspire an athlete who has a story to tell, this volume will have readers quietly cheering!
In Sweating It Out, Deborah Turner shows us another side of discovering and breaking the rules of engagement whether in community, family, love, or sport. A librarian, educator, and researcher, Turner now writes full-time. Currently, she’s working on a memoir based on her life in West Philadelphia; her first novel—Harvesting Her Own Cranberries; and, more poems.
Melinda –
When I first began reading Deborah Turner’s poetry nearly 20 years ago, I was struck by the emotional and social maturity and depth of her writing. My favorite poem of Deborah’s – one that still brings tears to my eyes – has been in a frame on my wall for all those years. Reading her new book, I am delighted that her insight has continued to flourish, producing multi-textured meaning. This is poetry that engages you with familiar action, slyly pulls the rug out from under your assumptions, and welcomes you to a profound perspective on identity.
Catherine –
Excellent book for athletes and non-athletes of all stripes!
Ellen J Bass (verified owner) –
Your poetry is clever and engaging. The imagery is palpable. And it made me think and smile, sometimes at the same time. What more could I have hoped for?