You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson is a queer, political, and feminist collection guided by self-reflection.
The poems range from close examination of the deeply personal to the vastness of the world, exploring the expansiveness of the human experience from love to illness, from space to climate change, and so much more in between.
One of the most celebrated poets and performers of the last two decades, Andrea Gibson’s trademark honesty and vulnerability are on full display in You Better Be Lightning, welcoming and inviting readers to be just as they are.
My Thoughts
You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson is a collection of poetry that I borrowed from the library last month.
Gibson’s poetry is considerably more down-to-earth than what I typically read. That isn’t a bad thing. In fact, I found the collection quite enjoyable.
One thing that particularly impressed me was Gibson’s relationship with rhythm. As a poet myself, I can appreciate the skill involved. There is a natural cadence to the writing that makes it easy to hear the poems being performed, even when you’re simply reading the words on a page.
Gibson’s background in spoken-word poetry really comes through in the work.
Another strength of the collection is its accessibility. I would especially recommend this collection to queer readers. Both the representation and the way Gibson expresses queer experiences make it a worthwhile read.
Ultimately, You Better Be Lightning is a collection I would recommend, even to people who don’t ordinarily read poetry.
You don’t have to share a poet’s particular style to appreciate their craft, and Andrea Gibson certainly demonstrates that here.
