It’s here! Benjamin Gorman’s When She Leaves Me, a heart-wrenching story told through a collection of poetry, is available for pre-order in paperback, hardcover, and on Kindle today (links below). The book will be available everywhere on November 24th!
In his debut collection, Gorman relays the story of a shocking dissolution of two decades of marriage and his long crawl back to hope. Unflinching, unflattering, shocked and angry and selfish and ultimately generous, the poetry is aimed at readers open to empathy who can nourish their souls on a journey of healing.
“When They Leave Me is a field of wildflowers that blooms after raging fires scorch the forest. These poems not only refuse to let sorrow and destruction have the final word, they are in fact only possible because they are born from that charred past life.”
-Armin Tolentino, author of We Meant to Bring It Home Alive
“…stripped bare and raw, a gut punch that reflects the devastation felt when one is left to find their way… The vulnerable honesty of this collection reveals not only the unspoken realities hidden behind social-media-ready posts, but also the deep-down and, sometimes, buried strength we find to move on.”
-Lydia K. Valentine, author of Brief Black Candles
“This is a passionate reminder that all the facets of our lives are important, fragile, worthwhile and, unfortunately, impermanent. Benjamin Gorman captains us through a tossing sea full of rainy love, tempestuous truths, monstrous introspection, and gray-scale rainbows. This doesn't have a hero; it's not supposed to. But it's alive, very, very alive, and because of that, it roots and attaches around your heart.”
-Zack Dye, author of 21st Century Coastal American Verses
“Raw, tender, honest, and real, Benjamin Gorman’s When She Leaves Me slips in like a blade between ‘the bones of joy / and mourning’ and cuts straight to the heart. Gorman invites us to listen to ‘the story / of the choice / to tell / this story,’ the story of the end of a marriage, and of his determination ‘to see it / the way / it is,’ even as what he comes to see more clearly is himself. Within these pages, Gorman lights a fire beneath ‘that thing / you are not allowed / to say,’ refining and transmuting this pain to hope. Read this to feel more human. Read it to live a little louder. Read this for the courage to become your own alchemist.”
-Bethany Lee, author of The Breath Between: An Invitation to Mystery and Joy
“Gorman's voice bravely explores the pain that comes with the realization that ending what was meant to be a lifelong relationship at times is the best happily-ever-after one can hope for. I honestly couldn't put this work down.”
-William V.S. Tubman III, author of Anthem
Mantra Light: Poetry/Inspiration