The Empty Quarter

Fiction. Sharon Mesmer's first fiction collection follows the 1998 publication of her first book of poems, Half Angel, Half Lunch, which Allan Ginsberg called beautifully bold and vivaciously modern. Her work has appeared in such publications as New American Writing, Lingo, The World and Poets & Writers. Sharon's poems sweep the reader up in suppositions of identity and purpose. Who are we and what's going on here, and couldn't we and it be more luxuriant, astute and sexy than anyone could possibly imagine. The poet is vulnerable (but definitely not wimpy) as she flexes her mind and body in words over (and through) matter to produce multiple revelations over and over again. -- Ed Friedman