Micah Ling's Collection of Poetry, THREE ISLANDS [sunnyoutside]

Micah Ling's first full-length collection of poetry was released by Buffalo small press sunnyoutside on September 10. The title, Three Islands (ISBN 978-1-934513-18-7), retails for $15 and follows the chapbook Thoughts on Myself (Finishing Line Press, 2009).

Three Islands brings together the three colossal figures of Amelia Earhart, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), and Fletcher Christian to examine the solitude and madness that comprises their slight degrees of separation. Existing in the channel between fact and fiction, these poems swim among the slight nuances that divide captivity, isolation, and escape.

Ling earned her MFA (poetry) and MA (American literature) from Indiana University after a BA from DePauw University. Prior to her current position at Indiana University, she held positions at Butler University, Belmont University, Middle Tennessee State University, and DePauw University, and is an editor for Keyhole Press.

Author Kevin Young (Dear Darkness and Jelly Roll) wrote of the collection: “In Three Islands, Micah Ling reaches a poetry pinnacle: a triad of poems which enacts rather than merely describes, journeys far rather than merely travels. Her poems are musical and filled with meaning, islands only in name. Hers is an archipelago of excellence.” Author Maura Stanton (Immortal Sofa and Snow on Snow) added: “Ling’s three unique but harmonious voices brilliantly portray human longing under the pressure of isolation.”

Readings in support of the release have been scheduled in Cincinnati (10/8); Louisville (10/9); Indianapolis (10/12); Bloomington, IN (10/14); Madison, Wisconsin (10/15); Milwaukee (10/16); and Chicago (10/17 and 10/18).

About sunnyoutside

Sunnyoutside, an independent press, is located in Buffalo, New York and is a member of The Council of Literary Magazines and Presses, the Fine Press Book Association, the Letterpress Guild of New England, and the Western New York Book Arts Collaborative, for which publisher McNamara serves on the advisory board. Sunnyoutside is also a proud sponsor of the Buffalo Small Press Book Fair. For more information and a complete list of available titles, visit www.sunnyoutside.com.