Children in Tactical Gear
by Peter Mishler
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Pub Date May 01 2024 | Archive Date May 01 2024
University of Iowa Press | University Of Iowa Press
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Description
Advance Praise
“The book is melodious and enraged, overrun but never wild. There’s too much at stake to give up, to let go of fury and heartbreak over how hyper-capitalistic greed has leveled human experience into a virtual mall in which children in tactical gear prowl, armed, into a future branded and brought to you by Mattel. Tragedies are made absurd with profit; loss is another market, another Target. Meanwhile families scrounge, families unroll into the violent unknown. The treasures of life become mere corporate ashes. The visionary, heartbroken poet Mishler tells us it’s not right. I’m listening. Let us turn from the screen and listen. He’s not wrong, and his truths require more attention than banner ads do. Mishler knows our world may be past saving—he also knows that this moment is worth saving, and that this moment, at least, is not past, yet. He inscribes it, quivering with life, with so much doomed beautiful life that it’s impossible not to love it, this book, this life, this beauty only Peter Mishler could write, in just this crushed, loving way.”—Brenda Shaughnessy, judge, Iowa Poetry Prize
“Peter Mishler's Children in Tactical Gear seems to me an almost impossible book, a book that works like autotune on the current moment, somehow both exactly present and ahead of the present. How did Mishler know Mattel would be in everyone’s thoughts just when his book was being released? And how did he make such beautiful, skipping music of the flat noise of twenty-first-century consumer culture? In each of these poems is such music, and ‘depth / swollen with / depth’s becoming,’ magically achieved.”—Shane McCrae, author, Pulling the Chariot of the Sun
“Peter Mishler’s Children in Tactical Gear enacts its own words, ‘unstitching, re-stitching’ the truth of childhood manipulations enacted through romanticized and imposed ideals. A prestidigitator of words and image, Mishler pulls back the veil to reveal the ways in which we become the toys that we played with and the myths we were taught. Under Mishler’s eye, the real and the imagined collide and combust creating a page-turning collection that masterfully shows as it tells. Just be warned that when you pick this book up, be prepared not to put it down.”—Airea D. Matthews, author, Bread and Circus
“Mishler’s poems are like language eating language, binging on rhymes and turns, until what emerges is something entirely new.”—Victoria Chang, author, Obit
“Mishler is an 'erstwhile prophet' with a 'tiny hammer' in this collection: a rage against American consumerism delivered from the island of broken toys. These poems live within a desolate landscape of unrecyclable 'things,' and are satirical, witty, and unpredictable in their strangeness.”—New York Public Library poetry committee
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781609389550 |
| PRICE | $22.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 68 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Luke M, Bookseller
A short but electric collection of poems; these verses explore ideas of selfhood, violence and the capitalist industrial-complex. Infinitely re-readable due to their sharp use of language and incisive, evocative imagery, these poems are to be cherished.
Lauren B, Reviewer
A short, eclectic book of poetry that feels relevant to today and yet timeless. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for this ARC.
Dalton S, Reviewer
In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.
Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.
Paisley G, Reviewer
The winner of the 2024 Iowa Poetry Prize, Children in Tactical Gear is a poetry collection that spears and satirizes modern topics: capitalism, consumerism, the 24-hour media cycle, our cultural obsession with—and acceptance of—violence, tech bros, "cancel culture," and more. Each poem takes on a strong point of view, and it's fun to mull over the character's perspective in re-reading. At times, the language is dense, but it was overall an enjoyable collection.
One poem that I found myself re-reading and enjoying was "My Blockchain," which was published in the Winter 2022 Paris Review. (He also gave an interview on how he crafted the poem and its particular voice that I found illuminating.) I recommend checking it out to see if it's your cup of tea!
Brice M, Reviewer
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Iowa Press For the ARC!
"Children in Tactical Gear" is a brief book that is—appropriately for its themes—all killer, no filler.
These poems are littered with bodies and brand names, and the distinction between them sometimes collapses as corporate language shrouds moral interrogation.
At times, these pieces are disturbingly pristine, as Mishler uses more archaic rhyme and meter to suggest the impossibility of poeticizing violence. It fits well with the plasticine, toylike language that throws childhood into stark contrast with war and commercialism. Within these poems, there is no ethical consumption because it is all a kind of predation. I think these themes work exceptionally well in pieces like “Where Else but in Target,” where the very literal toxins referenced also convey the insidious nature of our consumerism. If it sounds on the nose, it’s not, and that’s a testament to Mishler’s artistic sensibilities—the book is winkingly clever without ever feeling snide or self-absorbed.
Overall, I think this is an incredible collection, not only for its focus, but for its willingness to question the meaning(lessness) we have all created in our pursuit of moreness. I’m really looking forward to revisiting it in a more substantial analysis later.
Librarian 1348830
Children in Tactical Gear was a fascinating little poetry collection. I connected with some of the poems more than others, but that is to be expected. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
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