Moroccan Holiday

Moroccan Holiday by Lauren Tivey (published in 2020 by The Poetry Box Press) is no holiday, but this poetry chapbook is gorgeous and heart wrenching. In brief, it tells the “story” of a married couple journeying to a far-away land as the husband relapses into alcoholism. As Tivey writes about their trip, she pinballs through many emotions, coming to grips with reality. Step by step she takes carries the reader along; it is unforgettable.

At my core, I love a good story. Poetry is my preferred personal writing, but novels—fiction—magical realism—historical fiction—mysteries are my deep loves. I embrace any writer who can take me on a journey, helping me to step away from the politics of the day—or issues related to (right now) COVID-19 and other things that weigh on my mind. And so it is with this book. As challenging as the topic is, Tivey has a way of telling a story that is compelling.

This book—at this moment in time—is my favorite book.