“Drag Me Through the Mess” is Jessica’s most recent poetry collection by Oregon publisher Unsolicited Press. Themes include self-identity, navigating relationships, and eating disorders. It is one of Jessica’s last collections that utilizes free verse, and has been praised for its accessibility, grit, and honesty. Jessica cites Li-Young Lee and Kim Addonizio as key inspirations for this collection.

On “For Every Girl:”
“Don’t we expect a volume of selected, collected poems to ring with finality? These constellations of poems continue to expand, generating more power as they push farther. In gentle or sharp cadences, often in a sister’s voice, Kate Gray is obsessed with risk, whether in naked honesty, in truth-telling, in formal play, or in heart-bound empathy. Veering close enough to cut again and again, her stunning poems dare to hold their gaze.”
-John Morrison, Heaven of the Moment

Time permitting, an Open Mic will follow this event. Please bring your poetry to read.