American Anthem by Kelly Michels Margaret Atwood He creates companions that speak

He creates companions that speak to us in multiple languages

neighbourly

irony and passion…real poise’ – Michelene Wandor

followed by an essay by the store’s Records Manager

original and inspirational poet

American Anthem by Kelly Michels Margaret Atwood He creates companions that speakAfter spending a week sleeping on the floor of a crack house she comes home dragging a heap of bones. So begins Kelly Michels sometimes shocking debut as the author remembers observing her mother. Blending lyric and narrative modes the dominant strands of American Anthem focus on the tragedies, both personal and national, of the opioid epidemic and its devastating effects of addiction and of gun violence in America where the author grew up. Drawing on