Books published by Atmosphere Press

The first section of Larry Levy''s fine fourth collection of poems powerfully addresses our current political reality, expressing empathy for migrant children and other victims while attacking the callous hypocrisy of some of our leaders. Further poems evoke the complex but mostly loving world of clearly seen individuals-a Zapotecan, a wizardly old cook, an exchange student, Levy''s own immigrant ancestors-as well as two mischievous cats and sundry other precisely rendered animals. Overall, these poems, using rhyming forms with skill and grace, show a wide-ranging intelligence looking perceptively at everything from childhood to old age, and much of the life in between. Readers will want to enter and savor this wholly inviting book.-Skip Renker, author of Bearing the Cast A longtime reader and admirer of Larry Levy''s poetry, I''m so very taken with this new collection. In past poems, there were hints of the political, hints of a way to look at the world. "Let them see it subtly, through a veil," Levy seemed to say. Now, especially in the poems of the first section, This is Our Street. And You''re Not Us, Levy pulls off the veil. Pulls off the gloves. "Listen now," these poems say. "I''m going to say it plain." I don''t write this lightly when I say these are poems for our times.-Jeff Vande Zande, author of The Neighborhood DivisionLarry Levy''s poetry has always been deeply spiritual, and in this new collection he navigates the physical, moral, and political elements of our lives on "our spinning stone." The echoes of the Holocaust serve as subtle reminders of the fractured time we now live in and push us to examine our own beliefs, actions, and leaders. The realization that we are purposely being divided into "Takers, Voting Cheats, Women, Blacks, Immigrants" calls on us to question our fractious divisions and too-often convenient understanding of each other that leave us "Lost boys and girls / at a loss for words." In these poems, the world is traveled, from Europe to Mexico to the familiar terrain of Michigan, as well as past and present, as lessons are gleaned from the ball diamonds of youth, a beloved family cat, and personal histories. In the end, Levy''s poems remind us of one over-riding truth: You must survive. -John Jeffire, author of Motown BurningReading Larry Levy''s poems, I feel like I''m listening to my best friend telling me what''s on his mind. Whether he''s writing about the struggles of his ancestors when they came to this country or the current political situation or the death of his pet cat, Larry is always there in his words, telling me what has to be told in language that is crisp and honest and moving. I can''t think of a better poet to listen to.  -John Guzlowski, author of Echoes of Tattered Tongues

"The enchantment of emotions through solace and destruction."This stunning debut collection by the Filipino poet Jessica Perez Dimalibot gives us insight into a different and magical world, one in which we witness first love, hope, and home in a brilliant new light. True to the author''s belief, we are souls living in human bodies that are destined to be on earth to experience, to feel, and to learn. Wind Bells is a book that speaks of humanness. It is a bilingual poetry collection written with English and Tagalog (Filipino language) interpretations.From a journey of unrequited love, into the light and happy tones of affection, up to the aspirations and inadequacies of a person who gradually learned how to love one''s self - we the readers discover the ability to value compassion even more.

Winner of the Canada Book AwardsListed as one of Independent Book Review''s "Books We Recommend: Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense"Worlds collide in this fast-paced tale of love and entanglement.  Meet Chris, an attractive, intuitive man, comfortable living on the edge, and Sara, solid and less unconventional, but not without a flair for adventure. Pushed and pulled by their attraction to one another, they embark on a dance that ultimately leads her into his world and him into hers. He divulges little of his world and when he does, it both intrigues and frightens her.  If only it could just be the two of them, unencumbered by external elements that threaten to break them apart... 

One spooky Halloween night, Carlito the Bat walks down his street to collect tricks and treats from his neighbors. But as he wanders the pumpkin lined lawns, he finds it harder and harder to join in on the spooky fun. Will Carlito learn to face his fears and knock his way to yummy treats? Or will he let the tricks win and head home empty handed? Carlito the Bat Learns How to Trick-or-Treat is a story for anyone who''s learning to face their fears. Featuring a loving family and an inviting community, it''s the perfect story for anyone wanting to revel in spooky season for just a little longer. 

The poems in this collection are exploratory insights vibrant with a unique life and rhythm. Absorbed in an intense seeking and an identification with both the everyday and the infinite, the poems convey a sense of the interconnection between the self, nature, and the boundless vast. An intimacy with cosmic pulsations beyond the existential is found to reside in the daily fabric of human experience. Intimations of what it means to be human, the wonder of life and time give way to a contact with the Eternal Vast. A seeking as such and a constant aspiration in awe of what is quietly take hold of the reader.  

"The Bond" is a powerful memoir that chronicles the strength of the relationships formed among a collection of unrelated siblings who forged a remarkable, separate, and permanent family within a foster home.Kirkus.com calls it: "A poignant, infuriating, informative, and ultimately triumphant account of an unusual clan."BookLife.com wrote: "Grotticelli''s unsparing honesty about his birth and foster families will make readers wince and keep them marveling at the indomitability of these children. That the foster siblings were able to forge familial bonds with each other is extraordinary."OnlineBookClub.com said: "This is a book about real people, real lives and real feelings. It is the story of their triumph over adversity and their struggle to find the kind of family love that many of us take for granted."Angelo M. Grotticelli is a veteran technology journalist. This is his first book.