Books published by Sidekick Press

This Uncommon Solitude captures the myriad and diverse experiences of Red Wheelbarrow Writers during these times of quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic. We reach out to connect but we can''t physically touch each other. We are shaken by news of widespread suffering and death caused by a novel virus that inexorably spirals out of control. We feel powerless and isolated. Ongoing catastrophes of racism and environmental decline trouble our hearts. For many of us, poetry has helped to connect us, one to another, as we share experiences and insights, express our grief and sadness, fears and pain, gratitude and hope. In joining together, we feel our way forward as best we can toward making sense of our transformed world.The Red Wheelbarrow Writers hosts a virtual community of writers bearing witness to this viral isolation, these unfolding crises, through words and images, emotions and spirit. We see our role as chroniclers and interpreters of these unprecedented times. In exquisite detail and broad concept, our words convey anguish and hope, power and humor, despair and loveliness. We hope that each poem brings to you, as it has to us, the exceptional gift of connection during this time of isolation and change.

1966, the Beatles and "Leave It To Beaver" reign, the Vietnam War and Civil Rights rage, feminism is unheard of, and Linda's first baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome. Linda refuses to institutionalize him, determined to raise Steve at home. For the two more sons who follow and her husband, Linda tries to fulfill cultural norms as a homemaker, a woman whose voice is seldom heard or valued. But it isn't her nature to be meek.Linda struggles to provide Steve an education at a time when disability rights don't exist. Her advocacy focuses first on integrating him into the community, then, as he grows into adulthood, landing a real job and independent housing. Pioneering what's now called "inclusion," Linda follows her heart to help Steve develop his fullest humanity.Over these same decades, Linda learns to advocate for herself as well, starting with a career in public education. When she unexpectedly falls in love with a woman, her life path takes unforeseen turns. Linda must dig deep to accept her new identity before she's ready to meet her true soulmate. Throughout, unwavering love for all her sons is her lodestar.