Kim Noriega's 'Naming the Roses' Explores Trauma and Resilience in Powerful Poetry Collection

AIM Higher, Inc. has released 'Naming the Roses', the first full-length poetry collection by Kim Noriega, marking a significant addition to contemporary poetry that addresses difficult themes with both power and grace. This collection, which builds upon Noriega's earlier chapbook 'Name Me', offers over 30 new poems that delve into the complex effects of addiction and abuse, while also celebrating resilience and the human capacity for love.

Dr. Sarah Luczaj, author of '64 Changes', describes the collection as one that 'storms in with ... [a] chilling juxtaposition of romance and violence in the strong unapologetic voice of a woman.' This characterization highlights the book's unflinching approach to challenging subject matter, presenting readers with raw, honest explorations of trauma and healing.

Cecilia Woloch, author of 'Carpathia', praises Noriega's ability to name 'the bruises that bloom from sexual violence and the self that blossoms in the aftermath of the effort to love and love again.' This metaphor of blooming and blossoming, set against the backdrop of violence, encapsulates the collection's dual focus on pain and recovery.

Noriega, known for her intense and confrontational style, tackles themes of male-on-female violence and family abuse with a directness that refuses to shy away from the harsh realities of these experiences. However, as Luczaj notes, the poet 'does not shrink from beauty either, a subtle beauty, infused with familiarity that makes her words feel like home.' This balance between brutal honesty and nuanced beauty creates a complex, multifaceted reading experience.

The significance of 'Naming the Roses' extends beyond its literary merits. By addressing often-silenced topics such as domestic violence and addiction, Noriega's work contributes to important social conversations and may offer solace to readers who have experienced similar traumas. The collection's potential impact is further amplified by Noriega's decision to donate a portion of the proceeds to Kathy's Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit serving children and pets impacted by domestic violence in San Diego County.

Noriega's credentials as a prize-winning poet and creative nonfiction writer lend additional weight to this publication. Her accolades include the San Miguel Literary Sala Flash Nonfiction Prize, and she has been a finalist for both the Edna St. Vincent Millay and Joy Harjo Poetry Prizes. Her poem 'Heaven, 1963' was featured in former poet laureate Ted Kooser's syndicated column 'American Life in Poetry', indicating the broad appeal and recognition of her work.

As poetry editor of 'The Poetry Distillery' and a teaching artist with The Poetry Barn, Noriega is actively engaged in fostering poetic talent and appreciation. Her founding of The David Wade Hogue Poetry Scholarship through AIM Higher further demonstrates her commitment to nurturing new voices in poetry.

Dr. Luczaj's final comment on the collection—'I only wish I could inhabit the unashamed, unpitying, beautiful, warm, defiant spirit of this book that rises off it like steam'—speaks to the transformative power of Noriega's poetry. It suggests that 'Naming the Roses' not only documents experiences of trauma and resilience but also offers a model of strength and healing for readers.

The release of 'Naming the Roses' by AIM Higher, Inc., a nonprofit publisher, represents an important addition to contemporary poetry. By giving voice to difficult experiences and celebrating the human capacity for resilience, Noriega's work has the potential to resonate deeply with readers and contribute to broader conversations about trauma, healing, and the power of artistic expression.