The Readiness

by Alan Gillis
The Readiness cover
Good Books rating 4.58
Poetry
Technical
  • ID: 2298
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781529037678
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2020-11-12
  • Reviews: 3

Alan Gillis, a celebrated Irish poet, tackles the complexities of modern life in 'The Readiness'. His poems navigate the spaces between disconnection and hyper-connectivity, finding meaning in the suburbs and edgelands. With a keen eye for the human condition, Gillis reflects on childhood innocence, environmental decay, and the isolating effects of digital culture. Through a blend of formal precision and lyrical brilliance, Gillis offers a unique perspective on the fragility of self and society. His work balances dry wit with profound insight, making him one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary poetry.

Reviews
Versedaily · 2025-10-13
Vivid 4.50

The reviewer praises the book for its vivid and stimulating poetic language, noting its ability to leave readers engaged and thoughtful.

This review from Versedaily highlights the book's ability to revitalize contemporary poetry with its stimulating and vital language. The reviewer notes that the poems are both thought-provoking and engaging, leaving the reader hanging and eager for more. The collection is described as a shot in the arm for poetry, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Gillis gives contemporary poetry a much-needed shot in the arm; poetic language is vivified, made stimulating and vital, in poems that leave the reader hanging...

    The poems form a series of bad dreams and clear visions that speak to the chaos and fragility of both self and society.

    The collection explores the meaning at the heart of our human contradictions, marking a significant contribution to contemporary poetry.

Brian Kirk's Blog · Brian Kirk · 2021-12-29
Outstanding 4.75

The reviewer, Brian Kirk, expresses his love for the book, noting its impact and standout qualities among other poetry collections.

Brian Kirk's blog post highlights his enthusiasm for the book, mentioning it alongside other notable poetry collections he enjoyed. He describes the book as a standout work that resonated with him deeply, showcasing its ability to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Quick quotes

    I read a huge amount of poetry and really loved Averno by Louise Gluck, The Readiness by Alan Gillis, Bright Dead Things by Ada Limón...

    The poems form a series of bad dreams and clear visions that speak to the chaos and fragility of both self and society.

    The collection explores the meaning at the heart of our human contradictions, marking a significant contribution to contemporary poetry.

The High Window · 2021-06-20
Powerful 4.50

The reviewer finds the collection to be emotionally powerful and thought-provoking, highlighting its ability to convey complex emotions and invite deep reflection.

This review from The High Window praises the book for its emotional depth and complexity. The poems are described as little gems that instantly communicate powerful emotions while inviting endless meditation. The reviewer highlights how the collection explores themes of chaos and fragility in both personal and societal contexts, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy contemporary poetry.

Quick quotes

    It's a wonderful little poem that instantly communicates a powerful emotion or complex of emotions while inviting endless meditation and reflection.

    These poems form a series of bad dreams and clear visions that speak to the chaos and fragility of both self and society.

    The poems explore the meaning at the heart of our human contradictions, marking a significant contribution to contemporary poetry.

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