Kim Noriega's 'Naming the Roses' Sheds Light on the Aftermath of Violence and Addiction

AIM Higher, Inc. has announced the publication of Kim Noriega's first full-length poetry collection, 'Naming the Roses,' marking a significant contribution to contemporary poetry with its unflinching exploration of addiction, abuse, and the journey towards healing. This collection builds upon Noriega's earlier chapbook, 'Name Me,' introducing over 30 new poems that continue to navigate the complex interplay between pain and beauty.

The collection has been praised for its bold confrontation of male-on-female and family violence, capturing the silent suffering and resilience of survivors. Dr. Sarah Luczaj, author of '64 Changes,' describes the poems as embodying a 'chilling juxtaposition of romance and violence,' highlighting Noriega's ability to weave together the brutal and the beautiful in a voice that is both unapologetic and deeply familiar.

'Naming the Roses' not only contributes to the literary conversation around trauma and recovery but also extends its impact beyond the page. A portion of the author's proceeds from the book will be donated to Kathy’s Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and pets affected by domestic violence in San Diego County. This initiative underscores the book's relevance to broader societal issues, offering both a mirror to personal struggles and a means of support for those in similar situations.

Noriega's work has been recognized with several awards, including the San Miguel Literary Sala Flash Nonfiction Prize, and her poem 'Heaven, 1963' was featured in Ted Kooser's 'American Life in Poetry.' Her role as a teaching artist and founder of The David Wade Hogue Poetry Scholarship through AIM Higher further exemplifies her commitment to fostering literary talent and addressing social issues through poetry.

The release of 'Naming the Roses' by AIM Higher, Inc., a nonprofit publisher, highlights the importance of independent publishing in bringing diverse and challenging voices to the forefront. For readers, the collection offers a profound exploration of the human capacity for both destruction and renewal, making it a significant addition to the canon of contemporary poetry.