Naked: The Rhythm and Groove of It. The Depth and Length to It.

Minto flays open her wound for the whole world to see in this stark and searing work that examines every feeling for nuance and meaning. First, there's pain, but with love, healing and redemption can catch fire and explode. Beautiful.  Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com

In this poetic memoir, Nastashia Minto strips herself of who she used to be and gives readers permission to see her naked. Exploring topics of family, faith, race, sexuality, abuse, love, and identity, Minto's words dig up rootbound emotions in need of better soil. This collection welcomes difficult conversations and allows space for unboxing uncertainties. By making herself transparent on the page, Minto inspires readers to become naked too.

"Minto's nascent voice is filled with ardor for poetic form, both inherited and invented, and blends visceral narrative storytelling with a rhyme-master's heart... Naked reminds us of the word to redefine a life of action; "Don't be still  —  take / charge of your show." Shayla Lawson, author of I Think I'm Ready to See Frank Ocean.

"Nastashia Minto's debut poetry is naked, erotic mysticism and deep Georgia clay and Northwest rainforest reality. Written in a voice that wasn't supposed to survive and is, every day, in varying kinds of harm's way, this collection is black and gay and dreamscape. It's nightmarescape and moon. Minto is everything."  Jenny Forrester, author of Narrow River, Wide Sky

"Carrying the rhythms and brutalities and beauty of the South, these lyric flashes will remind you how stories can loosen the knot of history so that a body may yet become." Lidia Yuknavitch, author of The Book of Joan and The Misfit's Manifesto

"Nastashia Minto has written a book at once a love letter and a riot song. Her poetry brims with wisdom centuries deep, at times sage and bold, at times sly and sexy, and at all times loving and illuminating. She will transform your molecular design. How lucky we the world are to bear witness to her power." Reema Zaman, author of I Am Yours

Nastashia Minto is an African American woman who was born in South Georgia and raised there by her grandparents. She grew up in poverty and around drugs, alcohol, and family violence. Her life experiences led her to obtain an associate's degree in occupational therapy and a bachelor's degree in psychology. She has been writing since she was nine years old and has found that her writing offers her another way to help people. Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, she has been a featured at many popular local reading series, including Unchaste Readers, Grief Rites, and Incite. Her writing has been published in SUSAN and in the Unchaste Anthology, volume III.

In the spirit of keeping things close to home, we would like to (re)acquaint you with seven phenomenal Portland writers whose work explores themes of gender, sexuality, queerness, and community...

Read More»

From the new Tana French (yes) to the best pie cookbook ever, let Corie, Mary Jo, Doug, McKenzie, Kim, Tracey, Jennifer, and Kathi lead you to your next favorite read...

Read More»