One of the most recognizable young poets in America, Olivia Gatwood dazzles with her tribute to contemporary American womanhood in her debut book, New American Best Friend. Gatwood's poems deftly deconstruct traditional stereotypes. The focus shifts from childhood to adulthood, gender to sexuality, violence to joy. And always and inexorably, the book moves toward celebration, culminating in a series of odes: odes to the body, to tough women, to embracing your own journey in all its failures and triumphs. -- Provided by publisher.

Jordan Convinced Me That Pads Are Disgusting -- Ode to Elise in Eighth Grade Health Class -- The First Shave -- Bubblegum or Bruise -- Like Us -- Liberty -- Port of Spain, 2002 -- The Only Thing I Brought From America -- Dry Season, 2003 -- Backpedal -- The Autocross -- Fourth Week of Two-A-Days in July -- The Summer of 2008 at Altura Park -- Manic Pixie Dream Girl Says -- The Anthem I Have Sung -- Ode to the Wedding Dresses in Goodwill -- What Sex Becomes -- The Ritual -- The Scholar -- Ode to the Word Pussy -- Ode to My Period Underwear -- Alternate Universe in Which I Am Unfazed by the Men Who Do Not Love Me -- Ode to My Bitch Face -- Ode to the Women on Long Island.