When I was in high school, I wrote quite a lot of poetry—really bad poetry. Eventually, I stopped subjecting myself (and others) to those depressing rants of teenage angst. In college, I discovered the good poetry of writers like Maya Angelou, which confirmed how terribly bad my poetry was. In 2020, I was blown away by the poetry of Amanda Gorman during the presidential inauguration. Still, I don’t read a lot of poetry. However, when I saw that my friend and fellow Seton Hill University alum, Lana Hechtman Ayers had a new poetry collection out, I couldn’t wait to read it. When All Else Fails is a collection of poems that are, emotional, raw, thought provoking, moving, and beautiful. In short lyrical lines, Lana shares memories from her childhood that touch on abuse, neglect, bullying, loss, and love. Life isn’t perfect. Families aren’t perfect. This collection shines a light on the imperfection that exists within families and the pain that mold us into who we are and shape what we will become. It isn’t a light, funny, cozy mystery. However, it is a collection of poems that will make you think and feel.  

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Open-hearted and unwavering, Lana Hechtman Ayer’s poems of vivid imagery navigate the reader through a lifetime-a rocky childhood, self-discoveries as a young woman, the many losses of adulthood, then finally learning to anchor one’s existence to beauty. These poems explore growing up with an abusive mother, attentive grandmothers, and a distant but caring father. The poet also examines the ethos of the times, bullying, and the ordeals of being female in a male-dominant culture. Giving voice to a connection with nature, the arts, creativity, and loving relationships, the collection is filled with uplifting insights. Ultimately, When All Else Fails celebrates the restorative power of poetry itself.