You Better Be Lightning (Button Poetry)

Why We Recommend It

If you’re seeking a poetry collection that touches both the depths of the soul and the pulse of the world, Andrea Gibson’s You Better Be Lightning is a must-read.

This powerful queer poetry collection balances intimate personal experiences—from the thrills of love to the struggles of illness—with sweeping global themes, from climate change to societal norms, weaving together the breadth and depth of the human experience through delicate prose. As one of the most celebrated spoken-word poets of the past two decades, Gibson brings their signature honesty and vulnerability to every page, creating an inclusive space where readers can find resonance and embrace their true selves.

Award-winning—including the 2023 Feathered Quill Book Awards Gold Medal, 2022 Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) Gold Medal, and a 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards finalist for Best Poetry—it’s a testament to both literary excellence and reader adoration. Whether you’re yearning for healing through poetry or eager to see the world through a broader lens, this collection delivers a soul-stirring experience: like lightning, it cuts through chaos and illuminates hope.