Gold Light Shining

In her debut collection of poetry, Bebe Ashley explores celebrity culture, obsession, sexuality, and coming of age, inspired by sources such as Harry Styles, Skam, and One Direction newsletters. The poems are filled with the wisdom that the communities we build can be as meaningful as the families we are born into, and are perceptive, witty, and exuberant.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 22 October 2020
Publisher: Banshee Press

Bebe Ashley's debut collection of poetry, Gold Light Shining, is a captivating exploration of the intersection of celebrity culture, obsession, sexuality, coming of age, and the enigmatic figure of Harry Styles. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including Styles's track listings, Scandi web series Skam, and One Direction newsletters, Ashley takes readers on a surreal journey across continents, delving into the highs and lows of celebrity life. These poems, infused with youthful energy and longing, also carry a profound sense of wisdom gained from the communities we build and the families we are born into.

Perceptive, witty, and exuberant, Gold Light Shining introduces an essential new voice that captures the vibrant and disruptive nature of pop culture's Technicolor joy. The book is a kaleidoscopic masterpiece, full of its own light, prisms, and beautiful forms.

In her poems, Ashley weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and sensory details, creating a rich and immersive experience for the reader. From the yellow silk trousers that evoke a sense of glamour and allure to the secrets whispered in the dark, the poems transport us to a world where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary. They explore the complexities of human relationships, from the passionate intensity of love to the bittersweet nostalgia of lost connections.

One of the standout features of Gold Light Shining is Ashley's ability to capture the essence of celebrity culture and its impact on individuals and society. She examines the allure of fame, the pressures of public scrutiny, and the ways in which celebrities shape our perceptions of beauty, success, and identity. Through her witty and astute observations, Ashley offers a critical lens on the phenomenon of celebrity worship and challenges the notion that it provides a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

At the same time, Gold Light Shining is a celebration of the power of pop music to inspire, uplift, and connect people. Ashley's poems are filled with references to iconic artists and songs, creating a lush mixtape of love poems to an artist, his influences, and to pop music itself. She explores the ways in which music can evoke emotions, shape our memories, and provide a sense of belonging and identity.

In conclusion, Bebe Ashley's Gold Light Shining is a remarkable debut collection of poetry that offers a fresh and vibrant perspective on the complexities of contemporary life. Through her poetic lens, Ashley explores the intersection of celebrity culture, obsession, sexuality, and personal growth, capturing the essence of youth, longing, and the search for meaning. With its rich imagery, witty prose, and critical insights, this book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of modern society and the power of art to transform our lives.

Weight: 104g
Dimension: 135 x 215 x 7 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780995655089