Poetry Books By Women That Have Creepy Dolls On The Covers

I think we all need to reflect upon the mass of creepy dolls that is currently besieging the covers of poetry collections by some of the most talented emerging and established women writers in America. Who will be the next bloody porcelain victim? All of the books included on this list are books that I wholeheartedly endorse reading, and I don't have anything particularly against any of the individual covers. I suppose this trend could represent a rebellion against the pressure many women feel or have felt to model themselves after the images of pretty princess dolls, a rebellion against expectations of prettiness and doll-like docility. I'm all for that. I'm just saying that when I was organizing my bookshelves the other day, I was quite overwhelmed by the growing population density of creepy dolls as cover art. Perhaps publishers could come up with some new images to represent disrupting gender constructs? I really think seahorses could be the next big thing.

Our Lady of the Ruins by Traci Brimhall

Via powells.com

Aren't I just the cutest little bundle of haunting? Go ahead, squeeze my cheeks, Poppa. I'll shred your fingers bloody. I know how you like it. Buy me.

Bad Daughter by Sarah Gorham

Via powells.com

It's a hard life for a figurine with a wagon full of big-eyed animal heads to look after. Try to walk a mile in these giant dark shoes. Just know...I'll be following afer you. I already am. I have been since before you were born. Buy me.

To See the Queen by Allison Seay

Via powells.com

I know why the caged woman stares at the ground melancholically dazed... You see, I'm missing an abdomen, which makes it difficult to eat, which makes my blood sugar low. Maybe I'll get out of this thing someday and come gnaw on your dreams. Maybe I'll cut out your abdomen and claim it as my own. I will be whole and free. Just wait. Buy me.

Orphan by Jan Heller Levi

Via powells.com

I have come to eat you with a wooden spoon. I am the wooden spoon. It'll leave no mess, no traces of what you once were. Buy me.