Cosmic Pockets
poetry and photography for sci-fi loving skeptical mystics, mothers, feminists, all
What if Mary wasn’t really a virgin? Could Jesus be an alien from another planet? How do we know we’re not all living inside of God? Poet and photographer Joann Renee Boswell invites us to travel with her into an encounter with the inconvenient complexities of earth-life and outer space, politics and religion, Bigfoot, feminism, Santa Claus, and spirituality – all tucked inside the Cosmic Pockets of life. Simultaneously whimsical and serious, Cosmic Pockets traces Joann’s personal journey out of evangelical Christianity and into an evolving understanding of faith – what if the universe is out to help us? Into motherhood – do my children exist when I’m not there? And into love – do I have a superpower? Unflinchingly honest and delightfully conflicted, the dense narrative of Cosmic Pockets will complicate your understanding of what the world is and gift you with narrow glimpses of what might be.
Want an
Autographed Copy?
In lieu of in-person readings, due to the pandemic, I will hold a series of online readings, including a super fantastic book launch (June 27th, 7pm, zoom — see flier below for details).
If you would like to purchase an autographed copy of the book, you can contact me to purchase from me and set up details (What is your name? Anything particular you want me to write? What is your favorite planet? Do you want the book mailed to you or would you like to arrange a socially responsible book pick up?).
Abbreviated Book Blurbs
- The thrilling manifesto of a goddess aflame —Christopher Luna
- Scratches at the veneer of what it is to be a woman in America —Claudia F. Savage
- Radical anthems of liberation sprouted from a life well-noticed —Seth Martin
- Evokes Hollie McNish, Douglas Adams, and Anne Lamott in unrestrained examinations of existence —Elisabeth Mehl Greene
- This book is a treasure —Bethany Lee
- Destined to find its place in the universe —Toni Lumbrazo Luna
- A deep and wild dive —Peg Edera
- An antidote to a threatened world —Melanie Mock
Reviews, Articles & Interviews
— Mom Egg Review, written by Barbara Ellen Sorensen, published 8/13/20
In her debut book, Cosmic Pockets, Joann Renee Boswell’s poetry is kinetic and visceral. Interspersing poetry with original photography, her words seem to lift off the page and the reader is immediately suctioned into a raucous, effervescent and hopeful world. Whimsical in tone, yet entirely meditative, these poems sparkle with the recognition that even with chaos there is growth and progress.
— Christian Feminism Today, written by Ed Higgins, published 6/1/20
(Joann’s) deft ability to entertain us with poetic magic while entrusting and enlightening us with her thoughts and verbal magic, images, metaphors, and narrative troupes is spellbinding.
— Making Connections radio interview by Barbara Seaman, aired 8/19/20
— Camas Post Record, written by Kelly Moyer, published 6/25/20
Joann Renee Boswell is a teacher, theater director, mother, photographer, and poet. She lives in Camas, Washington, with her partner and three children. Joann graduated with a Choose Your Own Adventure B.A., featuring music, theater, and writing/literature. Later she became a master at teaching (ask her former students!). Joann loves rainy days filled with coffee, books, handholding, moody music, and sci-fi shows. While her poetry has appeared in a dozen journals, this is her first book.
For More Poetry & Event Info, Go Here
Joann Renee 