Book Review: You Better Be Lightning by Andrea Gibson

May 20, 2026

This is essential reading. If you have not read any Andrea Gibson, it is now homework I am giving to you. Their poetry is brilliant and beautiful. I feel like I see the world differently now that I’ve seen it through their eyes.

I’m not sure how to describe their poetry other than just sharing with you some things I underlined.

If we never deny the inevitable end of the story, we will write it more beautiful while we’re alive

…raspberry bushes whose thorns were my very first heroes because they did nothing with their life but protect what was sweet

How did you come to believe that hating yourself would protect you from other people’s hate?

Five stars

No notes

I will say, though, that there are a lot of triggers (as with anything honest):

Sexual abuse, mental health, suicidal thoughts, and depression