The bruises turn into the blues.

Mr. McDowell’s talent is both a gift and a curse: his ability to recount vividly and lyrically discrete moments of his past results in beautiful, yet shatteringly painful, verse. His poetic memoir follows his relationship with his oldest sister, Rachel, from their abusive childhood and teenage years to Rachel’s suicide. McDowell’s grieving and healing process is raw and poignant as he struggles toward acceptance and finds meaning in his sister’s life. A powerful, thought-provoking, truly inspirational read. —Amy F. Price, University of Georgia Master of Educational Leadership

By the end of this haunting but beautiful collection, it becomes Mr. McDowell’s legacy that “Sis has taught me to become a climber of cliffs … rising from rocky and barren tribulations to secret and sacred heights … ascending toward the presence of God.” A wonderful tribute to his beautiful sister. —Elisa Affanato, Master of Arts in English