The Opening by Sahar Romani

Selected and Introduced by Kazim Ali

It is first and foremost a book of the body and a book of love. It celebrates lovers, friendship, the love families have, and the love of both humans and God. But the loves of both human and God are the kind you might ordinarily find in poetry—deep passion or fevered devotion. Rather, The Opening, is an ordinary love, sustained by daily attentions. It makes what in my own early experiences was unspeakable and impossible into something present, allowable, honored, and real. And that may be the most remarkable thing of all.

—Kazim Ali

Edition: 500 copies of the winning books were printed by the Prolific Group and designed by Gabriele Wilson, with covers by Duncan Hannah.