Open-hearted and unwavering, Lana Hechtman Ayer's poems of vivid imagery navigate the reader through a lifetime-a rocky childhood, self-discoveries as a young woman, the many losses of adulthood, then finally learning to anchor one's existence to beauty. These poems explore growing up with an abusive mother, attentive grandmothers, and a distant but caring father. The poet also examines the ethos of the times, bullying, and the ordeals of being female in a male-dominant culture. Giving voice to a connection with nature, the arts, creativity, and loving relationships, the collection is filled with uplifting insights. Ultimately, When All Else Fails celebrates the restorative power of poetry itself.

"When All Else Fails reminds us that poetry can arise from even the most difficult circumstances. Lana Hechtman Ayers takes the raw material of extreme childhood poverty and abuse and turns it into one arresting poem after another."

-John Brehm, author of No Day at the Beach and The Dharma of Poetry

"Ayers generously takes us along on her journey from violence and decay to a hard-earned rebirth into nature, love, and art. In the end, we too are redeemed."

-Alison Luterman, author of In the Time of the Great Fires

"These poems sing with joy and reverence for a world hard as agate but twice as beautiful. Ayers' work speaks to us in a vividly rich lyric voice born to be the sky's reporter, mood ring for the rain."

-Paulann Petersen, Oregon Poet Laureate Emerita