Like lyrics from a rock and roll album, this debut collection of poetry unfolds page-by-page to reveal a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. Michelle Lietz grew up listening to the songs of Tom Petty. When the news of his passing was announced, the poet felt a piece of her past break away. Her beautiful poetry takes lyrics from Petty's songs to launch her exploration on themes of nostalgia, adolescence, and the poet's mixed Yaqui, European and Middle Eastern identity.

Michelle Lietz is an American Indigenous writer of mixed Yaqui, European and Middle Eastern descent. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Indigenous Literature at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg (Treaty 1 land) and lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan (occupied Anishinaabeg land). Her poems have previously been published in Prairie Fire's NDNcity issue.

Michelle Lietz's profile page

“Lyrics and poetry. A magical combination, especially when the music of Tom Petty is the inspiration. Lietz’s debut collection is alluring, divulging stories of the highways of her life.” – Corri Daniels, Plains Cree sixties scoop survivor from George Gordon First Nation.

“Reading Lietz’s first book is like tailgating someone who knows where they’re going. Reading Occasionally Petty is like finding a well-worn deer path in the woods—you expect to feel comforted and exhilarated at the same time, humming and buzzing.” – Ariel Gordon, author of ‘TreeTalk’.