Local poet Pella {f}elton will debut her poetry collection, “{f}ragile Nests,” at Gathering Volumes on Saturday, July 18, at 2:30 p.m. This event will take place at 200 E South Boundary St., Perrysburg, and includes a special reading by Detroit poet Catherine Batsios. Gathering Volumes is the exclusive brick-and-mortar retailer for “{f}ragile Nests” in the Toledo area.

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{f}elton's book is currently available online through Magicaljeep.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in-store at Gathering Volumes. The launch is part of her “Summer Migration Tour,” which supports her book released by Roadside Press.

In reflecting on her work, {f}elton shared, “I spent most of my life living in other people’s spaces trying to pretend like I fit in. ‘{f}ragile Nests’ documents my escape. Writing this book often felt like one of those disaster movies where you’re running away as the ground collapses around you.” She also expressed her admiration for birds, noting their ability to navigate challenges.

“I think a lot about starlings. They don’t build nice homes. For me, those materials were my past—the archives, the myths, and the 'boxes that shouldn’t exist.' I’m ecstatic that Gathering Volumes can be a home for my words,” she added.

Gathering Volumes is one of northwest Ohio’s few independent bookstores and celebrated its 10-year anniversary in June. It is known for supporting local authors, particularly from the LGBTQIA+ community. {f}elton emphasized the importance of local poets having visibility in independent bookstores.

Denise Phillips, owner of Gathering Volumes, stated, “Pella often shows up in our store unannounced to browse books and share gossip. We’re very proud to host her.”

Catherine Batsios, who will read alongside {f}elton, is the author of the 2025 collection “Streetlamp Nautilus.” {f}elton described her as a unique and fierce performance poet, and praised her work as capturing the chaotic energy of Detroit.

The “Summer Migration Tour” includes additional events: On July 11, there will be a reading at The Attic on Adams in Toledo; on July 12, at Book Suey in Detroit; on July 16, at The Rhizome House in Cleveland Heights; and on July 19, at Tea Room 101 in Mansfield.

{f}elton is an independent scholar and performance artist based in northwest Ohio, with credentials including an M.A. from Syracuse University and a Performance Studies certificate from Bowling Green State University. She has showcased her work at various literary festivals and events.

Catherine Batsios, also a poet from Flint, Michigan, uses her inventive verse to explore urban landscapes and experiences.