I have been reading poetry collections this year and I’m doing a mid-year (I know it’s July and I’m late!) check-in. Here are the poetry collections I devour from January – June 2018.
- Sea of Strangers by Lang Leav (3 stars) – Finished my first book for 2018. In Lang Leav’s new poetry collection, Sea of Strangers is about love, breakups and healing. These topics are common from her previous collections and delivers each prose with emotions. Gladly she explores inspirational and empowering poems. It’s refreshing and I like it. It’s good but cliché (Especially about breakups. Majority of them are monotonous) Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- Bloom by Beau Taplin (3 stars) – There was something in Beau Taplin’s words touched my soul. I discovered him years ago on Instagram and I enjoyed reading his poems. I’m glad I had a chance to read his latest collection because some of the poems were relevant to my life. I enjoyed it a lot especially about life lessons. It brings positivity and drive to face new challenges. Overall, this is a great collection. Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- the witch doesn’t burn in this one by Amanda Lovelace (2 stars) – After my disappointment with the princess saves herself in this one, I crossed my fingers I’ll like this more. Amanda Lovelace’s newest poetry collection centers on feminism. Topic wise, it’s good but the poems were still empty, rundown sentences. Some poems are written differently but the thought was just the same. It’s quite unimpressive. Do I feel empowered or inspired by this collection? Sadly, no. I guess Amanda Lovelace’s poems aren’t for me. Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- Mind Platter by Najwa Zebian (4 stars) – Here’s a piece of advice: Read this book. It’s a wonderful collection of self-reflective poetry. Majority of the poems were about life lessons. Relatable and truly meaningful. Najwa Zebian is a new to me author and her words are captivating. I shall look forward on her upcoming poetry collection. Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- Wild Beauty: New and Selected Poems by Ntozake Shange (3 stars) – I like this collection. It was raw, straightforward and authentic. However, I had difficulties connecting on some poems. Thank you Atria for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- love & you by Gretchen Gomez (3 stars) – Finished it in one sitting. It may not be the best poetry collection I’ve read because I’m not a fan of the writing style but I like each poems are emotionally palpable. Which is a good thing that’s why I gave three stars instead of two. Here’s one piece that stands out to me. (Click to view)
- No Matter the Wreckage by Sarah Kay and Sophia Janowitz [Illustrator] (5 stars) -The word “beautiful” is an understatement to describe this poetry book. Sarah Kay’s poems are evocative, relatable and masterly written. They’re simple and candor at its best. I was hooked from the start and unsurprisingly finished it in hours. Check out my full review to see my top five poems (Click to view).
- Worlds of You by Beau Taplin (3 stars) – Worlds of You is a poetry collection about all kinds of love. It varies from relationship, heartbreaks, friendship and life-altering moments. The poems are easy to follow and inspirational. I like it but it wasn’t as impactful as I’ve thought. Some of them are ordinary and fell flat. Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
- Sisters’ Entrance by Emitithal Mahmoud (4 stars) – I discovered this poetry book through my friend Shealea. (Click her name to check out her post for more poetry collections from female voices!) She gave this book five stars and I was instantly intrigued. Sisters’ Entrance explores the brutal realities about war, racism, genocide and religion. It’s written in the most spontaneous, achingly beautiful way you’ll feel the rawness and authenticity of each piece. I love it. Thank you Shealea for recommending this book! 💕 Thank you Andrews McMeel for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
These are the collections I devoured. Have you read any of these books? Feel free to share in the comments and if you have recommendations, I would love to hear it! I’m looking for more poetry books to read especially underrated ones.
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Confessions of a Pinay Bookaholic 