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fieldofhats's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is queer, it is relatable, it is raw, it is beautiful. Bates packs so much emotional kick into every single one of their short poems, and it leaves quite the impression. So absolutely fantastic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Homophobia
princessrory's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexism
brittknee52's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
bookicornia's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Homophobia
mikasiri's review
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
I think there is something about simplicity in queer poetry that will always have a special place in my heart. I feel like this comes from the fact as when you experience these emotions you are usually at such a loss for words, it's hard to even construct a sentence similar to the whirlwind of feelings that are growing up queer as it's such a unique experience. Regardless of this Bates still creates a familiar environment within their poetry and it's refreshing to see.
There aren't any particularly exciting literary devices used throughout the poems but as a Lesbian, I find they all still have the emotional movement to them. The line, "I could be happy with something simple and quiet." isn't anything groundbreaking but it still feels so impactful; as LGBTQIA+ identities are typically broadcasted to such a big degree in mainstream representations of it in; with Drag or Kink as examples like it's always the extremes. When in reality I find myself and a lot of others do crave peace to exist as ourselves in our own time without having to make a performance of it.
Whilst there definitely are some reminders of the oppression that comes hand in hand with Queerness it reminds us that it doesn't define us, being Queer isn't just the pain we feel but the enormous spectrum of change, excitement, and life that we bring to a world that can seem so against it.
Overall, Bates has compiled a great selection of poems and it makes a short but hopeful read. :]
There aren't any particularly exciting literary devices used throughout the poems but as a Lesbian, I find they all still have the emotional movement to them. The line, "I could be happy with something simple and quiet." isn't anything groundbreaking but it still feels so impactful; as LGBTQIA+ identities are typically broadcasted to such a big degree in mainstream representations of it in; with Drag or Kink as examples like it's always the extremes. When in reality I find myself and a lot of others do crave peace to exist as ourselves in our own time without having to make a performance of it.
Whilst there definitely are some reminders of the oppression that comes hand in hand with Queerness it reminds us that it doesn't define us, being Queer isn't just the pain we feel but the enormous spectrum of change, excitement, and life that we bring to a world that can seem so against it.
Overall, Bates has compiled a great selection of poems and it makes a short but hopeful read. :]
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Sexism
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