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4.44 AVERAGE
4.44 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Was so happy to get the e-ARC of this poetry collection, as I am a huge fan of the author’s wonderful hopeful social media presence! I loved the second person narration. Interesting reflections on childhood/ girlhood and how we can keep those versions of ourselves alive. Would be a great collection for people getting into poetry. Overall a great pick me up collection.
Out March 18th!
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
I don't read a lot of poetry, but I follow Victoria Hutchins on social media and love her thoughts on life so I was hopeful I'd like her book of poetry, too.
I didn't just like it, though, I loved it. The poems in Make Believe touch on mental health, body image, falling in (and out of) love, sexuality and so much more. If you've ever felt nostalgic for what was, heartbroken, lost, or confused about who you are or your place in this world, then this book is for you. I bookmarked and highlighted so many of the poems and I'll be going back to this book over and over again.
Favorite quote: "I have so much to do, you always say. But the doing always gets done. It's the living you should keep an eye on."
Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for providing this book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I didn't just like it, though, I loved it. The poems in Make Believe touch on mental health, body image, falling in (and out of) love, sexuality and so much more. If you've ever felt nostalgic for what was, heartbroken, lost, or confused about who you are or your place in this world, then this book is for you. I bookmarked and highlighted so many of the poems and I'll be going back to this book over and over again.
Favorite quote: "I have so much to do, you always say. But the doing always gets done. It's the living you should keep an eye on."
Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for providing this book for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Tell me about the weight you gained this summer.
The weight you gained slurping vodka sprites at the gay bar the last night before your friends left town. Melting into a sea of glitter and leather, tipping your head back to get every drop.
The weight you gained soaking biscuits with molasses and gravy at your mom's kitchen table. Running your fingers over your aunt's pink fingernails in between bites. Asking the name of the color. Noticing how her fingers look just like your mom's.
The weight you gained gripping a burger on a picnic blanket with the person you love. Wiping greasy fingers on the grass. Remembering when you were too scared to really eat in front of them. Feeding fries to the dog. Asking questions that used to scare you but don't anymore:
What do you think is in the secret sauce? Where do you see us in five years? Ten?
The weight you gained celebrating pregnancies and promotions and divorces.
Squeezing red icing letters onto a grocery store cake.
Spelling out SHE'S FREE.
Tell me about the weight you gained this summer.
And then tell me-would you give it back if you could?
A beautiful, moving, nostalgic, human collection of poetry.
Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review! Make Believe: Poems for Hoping Again is available March 18th, 2025.
i’ve seen victoria’s videos all over the internet and have always felt so seen by her words. i sent one of her videos to my friend this morning before I got the email about my netgalley arc. for some reason, it was until i was in tears after i finished reading this collection of poems did it click for me who victoria was.
i love her writing because of how comfortable it makes me feel. it feels like the meat of the conversations i havewith my friends. it’s the gentle reminders i need to be kinder to myself. its holding the hand of my inner child and going for a stroll.
nothing in this collection is revolutionary in the sense that it’s a new idea but it’s revolutionary in the sense that i constantly need these reminders.
i love her writing because of how comfortable it makes me feel. it feels like the meat of the conversations i havewith my friends. it’s the gentle reminders i need to be kinder to myself. its holding the hand of my inner child and going for a stroll.
nothing in this collection is revolutionary in the sense that it’s a new idea but it’s revolutionary in the sense that i constantly need these reminders.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I've been following Victoria on instagram for a while now and I was SO excited when she announced a book of poetry. It did not disappoint. If you enjoy her social media content, you will devour her book. I can't wait to buy it.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my review.
Thanks to the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my review.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Great book of little quick poems to distract from the world.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Religious bigotry
I'd never heard of this author and don't typically read poetry but I was intrigued by the cover and the description of this book so decided to give it a whirl. I read it in one sitting and really enjoyed this book. Some of it isn't what I would traditionally consider poetry. Maybe a mixture of poetry, passages, and myth-like stories. I felt more connected to nature, my body, the beauty of life, living in the present, interconnectedness. The poems on body-image and eating disorders and aging and death had the biggest impact on me. This book was a pleasant surprise and I recommend, especially for existential, creative, imaginative individuals who are desiring more connection/appreciation for their bodies and the earth/cosmos.
Thank you NetGalley and Convergent Books for this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Convergent Books for this ARC!