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versmonesprit's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
0.25
Normally I do not give 0.25 to books that have bits I like. And there are a few poems that were almost alright, and one that was spectacular, but overall reading this made me want to scream and cry in anger from how horrendous they were. These are nonsensical to the point of being cringy, the line breaks completely ruin the rhythm, and there is no actual poetic quality.
That one spectacular poem is called R*pe Joke. It moved me to genuine tears. In it, Lockwood writes “The r*pe joke is if you write a poem called R*pe Joke, you’re asking for it to become the only thing people remember about you.” The point she’s making is of course heartbreaking. But poetry-wise, I think it might be because it’s her only flawless work. It’s the only one that doesn’t become stupid, it’s the only one that can drive the emotions home. If every poem she wrote was like it, this book would be a tour de force. As it is, it’s nothing more than a frustrating waste of time.
R*pe Joke is available online to read, and I highly recommend everyone do.
That one spectacular poem is called R*pe Joke. It moved me to genuine tears. In it, Lockwood writes “The r*pe joke is if you write a poem called R*pe Joke, you’re asking for it to become the only thing people remember about you.” The point she’s making is of course heartbreaking. But poetry-wise, I think it might be because it’s her only flawless work. It’s the only one that doesn’t become stupid, it’s the only one that can drive the emotions home. If every poem she wrote was like it, this book would be a tour de force. As it is, it’s nothing more than a frustrating waste of time.
R*pe Joke is available online to read, and I highly recommend everyone do.
laurelinwonder's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of those collections that I just couldn't put down, and had I not fallen asleep reading yesterday, I would have finished it within the day I began it. I had no idea what I was getting myself into with Lockwood's work, but I can tell you now that I couldn't ever have guessed the absurd & fantastical places one fairly short collection could take me. I think it will be a long time before poems like "Rape Joke" will certainly not leave me for a while. This collection though uncanny, though funny at times, also manages to have some really lovely moments, and draws readers attention to real issues. It's weird, it's poetic, it's raunchy, I liked it a lot.
kerryanndunn's review against another edition
3.0
I’m not the best person to judge poetry. I much prefer prose. I have a hard time really paying attention to poetry. I liked some of the poems in this collection. Others I found pretentious or just plain nonsense. I liked this. It’s a fun line to read out loud:
“Can we stay here forever. Probably, probably.
With the probly and the prolly and the loblolly pines.”
“Can we stay here forever. Probably, probably.
With the probly and the prolly and the loblolly pines.”
thunderbolt_kid's review against another edition
I needed two of the poems in this book. The rest were not for me. (Find your own two).
pumpkincore's review against another edition
1.0
I wanted to love this collection because many people I follow love this collection. I don't need to "love" a poem, but I want wordplay and interesting visuals, and to feel something besides an unexplainable "ugh."
Sometimes, it felt like shock was mistaken for strong, but shock quickly dulls and needs to be supplemented with other feeling. I thought it would lead me somewhere, transform, make me question my reaction. Instead, ..."ugh." I caught myself flipping pages, just looking for lines to grab my attention and make me want to backread for context. I didn't.
Not every collection speaks to everyone. This one wasn't for me.
Sometimes, it felt like shock was mistaken for strong, but shock quickly dulls and needs to be supplemented with other feeling. I thought it would lead me somewhere, transform, make me question my reaction. Instead, ..."ugh." I caught myself flipping pages, just looking for lines to grab my attention and make me want to backread for context. I didn't.
Not every collection speaks to everyone. This one wasn't for me.
snchard's review against another edition
4.0
Even when I had no idea what was happening, I found this book of poems unreasonably delightful. For as indecipherable and sometimes bleak as each poem was on its own, this collection made me want to go back to college to study hallucinogenic philosophy with a minor in underwater women's studies. "Rape Joke" is the main draw here (and the reason I, like many others, became familiar with Lockwood), but I think my favorite poem in the whole book was "The Father and Mother of American Tit Pics".
katiecatbooks's review against another edition
2.0
Poetry. Perverse. Uncomfortable.
Story: This book contains a collection of Lockwood's poetry, including the infamous "rape joke."
Language: Lockwood's poetry is not that of traditional nature or philosophy, nor is it the pensive yet outspoken feminist of modern day. Lockwood's poetry is harsh, abrupt, jolting from one sentence or even word to the next, a tornado of juxtapositions and ideas, often perverse and often intending to leave the reader disquieted and with a sense of discomfort.
Character: Lockwood, first and foremost a poet, compiled this collection in 2014 and later in 2017 released her memoir "Priestdaddy."
I attended a book convention where Lockwood was a speaker. It caused me to seek out her books and I quite enjoyed her memoir. At the same convention there was also a poetry slam consisting mostly of high school students. Lockwood started out the event and I have to admit, I walked out after a few minutes. While I can recommend her memoir, her poetry is just not for me.
Story: This book contains a collection of Lockwood's poetry, including the infamous "rape joke."
Language: Lockwood's poetry is not that of traditional nature or philosophy, nor is it the pensive yet outspoken feminist of modern day. Lockwood's poetry is harsh, abrupt, jolting from one sentence or even word to the next, a tornado of juxtapositions and ideas, often perverse and often intending to leave the reader disquieted and with a sense of discomfort.
Character: Lockwood, first and foremost a poet, compiled this collection in 2014 and later in 2017 released her memoir "Priestdaddy."
I attended a book convention where Lockwood was a speaker. It caused me to seek out her books and I quite enjoyed her memoir. At the same convention there was also a poetry slam consisting mostly of high school students. Lockwood started out the event and I have to admit, I walked out after a few minutes. While I can recommend her memoir, her poetry is just not for me.
katylv's review against another edition
2.0
Rape Joke is a fantastic poem, but the rest of the book just didn't grab me.
shawnwhy's review against another edition
4.0
oh I loved the beetle one and teh lochness monster one