Reviews

Shaking the Trees by Azra Tabassum

illy95's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I loved this poetry book. I usually don't read poetry, but this was a collection of love poems (not autobiographical apparently) surrounding the same couple.  I enjoyed it. Having been through heartbreak and love and all in-between, I think Tabassum captured those feelings really well. Despite, again, not being something they've been through themselves. I liked it!

jewelslemacks's review against another edition

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3.0

2.5 stars. so much potential filled this book, but the fluffy "tumblr" poetry wasn't very original and I have a hard time trying to remember a specific poem--they all blur together. I look forward to reading more poetry by azra, hopefully she'll branch out and improve with age

keondra's review against another edition

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Solid first work for a poet that i am really looking forward to watching grow in the craft.

amandaquotidianbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

Full of sex and foul language and butterflies and fires and natural disasters. My favourites were This is How You Will Fall in Love and Delilah. My favourite part of reading this was finishing the raw and emotive narrative poetry and then reading the author's bio. The juxtaposition was intense and I think she is a soul sister.

brinoverbooked's review

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4.0

oh my god my heart will never be the same hel p

nadia6200f's review

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1.0

I began this book with low expectations, and it didn't even meet those. I do, however, recommend this book for comedic purposes; it has great (albeit unintentional) punchlines about having somebody to "fuck my body and not my mind". Equally, the cliche of pretty girls wearing red lipstick and chain smoking is there in abundance for anyone who isn't tired of it yet.

In addition to the comedic genius, we have some truly ingenious metaphors. Take for example: "I'm the toothbrush,/and you're the toilet seat/and together we're just right".
I wasn't sure what this meant but I'm assuming it's something meaningful and personal to the author; I'm worried for her. I also particularly enjoyed the complete disregard for grammatical convention.

Truly a special work.
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