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helenabythebook's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
5.0
book playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7x8TBGiOd1aQXkeYxLPs16?si=a-XpgzNkRW-ju9DPwRG_lA
Coming back to write more thoughts later but this book destroyed me. I was sobbing and honestly, I felt like the author’s story were so similar to mine at moments that I felt like she pulled thoughts / feelings / experiences out of my brain. Just incredible and needs so much more attention!
Back with more thoughts:
It’s taken me a really long time to write this review because words can’t seem to define how much this book meant for me. I picked it up on a whim (I saw one person on YouTube had it on their pink bookshelf) and thought the cover was cute. I actually used it as a decor piece on one of my shelves and figured I’d read it someday… and then I did.
This book felt like I walked into a random art gallery only to find pieces of my life carefully woven into each painting. To say this hit home would be an understatement. While I don’t necessarily have all of the exact same experiences as the author, I felt like so many of the sentences in this book were pulled from my brain. I love words and find language to be so beautiful but limiting for me especially since I’m not a writer. This book harmonized my thoughts and life experiences and gave me words I never thought I could have.
With that being said, I don’t think this a book for everyone. I think it needs to be treated with a lot of care and it will be especially helpful for those who identify with the author (Black, from the Midwest, etc). But even those who don’t identify may find themselves or pieces of themselves in this book.
Thank you so much Athena Dixon for writing this book. I’m so glad it found me. I look forward to reading your future work.
Coming back to write more thoughts later but this book destroyed me. I was sobbing and honestly, I felt like the author’s story were so similar to mine at moments that I felt like she pulled thoughts / feelings / experiences out of my brain. Just incredible and needs so much more attention!
Back with more thoughts:
It’s taken me a really long time to write this review because words can’t seem to define how much this book meant for me. I picked it up on a whim (I saw one person on YouTube had it on their pink bookshelf) and thought the cover was cute. I actually used it as a decor piece on one of my shelves and figured I’d read it someday… and then I did.
This book felt like I walked into a random art gallery only to find pieces of my life carefully woven into each painting. To say this hit home would be an understatement. While I don’t necessarily have all of the exact same experiences as the author, I felt like so many of the sentences in this book were pulled from my brain. I love words and find language to be so beautiful but limiting for me especially since I’m not a writer. This book harmonized my thoughts and life experiences and gave me words I never thought I could have.
With that being said, I don’t think this a book for everyone. I think it needs to be treated with a lot of care and it will be especially helpful for those who identify with the author (Black, from the Midwest, etc). But even those who don’t identify may find themselves or pieces of themselves in this book.
Thank you so much Athena Dixon for writing this book. I’m so glad it found me. I look forward to reading your future work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Rape, Sexual assault, and Fatphobia
jenelles's review
4.0
Thought-provoking
It gave a lot to think about. I enjoyed it thoroughly, one would think that because the book is so short it would take a short time to complete but each essay gives you something to think about and as such take your time with it and allow it to evoke those thoughts and feelings that we sometimes mask.
It gave a lot to think about. I enjoyed it thoroughly, one would think that because the book is so short it would take a short time to complete but each essay gives you something to think about and as such take your time with it and allow it to evoke those thoughts and feelings that we sometimes mask.
jenelles's review against another edition
4.0
Thought-provoking
It gave a lot to think about. I enjoyed it thoroughly, one would think that because the book is so short it would take a short time to complete but each essay gives you something to think about and as such take your time with it and allow it to evoke those thoughts and feelings that we sometimes mask.
It gave a lot to think about. I enjoyed it thoroughly, one would think that because the book is so short it would take a short time to complete but each essay gives you something to think about and as such take your time with it and allow it to evoke those thoughts and feelings that we sometimes mask.
melaniecduncan's review
5.0
Read in one night!
Dixon’s essays individually are stepping stones of her life, but together they breathe life into the pages, becoming more powerful by building on each other. I found myself reflected in her words, especially her frank discussions of body image and depression. Her words are poetry in prose form.
Dixon’s essays individually are stepping stones of her life, but together they breathe life into the pages, becoming more powerful by building on each other. I found myself reflected in her words, especially her frank discussions of body image and depression. Her words are poetry in prose form.
howifeelaboutbooks's review against another edition
5.0
This essay collection is amazing. You can tell Athena Dixon has a background in poetry because the language is so beautiful, while still being so raw and matter-of-fact. So many of these pieces made me feel seen and understood. I know this is a collection I’ll come back to time and time again.
Disclaimer: I am an Assistant Managing Editor for Split/Lip Press.
Disclaimer: I am an Assistant Managing Editor for Split/Lip Press.
jeidakstorey's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
This is one of those books that don’t leave you even after you’ve finished the last page. One of the essays in this book made me weep from the deepest well in my soul and I cannot shake it. Athena’s words penetrate, hook, and heal you. A must read over and over again.