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rock_n_reads's review
5.0
Reading Breathe. Breathe. was a great way to start the new year. This is a memorable collection of both poetry and short fiction. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a newbie when it comes to reading poetry; I’ve only read maybe 3 or 4 collections of poems in the past year, and I always feel a bit shaky and ignorant when it comes time to write the review. Sometimes I think maybe I’m missing the interpretation, as I’ve found myself enjoying many poems but feeling less affected by them than I do with prose. After reading this collection, I’ve changed my tune, and have come to the conclusion that it’s just a matter of finding poems that are a match for me—same as with reading a novel or short story, when you find your reading niche, everything just fits into place.
I really enjoyed the author’s poems in this collection. I loved how the book is broken into sections. The first poetry section is centered around the emotion of fear, and following that, anxiety. The latter is an emotion that I know all too well, and I found myself connecting with many of these poems. I had favorites from both poetry sections, and if I narrow it down to a top five, they are:
-The Lighthouse Keeper’s Tale
-Earl Grey Tea
-Anxiety of Darkness
-Nature’s Salve
-Wraith of the Lonely
The last section of this book contains five short stories, all of which I enjoyed. My absolute favorites were Life Giver of the Nile and Dandelion Yellow.
Not only did I enjoy the words within the stories and poems, I also loved that this collection contains both a foreword and afterword. I feel starry-eyed when I discover author notes of any kind in a book. For me it adds an element of deeper understanding and a stronger connection to the material. With regards to this collection, Brian Kirk said it best in his foreword, stating that the author writes with a “raw honesty”. I agree with this sentiment, as every piece in this collection felt like it was from the heart. I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with the author on social media, and have found her to be genuine and supportive to myself and others in the community. These same traits shine through in her sincere and heartfelt writing, and I’d happily read more.
I really enjoyed the author’s poems in this collection. I loved how the book is broken into sections. The first poetry section is centered around the emotion of fear, and following that, anxiety. The latter is an emotion that I know all too well, and I found myself connecting with many of these poems. I had favorites from both poetry sections, and if I narrow it down to a top five, they are:
-The Lighthouse Keeper’s Tale
-Earl Grey Tea
-Anxiety of Darkness
-Nature’s Salve
-Wraith of the Lonely
The last section of this book contains five short stories, all of which I enjoyed. My absolute favorites were Life Giver of the Nile and Dandelion Yellow.
Not only did I enjoy the words within the stories and poems, I also loved that this collection contains both a foreword and afterword. I feel starry-eyed when I discover author notes of any kind in a book. For me it adds an element of deeper understanding and a stronger connection to the material. With regards to this collection, Brian Kirk said it best in his foreword, stating that the author writes with a “raw honesty”. I agree with this sentiment, as every piece in this collection felt like it was from the heart. I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with the author on social media, and have found her to be genuine and supportive to myself and others in the community. These same traits shine through in her sincere and heartfelt writing, and I’d happily read more.
josephvanburen's review
5.0
In the foreword to this book, Brian Kirk admits that he doesn't understand most poetry. I tend to agree, despite being a poet myself, that poetry can sometimes be too personal or abstract to make a connection with a lot of readers. And then there is Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi's work in Breathe Breathe: the kind of poetry that is deeply personal yet universally resonant of the pain and darkness that we all encounter in our most difficult times. Her precise imagery adds a sense of beauty to those hopeless moments when we feel alone and uncertain. There is a raw realness to her work that struck a personal chord for me, especially in seemingly confessional poems like "You Say You Love Me" and "Anxiety of Darkness." As a fan of dark poetry that has heart and soul, I cannot recommend this book enough.
howlinglibraries's review
5.0
I love a good poetry collection, but I haven't found one in a while that could make me feel as much as Erin's writing did.
These poems and short stories are not for the faint of heart. The poetry comes from a very raw place in Erin's history, and you can feel her bleeding on the pages as she writes, but as someone who's been there, too? The catharsis and sisterhood I felt here was powerful. I alternated between wanting to hug her and wanting someone to hug me. There's a lot of talk about abuse here, in varying methods, and there's a lot of rage and hopelessness, but there are bright spots, too.
Though so much of Erin's writing resonated with me, one poem in particular that just grabbed my heart and squeezed so tightly was The Society of the Fireflies, which she says she wrote for her daughter, Emma. It starts off in a dark, painful place, but gradually brightens as the misery is washed away. I don't know if I'm projecting here, but I'll tell anyone, any time, that my son's entry into the world made all the hurt that came before him fuzzy and grey. It sounds dramatic, I know, but it's true; there's so much love in my heart now, it doesn't seem like there's as much room for hate and hurt as there once was, and as Erin wrote about those fireflies, I couldn't help but feel like she was saying she understood me, mother to mother.
After the poetry, there are a few short stories, and my favorite of these was the episodic collection of tales that take place on Valhalla Lane, where abuse victims gradually bubble over with rage and hurt until they lash out. I know the author's note at the end ensured the reader that Erin doesn't condone repaying violence with violence, and I'm with her, but I won't pretend I don't enjoy watching a survivor take karma into their own hands every now and then.
Altogether, Breathe. Breathe. is a fantastic collection of poems and stories, and—at risk of sounding cheesy—is a real breath of fresh air. Erin shows a natural talent for writing, and I am so appreciative of the way she bared her soul to the world in her work here.
Just remember, when the pain rises to the surface, don't forget to breathe.
These poems and short stories are not for the faint of heart. The poetry comes from a very raw place in Erin's history, and you can feel her bleeding on the pages as she writes, but as someone who's been there, too? The catharsis and sisterhood I felt here was powerful. I alternated between wanting to hug her and wanting someone to hug me. There's a lot of talk about abuse here, in varying methods, and there's a lot of rage and hopelessness, but there are bright spots, too.
Until one night, the fireflies blink in unison, like small beacons.
Though so much of Erin's writing resonated with me, one poem in particular that just grabbed my heart and squeezed so tightly was The Society of the Fireflies, which she says she wrote for her daughter, Emma. It starts off in a dark, painful place, but gradually brightens as the misery is washed away. I don't know if I'm projecting here, but I'll tell anyone, any time, that my son's entry into the world made all the hurt that came before him fuzzy and grey. It sounds dramatic, I know, but it's true; there's so much love in my heart now, it doesn't seem like there's as much room for hate and hurt as there once was, and as Erin wrote about those fireflies, I couldn't help but feel like she was saying she understood me, mother to mother.
Breathing is not as simple as you think.
After the poetry, there are a few short stories, and my favorite of these was the episodic collection of tales that take place on Valhalla Lane, where abuse victims gradually bubble over with rage and hurt until they lash out. I know the author's note at the end ensured the reader that Erin doesn't condone repaying violence with violence, and I'm with her, but I won't pretend I don't enjoy watching a survivor take karma into their own hands every now and then.
Altogether, Breathe. Breathe. is a fantastic collection of poems and stories, and—at risk of sounding cheesy—is a real breath of fresh air. Erin shows a natural talent for writing, and I am so appreciative of the way she bared her soul to the world in her work here.
truebookaddict's review
5.0
This fantastic book is a collection of poems and tales of abuse and horror, told so brilliantly only by someone who has firsthand experience. Get ready to feel every range of emotion while reading. From fear to intense anxiety to shock, and even a bit of laughter. This book will touch your soul.
The author touches on the all to prevalent issue of domestic violence. Gut wrenching horror and sorrow to read such powerful narratives of these experiences. She also visits our most deeply seated fears, of what we create to cover up the horrors in our lives.
Certainly not my most favorite or the biggest standout, but definitely one that took me by surprise was Earl Grey Tea...not what I was expecting. This poem is the art of the quick change.
Those who love The Twilight Zone will enjoy Lunch Served at Noon. The one that really had my nerves on edge...The Madness of the Woodpecker.
So many standouts in this collection. Really too many to mention them all individually. Just read it, is all I can say. The experience will be unforgettable. I promise. If you like books that make you think, and that make you feel everything, then this is the one for you.
The author touches on the all to prevalent issue of domestic violence. Gut wrenching horror and sorrow to read such powerful narratives of these experiences. She also visits our most deeply seated fears, of what we create to cover up the horrors in our lives.
Certainly not my most favorite or the biggest standout, but definitely one that took me by surprise was Earl Grey Tea...not what I was expecting. This poem is the art of the quick change.
Those who love The Twilight Zone will enjoy Lunch Served at Noon. The one that really had my nerves on edge...The Madness of the Woodpecker.
So many standouts in this collection. Really too many to mention them all individually. Just read it, is all I can say. The experience will be unforgettable. I promise. If you like books that make you think, and that make you feel everything, then this is the one for you.
inkychaotics's review
4.0
A beautiful debut poetry and short fiction collection. I particularly enjoyed "Earl Grey Tea," "Silent Screams," and the "Valhalla Lane" stories, and loved "Dandelion Yellow" too. Erin delves right into human darkness in these pieces, yet each poem and story offer a refreshing honesty that makes the book hard to put down. The reminder to breathe throughout this collection is certainly one we can all relate to!
exorcismofemilyreed's review
4.0
"There's solitude / but no peace."
I haven't finished a poetry collection in quite a while, and Breathe Breathe was perfect for getting myself reacquainted. Erin's writing is easy to read, which was important for me. The hardest part of reading poetry for me is not understanding what's going on, but Erin expresses herself well & is upfront about what she's trying to say.
This is a collection of both poetry & short stories, and there are three separate portions of the book - poems about fear, poems about pain, and short stories. The first section (Breathe Through Fear) was my favorite. These poems dealt with spookier topics, and my top favorites were The Fisherman, Night Stalked, The Heirloom, The Lighthouse Keeper's Tale, and Ningyo's Misfortune.
The second section (Breathe Through Pain). These poems were a lot more emotional than the first set, which is to be expected since it's about pain. I really love Erin's honesty & willingness to share her heart on these pages. There's some grief and darkness in these poems, and I admire the boldness of them. My favorites were Nature's Salve, What Lies Beneath, Offerings to Nang Tani, Wraith of the Lonely, and The Way You Love Me.
The final section has the short stories. My favorites were Lunch Served at Noon and Dandelion Yellow, but they were all fun to read. I enjoyed being able to see Erin's versatility as both a poetry and fiction writer.
I'm going to give some trigger warnings in case you decide to pick this one up - there's some rape, abuse, and mention of sexual abuse of a child. Although the cover of this book is bright and inviting, it deals with some dark & heavy topics inside, so just be aware.
I really liked the feminist aspect of this collection - a lot of the women seem broken, but still stand strong. This is the third collection I've read recently with this as a running theme, and it makes me very happy. I'm excited to see what else Erin writes!
I haven't finished a poetry collection in quite a while, and Breathe Breathe was perfect for getting myself reacquainted. Erin's writing is easy to read, which was important for me. The hardest part of reading poetry for me is not understanding what's going on, but Erin expresses herself well & is upfront about what she's trying to say.
This is a collection of both poetry & short stories, and there are three separate portions of the book - poems about fear, poems about pain, and short stories. The first section (Breathe Through Fear) was my favorite. These poems dealt with spookier topics, and my top favorites were The Fisherman, Night Stalked, The Heirloom, The Lighthouse Keeper's Tale, and Ningyo's Misfortune.
The second section (Breathe Through Pain). These poems were a lot more emotional than the first set, which is to be expected since it's about pain. I really love Erin's honesty & willingness to share her heart on these pages. There's some grief and darkness in these poems, and I admire the boldness of them. My favorites were Nature's Salve, What Lies Beneath, Offerings to Nang Tani, Wraith of the Lonely, and The Way You Love Me.
The final section has the short stories. My favorites were Lunch Served at Noon and Dandelion Yellow, but they were all fun to read. I enjoyed being able to see Erin's versatility as both a poetry and fiction writer.
I'm going to give some trigger warnings in case you decide to pick this one up - there's some rape, abuse, and mention of sexual abuse of a child. Although the cover of this book is bright and inviting, it deals with some dark & heavy topics inside, so just be aware.
I really liked the feminist aspect of this collection - a lot of the women seem broken, but still stand strong. This is the third collection I've read recently with this as a running theme, and it makes me very happy. I'm excited to see what else Erin writes!
lilyn_g's review
4.0
I don't read much poetry. I like it well enough, but I'm also extremely picky about what I like. I'm soothed by the cadence and rhythm of the words. I love the experience of reading out-loud a well-crafted poem, where speaking it correctly is a performance in itself.
And then... there's poetry that doesn't rhyme. Mostly that just bothers me. Some of it I like, but it's never sent me into the peaceful place that the more structured, traditional stuff often does. So, I realized within pages that maybe I wasn't the right type of poetry reader for Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi's Breathe. Breathe. But, I had committed to reading it. So, I shifted the lens through which I was viewing it, and plunged onwards.
There were a few pieces which I truly enjoyed, and I want to give them special attention.
The first two were in Act One. The first was The Society of Fireflies - it was gorgeous and evocative. The second was The Lighthouse Keeper's Tale - though I do admit this one frustrated me a bit. I wanted more at the end.
From Act Two, there were two more: I liked Misunderstood and Wraith of the Lonely.
And, funnily enough, there were also two in the Short Stories section that I really liked as well.
The Madness of the Woodpecker was right on the verge of being great, but I felt like the ending was just a bit too rough for it to work completely. And Life-Giver of the Nile - This was an interesting one. I liked how well she visualized everything, and how it circled back at the end.
Breathe. Breathe. has a lot of poetry (and a short story) that revolves around domestic abuse. For some people it's going to be a trigger. I'm sure if you've been through a domestic violence situation, the poetry will speak to you. I wasn't really able to connect with those poems. I do wish there had been a bit more variation in how a lot of the poems ended, but I understand that poems aren't stories, and therefore it's the emotion that counts. So I didn't count that against her.
Overall, I have to give Al-Mehairi props for putting her own work out there for others to read. It's always easier to critique, to edit, and promote than it is to put forth your own work. My personal dislike of the poetry style aside, I can see where others can connect with it deeply. I liked the touch of fantasy that colored some of the poetry in the first act. There's one about what I assumed was some sort of Nosferatu creature that was pretty cool for that aspect.
Breathe. Breathe. will appeal to many readers. It's a quick (easy - for me) read that's worth checking out if you're into poetry and laying bare your emotions.
And then... there's poetry that doesn't rhyme. Mostly that just bothers me. Some of it I like, but it's never sent me into the peaceful place that the more structured, traditional stuff often does. So, I realized within pages that maybe I wasn't the right type of poetry reader for Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi's Breathe. Breathe. But, I had committed to reading it. So, I shifted the lens through which I was viewing it, and plunged onwards.
There were a few pieces which I truly enjoyed, and I want to give them special attention.
The first two were in Act One. The first was The Society of Fireflies - it was gorgeous and evocative. The second was The Lighthouse Keeper's Tale - though I do admit this one frustrated me a bit. I wanted more at the end.
From Act Two, there were two more: I liked Misunderstood and Wraith of the Lonely.
And, funnily enough, there were also two in the Short Stories section that I really liked as well.
The Madness of the Woodpecker was right on the verge of being great, but I felt like the ending was just a bit too rough for it to work completely. And Life-Giver of the Nile - This was an interesting one. I liked how well she visualized everything, and how it circled back at the end.
Breathe. Breathe. has a lot of poetry (and a short story) that revolves around domestic abuse. For some people it's going to be a trigger. I'm sure if you've been through a domestic violence situation, the poetry will speak to you. I wasn't really able to connect with those poems. I do wish there had been a bit more variation in how a lot of the poems ended, but I understand that poems aren't stories, and therefore it's the emotion that counts. So I didn't count that against her.
Overall, I have to give Al-Mehairi props for putting her own work out there for others to read. It's always easier to critique, to edit, and promote than it is to put forth your own work. My personal dislike of the poetry style aside, I can see where others can connect with it deeply. I liked the touch of fantasy that colored some of the poetry in the first act. There's one about what I assumed was some sort of Nosferatu creature that was pretty cool for that aspect.
Breathe. Breathe. will appeal to many readers. It's a quick (easy - for me) read that's worth checking out if you're into poetry and laying bare your emotions.
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