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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
mini review:
- while Halsey does bring up important topics that are personal to her, - feminism, abortion, abusive relationships, etc. - the execution of these topics is not the best.
- the ideas for these poems are great...
- ... but they could do with stronger imagery, more self-reflection, fewer fluff/cutting of lines, more thoughtful line breaks, and more unique use of diction.
- these poems, unfortunately, read like first drafts. I know that's a harsh critique (and my apologies to the poet) but I see the potential there. With some more editing, I could see these poems being stronger and getting their point across in a more impactful way.
- the poet tells us directly in lines and even in the title what the poem is "about" as if we may not get the message. instead of showing us what the poem is "about," letting the reader piece it together with the elements used throughout the poem, the poet jumps the gun and tells the reader outright - perhaps there isn't enough imagery or poetic devices for the reader to see the message.
- lots of use of cliche metaphors and similies.
- cannot get over the lines: "But my head down / on a mattress / famous actress / and she skrrrt'n me" (American Woman, 64).
While I gave this two stars, which I rarely do, there are a few select poems worth reading from this collection. The two stars are because so much was lacking from the collection as a whole.
Poems worth reading from this collection:
- The Professional
- Lullabye
- The Painter
- Fun Girl
- The Cave
- while Halsey does bring up important topics that are personal to her, - feminism, abortion, abusive relationships, etc. - the execution of these topics is not the best.
- the ideas for these poems are great...
- ... but they could do with stronger imagery, more self-reflection, fewer fluff/cutting of lines, more thoughtful line breaks, and more unique use of diction.
- these poems, unfortunately, read like first drafts. I know that's a harsh critique (and my apologies to the poet) but I see the potential there. With some more editing, I could see these poems being stronger and getting their point across in a more impactful way.
- the poet tells us directly in lines and even in the title what the poem is "about" as if we may not get the message. instead of showing us what the poem is "about," letting the reader piece it together with the elements used throughout the poem, the poet jumps the gun and tells the reader outright - perhaps there isn't enough imagery or poetic devices for the reader to see the message.
- lots of use of cliche metaphors and similies.
- cannot get over the lines: "But my head down / on a mattress / famous actress / and she skrrrt'n me" (American Woman, 64).
While I gave this two stars, which I rarely do, there are a few select poems worth reading from this collection. The two stars are because so much was lacking from the collection as a whole.
Poems worth reading from this collection:
- The Professional
- Lullabye
- The Painter
- Fun Girl
- The Cave
Halsey is one of my favorite musicians and it was so cool to read poetry written by her. Every poem was so real and raw. Poetry books aren’t ones that I usually gravitate towards but I’m so happy I picked this one up.
This collection of poetry was very beautiful! Although I could not relate to everything that was touched on, the things I could really connected to my life experiences. Some of the poems felt like rambling but I didn’t mind much. It was also fun getting to experience her art in a different form, other than music. Most of the poems were very personal and raw. The only reason I give this 4 stars is because some of the poems seemed cliche and repetitive. Besides that, I will definitely read this one again. Also, I LOVED the cover art for this book.
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
DNF. I enjoy Halsey’s music but I could only get halfway through this one. It read more like a creatively written diary. She seems very confused, unhappy and emotionally messed-up…maybe chemically induced. For this poetry month, I think I was expecting something a little less repetitive and dreary.
I've always loved Halsey for her lyrics and was ecstatic to hear her announce this book of poetry.
As a fan of her music, I was able to find pieces of songs in her poems. Some stanzas held familiar melodies but had endings with a twist. (What came first, the poem or the music?)
One thing I've always loved about Halsey is that she's an open book. So many fans, myself included, have healed though her writing and this book is no exception. I admire her vulnerability, her bravery and her talent.
This collection of poetry is beautiful and diverse. From short lines that rhyme, to longer form prose, each word melts into your brain in the best way.
Everyone can find a pice of themselves somewhere between these pages. All of that to say, I love this book very much and hope there's a sequel someday!
As a fan of her music, I was able to find pieces of songs in her poems. Some stanzas held familiar melodies but had endings with a twist. (What came first, the poem or the music?)
One thing I've always loved about Halsey is that she's an open book. So many fans, myself included, have healed though her writing and this book is no exception. I admire her vulnerability, her bravery and her talent.
This collection of poetry is beautiful and diverse. From short lines that rhyme, to longer form prose, each word melts into your brain in the best way.
Everyone can find a pice of themselves somewhere between these pages. All of that to say, I love this book very much and hope there's a sequel someday!
reflective
medium-paced
“How strange to write about “having” when for so long I’ve drawn inspiration only from longing?”
What a stunning collection of poems! I already had guessed this would be good because Halsey is one of my favorite songwriters but this book exceeded my expectations. Halsey is an exquisite writer and her ability to capture different emotions is immaculate. I read that this book was so personal to her that she forbid her family and friends from reading it. And it did indeed feel personal. Some poems felt like whispers and I felt like I stumbled upon a conversation that I wasn’t supposed to be hearing. Her experiences may not have been universal but she has a way with words that makes you feel like you were right there beside her and felt everything that she did.
There were certain parts of this book that were really hard to read, things related to rape and people taking advantage of young, innocent and naïve little girls. I admire her bravery for deciding to share this collection with the world, that probably wasn’t an easy decision to make. A lot of this book was about struggling with mental health. Halsey has bipolar disorder which means that she has extreme bad days and extreme good ones and that was evident in her writing. Some of the poems were filled with hope and love while others were filled with despair and hate. To put it shortly, reading this book was like being on a rollercoaster. But I’d go back and ride that rollercoaster again.
What a stunning collection of poems! I already had guessed this would be good because Halsey is one of my favorite songwriters but this book exceeded my expectations. Halsey is an exquisite writer and her ability to capture different emotions is immaculate. I read that this book was so personal to her that she forbid her family and friends from reading it. And it did indeed feel personal. Some poems felt like whispers and I felt like I stumbled upon a conversation that I wasn’t supposed to be hearing. Her experiences may not have been universal but she has a way with words that makes you feel like you were right there beside her and felt everything that she did.
There were certain parts of this book that were really hard to read, things related to rape and people taking advantage of young, innocent and naïve little girls. I admire her bravery for deciding to share this collection with the world, that probably wasn’t an easy decision to make. A lot of this book was about struggling with mental health. Halsey has bipolar disorder which means that she has extreme bad days and extreme good ones and that was evident in her writing. Some of the poems were filled with hope and love while others were filled with despair and hate. To put it shortly, reading this book was like being on a rollercoaster. But I’d go back and ride that rollercoaster again.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced