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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I really respect Halsey as a lyricist and her talent with words is clearly evident through this collection. I don't think it was the most technically sound writing I've ever read, but it did sound beautiful when read aloud, just like music, which added such a lovely and personal touch to the stories of the poems. The rhythm of the collection as a whole really drew me in and kept me turning the pages.
"a beautiful woman is a car crash." is a line written early on in this collection which I believe perfectly sums up its sentiment , both flaws and beauties
» I can hold a grudge like it's a hand.
(12)
» I don't say it often,
but I'm proud of the woman that I turned out to be
(132)
(12)
» I don't say it often,
but I'm proud of the woman that I turned out to be
(132)
Respectfully the quality of this poetry is very similar to the poems I wrote in high school when I thought I was a special nerdy white girl. It’s just very basic to the point of being juvenile is what I mean. And truly that’s okay generally but just not for like publishing poetry.
Now that said, I do think the subject matter felt poignant at times. And I actually really enjoyed The Professional which although simple was darkly humorous and clever. I think there would’ve been a way to write a good memoir and maybe include a handful of these poems as reference points for the feelings and pains of growing. But as stand alone poetry it’s just not good.
It needed a good edit and maybe a few drafts or possibly to just not be published. I’m sure in fact that poetry of this quality wouldn’t be published if the author didn’t already have the name and social influence to sell copies anyway.
Now that said, I do think the subject matter felt poignant at times. And I actually really enjoyed The Professional which although simple was darkly humorous and clever. I think there would’ve been a way to write a good memoir and maybe include a handful of these poems as reference points for the feelings and pains of growing. But as stand alone poetry it’s just not good.
It needed a good edit and maybe a few drafts or possibly to just not be published. I’m sure in fact that poetry of this quality wouldn’t be published if the author didn’t already have the name and social influence to sell copies anyway.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
emotional
sad
fast-paced
As a Halsey fan I will preference that I enjoy her lyricism and the way she portrays stories
Also when some of the poems were lyrics from HFK, Manic and Badlands I got super excited
Anyway that’s not the point
The point is even though she is an amazing lyricists and can string someone heart together this book didn’t flow
Some poems seemed so impactful about the world, mental health and being a person which were great
But then a random poem popped up about her giving head
I feel like it needed an edit and a clear vision
Also when some of the poems were lyrics from HFK, Manic and Badlands I got super excited
Anyway that’s not the point
The point is even though she is an amazing lyricists and can string someone heart together this book didn’t flow
Some poems seemed so impactful about the world, mental health and being a person which were great
But then a random poem popped up about her giving head
I feel like it needed an edit and a clear vision
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
2.5 stars rounded down. I really enjoyed a few of these poems, but more made me cringe or just felt like they didn’t flow. I think a lot of Halsey’s writing works better in the context of songwriting. I really enjoy her music but didn’t love the book overall.