A review by shannonohannessian
Make Believe: Poems for Hoping Again by Victoria Hutchins

5.0

Tell me about the weight you gained this summer.

The weight you gained slurping vodka sprites at the gay bar the last night before your friends left town. Melting into a sea of glitter and leather, tipping your head back to get every drop.

The weight you gained soaking biscuits with molasses and gravy at your mom's kitchen table. Running your fingers over your aunt's pink fingernails in between bites. Asking the name of the color. Noticing how her fingers look just like your mom's.

The weight you gained gripping a burger on a picnic blanket with the person you love. Wiping greasy fingers on the grass. Remembering when you were too scared to really eat in front of them. Feeding fries to the dog. Asking questions that used to scare you but don't anymore:
What do you think is in the secret sauce? Where do you see us in five years? Ten?

The weight you gained celebrating pregnancies and promotions and divorces.
Squeezing red icing letters onto a grocery store cake.
Spelling out SHE'S FREE.

Tell me about the weight you gained this summer.
And then tell me-would you give it back if you could?

A beautiful, moving, nostalgic, human collection of poetry.

Thank you to NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review! Make Believe: Poems for Hoping Again is available March 18th, 2025.