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A review by sodrewrites
Even the Saints Audition by Raych Jackson
4.0
"Time is rumored to heal all wounds. No one claims it erases them."
Even the Saints Audition pulled me in closely, held me tighter than a distant relative quickly becoming familiar, and sat right next until I devoured the very last poem. I could not put this book down. And while this book was not on my radar, I was instantly lured in with one look of the cover. Even if you weren't sure of the subject matter, the title and beautifully haunting cover illustration alone would make the most unbothered person curious. So, I went into this poetry collection with a completely open mind and was pleasantly surprised.
Even the Saints Audition reads like a series of letters to the Church Girls who've experienced shame and fear of looming punishment for committing sin. And because I was raised in the church, I could relate so much to the experiences Jackson highlights in her poems. She confesses "impure" thoughts, mourns the loss of her "fun" aunt, and shares moments of overwhelming depression in such a raw and lyrical way, I somehow felt connected to her-- as if I was eavesdropping in on her life's story.
Jackson made me feel things, made me question things, and made me hopeful that she'd found a peace in sharing her truth with such brilliant metaphors and rhythm. Though Jackson and I may not share the same feelings about growing up in the church, I appreciate the honesty and heart she poured into each of these poems. It's def worth the read.
Major thanks to Netgalley and Button Poetry for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Even the Saints Audition pulled me in closely, held me tighter than a distant relative quickly becoming familiar, and sat right next until I devoured the very last poem. I could not put this book down. And while this book was not on my radar, I was instantly lured in with one look of the cover. Even if you weren't sure of the subject matter, the title and beautifully haunting cover illustration alone would make the most unbothered person curious. So, I went into this poetry collection with a completely open mind and was pleasantly surprised.
Even the Saints Audition reads like a series of letters to the Church Girls who've experienced shame and fear of looming punishment for committing sin. And because I was raised in the church, I could relate so much to the experiences Jackson highlights in her poems. She confesses "impure" thoughts, mourns the loss of her "fun" aunt, and shares moments of overwhelming depression in such a raw and lyrical way, I somehow felt connected to her-- as if I was eavesdropping in on her life's story.
Jackson made me feel things, made me question things, and made me hopeful that she'd found a peace in sharing her truth with such brilliant metaphors and rhythm. Though Jackson and I may not share the same feelings about growing up in the church, I appreciate the honesty and heart she poured into each of these poems. It's def worth the read.
Major thanks to Netgalley and Button Poetry for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.