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erinkellyreads's reviews
593 reviews
The Other Side of the Mirror by Dana Evyn
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
"The Other Side of the Mirror" is an adventure fantasy about a girl who loses her family and the truth about who she is in a fire only to regain that and much more in this romantasy. Thank you to BookSirens and the publisher for allowing me to read this advanced copy. Here is my honest review:
Tropes:
- Insta-love
- Fated mates
- Secret powers
- Found family
- Twins
CW: Kidnapping, family death, fire, sexual assault, open door sex scenes
Things I really enjoyed:
- This was truly an adventure fantasy, and it often felt like I was reading along with a DnD campaign. There were places along the map, different magic users, creatures to fight, and castles and princes galore.
- The idea of the mirror portal system is very cool, especially with the idea that they can also connect into both the modern world and this medieval meets high tech fantasy world.
- I love a red-headed, freckled, kind but flirty MMC. Shadow daddies have been what's hot lately, and I love them, too, but it is nice to have some varieties in love interests.
- The flirty bickering between the FMC and MMC are fun.
Things that I think could've raised my rating:
- I'm not a fan of insta-love - insta-flirting, yes, but we were already completely enamored with each other by page 50 according to the thoughts the characters kept telling us about. Maybe if we were shown more instead of told through inner monologues I would have been more excited.
- The plot had some twists and turns, but they were relatively easy to call. I think if some of the internal monologues were cut, it might have led to more surprise. It felt like the characters knew things very easily (except for the fact that they were in love, surprisingly).
- Our FMC was a tough and knowledgeable girl with few flaws. The chip on her shoulder and high walls were very earned based on what happened to her family, but she learns magic almost too quickly, already is trained and strong in all sorts of combat and weapons (and horseback riding and lockpicking), and adapts to all of these changes really quickly. I just wanted something that made her human-like at some bit - some vulnerability - some chink in her armor to help us connect with her.
- I struggled with the juxtaposition of the YA writing style with the multiple open door spice scenes. I like both, mind you, but I wasn't sure that I liked both in the same story. I know the characters were in their 20's (or 50's? For the fae?), and the spice is not written in a YA style, but something about the non-spice writing style didn't quite match up for me.
Overall, if you like an easy-read adventure romantasy with spice, a tough FMC, and insta-love/fated mates, this could be a good book for you!
Tropes:
- Insta-love
- Fated mates
- Secret powers
- Found family
- Twins
CW: Kidnapping, family death, fire, sexual assault, open door sex scenes
Things I really enjoyed:
- This was truly an adventure fantasy, and it often felt like I was reading along with a DnD campaign. There were places along the map, different magic users, creatures to fight, and castles and princes galore.
- The idea of the mirror portal system is very cool, especially with the idea that they can also connect into both the modern world and this medieval meets high tech fantasy world.
- I love a red-headed, freckled, kind but flirty MMC. Shadow daddies have been what's hot lately, and I love them, too, but it is nice to have some varieties in love interests.
- The flirty bickering between the FMC and MMC are fun.
Things that I think could've raised my rating:
- I'm not a fan of insta-love - insta-flirting, yes, but we were already completely enamored with each other by page 50 according to the thoughts the characters kept telling us about. Maybe if we were shown more instead of told through inner monologues I would have been more excited.
- The plot had some twists and turns, but they were relatively easy to call. I think if some of the internal monologues were cut, it might have led to more surprise. It felt like the characters knew things very easily (except for the fact that they were in love, surprisingly).
- Our FMC was a tough and knowledgeable girl with few flaws. The chip on her shoulder and high walls were very earned based on what happened to her family, but she learns magic almost too quickly, already is trained and strong in all sorts of combat and weapons (and horseback riding and lockpicking), and adapts to all of these changes really quickly. I just wanted something that made her human-like at some bit - some vulnerability - some chink in her armor to help us connect with her.
- I struggled with the juxtaposition of the YA writing style with the multiple open door spice scenes. I like both, mind you, but I wasn't sure that I liked both in the same story. I know the characters were in their 20's (or 50's? For the fae?), and the spice is not written in a YA style, but something about the non-spice writing style didn't quite match up for me.
Overall, if you like an easy-read adventure romantasy with spice, a tough FMC, and insta-love/fated mates, this could be a good book for you!
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I've been a listener of Amanda Montell's podcast "Sounds Like a Cult" that was sparked from this book for a couple of years now, so I was very excited to get my hands on the book/audiobook itself. I had previously listened to Amanda's other book, "Wordslut", which she read herself and focuses on the power of words and reclaiming words through an easy to read but well researched linguistic interest. I actually recommend reading/listening to "Wordslut" before you read/listen to "Cultish", because you'll get a better insight into the deliberate phrasing both Amanda and the various cults use to craft what they want you to understand.
"Cultish" was read by a different audiobook narrator, and I actually enjoyed that. I know Amanda's vocal/writing style from consuming her other content, so it was interesting to get another interpretation of it on top of what she wrote. The book is set up in various section with a different focus on each. Part One focuses on Amanda's thesis of the evolution from the cults of the 1900's (I cringed suuuuuuuper hard writing that, as a millennial) to the culty language of modern day fanaticism. Part Two focuses on background information on some major cults of the past such as Heaven's Gate, Jonestown, the Branch-Davidians of Waco, and even the cult that her father escaped as a young man. Part Three breaks down some more modern religious sects that could be considered culty and why - mostly through the use of language (from the in-speak of a group through even speaking in tongues). Part Four gets really interesting as it moves away from spirituality and into a somewhat new religious experience of the 2000's-2010's - fitness! From the various gurus and "gurus" of different yoga traditions to SoulCycle, Peloton, and Crossfit, Amanda digs deep into the similarities with these "lifestyle cults" to actual cult techniques. If you are a fitness buff, don't worry, she also looks at the good things that people get from their favorite fitness groups. Part Five digs into how social media has shifted and continued the use of culty language and groups with a deep dive into the Instagram Witch trend from 2018-2022 (that's the timeline I think fits best there, in my opinion). From there, we bring it all home in the conclusion.
I've always been interested in cults, how they work, and why someone would want to join one. Over the years I think I've answered those questions for myself, but I really appreciated Amanda's focus on language as uniter in these instances. Beyond that, it is very easy to see how we all use language that can sound cultish with the things we are fans of (I'm a bookstagram using Swiftie who eats a lot of Trader Joe's - I totally see it). Amanda did a fantastic job researching this book with statistics and interviews from everyone from survivors, academics, and current fanatics. I enjoyed "Wordslut" fine enough, but "Cultish" is really Amanda's best work so far. I say so far because her new book "Magic Overthinking" just came out a couple of weeks ago! That is my next read, and I'm excited to see where this goes next. 5 stars, recommended read!
"Cultish" was read by a different audiobook narrator, and I actually enjoyed that. I know Amanda's vocal/writing style from consuming her other content, so it was interesting to get another interpretation of it on top of what she wrote. The book is set up in various section with a different focus on each. Part One focuses on Amanda's thesis of the evolution from the cults of the 1900's (I cringed suuuuuuuper hard writing that, as a millennial) to the culty language of modern day fanaticism. Part Two focuses on background information on some major cults of the past such as Heaven's Gate, Jonestown, the Branch-Davidians of Waco, and even the cult that her father escaped as a young man. Part Three breaks down some more modern religious sects that could be considered culty and why - mostly through the use of language (from the in-speak of a group through even speaking in tongues). Part Four gets really interesting as it moves away from spirituality and into a somewhat new religious experience of the 2000's-2010's - fitness! From the various gurus and "gurus" of different yoga traditions to SoulCycle, Peloton, and Crossfit, Amanda digs deep into the similarities with these "lifestyle cults" to actual cult techniques. If you are a fitness buff, don't worry, she also looks at the good things that people get from their favorite fitness groups. Part Five digs into how social media has shifted and continued the use of culty language and groups with a deep dive into the Instagram Witch trend from 2018-2022 (that's the timeline I think fits best there, in my opinion). From there, we bring it all home in the conclusion.
I've always been interested in cults, how they work, and why someone would want to join one. Over the years I think I've answered those questions for myself, but I really appreciated Amanda's focus on language as uniter in these instances. Beyond that, it is very easy to see how we all use language that can sound cultish with the things we are fans of (I'm a bookstagram using Swiftie who eats a lot of Trader Joe's - I totally see it). Amanda did a fantastic job researching this book with statistics and interviews from everyone from survivors, academics, and current fanatics. I enjoyed "Wordslut" fine enough, but "Cultish" is really Amanda's best work so far. I say so far because her new book "Magic Overthinking" just came out a couple of weeks ago! That is my next read, and I'm excited to see where this goes next. 5 stars, recommended read!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gaslighting, Sexism, Emotional abuse, Racism, Suicide, Bullying, Classism, Mass/school shootings, Death, Child abuse, Confinement, Addiction, and Violence
Not Like Other Girls by Meredith Adamo
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Audio for early access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
This was a 5 star listen with twists and turns every moment and a powerful message of sovereignty and self worth! I am shocked that this is Meredith Adamo's debut novel, and I really hope we get to see more from her.
"Not Like Other Girls" is a story about Jo-Lynn Kirby. I almost continued there, but, truly, this story, at heart, is about Jo - who she's always thought she was and who she's realizing she is and deserves to be. Jo-Lynn had been friends with Maddie Price, one of her only female friendships, until a falling out that neither will share the details of. Jo stays friends and "friends" with guys, and the other girls at school, along with Maddie, slut shame her and treat her like a pariah. Her parents don't see how Jo's changed, and she has lost her top grades to the point of landing on probation. And then Maddie goes missing. Jo feels like something isn't quite right with the explanation given, and she keeps digging until she discovers something big.
Throughout the story, Jo's current/past relationships with people, including the grief she feels at the loss of her friendship with Maddie, are juxtaposed with the new relationships she makes as she starts to uncover secrets and schemes at her school. Adamo brilliantly captures what it feels like to lose a best friend - the lack of closure that comes from that, and the secret hope that maybe, just maybe it will get better. I've never felt that so honestly captured in a book before, and it is a testament to Adamo.
Something I want to make sure to highlight is the pushback against the slut-shaming and the realization of the sexual assault that Jo has been put through - this is really important both narratively and as a message to society. If those are triggers for you, you may want to sit those out, but as a survivor myself, I felt very seen and proud of Jo. Adamo's note at the end of the audiobook in her own voice about her own experiences and why she felt she needed to tell Jo's story had me in tears.
"Not Like Other Girls" comes out TOMORROW, April 30th! Get your copy wherever books are sold, and then come back and chat with me! I can't wait to be able to talk more about the twists and characters with someone!
This was a 5 star listen with twists and turns every moment and a powerful message of sovereignty and self worth! I am shocked that this is Meredith Adamo's debut novel, and I really hope we get to see more from her.
"Not Like Other Girls" is a story about Jo-Lynn Kirby. I almost continued there, but, truly, this story, at heart, is about Jo - who she's always thought she was and who she's realizing she is and deserves to be. Jo-Lynn had been friends with Maddie Price, one of her only female friendships, until a falling out that neither will share the details of. Jo stays friends and "friends" with guys, and the other girls at school, along with Maddie, slut shame her and treat her like a pariah. Her parents don't see how Jo's changed, and she has lost her top grades to the point of landing on probation. And then Maddie goes missing. Jo feels like something isn't quite right with the explanation given, and she keeps digging until she discovers something big.
Throughout the story, Jo's current/past relationships with people, including the grief she feels at the loss of her friendship with Maddie, are juxtaposed with the new relationships she makes as she starts to uncover secrets and schemes at her school. Adamo brilliantly captures what it feels like to lose a best friend - the lack of closure that comes from that, and the secret hope that maybe, just maybe it will get better. I've never felt that so honestly captured in a book before, and it is a testament to Adamo.
Something I want to make sure to highlight is the pushback against the slut-shaming and the realization of the sexual assault that Jo has been put through - this is really important both narratively and as a message to society. If those are triggers for you, you may want to sit those out, but as a survivor myself, I felt very seen and proud of Jo. Adamo's note at the end of the audiobook in her own voice about her own experiences and why she felt she needed to tell Jo's story had me in tears.
"Not Like Other Girls" comes out TOMORROW, April 30th! Get your copy wherever books are sold, and then come back and chat with me! I can't wait to be able to talk more about the twists and characters with someone!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Gaslighting, Grief, Alcohol, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Adult/minor relationship, Rape, Sexual content, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, and Stalking
Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley & Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to the AudioARC in exchange for an honest review!
This story is a WOW! There are so many layers to the story, the world, and the characters, it is hard to know where to start. Add in the narration from multiple fantastic voice actors, and you've got an easy hit in the audiobook world.
I initially knew I wanted to read this story just from the synopsis - I am also from New Orleans, and the queer and mental health rep caught my eye. However, the way that Terry J. Benton-Walker captures the beauty and hardships of the Black spiritual community of NOLA, from the dedication all the way to the final lines of the book, are just gripping and achingly realistic.
Our story is about the Gen-Magic (or generational magic) community in NOLA, in particular the Dupart family. While we do have multiple POV characters (each with unique voices in both writing style and narration), the story is mostly told through the eyes of twins Clement and Christina. I'm usually not a huge fan of multiple POV's beyond maybe three (ala Game of Thrones), but I appreciated the moments where we were able to get the whole picture of what was happening along with getting to know the ins and outs of our twin protagonists.
Clement begins our story as an anxious gay young Black man learning the Gen-magic and grieving the death of his father and illness of his mother (who we later find out is not sick, but cursed). I felt connected to Clement's vulnerability very quickly. His story is one of rage, love, and consequences, and there were many moments that I had my mouth wide open in shock at the twists in his story. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is one facet of his storyline, something traumatic that seems like maybe a throwaway with Zack, that leads to a massive consequence - I really hope in the sequel that this part is addressed more. I feel like it had to be moved to the backburner to address the Big Bad at the end of the story, but I have a lot of feelings and questions!
Christina starts the story very closed off, even to herself, because she blames herself for the death of her father after using magic to seek revenge. She has sworn off magic, is dating a white boy that everyone in her family is suspicious of, and her walls are all the way up. As her story progresses, we see her walls come down, see her pick herself up again from pain after pain, and eventually see her come into her own power and confidence both magically, and as a strong Black woman surrounded by strong Black women. I grew to feel very protective of Christina, and it was easy to celebrate when she triumphed.
There are many important and interesting side characters in this book from the many Dupart sisters, the darker magic being done by the political scheming inside the Gen-Magic Council, the Gods intervening, and then we have a whole other conflict with the White Mages - magical white people who have had years of conflict with those of Gen-Magic descent. We even have a nod to the evangelical right with the anti-magic folks protesting and the election for mayor - with generations of trauma and fighting between the the communities. I must repeat - the narration with all of these characters is a stunning addition to the audiobook, and I think it sets it apart as a quality piece of art.
Terry J. Benton-Walker's urban fantasy rides the tricky and lovely line between modern day challenges (and this felt very real-world) and the magic its characters carry as a part of their heritage. This is a story about family and revenge, owning your truth and the consequences of our actions, regardless of intentions. I'm very excited for the sequel to come out, and I hope that anybody who loves audiobooks or fantasy will check this one out, especially folks in the upper young adult and new adult range. A definite 5 stars!
This story is a WOW! There are so many layers to the story, the world, and the characters, it is hard to know where to start. Add in the narration from multiple fantastic voice actors, and you've got an easy hit in the audiobook world.
I initially knew I wanted to read this story just from the synopsis - I am also from New Orleans, and the queer and mental health rep caught my eye. However, the way that Terry J. Benton-Walker captures the beauty and hardships of the Black spiritual community of NOLA, from the dedication all the way to the final lines of the book, are just gripping and achingly realistic.
Our story is about the Gen-Magic (or generational magic) community in NOLA, in particular the Dupart family. While we do have multiple POV characters (each with unique voices in both writing style and narration), the story is mostly told through the eyes of twins Clement and Christina. I'm usually not a huge fan of multiple POV's beyond maybe three (ala Game of Thrones), but I appreciated the moments where we were able to get the whole picture of what was happening along with getting to know the ins and outs of our twin protagonists.
Clement begins our story as an anxious gay young Black man learning the Gen-magic and grieving the death of his father and illness of his mother (who we later find out is not sick, but cursed). I felt connected to Clement's vulnerability very quickly. His story is one of rage, love, and consequences, and there were many moments that I had my mouth wide open in shock at the twists in his story. I don't want to give any spoilers, but there is one facet of his storyline, something traumatic that seems like maybe a throwaway with Zack, that leads to a massive consequence - I really hope in the sequel that this part is addressed more. I feel like it had to be moved to the backburner to address the Big Bad at the end of the story, but I have a lot of feelings and questions!
Christina starts the story very closed off, even to herself, because she blames herself for the death of her father after using magic to seek revenge. She has sworn off magic, is dating a white boy that everyone in her family is suspicious of, and her walls are all the way up. As her story progresses, we see her walls come down, see her pick herself up again from pain after pain, and eventually see her come into her own power and confidence both magically, and as a strong Black woman surrounded by strong Black women. I grew to feel very protective of Christina, and it was easy to celebrate when she triumphed.
There are many important and interesting side characters in this book from the many Dupart sisters, the darker magic being done by the political scheming inside the Gen-Magic Council, the Gods intervening, and then we have a whole other conflict with the White Mages - magical white people who have had years of conflict with those of Gen-Magic descent. We even have a nod to the evangelical right with the anti-magic folks protesting and the election for mayor - with generations of trauma and fighting between the the communities. I must repeat - the narration with all of these characters is a stunning addition to the audiobook, and I think it sets it apart as a quality piece of art.
Terry J. Benton-Walker's urban fantasy rides the tricky and lovely line between modern day challenges (and this felt very real-world) and the magic its characters carry as a part of their heritage. This is a story about family and revenge, owning your truth and the consequences of our actions, regardless of intentions. I'm very excited for the sequel to come out, and I hope that anybody who loves audiobooks or fantasy will check this one out, especially folks in the upper young adult and new adult range. A definite 5 stars!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Racism, Religious bigotry, Violence, Gaslighting, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Classism, Cursing, Death of parent, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Chronic illness, Child death, Colonisation, Grief, Cultural appropriation, Confinement, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Sexual content, Slavery, Body horror, Bullying, Car accident, Gore, Gun violence, Infertility, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Police brutality, and Self harm
I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
4.5 Stars! I really enjoyed Jennette McCurdy's use of voice in this memoir (and not just because she narrated the audiobook). You get a strong sense of who she is and the things that pull at her from the expectations of her mother, the weight of religion, the loss of self, and the small voice that wants to be happy. More and more is coming out right now about the dangers that child stars face, and Jennette's memoir shows that, sometimes, the call is coming from inside the house. If you are someone who struggles with eating disorders of any kind, this one may be a little much for you in parts (I did have to skip a couple of parts but not a large chunk). Overall, I'm glad she shared her story, and I'm hopeful that she'll be able to live a happier life for herself now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Fatphobia, Vomit, Alcohol, Child abuse, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Toxic relationship
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was an easy book to get into and enjoy right away! I enjoyed watching Freya, our FMC, grow into herself and her fate without losing touch with the sassy, quick-tempered, loyal, and empathetic person she began as. And, of course, you gotta love our MMC, Bjorn - sexy, quick-witted, joking, yet protective. I know it will be many moons until the next book, but the cliffhanger at the end has me wishing for more!
Stray Love: My Lessons of Love, Life, & Loss by Stacey Liakos
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
2.25
Sure, I'll Join Your Cult: A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere by Maria Bamford
dark
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
I really enjoyed listening to Maria Bamford's memoir-that's-not-quite-a-memoir and would HIGHLY encourage others to check out the audiobook version! Bamford is known for her voice acting and comedic style, and you get all of that (plus a pdf of the images she references and tons of silly sound effects) by listening to her tell her story herself. The only reason this isn't five stars is that I think it ran just a smidge too long, and I'm not sure what the thesis was to know if it was proved or posited. The book tells the story of her life and trials through her engagement in different 12 step programs (which she jokes (and is also somewhat serious) are cults). I definitely enjoyed it and actually laughed out loud instead of doing the smirk-nod-huff that I usually do when I hear something funny in an audiobook. Definitely recommended!
A Shot in the Dark by Victoria Lee
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I bought this book a while ago because the synopsis had me hooked, and I finally made time to read it during Trans Rights Readathon this week! This book was so beautiful - the ache of our main characters navigating the traumas of their life while trying to stay clean, the tension between them with the love, attraction, and acceptance they feel for each other, and the nuanced writing about art, tradition, religion, and making your own way - I had a lot of feelings while reading this! Wyatt and Ely reminded me so much of the people I love, and, often, myself, and I immediately rooted for them both from page one. This is not a fluffy romance, but a deep one (while still having many fun moments of flirtation). I recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Antisemitism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Transphobia, and Self harm
A Fire in the Sunset by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I received an ARC of this collection of poetry through BookSirens, and here is my honest review. Thank you to BookSirens for the opportunity!
This is a GORGEOUS collection of love poems by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev - a collection spanning young love, obsession, travel, breakups, and finally the passing of time and the scars it leaves on us all. There are so many witty turns of phrases that hit you right in the stomach as you read them, sometimes even uttering an audible "Oh!". There are motifs of nature, mythology, and religion all entwined in the poems in an attempt to describe the feelings that love and lust echo in us. There are multiple poems that I want to share with my partner and fellow writer friends. I definitely think this collection is a must read for all of the poets and lovers out there.
This is a GORGEOUS collection of love poems by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev - a collection spanning young love, obsession, travel, breakups, and finally the passing of time and the scars it leaves on us all. There are so many witty turns of phrases that hit you right in the stomach as you read them, sometimes even uttering an audible "Oh!". There are motifs of nature, mythology, and religion all entwined in the poems in an attempt to describe the feelings that love and lust echo in us. There are multiple poems that I want to share with my partner and fellow writer friends. I definitely think this collection is a must read for all of the poets and lovers out there.