If My Body Could Speak is an absolutely phenomenal collection of poems about eating disorders, mental illness, sexual assault, and being who you truly are regardless of who those around you would rather you be. This is necessary reading for all young women struggling to accept and love themselves and their bodies despite societal pressures. Five stars. I absolutely loved these poems.

Blythe's poetry has been making me cry, think, and heal since I was 15. My opinions of her poetry are incredibly biased as I've been an avid fan for over 3 years now, but I'm under the belief that there is no other way to view poetry than a deeply personal form of art and writing. This collection is phenomenally written and includes the best of some of her poetry than I've previously seen and new pieces that hit me with emotions for the first time. While her poetry is perfect for relating to, the poems I couldn't relate to, remained deeply impactful. So far, she's never written a poem that I haven't enjoyed experiencing.

I loved this book of poetry, it really spoke to me, as a woman, as someone struggling with weight alll my life and now trying to accept who I am and learn to be body positive. These poems are raw and hit hard. So powerful. I loved them, even when hard to read, they were wonderful.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest review

LOVE LOVE LOVE this entire collection. It was real, raw, and relatable. Blythe Baird did not hold back which made every poem so intense. This was so much better than many collections that are released lately of just short, simplistic sentences.

This is not just a book of poetry.

It's a critique of society, of women's place in that society, of eating disorders, of sexuality, of sexual violence that HAPPENS to be in the form of poetry.

It reminds me of some of Carol Ann Duffy's work in places; it has that kind of feel to it, what with the line breaks and patterns across the page. It also reminds me of Amanda Lovelace's poetry; it's got the same kind of content.

Thing is, this book is far more raw than either of those. At first it felt a little lacking for me, without the flair or aesthetic I'm used to. It was certainly relatable, but it felt a little empty for me. However, as I read on, I found myself enjoying the bluntness of it - this is someone who is fed up with the way the world is and really couldn't care less about wrapping everything up in fancy metaphors and imagery (though there is a little bit of that).

I particularly like 'Everything is Fluid'; it's a short poem regarding sexuality, and it resonated with me to the point that I just highlighted the entire thing on my kindle. It's one of those short little poems that I'd stick up on my pin-board to remind myself that I'm not 100% alone in this kind of thing.

'Horoscopes for Self-Doubt' was another favourite, even if my eyes did skip straight to my star sign - that one definitely put a smile on my face, because the little piece of advice fitted exactly with what I've struggled with recently.

If you like feminist poetry, I'd suggest giving this book a go - it covers such a broad spectrum of subjects, chances are, you'll find something you relate to.

This is a powerful collection of poems that any female can relate to. The writing is emotionally raw and forceful, the imagery is beautifully vivid and gut-wrenching. The tone of the collection is one of anger and healing. I especially appreciate how Baird makes it clear that poetry is the only stage where she feels safe talking about her personal experiences and the issues of rape, violence, and sexism. Her poems are very succinct, and point out the frequency with which these issues occur in our society, in our schools, in our families.

Confessional poetry at its best and most brutal. This should be required reading for all Americans in our culture and for all people.

Blythe Baird tells her stories, and at least one reality of what it is like living as a young woman pre- and post-#MeToo, through accessible and clever verse. She delves into topics many of us - regardless of gender - are scared to speak about out loud: trauma, mental illness, and the type of feminism that isn't always considered 'cool' by the bros.

Baird recounts the struggles of developing and overcoming a mindset consumed by disordered eating with grim yet admirable clarity. She speaks truth to the ways in which this society has been conditioned to praise weight loss, regardless of how it happens or what damage it causes. She weaves in her personal experiences with sexual assault, grappling with her sexual orientation, and relationships with friends, partners, and family.

If My Body Could Speak is a product of turning art into what you need it to be. Crafting your stories, even those that haunt you, into something you can love and hope others can benefit from as well.

Honest, real, and amazing. It acted as a reminder to forgive myself (and asking forgiveness to my body) and tackled issues I do care about.

4/5

(I received a digital ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Whatever juice Button Poetry is sipping, they’d better sign me up for more of it because every time I come across their books I know I am in for an awakening.

So, Blythe Baird, ever heard of her? Well, this was my first encounter and I don’t know how I am feeling and that’s the truth of it. For, “Read Pocket Sized Feminism,” is a reminder of the effect of choosing to either stand up or stay silent in the presence of injustice. “To Live in the body of a Survivor” tore me to shreds while “Smoke” reminded me of the things we give up, “Lipstick” of the privileges we are taught and “Skirt Steak Girls” tabled my biases. If you are to read any poem in this book I’d recommend “The Aesthetic of Rape Culture”-because when someone’s version of truth closely hits home, you cannot pretend to not see it for what it is.

Now, I have to reel in the credits: thank you Netgalley and Button Poetry for the eARC, and Blythe– it was a pleasure meeting you.

As a women I can relate with the need to be perfect. Growing up having a sister who battled with an eating disorder I can relate to young girls and body issues. Many of the poems encompassed genterations and feeling of any age. Well written.