Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

I can't put into words how much this book resonated with me. The discussion of losing a father and what that entails in terms of grief, life carrying on, 'dad jokes' and so much more... left me both speechless and feeling so seen. I have loved slam poetry for years and it has been my own catharsis throughout my experience grieving and reading this brought me to tears. Whilst this collection was extremely moving, I also absolutely adored the humour intertwined within the hardship. I found myself laughing out loud during so many points which was such a pleasant surprise and it really did highlight the importance of making light of devastating situations.

This came to me at the perfect time and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to read it. Ollie Schminkey's writing is not only beautiful, but so real and so incredibly raw. Their way with words was OUTSTANDING and its no question that they are a new favourite poet of mine.

It’s always so difficult for me to rate another person’s feelings and emotions - like I feel like that is in no way my place. However, I read this ARC for a review, so I guess I kinda have to now.

I really enjoyed this book of poetry, it’s completely unlike any other poetry book I’ve read and really reminds me a lot of my own poetry. They write with such raw emotion, and intertwine past traumas, comedy, and their own pain into each and every poem. A hard hitting poetry book about past trauma, alcoholism, death, all while attempting to be who they truly are - I highly encourage you all to read it! The only reason I did not give it 5 stars is because I think I need a second read (since the shock has worn off) and really take time to let it all sink in. I hate having to review so quickly after I finish!

I will absolutely be picking up more form this author.

*3.8/5

This book gave me so many mixed feelings.
The style is definitely unconventional and doesn't read like any of the other poem collections I have read.
But then again, Ollie Schminkey is a slam poet, and I am not familiar with that.

The author literally pours their heart out and provide beautiful (even though not always flattering) imagery, all while mourning a distant and an alcoholic dad. I loved how raw, complicated and real the emotions were, and I loved walking through the author's mind, from their dad's sickness all through the process of recovery.

Although, I will admit that some poems I didn't like as much and some others, I believe would have been more powerful had they been shortened. But then again that's a personal preference.

As someone who also had to deal with the death of a close family member who had been sick for a long long time (my -almost- quadriplegic grandfather who after a stroke, spent the last 36 years of his life been cared for by the family) some of the poems and the sentiments really resonated with me (yeah, even the poems that were about the negative side of their dad, despite my grandfather being a literal angel).

I am going to end the review here before I get more emotional. Overall this was a positive reading experience and I hope we get to read more from the author.

If you made it this far, congratulations!
'Til next time, take care :) :) :)

I received a free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

*ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

This book has vivid imagery and is a great exploration of grieving a parent you weren't close to until they were near the end. It seems to have an unnamed but clear theme of forgiveness. I do feel that Ollie's work evokes much more emotion when read aloud and I found this collection didn't really flow as well in my head as I had hoped.

3,5 stars

Tw / death, alcohol addiction

I think these poems are heartbreaking and show the struggle of death and addiction both when the authors dad was alive and when he was death. For a debut book this was excellent and I hope this helped them deal with their grief even just a little. I always find poetry the hardest thing to rate because it's so personal especially with topics like this, who am I to say if it's bad when it's their own personal experience. I will definitely be looking out for future books of this author they have my interest.

Not especially wowed by this collection. There's a definite theme that the poet is focusing on, and while I liked the exploration into grief and how there's no one right way to grieve, the poems themselves felt a little too repetitive for me.