Publishing date: 09.07.2024

Thank you to Netgalley and Haymarket Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own. 

The book as a meal: A buffet where I can eat any meal I want

The book left me: Questioning my gender once again

Negatives:

Formatting was a little hard to read and process

Positives:

Several connective themes (erotism, freedom, gender fluidity) 

Features: 

A nonbinary person exploring their gender, erotic and sexual themes, navigating gender in society and family situations

Why did I choose this one?

Poems for days for a poem loving woman. Also, nonbinary rep. Love to see it

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?

In between. The formatting didn't allow me to read for a prolonged time, but the poems made me want to continue. I prioritized preventing a headache, and read bit by bit instead of swallowing it whole. I think this would fit best as a physical book. 

What was the vibe and mood?

A little uncertainty, a lot of curiosity, wanting to fit in, finding out you can make your own mold, exploring myself a little, and most important: feeling free. 

Final ranking and star rating?

3 stars, C tier. Although I appreciated the themes going on and the stunning writing style, I could not connect with the work. I recognized some parts of the work in myself, but not enough to truly appreciate it. I think I could come back to it later after reading some more biographies to understand the work and the author. This book would fit those seeking to understand themselves and others in the LGBTQ+ community. I have some in my circle that would adore and find some use for this work. 

Favorite poems: 

Foreign bodies

Gawd forgive me

The skybridge in their divorce