harrydaylight's review
3.5
Pretty good. I enjoyed reading most of the poems, and the language used was easy to understand. I don’t think it’s going to be memorable for me unfortunately, but if you’re into contemporary poetry that discusses mental health and recovery, I would recommend this one.
amylittleford's review against another edition
4.0
*4.5 stars
Firstly, I'd like to thank Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the eARC for an honest review.
Release date: 04 January 2022
This was my first time reading any poetry by Ari B. Cofer and I think she is a brilliant writer after reading this collection. There are definitely some trigger warnings that readers should look into before reading this. It does get very heavy throughout the collection. Cofer writes with raw emotion that really spoke to me. There is such an honesty and tenderness to the pieces in this collection. Cofer focuses on mental health and living a full life despite how crushing our mental health can be.
There are a mixture of long form and short form pieces as well as everything in between. Cofer also added her own art to the collection and it really added to the meaning of the pieces it accompanied. I always love to see different talents combined. The writings in this collection can get really dark and Cofer digs deep into topics that a lot of people would willingly avoid. I really commend her for this collection.
I do recommend this collection to poetry readers but be aware of the triggers.
Amy x
Firstly, I'd like to thank Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the eARC for an honest review.
Release date: 04 January 2022
This was my first time reading any poetry by Ari B. Cofer and I think she is a brilliant writer after reading this collection. There are definitely some trigger warnings that readers should look into before reading this. It does get very heavy throughout the collection. Cofer writes with raw emotion that really spoke to me. There is such an honesty and tenderness to the pieces in this collection. Cofer focuses on mental health and living a full life despite how crushing our mental health can be.
There are a mixture of long form and short form pieces as well as everything in between. Cofer also added her own art to the collection and it really added to the meaning of the pieces it accompanied. I always love to see different talents combined. The writings in this collection can get really dark and Cofer digs deep into topics that a lot of people would willingly avoid. I really commend her for this collection.
I do recommend this collection to poetry readers but be aware of the triggers.
Amy x
lucy_lowe_'s review against another edition
4.0
“Sit in the darkness and dance in the light. Understand you are both lost and found, and it's okay if you don't know where to return to; you are here, and I know it's hard, but you are. Keep choosing to be. I promise one day it will be enough.”
― Ari B. Cofer, Paper Girl and the Knives that Made Her
The discussions of mental health issues and sexual trauma were so poignant and really resonated with me. This is such a beautiful poetry collection and I highly recommend you read this.
― Ari B. Cofer, Paper Girl and the Knives that Made Her
The discussions of mental health issues and sexual trauma were so poignant and really resonated with me. This is such a beautiful poetry collection and I highly recommend you read this.
softgalaxy's review
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
This was an anthem of survival and it didn’t pull any punches. An amazing debut poetry collection, I already loved Ari’s poetry on Instagram so having a physical copy was wonderful.
I’ve been in a really difficult place this year and sometimes I stop reading for a while then I pick up the book I was reading, then I read the exact thing I need to hear. Thank you Ari for writing from the heart.
I’ve been in a really difficult place this year and sometimes I stop reading for a while then I pick up the book I was reading, then I read the exact thing I need to hear. Thank you Ari for writing from the heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Police brutality, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Racism, and Mental illness