Reviews tagging 'Drug abuse'

Paper Girl and the Knives that Made Her by Ari B. Cofer

3 reviews

chapterchatswithcaroline's review

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

3.5

For my first poetry book, this book was too dark, gloomy and heavy for me to process. There is no doubt that each poetry is well written. Though, the author say’s that, this book is half fiction and half truth, it only feels like it’s based on whole truth wrapped in a blanket of poetry’s .

I liked that the book started off with a content warning, so that the reader is totally aware of what’s in store. The poems are written from a heartbroken, drepressed, raped, fucked (mind my language), soiled and suicidal girls point of view. Each poem recites like a therapy session of a girl’s worst nightmares. I felt like there was a lot of the author personal life experience in each of the poems.

There were some poems which I loved and could relate to as well:
  1. The fairy tale becomes a memory
  2. I saw their wedding photos on Facebook
  3. when the well ran dry
  4. Magic
  5. Rest in pieces
  6. I don’t want to give you the pleasure of reading your name
  7. New girl
  8. Good girl
  9. My sister turns 20 this month
  10. When our skin is too much
  11. Permanent

The book also advises you to talk to or share with family and friends, if you feel you are someone going through mental health, suicidal tendencies, or other forms of depression, sexual or drug abuse.
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ccwingreads's review

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challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

This is a dark, emotional poetry collection. It is a raw exploration of depression and living. Personally, I am no stranger to depression, insomnia, and self-criticism in myself and my close friends. This collection felt like an act of opening up and being vulnerable. 

I really liked the variation in the structures of the poems. The overall collection flows well and makes sense together. If you can handle the material's themes (content warnings are provided by the author), I would recommend this book.
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skudiklier's review

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

I love all of Ari B. Cofer's work, and knew going in that I'd be glad I read Paper Girl, but wow—this book is stunning. She twists and turns through so many emotions, and writes so beautifully you just get lost in it. Ari can write jaw-dropping poems about anything from romantic love and growing older to suicide and racism. There are longer pieces and shorter ones, interspersed with lovely art with lines that will take your breath away.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry, but also anyone struggling with mental health or past trauma. Paper Girl and the Knives that Made Her is not all feel-good or optimistic by any means, but you will come out of it being at least a little more sure of who you are, and a little more grateful to be alive.

Thank you to Netgalley, Central Avenue Publishing, and Ari B. Cofer for the chance to review this ARC. 
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