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scifijunkie21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
5.0
A fantastic collection of often absurdist and very queer poems. I picked this up after seeing "we'll be gone after these brief messages" on social media and the rest of the book did not disappoint. There are definitely a few I will return to. The book is so well structured, building on previous poems for greater understanding.
I listened to the audio version read by the author and greatly enjoyed it.
I listened to the audio version read by the author and greatly enjoyed it.
alyson's review
didn’t work for me the way i’ve seen it work for others, but it was sweet and playful and clearly from the heart. i didn’t really understand a lot of the imagery employed, but every once in a while came along a line or even a whole poem that really kicked my ass — sometimes that’s all it takes to give it another shot in the future!
wanderlust_romance's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
3.75
Your Emergency Contact has Experienced an Emergency alternated between tempered, slow paced, reflective verse and chaotic, quick tempo, stream of consciousness poems. This collection explores the intersections of their lived queer, Chinese, and immigrant identity. Imagery of university classrooms; challenging interactions with students; veiled conversations and imagined confrontations with a parent who isn't sure what to do with their homophobia; a poem to remember those lives lost at Pulse. There's humor and sadness and love and viscera.
I listened to the audiobook, and while it was enjoyable, I likely would have enjoyed this more in print form.
I listened to the audiobook, and while it was enjoyable, I likely would have enjoyed this more in print form.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Xenophobia, and Cultural appropriation
ghoulpilotfinn's review against another edition
This poetry book is incredible so far, it just isn't the right time for me to read it.
DNFing because this has me too emotional in ways I don't want to be at the moment.
DNFing because this has me too emotional in ways I don't want to be at the moment.
polychromatic_hedgehog_parable's review
my friend recommended this to me highly and she was correct. chen chen is very good.
his poems are frequently, like, zany. casual. playful and honest in a way that's captivating and endearing. in part because they don't always hit. like, brave dude!! maybe that's art/maybe that's why I write comparatively few poems. 🙈
the political views expressed are quite liberal and I cringed multiple times. e.g. "guns are bad", man, white supremacy kills people fascism is upon us I truly cannot muster up much distaste for guns specifically. I truly think that there are both different connections to be made there and more pressing issues to spend our time on. embarrassed for you.
his poems are frequently, like, zany. casual. playful and honest in a way that's captivating and endearing. in part because they don't always hit. like, brave dude!! maybe that's art/maybe that's why I write comparatively few poems. 🙈
the political views expressed are quite liberal and I cringed multiple times. e.g. "guns are bad", man, white supremacy kills people fascism is upon us I truly cannot muster up much distaste for guns specifically. I truly think that there are both different connections to be made there and more pressing issues to spend our time on. embarrassed for you.
dominic_t's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I really enjoyed this poetry collection. Some of the poems were really funny, while others were really moving. I loved all the sweet poems about his boyfriend. He also covered his complex relationship with his mother really beautifully.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Racism
ardystvs's review against another edition
5.0
I fucking love this book.
There are so many poems in this collection that hit so close to home. I lost count of how many times I've cried over lines and stanzas that tore open wounds from my past that haven't yet healed.
I'm certain that finishing this book will have an impact on my choices, relationships, and outlook on life, not just this 2023, but also in the years to come.
(will post the full review before the end of the month)
There are so many poems in this collection that hit so close to home. I lost count of how many times I've cried over lines and stanzas that tore open wounds from my past that haven't yet healed.
I'm certain that finishing this book will have an impact on my choices, relationships, and outlook on life, not just this 2023, but also in the years to come.
(will post the full review before the end of the month)