sbaylouny's review
3.0
Hard to read at times, especially the writings on grief. No specific stories stand out to me as exceptionally unique which makes for a slower read but oddly comforting as it's a reminder that a lot of us are having similar feelings about the whole experience of living in a pandemic. Overall, glad this book exists as almost a historical reference of what we all are going through (and because purchasing it helps out indies)!
gen_wolfhailstorm's review
3.0
Thank you Netgalley for an e-ARC. All opinions remain my own.
Actual rating: 3.5/5
I admit, I felt rushed into reading this when I realised I only had 2 days left before it expired! (Still getting used to the Netgalley app... so a little confused with that and my backlog). In saying that, I'm glad that I read this whilst still in this Covid era as I think I got more out of it, rather than waiting any longer. I do feel like it would have been better had I read a few pieces over a slightly longer span of time (say a week or so) as some pieces did end up blending a little.
The cover and title was what drew me in initally, it actually gave me romance vibes, but what we have is a collection/anthology of interviews, poems, and essays (making it a very readable format) revolving around covid, and particularly how to stay connected and thrive during isolation and strained time a part from loved ones, so it's very relatable to the current times.
The author who wrote the introduction (Garth Stein) has a lovely writing style, even just from the introduction (also appreciate a part of the profit of this book will go to the editors bookselling charity, Binc, that supports small bookstores in need) and I enjoyed reading from other writers I hadn't read from before.
highlights of some of the contributions
The poem of "At times like this" by Nikki Giovanni reminded me of the Lockdown cover of times like these, with the title. That just made me smile.
Andrea King Collier's essay "Feeding my Heart and Soul" warmed my heart and I've since added her book about her relationship with her and her mum, who died of ovarian cancer, to my tbr because it sounded like something I could resonate with, though I know will hit me hard.
The David Sheff interview on addiction, grief and activism intrigued me enough to be interested in checking out his memoir in "Beautiful Boy".
Grace Tulan's discussion on grief and death rituals sent tears to my eyes in her essay called "River of Grief".
"Skin" by Paulette Perhach was achingly beautiful. It was a grief that mainly focused on lost love, and the absence of contact just as covid struck in.
Michelle Goodman's "Touch" was heart breaking. It was more about before covid and the passing of her husband, but tainted with how that gathering was the last physical one she would really have, due to covid.
"Today, when I could do nothing" by Jane Hirshfield was a beautiful poem.
I also loved "Alone and Awash in Desire" by Sonara Jha.
I very much enjoyed "In the Bathtub" by Jenna Blum, featuring beautiful poetry from her friend, Stephen P. Kiernan, that soothed her frustrations away.
Others that spoke to me included:
"State of the Art, State of the Union" by Devi S. Laskar.
"What to Bring in a Die-In" by Amber Flame.
"On Asking Mama to Pray for Me" by Teri Elam.
Pam Houston's "Stamina (Memorial Day Weekend, 2020)" was very touching.
"Don't Stop belivin' " by Shana Mahaffey.
"We Wear the Mask" by W. Ralph Eubanks.
Perhaps at a later date I'll try to get a hold of other copies such as the audio book, as they contain bonus content.
Overall, this made me feel supported and understood as well as widening my compassion for others as it tackles a very prevalent topic worldwide and the many different facets associated with Covid19.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
Actual rating: 3.5/5
I admit, I felt rushed into reading this when I realised I only had 2 days left before it expired! (Still getting used to the Netgalley app... so a little confused with that and my backlog). In saying that, I'm glad that I read this whilst still in this Covid era as I think I got more out of it, rather than waiting any longer. I do feel like it would have been better had I read a few pieces over a slightly longer span of time (say a week or so) as some pieces did end up blending a little.
The cover and title was what drew me in initally, it actually gave me romance vibes, but what we have is a collection/anthology of interviews, poems, and essays (making it a very readable format) revolving around covid, and particularly how to stay connected and thrive during isolation and strained time a part from loved ones, so it's very relatable to the current times.
The author who wrote the introduction (Garth Stein) has a lovely writing style, even just from the introduction (also appreciate a part of the profit of this book will go to the editors bookselling charity, Binc, that supports small bookstores in need) and I enjoyed reading from other writers I hadn't read from before.
highlights of some of the contributions
The poem of "At times like this" by Nikki Giovanni reminded me of the Lockdown cover of times like these, with the title. That just made me smile.
Andrea King Collier's essay "Feeding my Heart and Soul" warmed my heart and I've since added her book about her relationship with her and her mum, who died of ovarian cancer, to my tbr because it sounded like something I could resonate with, though I know will hit me hard.
The David Sheff interview on addiction, grief and activism intrigued me enough to be interested in checking out his memoir in "Beautiful Boy".
Grace Tulan's discussion on grief and death rituals sent tears to my eyes in her essay called "River of Grief".
"Skin" by Paulette Perhach was achingly beautiful. It was a grief that mainly focused on lost love, and the absence of contact just as covid struck in.
Michelle Goodman's "Touch" was heart breaking. It was more about before covid and the passing of her husband, but tainted with how that gathering was the last physical one she would really have, due to covid.
"Today, when I could do nothing" by Jane Hirshfield was a beautiful poem.
I also loved "Alone and Awash in Desire" by Sonara Jha.
I very much enjoyed "In the Bathtub" by Jenna Blum, featuring beautiful poetry from her friend, Stephen P. Kiernan, that soothed her frustrations away.
Others that spoke to me included:
"State of the Art, State of the Union" by Devi S. Laskar.
"What to Bring in a Die-In" by Amber Flame.
"On Asking Mama to Pray for Me" by Teri Elam.
Pam Houston's "Stamina (Memorial Day Weekend, 2020)" was very touching.
"Don't Stop belivin' " by Shana Mahaffey.
"We Wear the Mask" by W. Ralph Eubanks.
Perhaps at a later date I'll try to get a hold of other copies such as the audio book, as they contain bonus content.
Overall, this made me feel supported and understood as well as widening my compassion for others as it tackles a very prevalent topic worldwide and the many different facets associated with Covid19.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
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