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dfs's review
3.0
I don't get the hype surrounding this poetry collection.
For me, it was just okay. I was able to read the entire book because it was short but I did not like the profanity, and for those of you who may be wondering, there are a lot of cuss words in this text.
The best part about this book is the front cover. The title and picture immediately capture your attention. Other than that, in my opinion, it does not have much going for it.
I'll admit that the acknowledgment section of this text saved this poetry collection.
For me, it was just okay. I was able to read the entire book because it was short but I did not like the profanity, and for those of you who may be wondering, there are a lot of cuss words in this text.
The best part about this book is the front cover. The title and picture immediately capture your attention. Other than that, in my opinion, it does not have much going for it.
I'll admit that the acknowledgment section of this text saved this poetry collection.
paovilchis25's review
5.0
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.
“Our scars are testament that we arrived at the battle”
When I was approached by the author to read and review his debut poetry collection I wasn’t expecting to be blown away like I was. This is one of the most raw, honest and overall best poetry collection I have ever read.
White Knuckle is a concise exposé of a severe childhood experience and we follow the author as he tells us about his life, the good and bad.
This is a really short collection, only around 80 pages, however, in those 80 pages the author manages to portray what it’s like to live in a world of violence, drugs, abuse and lack of love.
I am no into pretentious poetry, I don’t enjoy having to sit and think about the meaning of it all with each poem and I think one of the things I enjoyed the most about this collection is that it manages to portray so much emotion without being pretentious. The writing is simple but it packs a punch. You will understand the meaning of everything and still be drawn to tears by the end of it.
What I appreciated the most about this collection is that it doesn’t exaggerate the events for shock value. The author tells his true story the way it is not because he´s looking for compassion, but because he wants to tell his story and in the end you cant end up feeling for what the author went through.
The writing is raw, real and hard hitting. This is the kind of writing that you learn something from and by the end of it, I was crying my eyes out, especially with the authors note at the end (a most read in my opinion).
This collection is an emotional roller coaster, you experience all sort of emotions in such a short period of time, but in my opinion this collection should be a must read for everyone.
Overall I am beyond happy I read this collection. This powerful book is brutal, tragic, and moving: an essential read.
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”
“Our scars are testament that we arrived at the battle”
When I was approached by the author to read and review his debut poetry collection I wasn’t expecting to be blown away like I was. This is one of the most raw, honest and overall best poetry collection I have ever read.
White Knuckle is a concise exposé of a severe childhood experience and we follow the author as he tells us about his life, the good and bad.
This is a really short collection, only around 80 pages, however, in those 80 pages the author manages to portray what it’s like to live in a world of violence, drugs, abuse and lack of love.
I am no into pretentious poetry, I don’t enjoy having to sit and think about the meaning of it all with each poem and I think one of the things I enjoyed the most about this collection is that it manages to portray so much emotion without being pretentious. The writing is simple but it packs a punch. You will understand the meaning of everything and still be drawn to tears by the end of it.
What I appreciated the most about this collection is that it doesn’t exaggerate the events for shock value. The author tells his true story the way it is not because he´s looking for compassion, but because he wants to tell his story and in the end you cant end up feeling for what the author went through.
The writing is raw, real and hard hitting. This is the kind of writing that you learn something from and by the end of it, I was crying my eyes out, especially with the authors note at the end (a most read in my opinion).
This collection is an emotional roller coaster, you experience all sort of emotions in such a short period of time, but in my opinion this collection should be a must read for everyone.
Overall I am beyond happy I read this collection. This powerful book is brutal, tragic, and moving: an essential read.
“It is not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters”
serlinarose's review
5.0
To me poetry has always been a very good way of speaking one's truth & freely expressing ones self. This book was filled with emotional & deeply touching pieces that told a story of a young man who endured life. Many of us endure life differently, some of us have the courage to persevere & some doesn't. Felt this book was beautifully pieced together. It flowed smoothly & was indeed inspiring.
A few quotes that I found reflect my own journey & further solidify my goal on my writing journey were these:
"Our scars are testament that we arrived at the battle."
"We are not the ashes of our past, but embers burning towards a future fire."
"Strength comes, not in the grip, but the opening of the hand."
Thanks for sharing.
A few quotes that I found reflect my own journey & further solidify my goal on my writing journey were these:
"Our scars are testament that we arrived at the battle."
"We are not the ashes of our past, but embers burning towards a future fire."
"Strength comes, not in the grip, but the opening of the hand."
Thanks for sharing.
lucaswmayberry's review
5.0
Words that deliver a knock out punch
Poetry is not normally my wheelhouse. But then again this is not your normal poetry. Each poem tells a a story of a man who has lived through abuse, homelessness, addiction and trauma. There are some hard hitting, emotional words that keep you turning the pages with you mouth constantly agape that one person lived through all this. I definitely recommend this especially if you’re living through something similar and looking for inspiration to carry on.
Poetry is not normally my wheelhouse. But then again this is not your normal poetry. Each poem tells a a story of a man who has lived through abuse, homelessness, addiction and trauma. There are some hard hitting, emotional words that keep you turning the pages with you mouth constantly agape that one person lived through all this. I definitely recommend this especially if you’re living through something similar and looking for inspiration to carry on.
cloveofgarlic's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
Moderate: Death of parent and Drug abuse
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