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kaeliwolf's review
2.0
This book is definitely not for the weak of heart or injury. The author is descriptive, dark, and honest about the death of their father, as referenced in the title. I personally didn't hate or love it, but I think it is definitely something that needs to be out there for other people to read as well.
darcierenee's review
4.0
In Dead Dad Jokes, Schminkey uses their lyrical voice to describe their own complex experience with losing their father. Managing to capture the complicated emotions that go along with grief of an at-times absent father, Schminkey's words cut deep to the heart of human nature. I wish this collection had existed when I lost my father as a young, confused, twenty-something.
lbeller7's review
5.0
This collection of poems is about so much more then one young adult's grief as they try to process the loss of their father. It’s about understanding life as you come of age, learning how to express your boundaries, and acceptance of oneself When those who love you most don't approve of who you are at your core.
Each poem is a meaningful step taken towards healing for Ollie. Be it towards affirming gender, or lack thereof, owning their queer identity, working to understand a complex childhood relationship with an alcoholic, often neglectful, and seemingly abusive father, the poet is raw and genuine in their art.
Readers will connect on so many levels here, and seeing Ollie practice such grace through chaos, selflessness to one who has caused so much harm in their life, and humor in the face of tragedy will provide a shining example for others to emulate.
I admire the vulnerability within these pages, and I will certainly revisit this compilation again. My favorite poem was "Reese's Penis Butter Cups."
In exchange for an honest review, I received an advanced copy courtesy of Button Poetry and NetGalley.com.
"Cremation doesn't actually produce ash.
instead, the skin and muscle burn away entirely,
leaving just the weakened skeleton,
which is thrown into a blender,
crushed, and returned to you.
my father becomes the margarita i want to order at the bar."
Each poem is a meaningful step taken towards healing for Ollie. Be it towards affirming gender, or lack thereof, owning their queer identity, working to understand a complex childhood relationship with an alcoholic, often neglectful, and seemingly abusive father, the poet is raw and genuine in their art.
Readers will connect on so many levels here, and seeing Ollie practice such grace through chaos, selflessness to one who has caused so much harm in their life, and humor in the face of tragedy will provide a shining example for others to emulate.
I admire the vulnerability within these pages, and I will certainly revisit this compilation again. My favorite poem was "Reese's Penis Butter Cups."
In exchange for an honest review, I received an advanced copy courtesy of Button Poetry and NetGalley.com.
"Cremation doesn't actually produce ash.
instead, the skin and muscle burn away entirely,
leaving just the weakened skeleton,
which is thrown into a blender,
crushed, and returned to you.
my father becomes the margarita i want to order at the bar."
lbeller7's review against another edition
5.0
This collection of poems is about so much more then one young adult's grief as they try to process the loss of their father. It’s about understanding life as you come of age, learning how to express your boundaries, and acceptance of oneself When those who love you most don't approve of who you are at your core.
Each poem is a meaningful step taken towards healing for Ollie. Be it towards affirming gender, or lack thereof, owning their queer identity, working to understand a complex childhood relationship with an alcoholic, often neglectful, and seemingly abusive father, the poet is raw and genuine in their art.
Readers will connect on so many levels here, and seeing Ollie practice such grace through chaos, selflessness to one who has caused so much harm in their life, and humor in the face of tragedy will provide a shining example for others to emulate.
I admire the vulnerability within these pages, and I will certainly revisit this compilation again. My favorite poem was "Reese's Penis Butter Cups."
*In exchange for an honest review, I received an advanced copy courtesy of Button Poetry and NetGalley.com.
"Cremation doesn't actually produce ash.
instead, the skin and muscle burn away entirely,
leaving just the weakened skeleton,
which is thrown into a blender,
crushed, and returned to you.
my father becomes the margarita i want to order at the bar."
Each poem is a meaningful step taken towards healing for Ollie. Be it towards affirming gender, or lack thereof, owning their queer identity, working to understand a complex childhood relationship with an alcoholic, often neglectful, and seemingly abusive father, the poet is raw and genuine in their art.
Readers will connect on so many levels here, and seeing Ollie practice such grace through chaos, selflessness to one who has caused so much harm in their life, and humor in the face of tragedy will provide a shining example for others to emulate.
I admire the vulnerability within these pages, and I will certainly revisit this compilation again. My favorite poem was "Reese's Penis Butter Cups."
*In exchange for an honest review, I received an advanced copy courtesy of Button Poetry and NetGalley.com.
"Cremation doesn't actually produce ash.
instead, the skin and muscle burn away entirely,
leaving just the weakened skeleton,
which is thrown into a blender,
crushed, and returned to you.
my father becomes the margarita i want to order at the bar."
kaebae's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
This. Hit. Hard.
Their grief is palpable from every typed letter in that volume.
They are an excellent writer, & brought grief to the paper as thought they knew it as intimately as a lover.
It was gorgeous.
Their grief is palpable from every typed letter in that volume.
They are an excellent writer, & brought grief to the paper as thought they knew it as intimately as a lover.
It was gorgeous.
larissalee's review
4.0
There's something about the harsh realities of a dying relative that this collection captures almost too well. I think they captured just the right amount of discomfort to really get the point across about the author's grief. Added to that is a solid and familiar thread of queer experience woven between the poems, and I found myself grieving with them.
rrose222's review
4.0
Some poems felt very accurate to my experience, even though my experience was incredibly different (nearly opposite, as my mom died quickly & unexpectedly.) It was a very cathartic read.