If a fan sees that she calls herself fat and the reader is a size 4 or higher what will this do to their image of themselves? Body positivity is a big headline and focus right now. I feel like maybe the author was jumping on the popularity of this topic rather than being truthful or real. It came across as disingenuous and pretentious. This is a very popular highly reviewed book. I just happen to be one of the few people who disliked it. It might be for you but it wasn't for me.

Sep 06, Bren queleoar rated it liked it. Nov 01, Igraine rated it it was ok. I had high hopes for this book as I had heard a lot of praise. However, I was ultimately disappointed with her delivery. Her rhyming seemed forced, messy, and unneeded. I much preferred her prose and non-rhyming poetry. And I found her voice very sarcastic and negative; not "Funny" as advertised. Her prose, with more exposition and context achieved this to greater effect.

In sum, I wish her poetry was cleaner, packed a bigger punch and was more relatable and readable, and that it met readers in that negative space of difficult mental health struggles and then took it to the next step, with a focus on hope and healing. Sep 17, Juliano rated it really liked it. And in all honesty this poetry and prose collection is a really stunning debut - well constructed and yet completely void of artifice, Cox speaks to the reader as though she was right in front of you, conversational and intimate.

From her personal perspective, Cox makes herself understood and, in the process, makes the reader feel seen and understood, as though the obvious yet unarticulated thoughts you harbour are being gently shored up. Jun 14, Victoria rated it really liked it Shelves: The diversity of emotions in this books from love, heartbreak and anger blend together beautifully next to one another. I received an ARC from Netgalley for honest review.

Launch of "Greater Goings On..." poetry collection and review

Jun 29, Fabulous Book Fiend rated it really liked it. The synopsis hits the description of this book just right when it says that this book is for every women surviving and thriving in today's world. This book is for more than just them though, this book is definitely for us! This book is a mixture of poetry and prose and just comments on everything we are thinking and feeling in today's society right now.

I love how honest this writers is and how she really picks up on those little insecurities we all have, those dark thoughts in the deepest corner The synopsis hits the description of this book just right when it says that this book is for every women surviving and thriving in today's world. I love how honest this writers is and how she really picks up on those little insecurities we all have, those dark thoughts in the deepest corners of our minds and lays them out on paper here, opening them up right there for everyone to see. I love the balance of poetry and prose as well, I read this book in one siting but will definitely be adding it to my shelf so that I can pick it back up and look at specific thoughts or feelings again as and when I need to.

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There were moments in this book that were so true, it was funny and then others where it was so true it was sad and it sparked a lot of thought and discussion in my own life, some of which I shared with others and some of which I didn't. If you are put off by the pink cover of the reference to 'she' on the front, don't be.

This book has so much depth and feeling and is really for everyone. I urge you to add it to your collection now too. Jul 03, Pamela Scott rated it really liked it Shelves: I really enjoyed this collection of fiction and poetry. I enjoyed the poetry a fraction more.

I Am The Architect of My Own Destruction by Juansen Dizon

Cox tackles subjects that are both Universal, feelings most people can relate to and also very personal. I have particular tastes when it comes to poems. I dislike poems about nature and the like. I love poems about human emotions and experiences, about falling in https: I love poems about human emotions and experiences, about falling in love, fucking your life up and the like.

She Must Be Mad is full of the type of poems I enjoy the most. I liked the fact the poems are written in a range of styles. Nov 02, Georgia rated it it was amazing Shelves: Some made me laugh, smile, worry and some made big tears roll down my face. Stunning and heartbreakingly raw, so self-aware and beautifully crafted.

The best thing about poetry is you can dogear a page, from a special poem to come back to when you need it most. This book is filled with dogeared pages. Cox has somehow encaptured every inexplicable emotion, experience and intimate thought I've encountered as a young woman and delineated them with such earnest accuracy that I felt my heart pang on each line.

Oct 11, Skye rated it really liked it Shelves: After hearing Charly read her poem on a podcast I had to run out and buy her book asap. I loved the rawness and accessibility of this collection; as well her regular use of alliteration was pleasing. While not all the poems were standouts a large percentage were. This is especially impressive when you consisder that this was a debute collection. I will definitely be watching for more from her in the coming years. Sep 22, Amy Firman rated it really liked it Shelves: Honest, raw and easily accessible to those of us who sometimes feel they are missing something when they read poetry.

I found this collection incredibly well written, relatable and easy to read and will pick up any other collections this author may release in the future. I borrowed this book from the library as I don't always have much success with poetry but will definitely be buying this so I can have my own copy to dip into again. Sep 02, Iona rated it really liked it. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Sep 05, Lea Dokter rated it liked it. I'm conflicted about this poetry collection; Cox deals with very relevant themes, both contemporary and ageless, and some of her poems really did hit home for me.

However, her habit of floating in and out of patterns, making most of her poems a combination of free verse and set form, slightly annoyed me. I innately relate to a lot of what the author wrote in this. All-inclusive, it was a great second This is the second collection of poetry and prose that this author has come out with and I can honestly say that he has outdone his first collection.

Jul 18, Mandy K.

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Once you start reading, you cannot stop and get more and more deeply into the writing with every page. I was a little sad when it was over. This book will surely leave its imprint on your way of thinking about certain issues especially when it comes to the pain of growing up. Reading this book is not only time well spent but also an investment in your soul. I suggest you to read it. I hope you guys loved it.


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The poems capture the darkness and depth of mental illness, and often I was left thinking wow, that's exactly how I have felt. Thoughts of suicide are shared in a way that feels very genuine and non-triggering. The book touches on a range of topics including body image and the difficulty of self-love. Along with the difficult part of mental illness, Juansen also writes about healing and happiness. This provides a good balance to some of the darker poems.

Many of the poems were quite short, which I really appreciated because as I was reading the book depression was doing a number on my concentration. Some are only one line, but carry profound meaning in those few words, like Numb and Casket. I was impressed by the emotional depth that could be captured in just a few words. The book explores love and navigating relationships, and how challenging this can be when in the depths of mental illness. Juansen clearly bares his soul as he writes about this.

The book also includes touching letters to his girlfriend and his brother. I particularly liked the one-line poem Seraphim: This book carries the reader on a poetic journey into the author's mind and heart, giving an intimate look at the experience of mental illness. The poems are very accessible, in the sense that even people who don't normally read much poetry would likely find it easy to engage with this book.

It's well worth checking out. I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Aug 11, David Rollason rated it it was amazing. I have to say, I didn't know if the first collection could be matched, but it was only a fleeting thought, having read Juansen's work before the books, I knew there was a wellspring of creativity in this man that will not run dry for many long decades, thankfully. Although driven by a sad but all to often hidden but common issue, the fact that he addresses it directly and honestly is the saving of a mind that so needs preserving and developing in all its glory.

I am thankful that I don't have to I have to say, I didn't know if the first collection could be matched, but it was only a fleeting thought, having read Juansen's work before the books, I knew there was a wellspring of creativity in this man that will not run dry for many long decades, thankfully. I am thankful that I don't have to go through the difficult times and reading his magical words makes me even more so every time. Congratulations again and keep working on the next one! Oct 03, Sari rated it it was amazing. Juansens writing is powerful and touching. Each word is precise and carefully placed making it technically easy to read and understand yet full of meaning.

Aug 07, Booksy the Poet rated it it was amazing. A jewel of a book from a jewel of a man. Juansen Dizon writes a heartfelt, sometimes heart-wrenching series of poems and prose of the depressing sort. Some are love letters, some are pieces of a soul. Each is very intimate. The total effect is of having met someone in their own shoes, moving through life somewhere out there, and you get a window-glimpse into his life. It's a life I hope will continue to record itself in many future books. Sep 11, Ashley Vinson rated it it was amazing Shelves: I could relate to every word that was in these poems.

Before I even started the book I was hit in the face of reality in the quotes on the dedication page. I'm glad they write this book, now I'm going to back track and read the first one. I'm sure I love it that same as I did this one. Probably inspired me to learn to love myself. To heal by myself to get better. Thank you, Juansen Dizon. Sep 25, Rebekkah rated it it was amazing Shelves: This is the kind of book you read late at night in bed when it's quiet and you want to be alone with your thoughts for a while.

It's essentially a collection of short poems about depression, love and all of lifes emotional ups and downs. What I loved most about it is that its the kind of book any person could pick up and read and find at least one poem to relate to. Its sad but at the same time wonderfully optimistic. A good solid read - I highly recommend it.

Aug 04, Karen rated it it was amazing Shelves: I absolutely love this book.