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Sadness & Sadness Accessories
Aurora Hatchel’s Sadness & Sadness Accessories is raw, vulnerable, and unapologetically human. Through deeply personal narratives, Hatchel explores identity, trauma, queerness, grief, and resilience with a voice that is equal parts tender and ferocious. The poems move fluidly between confessional honesty and lyrical beauty, blending biting social critique with moments of heart-wrenching intimacy. It’s a book that stares sadness in the face and refuses to look away.
What I love most about this collection is its unflinching emotional honesty. The opening poem, “I’ll never kill myself but—,” is breathtakingly stark in its confrontation with suicidal ideation, religious trauma, and the weight of survival. The imagery is staggering—the Abyss becomes a lover, the past lingers like an unwanted shadow, and hope is a fragile, wavering force. As a teacher, I wish more of my students could read poetry like this—poetry that doesn’t just dance around difficult emotions but drags them into the light and examines them without shame. Hatchel’s ability to make pain both deeply personal and universally resonant is a gift.
Another standout piece, “A Rejection Letter for JK Rowling,” is sharp, witty, and righteous in its fury. It’s a scathing critique of transphobia wrapped in humor and literary brilliance. It doesn’t just call Rowling out—it reclaims the magic that she failed to wield responsibly. Hatchel’s poetry doesn’t just grieve; it fights back, and that’s a necessary act of resistance in a world that too often silences marginalized voices.
But it’s not all pain and defiance. There’s joy here too. “Trans Joy” is an anthem of survival, celebration, and self-love. Hatchel writes about finding beauty in small moments, from the perfect pair of jeans to the simple act of existing as her true self. There’s something incredibly moving about reading a poem that acknowledges suffering but refuses to let it be the whole story.
Sadness & Sadness Accessories is not a light read, but it’s an important one. This book is for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, for those who have wrestled with faith and family, and for anyone who needs to be reminded that survival is an act of defiance, and poetry can be a lifeline.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B0DCRP3WH9
HOMEMADE SHRINE
Danii Jasmine’s collection of poetry is an evocative exploration of love, loss, and identity filtered through the lens of surreal nostalgia and unfiltered introspection. Each poem feels like stepping into a dreamscape—full of vivid imagery, shadowy emotions, and fleeting memories that are as unsettling as they are beautiful. From suburban settings steeped in twilight gloom to the intimate mundanity of a whispered phone call, Jasmine builds a deeply personal shrine to a fractured but deeply felt life.
What struck me first was Jasmine’s ability to tether seemingly mundane details to existential depth. In “Sunshinelater”, for instance, the suburban setting of “empty houses” and “flower-embroidered pillowcases” morphs into a melancholic reverie, turning ordinary imagery into a commentary on fleeting happiness. Her writing radiates a blend of resignation and quiet rebellion, making the familiar feel alien.
Another standout is “Brandy Melville”, where Jasmine captures the turbulence of toxic intimacy. Lines like “I wrote five paragraphs about neglect” and “the people around me…recognize this resigned sad version” reveal a raw vulnerability. Yet, the poem avoids outright despair, weaving in a dark humor that feels both defiant and self-aware. This complexity—pain wrapped in sharp wit—is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
I also loved “The Common Emigrant”, where Jasmine meditates on the fragility of beauty through the imagery of a butterfly trapped in a killing jar. It’s a delicate yet chilling metaphor for human relationships, artistic capture, and the cost of preserving beauty at the expense of life. Her descriptive language, like “the overwhelmingly sweet stench of ethyl acetate,” lingered with me long after reading, a testament to her skill with sensory detail. The collection’s relentless introspection might not appeal to readers looking for lightness or clear resolutions. But for those who crave poetry that pushes boundaries and reflects raw human experiences, this is an unapologetically visceral offering.
HOMEMADE SHRINE is perfect for anyone who enjoys emotionally charged, visually rich writing. It’s for readers who are not afraid to sit with discomfort, who seek beauty in the jagged edges of life, and who relish peeling back the layers of language to uncover the raw, pulsing heart beneath.
Pages: 102 | ASIN : B0DJLBCSTH
Mosaics of Shadow and Light
Mosaics of Shadow and Light by A.W. Jones is a poignant collection of poetry that offers an intimate glimpse into the author’s journey through life’s adversities. As a reader who appreciates the strength derived from hardship, I found a profound connection with Jones’s narrative. The anthology, which draws from her experiences of childhood trauma, the grief of losing a loved one, and the challenges of mental health, resonates deeply with those who have encountered similar trials.
Jones’s upbringing, marked by an alcoholic father and a tumultuous parental marriage, sets the stage for her emotionally charged verses. The book courageously addresses the impacts of verbal abuse, a subject I personally understand, and its significant implications on one’s mental well-being. Jones artfully uses her poetry as a vessel to convey the transformative power of these experiences. The structure of the book is thoughtfully organized into four distinct sections, each representing a significant phase in her life. Her love poems, characterized by their raw vulnerability and intense longing, were particularly moving. Jones does not shy away from difficult topics such as physical and sexual abuse, skillfully using her voice to illuminate the often-silent suffering of many women. “The Crossroads of Holding On and Letting Go” is a standout piece that beautifully articulates the agony of loss. It’s a universal theme that evokes a deep emotional response reminiscent of personal losses and the haunting absence of once-familiar presences. Another notable piece, “As Time Turns the Pages,” showcases Jones’s creative prowess with thought-provoking lines for each letter of the alphabet. The inclusion of artistic photographs enhances the reading experience, adding another layer to the author’s expressive storytelling. These poems are an invitation to journey through the intricate landscape of human emotion. Jones’s willingness to share her deepest feelings sets an admirable precedent for emotional honesty in literature.
For those seeking a profound connection with a poetic soul, Mosaics of Shadow and Light is a compelling choice. A.W. Jones’s work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of sharing one’s story.
Pages: 153 | ASIN : B0C9SM4GKH
Poems Written by the House Cat
Poems Written by the House Cat by Allison Thompson presents an enchanting collection of soft and sweet poems chronicling a kitten’s journey through life. This delightful read is sure to capture the hearts of readers of all ages.
The book commences with the heartfelt words of a tiny stray kitten, introducing us to its early life, filled with dreams and longing. We then follow this unnamed feline character, affectionately referred to as ‘Kitty’ in the dedication, as it is rescued and finds solace in a shelter, patiently awaiting the embrace of a loving home. The wait concludes when a young girl named Emma adopts the kitten, marking the beginning of a cherished life.
Through Thompson’s eloquent verses, readers witness the evolution of the kitten into a playful, regal cat that basks in the sun, chases toys, and enjoys the occasional indulgence in gourmet treats like ‘a touch of catnip’ and ‘a dash of salmon.’ Each poem gives voice to the cat, sharing with us intimate moments ranging from amusing daily occurrences, such as retching up furballs or startling its human companions at 2 am, to deeper reflections on the simple joys of life. The lines, “So to all the cats still waiting, small and unseen/ Know that love will find you, in ways yet unforeseen/ For one day, like me, you’ll find your forever place,/ In the arms of a soul, who sees your true grace,” encapsulate the hope and gratitude from the cat’s perspective.
The concluding three poems lend a poignant touch to the collection, dealing with the passage of time and offering reflections on aging, companionship, and the realization of a life well-lived. Though an abrupt departure from the previously cheerful tone, these verses provide a fitting and gentle conclusion, sweet in their sincerity.
Thompson’s prose is accessible and engaging, with intelligent use of language that’s charming for children yet endearing to adult readers as well. The imagery she creates, such as “my pride worn so gently,” enriches the experience, and the addition of one photograph and two illustrations of a dark tabby cat further brings the character to life.
Poems Written by the House Cat is an insightful and heartwarming anthology that not only celebrates the everyday joys of a pampered cat’s life but also touches on universal themes of love, aging, and grace. Its melodic verses and captivating narrative make it a worthy addition to any bookshelf.
Pages: 65 | ASIN : B0C9STWZJC
LITERARY TITAN 