*ARC provided for an honest review*"I wonder who decides what we forget, and what we hold onto."When I sit down to read a J.R. Rogue book, whether it is poetry or a novel, I take a deep breath to brace myself for the emotional ride I am about to embark on. Her poetry is like no other....honest, raw, emotional, ugly...I don't mean ugly as in I want to look away or it's unattractive. I mean ugly as in truthful in a way that makes your heart hurt and your head fill with ange *ARC provided for an honest review*"I wonder who decides what we forget, and what we hold onto."When I sit down to read a J.R. Rogue book, whether it is poetry or a novel, I take a deep breath to brace myself for the emotional ride I am about to embark on. Her poetry is like no other....honest, raw, emotional, ugly...I don't mean ugly as in I want to look away or it's unattractive. I mean ugly as in truthful in a way that makes your heart hurt and your head fill with anger. I tend to have a visceral reaction to her poetic prose because all I can think about it "I know that feeling" or "how can someone have been hurt so much and still be courageous to talk about it and try to grow and learn still". Her words are raw, truthful and gritty because life is that way. Her words make me understand others feelings, responses, and pain, and give me strength to not give up or let anyone keep me from my goals and expectations. She discusses feeling powerless and having her identity stripped by life experiences and I see it and feel it as though I was there with each line of poetry. Her words are powerful and they will change your viewpoint on trauma and pain. On coping with mental health struggles and forgiveness, of yourself or others. Reading this book gave me the opportunity to reflect on other peoples experiences and how ones action can truly shape and define another individuals experiences and life. Read this book to understand more about life and human behavior, all of the ugly and harsh things we may be forced to endure. "and no matter what, my vulnerability will make you shudder."
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