Toothache

by Joseph Donato

“Toothache”, Joseph Donato’s debut poetry chapbook, explores adolescence through the eyes of the mouth. These bite-sized poems dissect the horrors of growing up and are sure to leave you with a bitter aftertaste (the good kind).

26 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2023

Reviews

[Madeleine Malesich · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you're able to get your hands on this collection of poetry from ~the~ joseph donato, you must read it! a wonderful and real description of young adulthood, the scott street tiktok girlies would love it (said as a tiktok poetry slideshow enthusiast myself). i'd also recommend toothache to taylor swift. when she's in toronto next year she should definitely take a little detour to borrow this book :)

[Alexzandra Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

as soon as this book came in i devoured every poem inside it, and since then i find myself returning to them over and over again. these poems are strange in the most delicious way. the words take a moment to digest but once they do, they hit hard, and as the title suggests, they leave their readers aching. donato is a skilled poet and i simply cant wait for more. anyways, im off to go brush my teeth

[Snoopy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate teeth and blood, but I loved this chapbook. The author has a knack for putting together beautiful sounds while staying concise.
Case in point, here are a few lines from my favourite poem in there, titled "Wet": "ribcage and shell/sea salt chapstick"

[Joseph Donato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally so good. Like, who wrote this!!!? They are so talented omgg.

[Amanda Pickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!
Toothache is absolutely incredible!!!
So incredibly proud to know such a talented writer 💛
Who knew teeth were so cool 🦷

[A S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! If you like poetry I definitely recommend you get this book.

[Marco Aversa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems in this book are AWESOME. Would recommend reading them.

[A Corr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chapbook is fully of delicious imaginary and rich language that will make you want to read it again and again. This toothache is meant to be shared.

[Bex Lawlor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full review here, published in The Ampersand Review: https://theampersandreview.ca/chapboo...

Excerpt: Through richly contrasting imagery, Donato’s language is slanted and perceptible in multitudes, all the while creating beguiling glimpses into juicy and aching descriptions.