Her, Him & I: Poems

by Christian Weissmann

A poignant collection of poetry that tells the coming-of-age story of a queer man— exploring the complexities of heartache, sexual assault, and toxic masculinity. 

Her, Him & I is a love letter to queerness— the joy, grief, ecstasy, and hope that accompanies it. Weissmann offers the readers an unfiltered view into his psyche during several romantic relationships. These poems magnify the reality of exploring emotional and physical intimacy with multiple genders, all while getting to know oneself in the process. 

A bold affirmation of identity and its fluid nature, this book is an unforgettable exploration of what it means to love and be loved in all forms.

Genres: Poetry, Queer, Nonfiction, LGBT, Contemporary

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Her, Him & I is a collection of coming-of-age poems from a queer man as a love letter to queerness and his journey so far navigating love and heartache.
There are triggers in this book (sexual assault), so please check before reading.
We learn of the highs and lows Christian has experienced, along with experiences such as toxic masculinity and assault. These poems are written from the heart, and this is clear to see in each poem. These poems not only make you think but they make you feel too.

[Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?] · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of poetry filled with bi vibes, heartbreak and love.

When a relationship comes to a close
it's very normal
to feel like you're dying.
A piece of you is,
and a new version of you
is growing in that empty spot.

Over the past few years,
I've cried hundreds of tears,
counted thousands of regrets
and longed for a love
that millions want
but few ever achieve.

[Megan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing can be more personal than a journey of self-discovery; understanding how one sees the world, how one sees themselves and how they want the world to see them. Christian Weissmann writes from the heart, pouring emotions into each poem in his collection of what it means for him to be queer in a world learning and understanding queerness.

I fell in love with Weissmann's collection. Each poem pulls at your heartstrings and reminds us that each situation and experience is individual, so personal that sharing your story weaves you into a map of life that creates a bigger picture for everyone to feel brave enough to share their stories.

I thoroughly recommend Her, Him & I: Poems to anyone who adores poetry.

Thank you, NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Lucy Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m starting to love poetry hello?? I thought most of this was really good, but a few of them were kinda mid… but idk ig poetry is really subjective so

[Cade Keegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really captures the bisexual experience in a very authentic way. Very personal, very moving and awfully sad. This author uses interesting metaphors and modern ways to illustrate his pain.

My favorite was the Divine Sacrament.

Thank you NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Madi Badger · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5/5)
Thank you to Christian Weissmann, NetGalley, and Central Avenue Publishing for an ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review!
I'm not typically one to pick up a poetry anthology, but something about this one just drew me in. At times it felt a bit repetitive (I can only stomach so many poems about heartbreak in a row), but there were definitely times I found myself profoundly struck by what the author had to say. I think they beautifully captured aspects of the queer experience, and I especially enjoyed the poem on challenging traditional notions of masculinity.

[Alexander Petkovski · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Her, Him and I" is a debut collection of poetry and I absolutely loved it. The author's poems depict the journey of the author as he navigates the path to self-discovery, breakups with both a woman and a man and ultimately embracing growth and maturity.

I really enjoyed the poems especially "liquid Lobotomy", "Tadalafil?", "Morning Routine" and many others that spoke to me on a personal level. These poems reminded me of the poets Rudy Francisco and Amanda Lovelace (two of my favorites).

I was unaware of who the poet was, and after I finished the book I Googled him and found out that he is also an actor. His writing talent is remarkable. So, I hope this is the start of a great writing career for him.

[Rin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her Him and I is a poetry collection separated into three parts and just from this book alone I know Christian Weissmann’s works are only going to get better and better, his poems are going to develop into a beautiful thing with a bit of time.

Some of his lines felt like a sucker punch to the stomach and others managed to capture what it’s like to be a Bi person in the dating world, those feelings of love and pain.

I don’t want to say too much of what the poems were about because I will not capture everything in as bewitching of a way that Weissmann did, so you will have to go in a little blind. Some of the poems were forgettable and lacking, it’s no Walt Whitman but for a 24 year old I see so much potential in him.

Some of my favourite poems were: Journal Entry #12, Best By Sept. 27, The Path, Homebody, and finally Forest Lawn Drive. Have a look out for them when you give this book a chance!

Thank you NetGalley for this e-arc!

[Willa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully raw & heartfelt. I <3 Christian Weissmann!!!

[Charleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful and honest collection that had me hanging on every word. It encapsulated the journey of discovering who you are. I liked how it didn’t focus on labels and more about learning about who you are, letting nobody else define you. My favourite poem was Ego Play and one that will stick in my mind. It gave me shivers. I liked how the poems seemed to tell a story of the authors’ past, with the last section focusing on accepting every part of who you are, and not letting anyone define you. I’m excited to read more from the author in the future.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best book of any genre or type that I have ever read. Each poem made me feel like I was experiencing the pain and sadness that Christian has gone through leading up to when you read the book. I’m so happy that Christian wrote this book. All the poems were incredible but the one that broke me the most and made my cry a lot was without a doubt Couples Shower because of how raw, vulnerable and beautifully written it was.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

You could tell there is alot of heart behind these poems.

I received a free copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[mads]

beautiful, vulnerable and raw. loved every word. ❤️

[Kaleb Ammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually linger over poetry books—I’m the type to dive in and finish them in one sitting. But with this one, I found myself savoring every word. Certain poems, like “LIQUID LOBOTOMY,” “MORNING ROUTINE,” “SWEET SIXTEEN,” “YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE,” and “DWINDLING IN OZ” resonated so deeply with me that I couldn’t rush through them.

As I finished the book, I was floored. It’s astonishing how someone I’ve never met could so perfectly capture my own thoughts and feelings. This work is truly a piece of art, and the author deserves every ounce of success and appreciation coming their way.

More poems that resonated profoundly with me include “THE SAILOR SONG,” “HOMEBODY,” “PRISCILLA,” “KALOPSIA,” “BOYS TOWN BLUES,” “THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF,” “A HABIT OF DESOLATION,” “THE CHERRIES ON 14TH STREET,” “SELF-REFLECTING,” “MISTRIAL,” “GROWING PAINS,” “COVETOUS,” “COUPLES SHOWER,” “UNTYING LOOSE ENDS,” “PROSAIC PROFESSIONS,” “THE IRON CURTAIN,” “MAN ENOUGH,” “DEAD END,” “INTROSPECTION,” “BENEVOLENCE,” and “JOURNAL ENTRY #305.”

This collection resonates with such intensity and intimacy that it feels like the author has put my own experiences on the page. It’s a rare gift to relate so deeply to someone else’s work, and I’m immensely grateful they had the courage to share it with the world. This book is an absolute treasure.

[Graceanne Yo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her, Him & I is a refreshingly honest and heartfelt exploration of self through the binding forces of love and heartbreak. This collection is a reason to cry, a reason to smile, a reason to discover, a reason to begin again, and a reason to never deny yourself a chance to know who you truly are in the face of love, or lack there of. Christian holds our hands whilst breaking our hearts and stanza by stanza he shows us how we can become whole again.

[caminie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this advanced copy thanks to NetGalley.

I liked the book, I think it was very refreshing to read and fast, it never felt heavy or boring.
I liked that it was like telling you they story and in the end is reflective and full of sonething more.. i dont know.

THANKS FOR THE ARC.

Happy pride month <3

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this queer poetry book! Most of the poems are shorter reads so I loved taking my time with it and reading a handful a day. Full of bisexual rep, angst, yearning, regret, grief, joy, nostalgia and navigating themes of assault - these poems are easy (check triggers though) to read for people just getting into poetry and seasoned readers alike. A great read and author to support during pride month, please check this one out!!!

Thank you Christian for the ARC <3

[Christina C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure how digestible the material would be here, but was pleasantly surprised. Christian Weissmann does a wonderful job of walking you through his thoughts on gender, sexuality, and his place in this world. Some commons themes included alcohol/drinking, music, and nature.

I loved “Best by Sept. 27” where he wrote:

You were the landscape of possibility
and I was the wretched blemish on your future

Heartbreaking but relatable. I also loved the poems C-SHARP and MASOCHIST BOTANIST. I found his poetry to be edgy enough to remain intriguing but not so much that it’s brutal for the reader. I look forward to seeing everything he publishes!

Thank you Central Avenue Publishing and Net Galley for access to this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Espen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was all and more I wished for from a poetry book. This was my first book in this genre and I definetly need more. My favorite chapter was 'Man Enough'. As a queer man in society this chapter hits diferently and even made me nearly cry.
This auther will definetly go places and I will look forward to read another book from him.

[Kennidy Shindledecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite poem was “the fool”, I loved how much I could relate to the whole poems book. I was Only 10% into the book and I knew it was getting a good review!

[Pierce Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible collection of stories!

[qairawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This painfully raw and beautifully written collection of poetry really fed my soul in a way nothing else had before.

[zac · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you’re wondering if this is full of some of the most beautiful poetry I’ve read, here is my answer:

“It’s wonderful that you see
the beauty in everyone
but it’s time
to start saving those efforts
for those who see the magnificence in you.

Start with yourself.”

[AlexAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite poetry book. Painfully raw and beautiful

[Logan Binstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I typically don’t read poetry, but I was moved by this honest, inspiring collection of poems that tell a beautiful story about navigating relationships and heartbreak.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75

[JessicaMHR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was lovely. Saw my self in a lot of the poems.

[Vittoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her, him and I is a collection of poems about queer love and the journey of discovering ourself.
Some poems like "journal entry #12" felt so reletable that i couldn't resist my tears.

Thank you Netgalley and Central Avenue for this e-arc in exchange of an honest review.

[Tanya Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Joseph Pasiquiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is beautiful written of comming of age that the queer community can relate too. Therefore, the author invites us to this journey of finding his true-self and love while also being vulnerable with the readers.