Espresso Shots & Forget-Me-Nots: Selected Poems

by Parker Lee, Amanda Lovelace (Foreword)

"some memories are too meaningful to let wither away.some memories are too bitter to be worth remembering,and some memories are worth preserving even if they are."In espresso shots & forget-me-nots, what's old is new again as trans poet Parker Lee weaves together a collection of poetry, prose, and aphorisms consisting of selected work from three of her previously published books, along with new and unreleased work. Divided into four parts, espresso shots & forget-me-nots is a story of heartbreak and love, a story of broken relationships, a story of figuring out and embracing one's queer identity, and a story of healing even when it all seems hopeless. In a special foreword penned by Parker's spouse and fellow poet, amanda lovelace, espresso shots & forget-me-nots is eloquently described as "a collection of memories" that capture "exactly what it’s like to be so delicately, frustratingly, & complicatedly human."This is the definitive way to experience Parker Lee's earlier work, revised, expanded upon, and pieced back together as it was originally meant to be read.

Genres: Poetry

178 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2023

About the author

Parker Lee [she/her] is a trans woman poet and storyteller, as well as author of coffee days whiskey nights and espresso shots & forget-me-nots. A midwestern transplant, Parker resides in a coastal New Jersey town alongside wife and poetess amanda lovelace (and their three cats), where she can almost always be found not writing when she should be, drinking way too much coffee, and waxing autumnal every single day of the year.

Reviews

[Martina Weiß · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: Depression, Self-Hate

5/5 Stars

I dont think I can describe how this book made me feel in any other way than aaaaaaaaaa. I have no words, no nothing, other than feeling so ducking seen.
This book is about me, calling me out, shaking me and hugging me. Maybe some things could be seen as cliché but I guess I was just really in the mood for some good old fashioned "You deserve to be loved without conditions" propaganda.

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I don't usually read poetry, since I struggle to enjoy it because I end up fretting over whether I'm actually getting what the author means or not as well as reading the whole collection in one sitting, I felt compelled to give this selection a shot. Considering that I hadn't heard of Parker Lee's works beforehand, I cannot explain why this work drew me in, but I can definitely say with firm enthusiasm that going with my gut instinct was a good idea.

These poems have been written over the course of several years, which creates a sense of time passing as the author weaves one section with the next. According to the preface, Lee had thought about creating one such collection for years, but she didn't feel ready to do it justice. In my opinion, "Espresso Shots & Forget-Me-Nots" is a masterpiece, and I'm very glad that the author allowed herself to put it together despite how challenging it must've been.

Many of its poems spoke to me in one way or another, but I felt particularly moved by those that dealt with loneliness and people-pleasing as a way to keep people by one's side. There's something about such deeply human experiences that cannot be captured in art unless you have experienced it first, and as sad as I am that Lee had to go through these hardships, I am in awe that she could take them and turn them into something beautiful that resonates so much with others who have dealt with similar experiences. Some verses and poems tugged at my heartstrings so much that I have written them down in my day-to-day journal so they're always at hand, and some others were so achingly honest and unapologetic that I shared them with close friends to whom I've told about past experiences that have scarred me deeply. They were as moved as I was, and it helped them understand me a bit better, and if that doesn't tell you anything about just how good these poems are then I don't know what will.

Thank you, Parker Lee, for putting words to the most complex experiences of pain, grief, love, and rebirth. You enriched my life with your poetry.

[H.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

I've followed Parker's work for a while and this collection hits harder than the others did for me. Soul deep words that resonate with you. I can't wait for their next book!

[Plague Rat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection is a child of October, the perfect one sitting fall read to curl up with a warm mug of coffee.

If you are looking for poetry to wow you, shake you to your core, and leave you spinning.. this isn’t it. I had no expectations going in and found myself quietly comforted. Not unlike poetic TikTok slides or tumbler musings but enjoyable all the same. Romance, heartbreak, self love and discovery flow perfectly with rhythmic prose and beautiful writing.

Both the imagery and themes were consistent and enjoyable. I read this in one sitting on kindle and found myself highlighting sections that left me with ‘feels.’ I could definitely see myself picking up future collections by this author, or returning to this one next fall.

[Christopher Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be a bit late in writing this, but Parker Lee's latest poetry collection has quickly become one my favorites! This is the first time I've delved into her work, and I loved every piece. The collection is witchy, queer, vulnerable, and profoundly honest.

Through a blend of old and new poems and prose, Parker Lee narrates her journey of moving away and beginning a new life with her wife and cats.

Reading this collection is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting embrace. It's safe to say you'll feel a little cozier and more connected after reading.

[Sweetmusicwoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful collection of poems. I really enjoyed reading this. I felt a lot of the emotions coming off of the poems. I have a lot of respect for the poet. I really enjoy their work.

[Sefri Kuehn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should have known this book would be good. Anything with a forward from Amanda Lovelace is bound to be amazing. Parker touches on so many things, gives so much amazing advice (and things to remember). I’m looking forward to forward to reading more of their (now her i believe) books~^^

[Kimberly (kimberly_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well put together collection of poetry that screams autumn and all the coziness it contains while also not being afraid to be vulnerable in multiple ways with the reader that I give such high praise to because I know it couldn’t have been the easiest to just pour yourself on to the page.

[Rebeca Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

A lot of cliché, I read this one with no expectations and realized within few pages this wouldn’t be very good poetry but I thought it might be cozy and full of feelings, instead I felt like I was reading something very forced 🥲

[AL S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love it! Very relatable, very moving couldn’t put it down but I also wanted to read it again again!

[Sindre Sjurdal · Rating 4 out of 5]

In hard times, this book is perfect. It takes up every single emotion and feeling you go through and help you start the healing process

[W. Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful collection of transformative, reflective, and honest and raw poetry. there is so much bravery within parker’s poems and in between each word. i really enjoyed this read.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the poem "spit".

[Victoria Gehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthfully, I purchased because I loved the title and the cover. But I found myself drawn in to these poems and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved the authenticity of this collection of poetry.

[Nashira Vega · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that I've been gifted this beautiful opportunity to read this book, it's not the best poetry but it makes you feel and I believe that is the best thing a book or anyone can give you. Thank you Parker Lee.