Happy Everything

by Caitlin Cowan

Genres: Poetry

114 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2024

Reviews

[jessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

really glad i finally got my hands on her collection!! the little women references were an unexpected treat just for me

[Dorsey Craft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin nails the emotional crests and troughs of coming into your own through divorce. The speaker is able to live in her contradictions, realizing how her divorce is helping her step into her power even as it makes life more difficult. The poems are rye and precise in their formal choices, anchored by a series of “wedding registry” poems and addresses to each “happy” holiday in the speaker’s turbulent first year of being single.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Cowan has a really imaginative style of writing that brings to life impressions, memories, and visceral truths that are hard to put into words to begin with. Some of the poems in her collection that caught my eye especially are "Happy Everything," "Happy Father's Day," "Eating Alone," and "Happy Halloween." If you have a chance to pick up these poems or hear Caitlin read them live, I recommend it!

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Cowan’s _Happy Everything_ came to me at the perfect time. It troubles the distinction between mother and maiden, encouraging them to live in the same body, to follow the same inner compass. I love this exploration into Midwestern feminism and the misogyny it rails against. I’ve been waiting for this!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful writing that examines what we’re told we want, what we should want, what we actually want, and what is good for us. Both relatable and eye opening.