Meet Me Halfway

by Samantha King

In Meet Me Halfway—her first solo venture since 2019's Don't Tell Me Not to Ask Why—Samantha King Holmes is ready to dive even deeper into the dynamics of love and relationships with an earnestness all her own.

Samantha King Holmes is back with Meet Me Halfway, a new collection of poetry that explores the journey back to yourself after earth-shattering disappointment. A fervent cry in the dark, these poems are a reminder that even after the harshest winter, springtime blooms await us all.

Genres: Poetry

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Megan Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels like the right book at the right time. I try to add one to two books of poetry into my reading list every year and this was one that I really enjoyed it did give me a lot of flashbacks to the serious relationships I’ve had in my life and the disillusion of those relationships. But I did see a lot of myself reflected in her beautiful words. I ear marked several pages throughout the book to go back to when I need a good cry.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If TTPD resonates with you you will love this book of poems.

[Brianna Kinley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love the poetry but it was relatable.

[Morgan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt very redundant. I’ve loved before but I also have other thoughts than being consumed by love so I think I was burned out half way through. It felt obsessive.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very repetitive. Very run of the mill, instagram-influenced poetry. They started to all sound the same in the middle. The collection overall felt the same in that it didn't evoke much emotion at all in me. I felt indifferent though I've thought similar thoughts in my life. I think if there were more variations in theme and not just heartbreak over what even felt like the same person over and over it would've been more noteworthy. It would've been more human. But again, it read like a Instagram poet trying really hard and failing to understand how to write pain. Some people cannot express emotion well and that's okay. But please don't write poetry.

[Will Carriere · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meet Me Halfway is raw and personal. The poetry is nice but didn’t resonate with me despite the relatable themes of heartbreak, loss and yearning that Samantha King Holmes explores. I was intrigued by the use of “scenes” and longed for more clarity on their non-linearity but perhaps their mystery is part of their interest. Overall it is a moving overcast afternoon read, but did not have as profound an effect on me as I had anticipated I would from its first few pages.

[ebi meows · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Everyone seeks the light, but who loves the dark?”

Some of the pages are memorable, many healed parts of me and I relate to the rest. Bought this at Kinokuniya last year after reading few pages and I can say it’s been a good read. I even subscribed to the author’s newsletter and followed her Instagram after because I truly admire her work!

[Gincy Pendergrass · Rating 5 out of 5]

i haven’t read a book of poems in so long, i really enjoyed this. i loved the way the book was divided into three parts and how it kind of follows a relationship and the feelings that come with it. i found a lot of it relatable and just had a great time reading this.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book chewed me up and spit me out, and it was so beautifully worded. The pain, beauty, grief, loss, and acceptance.

[laila · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked it atleast imo it was a bit boring but i dont necessarily have any thoughts on it but i like it.

[Katy Kunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book of poems. It truly felt like I was watching a play about people falling in and out of love.

[Zealand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scene 224
Line 13-14
Line 20

That's all I have to say.

[The_J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong Beginning - waivered in the middle and sticks the landing!

"I'm sure you already know this,
That's all life really is,
A soul dreaming."

[Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

BOOK RATING: 🩶🩶🩶/5
-It’s all about heartbreak and healing, written in a soft, relatable way.
-Some poems echoed the same emotions throughout. Reflective but at times repetitive in theme and phrasing.
-Still, there were lines that made me pause and think.
-Simple, emotional, and easy to get through in one go. Highly recommend if you’re diving into poetry for the first time.

📖 Would I reread? No, but it reminded me how relaxing it feels to just sit down with poetry again.