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Between These Bones: A Collection of Poetry
between these bones
i have many stories
still waiting to be told
and one day
i’ll set them free from the cage in my chest
and they’ll fly like birds over the sea
they’ll blossom like flowers in spring
and maybe
just maybe
i’ll no longer feel so heavy
and maybe
just maybe
you’ll read them
and you won’t feel so alone
Between These Bones is a relatable and intimate collection of bite-sized poems that take the reader on a journey with Freya through trauma, the struggles that come with surviving abusive relationships, heartbreak, mental illness, finding oneself, healing, and opening up to new love.
i have many stories
still waiting to be told
and one day
i’ll set them free from the cage in my chest
and they’ll fly like birds over the sea
they’ll blossom like flowers in spring
and maybe
just maybe
i’ll no longer feel so heavy
and maybe
just maybe
you’ll read them
and you won’t feel so alone
Between These Bones is a relatable and intimate collection of bite-sized poems that take the reader on a journey with Freya through trauma, the struggles that come with surviving abusive relationships, heartbreak, mental illness, finding oneself, healing, and opening up to new love.
- GenresPoetry
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2024
19 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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July 4, 2024𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘳: 𝘐 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴; 𝘪𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰.
This collection of poetry is a quick and easy read, perfect for a palate cleanser between longer books. The author takes us on an emotional journey through pain, longing, hopes, and expectations, all tinged with hate and toxicity—a reality for many people, unfortunately.
As someone who has always been captivated by Rupi Kaur's Instagram poetry—and still is—I find this style of poetry incredibly engaging. The work and emotions poured into this collection are palpable. While some poems did fall a bit flat, there were many that truly resonated with me. They were relatable and tear-jerking, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that few collections manage to do.
Overall, this collection is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of life, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates raw and honest poetry.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC., for the chance to read and review this!
This collection of poetry is a quick and easy read, perfect for a palate cleanser between longer books. The author takes us on an emotional journey through pain, longing, hopes, and expectations, all tinged with hate and toxicity—a reality for many people, unfortunately.
As someone who has always been captivated by Rupi Kaur's Instagram poetry—and still is—I find this style of poetry incredibly engaging. The work and emotions poured into this collection are palpable. While some poems did fall a bit flat, there were many that truly resonated with me. They were relatable and tear-jerking, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that few collections manage to do.
Overall, this collection is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of life, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates raw and honest poetry.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC., for the chance to read and review this!
![Profile Image for Jessi ❤️ H. Vojsk [if villain, why hot?].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1746468325i%2F66224803._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 14, 2025
my body
longs to be the pages
of your favorite book
to feel your fingertips
tracing each line
that make you pause
to reread it again
because you never want to forget it
Full of raw feelings and beautiful but also devastating poems.
longs to be the pages
of your favorite book
to feel your fingertips
tracing each line
that make you pause
to reread it again
because you never want to forget it
Full of raw feelings and beautiful but also devastating poems.
July 8, 2024
Honestly, the very first page about trigger warnings and the lack of them kind of rubbed me the wrong way, even though I do understand the reasoning for it, it just… yeah.
This collection of poetry is definitely on the darker side, though it does slowly get lighter, with it ending on a much happier note than it starts, which is nice. The writing is so good. I never would have guessed it was a debut, so cool. I will definitely check out future works from Freya Sharp.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
This collection of poetry is definitely on the darker side, though it does slowly get lighter, with it ending on a much happier note than it starts, which is nice. The writing is so good. I never would have guessed it was a debut, so cool. I will definitely check out future works from Freya Sharp.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
July 9, 2024
ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 𝔽𝕠𝕣𝕞𝕒𝕥: 𝐸-𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞! 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝐹𝓇𝑒𝓎𝒶 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓅, 𝐻𝒶𝓇𝒷𝑜𝓇 𝐿𝒶𝓃𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈, 𝐿𝐿𝒞, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.
ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨: 𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐯𝐮𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐨𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞. 𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞! 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝑩𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠.
𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝑜 𝐹𝓇𝑒𝓎𝒶 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓅, 𝐻𝒶𝓇𝒷𝑜𝓇 𝐿𝒶𝓃𝑒 𝐵𝑜𝑜𝓀𝓈, 𝐿𝐿𝒞, & 𝒩𝑒𝓉𝒢𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒜𝑅𝒞! 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓅𝒾𝓃𝒾𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓌𝓃.
Read
June 3, 2025not rating due to the collection being based on the poet’s first hand experience in an abusive relationship. read in one sitting, resonated with a few pieces. not sure if i would be quick to recommend but it was interesting to see the poet’s growth in her healing journey throughout the collection and i am glad she seemed to be more emotionally stable by the end of the collection
Read
August 30, 2024Thank you to LibraryThing, Harbor Lane Books, and Freya Sharp for this ARC!
Given that this is a deeply personal piece from the author, I hesitate to give this a rating.
So…this falls flat for me. Sadly, I think it lacks, for lack of a better term, creativity—format-wise, that is! Sharp utilizes the Tumblr-esque poetry format style of no punctuation and all the poems are one long sentence broken up into smaller pieces. Otherwise, a very quick read. Also — Sharp does not provide a trigger warning (purposefully), so tread carefully.
Lovely cover too, and I applaud Sharp for sharing these poems with us. I hope the experience has been healing!
Given that this is a deeply personal piece from the author, I hesitate to give this a rating.
So…this falls flat for me. Sadly, I think it lacks, for lack of a better term, creativity—format-wise, that is! Sharp utilizes the Tumblr-esque poetry format style of no punctuation and all the poems are one long sentence broken up into smaller pieces. Otherwise, a very quick read. Also — Sharp does not provide a trigger warning (purposefully), so tread carefully.
Lovely cover too, and I applaud Sharp for sharing these poems with us. I hope the experience has been healing!
July 13, 2024
Shout out to NetGalley and Freya Sharp for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have a hard time rating poetry books but I thought this book was ok. For a short book, it was slow. There wasn't any passages that jumped out at me or made me want to highlight them. I feel like I have read this book before or the poems were similar to others I have read.
I have a hard time rating poetry books but I thought this book was ok. For a short book, it was slow. There wasn't any passages that jumped out at me or made me want to highlight them. I feel like I have read this book before or the poems were similar to others I have read.
July 18, 2024
A quick read of poetry and I loved it! However I wanted more pages and to dive into the author’s brain. But a solid read! Thank you for the ARC!
October 10, 2024
A short book of poetry, that flows well and becomes a stream of consciousness when reading. However, when I finished reading I felt I had moved nowhere, but rather been tumbling in a dryer, that left me cold and flat when pulled out. Relatable but ultimately a downer.
August 21, 2024
I know some won't like it as much and will say some pages aren't poetry, but I felt something with every word, and if that's not poetry, talent, art, then what is it? Sat down and read it all at once without even noticing time passing by. Got to the last page wanting more. I love how we start with pure heart ache and suffering, bringing me to tears, and we end up with overcoming, with love and hope. Beautiful!
July 14, 2024
I sometimes cover poetry with my students and they always tell me that they find it difficult to work with, to read, even. Medieval poetry was quite complex, at times, with kennings and alliterative rhyme schemes, but the themes it dealt with were as personal and emotive as those we find in modern poetry collections, like Between These Bones. It turns out, however, that I may not be the intended reader for modern poetry. Thanks to Harbor Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Recently, while reading up on narrativity, I was struck by the importance of consciousness when it comes to narrativity. One of the biggest tragedies of humanity, I think, is that we are incapable of truly sharing our perception of the world with others. We cannot, truly, show others how we feel, how we see, what we think. The closest we come is art and literature, which allow us to try and find ways of expressing ourselves through colour, words, movement, ideas. As such, poetry is not only highly subjective, it is also highly personal. Everyone eventually finds their form of poetry but equally they also need to find their poets, into whose minds they want an insight, from whose view they want to observe the world. Between These Bones gives insight into an abusive relationship, into violence, into self-destruction, things that are jagged and hurt. Sharp begins her collection with a refusal to give trigger warnings, as she wasn't warned before these things happened to her. While I appreciate where Sharp comes from there, it strikes a bit of an odd tone for the following poems. Therefore I do give you these warnings, also because it gives an insight into a situation in a way you may not enjoy.
The blurb describes Between These Bones as bite-sized poetry, which is largely accurate, but it is also a part of the Insta-poetry tradition which rose in prominence after Rupi Kaur found an audience. This poetry is (usually) marked by an absence of rhyme scheme, meter, or punctuation, made up of short, often to-the-point but descriptive lines that rely heavily on first person and imagery. Maria Manning has described this kind of poetry in a paper, 'Crafting Authenticity: Reality, Storytelling, and Female Self-Representation through Insta-Poetry', as one which allows for a certain kind of female self-expression while perhaps neglecting poetic craft. Between These Bones is an excellent example of how this style of poetry can allow for the processing of traumatic experiences, for finding imagery to express it, and creating a sense of self. I do think, however, that it is time for me to throw in the towel with Insta-poetry and similar poetry. I think it is an excellent form of poetry for people to express themselves in, but I find that it does not hold my attention for long. This may be different for others, but the form of it makes me glide over much of it. However, for those who enjoy this type of poetry, and who are willing to dive into the dark with Sharp, Between These Bones should absolutely work.
Between These Bones is a raw collection of Insta-poetry which focuses on surviving abuse, without denying the darker, self-destructive edges which can exist alongside victimisation.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
Recently, while reading up on narrativity, I was struck by the importance of consciousness when it comes to narrativity. One of the biggest tragedies of humanity, I think, is that we are incapable of truly sharing our perception of the world with others. We cannot, truly, show others how we feel, how we see, what we think. The closest we come is art and literature, which allow us to try and find ways of expressing ourselves through colour, words, movement, ideas. As such, poetry is not only highly subjective, it is also highly personal. Everyone eventually finds their form of poetry but equally they also need to find their poets, into whose minds they want an insight, from whose view they want to observe the world. Between These Bones gives insight into an abusive relationship, into violence, into self-destruction, things that are jagged and hurt. Sharp begins her collection with a refusal to give trigger warnings, as she wasn't warned before these things happened to her. While I appreciate where Sharp comes from there, it strikes a bit of an odd tone for the following poems. Therefore I do give you these warnings, also because it gives an insight into a situation in a way you may not enjoy.
The blurb describes Between These Bones as bite-sized poetry, which is largely accurate, but it is also a part of the Insta-poetry tradition which rose in prominence after Rupi Kaur found an audience. This poetry is (usually) marked by an absence of rhyme scheme, meter, or punctuation, made up of short, often to-the-point but descriptive lines that rely heavily on first person and imagery. Maria Manning has described this kind of poetry in a paper, 'Crafting Authenticity: Reality, Storytelling, and Female Self-Representation through Insta-Poetry', as one which allows for a certain kind of female self-expression while perhaps neglecting poetic craft. Between These Bones is an excellent example of how this style of poetry can allow for the processing of traumatic experiences, for finding imagery to express it, and creating a sense of self. I do think, however, that it is time for me to throw in the towel with Insta-poetry and similar poetry. I think it is an excellent form of poetry for people to express themselves in, but I find that it does not hold my attention for long. This may be different for others, but the form of it makes me glide over much of it. However, for those who enjoy this type of poetry, and who are willing to dive into the dark with Sharp, Between These Bones should absolutely work.
Between These Bones is a raw collection of Insta-poetry which focuses on surviving abuse, without denying the darker, self-destructive edges which can exist alongside victimisation.
URL: https://universeinwords.blogspot.com/...
July 30, 2024
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
☆☆☆☆.5
𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
I would like to thank Netgalley, Harbor Lane Books, LLC and Freya Sharp for letting me read the ARC for this book.
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖎𝖙:
I am someone who has always loved reading, writing, listening to poetry- in all forms. Free verse, ballads, limericks, haiku. I love it all.
From people like Courtney Peppernell, Rupi Kaur to Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath, I'm someone- who if I am interested in something, poetry for example, then I will look into it and explore it from different angles, different styles, to discover the intricacies of; what is poetry, what it means to me; what it makes me feel. So when i read the blurb to this book, it had me intrigued. I thought this book might make me FEEL, in all the best ways.
And it did.
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
This collection of poetry, though short, gives the reader a personal, almost intimate perspective of how the author herself is feeling. In some ways it almost feels like we are there with her, throughout the journey of life, in her mind, soul, body, thoughts. It's truly amazing- her writing. It is vulnerable but so carefully written and is compelling, almost bewitching. You feel refreshed and seen after reading. Especially since Freya definitely doesn't shy away from darker topics and as I said before, takes us through the journey of healing and moving on as a victim.
Freya Sharp truly is one of those authors that makes you feel not just seen but heard, understood. Like you are not alone.
🇩🇮🇸🇨🇱🇦🇮🇲🇪🇷
Please check trigger warnings as somethings mentioned throughout the poetry are very raw and vulnerable and could upset you so keep that in mind! Other than that happy reading if you wish to give this one a go.
☆☆☆☆.5
𝔸𝕔𝕜𝕟𝕠𝕨𝕝𝕖𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥𝕤:
I would like to thank Netgalley, Harbor Lane Books, LLC and Freya Sharp for letting me read the ARC for this book.
𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖒𝖊 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉 𝖎𝖙:
I am someone who has always loved reading, writing, listening to poetry- in all forms. Free verse, ballads, limericks, haiku. I love it all.
From people like Courtney Peppernell, Rupi Kaur to Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath, I'm someone- who if I am interested in something, poetry for example, then I will look into it and explore it from different angles, different styles, to discover the intricacies of; what is poetry, what it means to me; what it makes me feel. So when i read the blurb to this book, it had me intrigued. I thought this book might make me FEEL, in all the best ways.
And it did.
𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀:
This collection of poetry, though short, gives the reader a personal, almost intimate perspective of how the author herself is feeling. In some ways it almost feels like we are there with her, throughout the journey of life, in her mind, soul, body, thoughts. It's truly amazing- her writing. It is vulnerable but so carefully written and is compelling, almost bewitching. You feel refreshed and seen after reading. Especially since Freya definitely doesn't shy away from darker topics and as I said before, takes us through the journey of healing and moving on as a victim.
Freya Sharp truly is one of those authors that makes you feel not just seen but heard, understood. Like you are not alone.
🇩🇮🇸🇨🇱🇦🇮🇲🇪🇷
Please check trigger warnings as somethings mentioned throughout the poetry are very raw and vulnerable and could upset you so keep that in mind! Other than that happy reading if you wish to give this one a go.
August 26, 2024
In diesem Gedichtband werden viele negative bzw. toxische Beziehungen beschrieben und aufgearbeitet. Von einem traumatischen Erlebnis in der Jugend ausgehend, werden verschiedene schmerzvolle Erlebnisse mit Partnern beschrieben, die sich abwertend verhalten, lügen oder hintergehen. Die emotionalen Verletzungen und die Verzweiflung aufgrund der Situation werden eindrücklich und nachvollziehbar beschrieben, aber auch die Unfähigkeit, sich aus der Lage zu befreien und die Beziehung zu lösen.
Ich empfand die Gedichte als sehr berührend und ich habe mich in den Beschreibungen geradezu verloren. Die inneren Konflikte waren sehr bewegend beschrieben. Mir hat auch gefallen, dass es am Ende eine Wendung hin in eine positiv erlebte Beziehung gab. Ich kann diesen Gedichtband sehr empfehlen.
In English:
This volume of poetry describes and deals with many negative and toxic relationships. Starting from a traumatic experience in youth, various painful experiences with partners who behave in a derogatory manner, lie or betray are described. The emotional injuries and despair caused by the situation are described impressively and understandably, but also the inability to free oneself from the situation and end the relationship.
I found the poems very touching and I almost lost myself in the descriptions. The inner conflicts were described very movingly. I also liked that there was a turn towards a positive relationship at the end. I can highly recommend this volume of poetry.
Ich empfand die Gedichte als sehr berührend und ich habe mich in den Beschreibungen geradezu verloren. Die inneren Konflikte waren sehr bewegend beschrieben. Mir hat auch gefallen, dass es am Ende eine Wendung hin in eine positiv erlebte Beziehung gab. Ich kann diesen Gedichtband sehr empfehlen.
In English:
This volume of poetry describes and deals with many negative and toxic relationships. Starting from a traumatic experience in youth, various painful experiences with partners who behave in a derogatory manner, lie or betray are described. The emotional injuries and despair caused by the situation are described impressively and understandably, but also the inability to free oneself from the situation and end the relationship.
I found the poems very touching and I almost lost myself in the descriptions. The inner conflicts were described very movingly. I also liked that there was a turn towards a positive relationship at the end. I can highly recommend this volume of poetry.
July 26, 2024
Publishing date: 09.07.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: I am in the waiting room at the psychologist, nibbling on a protein bar in preparation
The book left me: Reflecting on my past
Negatives:
Wish the poems had titles
Positives:
Raw and emotional
A sadly relatable topic
An underlying story that develops naturally
Features:
Short, direct, and raw poems that don't shy away from darker themes, healing and moving on as a victim, lots of trigger warnings
Why did I choose this one?
I had a certain idea of what this collection would be about, and I was correct. Sadly, the theme here is very relatable and hits home for me. I thought that reading it would be another step on my journey to move on.
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Devourable. I read it all in a single sitting.
What was the vibe and mood?
This feels like listening to a friend confess about something traumatic in their life
Final ranking and star rating?
5 stars, S tier. This was exactly the kind of book I needed when I read it. I had recently been visited by a lot of old "ghosts" and had a hard time managing them. Reading this helped me process and put them back in the "grave" where they belong. Hopefully more people get to read this book and use it as a helping tool just like I did. Will buy a copy of this to keep on my coffee table.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: I am in the waiting room at the psychologist, nibbling on a protein bar in preparation
The book left me: Reflecting on my past
Negatives:
Wish the poems had titles
Positives:
Raw and emotional
A sadly relatable topic
An underlying story that develops naturally
Features:
Short, direct, and raw poems that don't shy away from darker themes, healing and moving on as a victim, lots of trigger warnings
Why did I choose this one?
I had a certain idea of what this collection would be about, and I was correct. Sadly, the theme here is very relatable and hits home for me. I thought that reading it would be another step on my journey to move on.
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
Devourable. I read it all in a single sitting.
What was the vibe and mood?
This feels like listening to a friend confess about something traumatic in their life
Final ranking and star rating?
5 stars, S tier. This was exactly the kind of book I needed when I read it. I had recently been visited by a lot of old "ghosts" and had a hard time managing them. Reading this helped me process and put them back in the "grave" where they belong. Hopefully more people get to read this book and use it as a helping tool just like I did. Will buy a copy of this to keep on my coffee table.
July 3, 2024
Sometimes I pick books for their covers. I'm shallow; it's a character flaw.*
Between These Bones is a collection of short poetry focused on relationships and trauma. I wasn't sure quite what form of poetry to expect when I picked it up, but to me it's best described as Instagram poetry—I'm not sure if Sharp is on IG, but the poems here are short and pithy, with a few longer poems worked throughout. Let's talk about form, and let's talk about content.
Form: The poems that work best for me here are the mid-length ones, more than three or four lines but under a page. I struggle—and this is not specific to Sharp's poetry—with poems that are just a few lines, because often they feel to me as though the writer has found a metaphor or image they want to share but not gone any further with it. (There are some exceptions; one poem in here reminds me of that brilliant Atwood poem about hooks and eyes: you still linger / in my mouth / like the aftertaste / of burnt toast (loc. 259)) The longer poems have a bit more room to get creative.
Content: The material here gets very dark very quickly, and it stays dark for most of the book. Eventually there's a shift to more positive things, but that's mostly about a new and happy relationship—which is fine, and will sit well with people who like a bit of romance; I guess I just prefer a bit more of the princess saving herself.
Overall, Instagram poetry is never really going to be my thing—I like to work a bit harder for the meaning in poetry—but one for readers who are looking for more along the lines of Rupi Kaur and so on.
*One of many
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Between These Bones is a collection of short poetry focused on relationships and trauma. I wasn't sure quite what form of poetry to expect when I picked it up, but to me it's best described as Instagram poetry—I'm not sure if Sharp is on IG, but the poems here are short and pithy, with a few longer poems worked throughout. Let's talk about form, and let's talk about content.
Form: The poems that work best for me here are the mid-length ones, more than three or four lines but under a page. I struggle—and this is not specific to Sharp's poetry—with poems that are just a few lines, because often they feel to me as though the writer has found a metaphor or image they want to share but not gone any further with it. (There are some exceptions; one poem in here reminds me of that brilliant Atwood poem about hooks and eyes: you still linger / in my mouth / like the aftertaste / of burnt toast (loc. 259)) The longer poems have a bit more room to get creative.
Content: The material here gets very dark very quickly, and it stays dark for most of the book. Eventually there's a shift to more positive things, but that's mostly about a new and happy relationship—which is fine, and will sit well with people who like a bit of romance; I guess I just prefer a bit more of the princess saving herself.
Overall, Instagram poetry is never really going to be my thing—I like to work a bit harder for the meaning in poetry—but one for readers who are looking for more along the lines of Rupi Kaur and so on.
*One of many
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
July 18, 2024
I want to thank Netgalley and Harbor Lane Books for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I wish I could say I loved this collection. There were certainly more than a couple of poems I did love. Unfortunately, this collection had more than 80 poems and I did not enjoy the vast majority of them. I think we started with a bad start as the first poem seems to attack the reader by intimating that since the poet didn't get trigger warnings for her life the reader also doesn't get that luxury. Granted, I would say only one or two of the poems are anything that would need warnings, but I still found the sentiment poem insulting. The few poems I loved were really introspective and well-paced. But, the vast majority of the poems are banal and repetitive (I know they were not actually written to be part of a collection so the repetitive nature might be excused.) I think the idea of this collection is a good one but the execution of the theme is seriously lacking for me.
I wish I could say I loved this collection. There were certainly more than a couple of poems I did love. Unfortunately, this collection had more than 80 poems and I did not enjoy the vast majority of them. I think we started with a bad start as the first poem seems to attack the reader by intimating that since the poet didn't get trigger warnings for her life the reader also doesn't get that luxury. Granted, I would say only one or two of the poems are anything that would need warnings, but I still found the sentiment poem insulting. The few poems I loved were really introspective and well-paced. But, the vast majority of the poems are banal and repetitive (I know they were not actually written to be part of a collection so the repetitive nature might be excused.) I think the idea of this collection is a good one but the execution of the theme is seriously lacking for me.
July 22, 2024
*Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an e-arc, in return for my honest review.*
This was a decent read. It was short, so I read it in one sitting... Which wasn't difficult as most of the poems were very short.
I didn't like how the author handled the trigger warning page. If you don't believe in trigger warnings in books, that's up to the individual. But remember and respect why they are used. Don't talk down to your readers. I emotionally understand the author's opinion, but if you don't want to include TWs, then just don't.
I liked many of the poems, but some were so short that they didn't make an impact.
Also, personally, I'm not too fond of poetry that refuses to use capitals and punctuation. This is definitely in that category. The author didn't use punctuation unless it was the very occasional question mark. The lack of these things makes it difficult to read.
This was a decent read. It was short, so I read it in one sitting... Which wasn't difficult as most of the poems were very short.
I didn't like how the author handled the trigger warning page. If you don't believe in trigger warnings in books, that's up to the individual. But remember and respect why they are used. Don't talk down to your readers. I emotionally understand the author's opinion, but if you don't want to include TWs, then just don't.
I liked many of the poems, but some were so short that they didn't make an impact.
Also, personally, I'm not too fond of poetry that refuses to use capitals and punctuation. This is definitely in that category. The author didn't use punctuation unless it was the very occasional question mark. The lack of these things makes it difficult to read.
October 8, 2024
This collection of poetry is a quick and easy read, perfect for a meaningful read between longer books. The author takes us on an emotional journey through pain, longing, hopes, and expectations, all tinged with hate and toxicity—a reality for many people, unfortunately.
I find this style of poetry incredibly engaging. The work and emotions poured into this collection are palpable. While some poems did fall a bit flat, there were many that truly resonated with me. They were relatable and tear-jerking, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that few collections manage to do. Forceful love and not listening to one request of stop and hints of existential crisis and Safe space is discussed in between
Overall, this collection is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of life, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates raw and crude opinionated poetry.
I find this style of poetry incredibly engaging. The work and emotions poured into this collection are palpable. While some poems did fall a bit flat, there were many that truly resonated with me. They were relatable and tear-jerking, capturing the essence of human experience in a way that few collections manage to do. Forceful love and not listening to one request of stop and hints of existential crisis and Safe space is discussed in between
Overall, this collection is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of life, making it a worthwhile read for anyone who appreciates raw and crude opinionated poetry.
July 3, 2024
Between these bones is an emotional, personal and intimate collection of some memories curved into poetry. It is very authentic and raw, almost like you are having a conversation with the poet. The length of the poems are comparatively short which makes it easier for the readers to read. It aligns with the definition of modern poetry more. It was an easy read and I enjoyed it. The descriptions were pretty vivid. For my choice, it had some pretty explicit descriptions which made me a little uncomfortable in the beginning but I think it's totally on readers and their likings. Overall, I must appreciate the writer's courage to write so authentically.
July 19, 2024
I have received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley. This does not influence my opinion.
This poetry collection is about toxic relationships, but also finding the beauty in life.
While I did not like all of the poems, many of them were absolutely beautiful and some deeply resonated with me.
What this book could use though are trigger warnings, especially considering the topics covered.
So, here are some that I noticed, including one that triggered me personally and caused a panic attack as I was not prepared for it at all: rape, anxiety, depression, toxic relationships, abusive relationships, abuse.
This poetry collection is about toxic relationships, but also finding the beauty in life.
While I did not like all of the poems, many of them were absolutely beautiful and some deeply resonated with me.
What this book could use though are trigger warnings, especially considering the topics covered.
So, here are some that I noticed, including one that triggered me personally and caused a panic attack as I was not prepared for it at all: rape, anxiety, depression, toxic relationships, abusive relationships, abuse.
June 26, 2024
3⭐️
This is a quick and easy-to-read collection of poetry that works perfect as a palate cleanser in between books! I would personally recommend this book if you enjoy modern poetry and quick, easy-to-digest poems.
It is clear that the author put her heart into these poems, unfortunately however, some fell rather flat to me. I did really enjoy some of the poems, such as “it costs nothing to pay attention” and “we all scream for ice cream”
Overall I’m happy that I read this:)
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This is a quick and easy-to-read collection of poetry that works perfect as a palate cleanser in between books! I would personally recommend this book if you enjoy modern poetry and quick, easy-to-digest poems.
It is clear that the author put her heart into these poems, unfortunately however, some fell rather flat to me. I did really enjoy some of the poems, such as “it costs nothing to pay attention” and “we all scream for ice cream”
Overall I’m happy that I read this:)
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review!
July 6, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this collection.
4/5 Stars!
“Between these bones
I have many stories….
And maybe
Just maybe
You’ll read them
And you won’t feel so alone”
This was a beautifully painful collection of short and mid-length poems about love, pain, abuse, growth, and healing.
****
The author does not offer a trigger warning, so tread carefully and take care of yourself 🩶
“All the things that happened to me
Came without warning
So why do I need to warn you of the things you’re about to read?
-life doesn’t come with trigger warnings”
4/5 Stars!
“Between these bones
I have many stories….
And maybe
Just maybe
You’ll read them
And you won’t feel so alone”
This was a beautifully painful collection of short and mid-length poems about love, pain, abuse, growth, and healing.
****
The author does not offer a trigger warning, so tread carefully and take care of yourself 🩶
“All the things that happened to me
Came without warning
So why do I need to warn you of the things you’re about to read?
-life doesn’t come with trigger warnings”
June 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s tough to assign a value to someone’s poetry. Some of these felt deeply personal for the author, and some of them felt very elementary. Like the kind of thing some girl you went to high school with cryptically posts on facebook to show her “depth”
All I can say is that poetry is personal and I hope this was cathartic for the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!
It’s tough to assign a value to someone’s poetry. Some of these felt deeply personal for the author, and some of them felt very elementary. Like the kind of thing some girl you went to high school with cryptically posts on facebook to show her “depth”
All I can say is that poetry is personal and I hope this was cathartic for the author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!
July 4, 2024
Read on July 4th, 2024. Written on July 4th, 2024
I am genuinely so so happy that I got the opportunity to read this book because it was so emotional and heartfelt.
What a journey the author takes us through, of pain, longing, hopes and expectations filled with hate and toxicity. The reality of some relationships, unfortunately.
The pain of a lifetime in 97 pages.
Signing off,
B.
(Free ARC from NetGalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC. that I chose to review after reading)
I am genuinely so so happy that I got the opportunity to read this book because it was so emotional and heartfelt.
What a journey the author takes us through, of pain, longing, hopes and expectations filled with hate and toxicity. The reality of some relationships, unfortunately.
The pain of a lifetime in 97 pages.
Signing off,
B.
(Free ARC from NetGalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC. that I chose to review after reading)
September 17, 2024
This book was such an easy read between all my romance books I’m reading and my audiobooks I’m cruising through! I’m not sure I like the not wanting trigger warnings but overall, it does such a good job at explaining what’s happening with so much emotion! I even caught myself saving 2 pages to use as a wallpaper on my phone because it was that well written to explain how one might feel! Also wish there was more as it was that good!
June 20, 2024
I wish I could have liked this more. While I sympathize with the author, the poetry was not very good initially and then got cheesy. There is probably an audience for this; I am just not part of that, it seems.
Thank you, NetGalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC., for the chance to read and review this!
Thank you, NetGalley and Harbor Lane Books, LLC., for the chance to read and review this!
June 21, 2024
A quick book of poems that makes for a good palate cleanser!
While I appreciate the work and emotions that went into this collection, some of the poems felt a little… flat. But there was one line that I really enjoyed:
“aren’t you exhausted? i can see the lies packed in the bags under your eyes”
(Thank you, Harbor Lane Books and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
While I appreciate the work and emotions that went into this collection, some of the poems felt a little… flat. But there was one line that I really enjoyed:
“aren’t you exhausted? i can see the lies packed in the bags under your eyes”
(Thank you, Harbor Lane Books and NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.)
July 2, 2024
I received this beautiful poetry collection from @Netgalley and devoured it. The pain of falling into the trap of a narcissistic partner, breaking free and the collapse of falling again emerged with the growth of realization and find true happiness.
I really enjoyed this collection and do recommend it
July 7, 2024
This one (sadly) falls into the ever dreaded "one sentence broken into random lines without any punctuation marks" category of poetry. I didn't feel anything but annoyance reading this 🤷🏻♀️
Lovely cover though!
(thank you netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review)
Lovely cover though!
(thank you netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest review)
July 21, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Between These Bones by Freya Sharp in exchange for an honest review. This beautiful book of poetry was a raw, honest look at love and abuse. It was hard to read as it was easy to relate, but written so full of emotions that it was impressive. I recommend this book of poetry.
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