The Transformation of Fruit

by Kevin T. Norman

This poignant collection of poems delves into the depths of personal transformation and self-discovery. Through evocative verses, the reader is taken on a journey through the author's coming out, struggles with religion, the pain of heartbreak, and the hopeful bloom of new love.

Each section—Fertilization, Fragmentation, and Ripening—reflects a stage of emotional growth and the complex interplay between identity, faith, and relationships. These poems are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the universal experiences that bind us all.

Genres: Poetry

149 pages, Hardcover

Published June 6, 2024

Reviews

[Kevin Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I’m biased because I wrote this, but I couldn’t be more proud of this little book. It’s the first time I ever created something just for myself without the worry of whether it would be perceived as good or not. It was fun, cathartic, and creatively freeing. I hope you enjoy it, but if you don’t, that’s okay too. Maybe this book can help someone feel a little less alone. That’s at least what it did for me 💕

[anerdwithabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound and moving, loved every page

[Mandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t always been a big fan of poetry but I loved this. It is profound, it is heartbreaking and it is Kevin’s journey. It gives us a look into his life and some trauma he’s been through. Although I am a straight female and can’t relate to the content I can feel the emotions in every page to its core.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly profound, heartbreaking and raw.

[jhabelita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Idk how to rate this. But this was beautiful and emotional 🥹 *hugs*

[Jessica E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this look into the mind of Kevin T. Norman. Pain sucks and I can tell he has gone through plenty of it, but something beautiful has come from it.

[Katlyn Bolingbroke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

I have never read a book of poetry that made me cry. I could feel the emotion in each poem. Thank you Kevin for sharing these words with us.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing collection of poetry is not the type you'll find studied in a university lecture hall (their loss, really) for its technicality or revolutionary exploration of some theme. Instead this is something much greater. Norman's vulnerability is striking as he allows the readers deep insight into his own life and experiences. If you want poetry about nature, then go read your Henry David Thoreau. If you want poetry about drug induced trips, then go read your Samuel Taylor Coleridge. If you want poetry that is revelatory, deeply human, and guides you along the journey of human life, then read The Transformation of Fruit.

Personally, I find this to be the most beautiful and striking form of poetry. When I get to the end of a poem and have discovered something new about myself or words that for the first time describe my own experience better than I ever could, then I think that's masterful poetry. I'm grateful Norman was willing to share this collection and BZ to him on living his life intensely!

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙆𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣 𝙏 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣

❤️🧡💛💚💙
5/5


I can’t express how much I love this collection of poetry. Kevin poured his heart out on these pages, and I felt every emotion. As a cis heterosexual woman, I am able to experience just a fraction of the struggles the LGBTQIA+ community through Kevin’s words. Please read this it’s heartbreakingly beautiful.

𝘉𝘓𝘜𝘙𝘉:
This poignant collection of poems delves into the depths of personal transformation and self-discovery. Through evocative verses, the reader is taken on a journey through the author's coming out, struggles with religion, the pain of heartbreak, and the hopeful bloom of new love.
Each section—Fertilization, Fragmentation, and Ripening—reflects a stage of emotional growth and the complex interplay between identity, faith, and relationships. These poems are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the universal experiences that bind us all.

[Jill Jones 🧡 (Miss Willa Colyns Diary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful collection of honesty amidst a world that makes us hide. It’s about healing and hope and knowing when to walk away from the chains that restrict us. It explores the difficulties queer folks face growing up in churches that are not safe spaces for queerness. There were so many times this message in particular felt so powerful for me as someone who hid amidst the crowd and felt like I was vile just for being a queer person who also was forced into an organized cult based religion that hated my community. It also explores the beauty of queerness and queer spaces, and is wholeheartedly open and full of you will feel seen moments. So grateful to have read this and felt not so alone!

[Harini ✍️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not very often that a book causes me to weep uncontrollably , but this book did, in a good way. There was this heaviness in your heart when you can identify the pain of the ink poured as words.This collection of poems will make you feel like you are reading a novel but in a painful poetic way.

It slayed all my emotions, desires, and my love for vulnerable writing. I may not know a lot about poetry, but I do know a decent amount about feelings, and Kevin’s words brought all my feelings tumbling out with this gorgeous collection of poems. This one is heartbreakingly beautiful ❤️

[Alecia Only1leesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Transformation of Fruit" a deeply moving and inspiring read. This collection is a profound journey through the highs and lows of human experience, leaving an indelible impact on its audience. I thoroughly enjoyed and to the author I am very happy you put this out in the world.

[Dharshani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Kevin's life in poems that describe his coming out story who goes through the pain induced by society, religion and family before finding his place in the world. Each page depicts a situation from his life sometimes shorter, sometimes longer including an image that supports the content. A quick powerful read encompassing so emotions in few words.

[Kelsey Lou Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these poems they are so beautifully written. The author does a wonderful job of going through emotions and roller coasters. It such a poetic way of writing his life and it feels like you’re on the journey with him. Very well done.

[Rachel Baron · Rating 4 out of 5]

These poems were beautiful, heartfelt, and at times filled with such anguish, but also hope.

[Stephanie Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really beautiful. I can see myself reading it over again.

[Katrina Sorochinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍑🫶

[Ashley Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read

So cathartic! Grief is awful to experience, but Kevin does a beautiful job putting it into words and it transcends experience.

[em · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. idk if im a poetry person

[Alan D.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, direct, and lighthearted, it is a gorgeous, short book that makes you daydream about innocence, and the loss of it due to trauma.

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙧𝙪𝙞𝙩 𝙗𝙮 𝙆𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣 𝙏 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣

❤️🧡💛💚💙
5/5


I can’t express how much I love this collection of poetry. Kevin poured his heart out on these pages, and I felt every emotion. As a cis heterosexual woman, I am able to experience just a fraction of the struggles the LGBTQIA+ community through Kevin’s words. Please read this it’s heartbreakingly beautiful.

𝘉𝘓𝘜𝘙𝘉:
This poignant collection of poems delves into the depths of personal transformation and self-discovery. Through evocative verses, the reader is taken on a journey through the author's coming out, struggles with religion, the pain of heartbreak, and the hopeful bloom of new love.
Each section—Fertilization, Fragmentation, and Ripening—reflects a stage of emotional growth and the complex interplay between identity, faith, and relationships. These poems are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the universal experiences that bind us all.

[Mic · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, thank you Kevin for allowing me to read this beautiful work of art! I feel privileged to do so!

This book of poems is about self exploration and heartbreak. I felt every emotion that your words spoke on the page! When you were happy, I could feel the light. When it was heartbreaking, I felt my heart shatter to pieces with you.

I hope you cont. to write and can't wait to read more from you! ❤️❤️

[Evie Rudd ˚ ༘✶ ⋆｡˚ ⁀➷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Broke my heart and then put it back together. Forgot I was even reading because of all the feelings Kevin's poems elicited from me. So happy I came across this beautiful piece of writing.

[tabetha bakke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written.