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No Secrets
No Secrets is the second volume of Carter-Winward's genre defying writing that is part poetry, part fiction, part memoir and all told with a clarity that does not allow secrets. These short pieces tell us the stories many of us hide, even from ourselves.
- GenresPoetry
208 pages, Paperback
First published June 12, 2014
2 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Carter-Winward
19 books118 followersJ.A. Carter-Winward is an award-winning writer, poet, and visual artist living in the mountains of northern Utah and the author of five poetry books, six novels, two short-story collections, and a stage play.
Her most recent publications include Work in Progress: Dialogues & Poems, and If it Stings...that means it's working - a poetry story, available Limited Edition print hardback and Kindle.
Her latest novel, Wade, won Best Literary Fiction novel of 2021 in that category by IndieReader's Discovery Awards.
She's also co-founded a non-profit organization to help raise awareness for the often-overlooked dangers of over 800+ FDA-approved medications on the market today.
blackboxwarn.org
J.A.'s work can be found in various print and online journals, anthologies, and publications.
Check her official Author Page for upcoming releases coming in 2022.
www.jacarterwinward.com
https://www.facebook.com/jacarterwinw...
Her most recent publications include Work in Progress: Dialogues & Poems, and If it Stings...that means it's working - a poetry story, available Limited Edition print hardback and Kindle.
Her latest novel, Wade, won Best Literary Fiction novel of 2021 in that category by IndieReader's Discovery Awards.
She's also co-founded a non-profit organization to help raise awareness for the often-overlooked dangers of over 800+ FDA-approved medications on the market today.
blackboxwarn.org
J.A.'s work can be found in various print and online journals, anthologies, and publications.
Check her official Author Page for upcoming releases coming in 2022.
www.jacarterwinward.com
https://www.facebook.com/jacarterwinw...
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 14, 2022
Another fine collection by the amazing Queen Mother c**t.
The last book I read by the QMC was "No Apologies" a very angry collection, no holds barred, it was really in your face. No Secrets is calmer, it reads like you have sat down for a coffee with her and she is telling you stories from her life, from abusive husbands, sexual conquests, children and religion to some very moving poems about her mum. I don't think there is a single weak poem in the lot, every single one gets a response from the reader.
The first highlight was called "Sign" angry frustration about people who over-share their personal life details when you're trapped with them in an elevator.
Then "Black and White" shows a different side of the author, standing up for a girl who had made a mistake that she would be stuck with for a long time.
Any cat owner will understand "Executer", probably the funniest one in the book.
The best line was in "Gender-Bender", I think it explains perfectly the sort of poems you'll find when you pick up this book...."I write like a woman who isn't afraid." Brilliance!
When I was reaching the end of the book, I read it as slowly as I could so it wouldn't end, I was thinking to myself this book is so good, what sort of poem could you end this with? It's gotta have a real kick-ass feel to it and the QMC nailed it. two lines, one more laugh and it was all over. Perfect.
If you've never read a single poem by J.A. Carter-Winward then give this collection a go, you'll be hooked.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
Blog review updated after second reading.
The last book I read by the QMC was "No Apologies" a very angry collection, no holds barred, it was really in your face. No Secrets is calmer, it reads like you have sat down for a coffee with her and she is telling you stories from her life, from abusive husbands, sexual conquests, children and religion to some very moving poems about her mum. I don't think there is a single weak poem in the lot, every single one gets a response from the reader.
The first highlight was called "Sign" angry frustration about people who over-share their personal life details when you're trapped with them in an elevator.
Then "Black and White" shows a different side of the author, standing up for a girl who had made a mistake that she would be stuck with for a long time.
Any cat owner will understand "Executer", probably the funniest one in the book.
The best line was in "Gender-Bender", I think it explains perfectly the sort of poems you'll find when you pick up this book...."I write like a woman who isn't afraid." Brilliance!
When I was reaching the end of the book, I read it as slowly as I could so it wouldn't end, I was thinking to myself this book is so good, what sort of poem could you end this with? It's gotta have a real kick-ass feel to it and the QMC nailed it. two lines, one more laugh and it was all over. Perfect.
If you've never read a single poem by J.A. Carter-Winward then give this collection a go, you'll be hooked.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
Blog review updated after second reading.
March 16, 2020
And now it is at least 10. Since my posting of 9 times, I got to do a bit of performance art (See Here), hand delivering a copy of No Secrets to Henry Rollins at one of his shows in Salt Lake. If you haven't read the book, then you have to know, just to find out a) why I gave Henry Rollins a copy and b) Muppets, and c) why did I just write Muppets?
According to GoodReads, I've read this 9 times -- probably more than that -- but I can't read these books enough.
DISCLAIMER: I am married to the author. This review is of the 1999th book I've read since I started tracking what I've read on GoodReads. I decided to review my wife's books for 1999 and 2000 because, I may secretly believe in numerology. This is a little like watching the odometer click over and I want to remember the event.
Watching real life turned into literature is a rare experience. I'm very grateful to her for giving me that experience. The poems taken singularly are fine, but experiencing the entire book with all its contradictions, grief, vulgarity, beauty, comedy, and honesty is what really makes this collection. Thank you to all who have left your reviews, they are very appreciated by me, even the negative review, in part because it was the reader's honest reaction. To quote the Bible, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
If you are going to go negative, go all in if this writing isn't your cup of tea, because my wife's poetry collections are not for the faint of heart. I noted the negative reviewer didn't like the poem, care-full, which was a graphic recounting of rough sex in an abusive relationship. I continue to be amazed at how mentions of sex and sexuality can cloud the underlying message, which was anti-abusive relationships. For me that is the purpose of literature, to expose our humanity by exploring its virtues and its profanities. I've read darker writing than my wife's, so I don't find what she writes shocking in the least, plus we eat breakfast together. For others, I understand that they would prefer art to hide the darker aspects of our existence -- if that is you, don't read the book.
In case you are curious, here are the last lines of the poem:
sex was so painful
but he didn't care,
which was what got me into trouble in the
first place.
him.
him not caring.
It isn't lyrical. The language is direct. I wouldn't use the word poetry, if the word "poetry" wasn't so broad as to encompass everything from Homer to Shakespeare to Dante (speaking of violent poetry) to the Bible to T.S. Eliot to Bukowski to Tech N9ne to well, you get the picture. I was around when she discovered this writing voice and the voice dictated the form. (Just an aside, she can write great prose, compelling novels, snappy dialogue, lyrical poetry, and comedy songs, too. See Disclaimer Above, although I have read 2000 books on GoodReads.)
I feel strongly enough about the book that if you feel like it is something you would like to read after all the disclosures, I'll send you a copy. Just message me and it will be on its way.
According to GoodReads, I've read this 9 times -- probably more than that -- but I can't read these books enough.
DISCLAIMER: I am married to the author. This review is of the 1999th book I've read since I started tracking what I've read on GoodReads. I decided to review my wife's books for 1999 and 2000 because, I may secretly believe in numerology. This is a little like watching the odometer click over and I want to remember the event.
Watching real life turned into literature is a rare experience. I'm very grateful to her for giving me that experience. The poems taken singularly are fine, but experiencing the entire book with all its contradictions, grief, vulgarity, beauty, comedy, and honesty is what really makes this collection. Thank you to all who have left your reviews, they are very appreciated by me, even the negative review, in part because it was the reader's honest reaction. To quote the Bible, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."
If you are going to go negative, go all in if this writing isn't your cup of tea, because my wife's poetry collections are not for the faint of heart. I noted the negative reviewer didn't like the poem, care-full, which was a graphic recounting of rough sex in an abusive relationship. I continue to be amazed at how mentions of sex and sexuality can cloud the underlying message, which was anti-abusive relationships. For me that is the purpose of literature, to expose our humanity by exploring its virtues and its profanities. I've read darker writing than my wife's, so I don't find what she writes shocking in the least, plus we eat breakfast together. For others, I understand that they would prefer art to hide the darker aspects of our existence -- if that is you, don't read the book.
In case you are curious, here are the last lines of the poem:
sex was so painful
but he didn't care,
which was what got me into trouble in the
first place.
him.
him not caring.
It isn't lyrical. The language is direct. I wouldn't use the word poetry, if the word "poetry" wasn't so broad as to encompass everything from Homer to Shakespeare to Dante (speaking of violent poetry) to the Bible to T.S. Eliot to Bukowski to Tech N9ne to well, you get the picture. I was around when she discovered this writing voice and the voice dictated the form. (Just an aside, she can write great prose, compelling novels, snappy dialogue, lyrical poetry, and comedy songs, too. See Disclaimer Above, although I have read 2000 books on GoodReads.)
I feel strongly enough about the book that if you feel like it is something you would like to read after all the disclosures, I'll send you a copy. Just message me and it will be on its way.
August 31, 2016
Goddamnit, J. A. Carter-Winward’s poetry is good. It’s really fucking good. In fact, I’d go as far as to say her poetry is the very best contemporary verse that’s out there. But it’s not for everyone. Nope, it’s definitely not for everyone. And that’s partly what makes it the best out there.
Her writing is raw, honest, confessional, humorous, stripped back and stripped bare, and the unique simplicity of Carter-Winward’s words perfectly matches the themes presented.
Sex. There’s lots of sex. Not the sort of sexual musings you’ll read about in other poetry collections. No, no, no. Carter-Winward doesn’t hold back anything and she’s happy to share the most personal anecdotes, thoughts and feelings. I mean, where else will you read a poem about a bleeding vaginal cut from rough sex?
It’s not all sex though. It’s just that sex plays a dominant part in Carter-Winward’s life – alongside other themes like relationships, life lessons, non-conformity, art, Feminism, anger at a God she doesn’t believe in, and a lot more besides.
“my poetry/is like my own/personal/speculum./you can either handle/looking inside me,/or you can’t.”
Also, I’m gonna use her phrase ‘muppet-fuckers’ at the very earliest opportunity I have to do so.
Her writing is raw, honest, confessional, humorous, stripped back and stripped bare, and the unique simplicity of Carter-Winward’s words perfectly matches the themes presented.
Sex. There’s lots of sex. Not the sort of sexual musings you’ll read about in other poetry collections. No, no, no. Carter-Winward doesn’t hold back anything and she’s happy to share the most personal anecdotes, thoughts and feelings. I mean, where else will you read a poem about a bleeding vaginal cut from rough sex?
It’s not all sex though. It’s just that sex plays a dominant part in Carter-Winward’s life – alongside other themes like relationships, life lessons, non-conformity, art, Feminism, anger at a God she doesn’t believe in, and a lot more besides.
“my poetry/is like my own/personal/speculum./you can either handle/looking inside me,/or you can’t.”
Also, I’m gonna use her phrase ‘muppet-fuckers’ at the very earliest opportunity I have to do so.
January 23, 2018
intentions
'sometimes my darkness/ oozes out onto other people.
I try to tell them/ to stay out of the fucking way.
they insist/ they can see a light.
but really,/ they're just seeing/ the illumination
from their own/ expectations.'
social media
'i have to be polite/ on my social media sites.
this goes against my nature/ but it's worth it to avoid
the unpleasant drama of/ social media conflicts.
the secret to saying/ whatever the fuck you want to say
is to find a cute little/ graphic to say it for you.
then all is forgiven.'
anal
'there are two kinds of people/ in this world.
those who don't care/ when all their stuff
slides to the floor/ from the passenger seat
when they stop short,
and those who will risk life and limb
to retrieve it all/ while still driving.'
In 'No Secrets', you will find the awkward beauty of brutal honesty touching on just about everything there is possible to talk about. Each poem sneaks up on you like a second tequila sunrise and leaves you drunk with emotions you forgot you had, laughter and possibly some name calling. Her poetry is as real as it gets.
My favorite poem was 'wrench'.
tissue
'i feel closest to my husband
when he uses his cock
to dry my tears.'
'sometimes my darkness/ oozes out onto other people.
I try to tell them/ to stay out of the fucking way.
they insist/ they can see a light.
but really,/ they're just seeing/ the illumination
from their own/ expectations.'
social media
'i have to be polite/ on my social media sites.
this goes against my nature/ but it's worth it to avoid
the unpleasant drama of/ social media conflicts.
the secret to saying/ whatever the fuck you want to say
is to find a cute little/ graphic to say it for you.
then all is forgiven.'
anal
'there are two kinds of people/ in this world.
those who don't care/ when all their stuff
slides to the floor/ from the passenger seat
when they stop short,
and those who will risk life and limb
to retrieve it all/ while still driving.'
In 'No Secrets', you will find the awkward beauty of brutal honesty touching on just about everything there is possible to talk about. Each poem sneaks up on you like a second tequila sunrise and leaves you drunk with emotions you forgot you had, laughter and possibly some name calling. Her poetry is as real as it gets.
My favorite poem was 'wrench'.
tissue
'i feel closest to my husband
when he uses his cock
to dry my tears.'
March 12, 2016
Wow. This writer has, well, I was going to say balls, but since she's not packing testicles, lets say GUTS. This is a person's life laid bare, which happens to be hilarious most of the time. I was recommended this book by Raegan Butcher, and I figured it was going to be heavy, but its funny as hell for a lot of it. Other times it can be quite sad, but guess what? That is the way life is. This is writing packed with humor, compassion and courage. I will be sharing this book with as many people as I can.
May 17, 2015
Another book recommended to me by Raegan Butcher. Brutal, unflinching, hilarious, heartbreaking and frankly sexual. Another sterling collection from a terrific poet. Definitely an author to watch.
April 26, 2020
Another incredible collection from J.A.!
January 2, 2016
My favorite book of poems about New Year Resolutions.
March 22, 2016
I received the book in exchange for an honest review.
Here we go:
Unashamedly and brutally honest; sexually-rude… Not for the faint-hearted, lily-livered reader… Made my skin shiver with recognition to the author; one of the rare books to re-read and share
Here we go:
Unashamedly and brutally honest; sexually-rude… Not for the faint-hearted, lily-livered reader… Made my skin shiver with recognition to the author; one of the rare books to re-read and share
April 25, 2019
Raw
Raw and personal. Love the writing style, we need more of this. Writers write like they are afraid. Can't wait to read her next boo.
Raw and personal. Love the writing style, we need more of this. Writers write like they are afraid. Can't wait to read her next boo.
March 3, 2021
I'm really confused why I'm only given 1 star to rate this by. I won this through goodreads and loved it so much it lived on my bedside table stuffed with bookmarks made of everything from sticky notes to strips of tissue. I'm sorry I forgot to review it sooner. But I was reading again my newest book, No Apologies, and I could only think about how much more I liked this one.
October 31, 2016
I liked this book a lot and that says something for someone who typically doesn't look for poetry to read. I agree about the caveats regarding sensitivity to language. The book is raw and honest.
April 16, 2016
This book is not for me. The poetry is violent, brutal, and obscene. I only got through a few poems and had to stop. (I flipped through the rest of the book to see if there was a change, but there was not.) It seems to have been written as a catharsis for the author. If bleeding inside from rough sex sounds like your idea of a good topic, then this book may be for you.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
I received this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
April 3, 2016
I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways
Wow, this collection of poems had me in hysterics.
This is such a brave book, a persons life laid out on the pages in a series of poems.
I will definitely be looking into reading some more of this authors work.
Wow, this collection of poems had me in hysterics.
This is such a brave book, a persons life laid out on the pages in a series of poems.
I will definitely be looking into reading some more of this authors work.
April 17, 2016
great work
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews