Alternative Sermons

by The Hellpoet

In this profound and enigmatic debut, The Hellpoet presents a set of passionate sermons for those who wish to find their faith in all the ‘wrong’ places. Exploring gender, sociology, and the inexplicable allure of Willem Dafoe, Alternative Sermons is a trip through the life of a man hell-bent on justice for anyone who’s ever been made to feel as if they don’t fit into a world that simply isn’t built for - or even ready for - their existence.

Genres: Poetry

44 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2024

Reviews

[emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only is this book a whole piece of art in itself with unbelievably extraordinary writing and invaluable themes, Alternative Sermons makes you re-evaluate your privilege, your choices, your life. It made me grieve my past mistakes, it made me feel immense shame, it made me angry with myself—and thank the gods for that. If you’re someone who thinks you’re an ally, who thinks you’re supportive enough, who thinks you’re doing enough, I invite you to read this with an open and humble mind, and check your accountability. You will find yourself overwhelmed with emotions. You will laugh, you will be in awe, you will be inspired, but most importantly—you will be uncomfortable. Accountability is uncomfortable. Change is uncomfortable. But change is also necessary. I wholeheartedly thank the author for baring his soul for all the world to see in the hope that change might happen. The least we can do is this.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Hellpoet is a talented poet and his poetry is made to be performed rather than read. Go see Hell on tour!

So perhaps that’s why I found his esoteric gothic character too loud at times. This is performance, theatrical poetry. He weaves his trans, neurodiverse person of colour identity, which I really wanted to understand over the course of this pamphlet; but he prioritised character and eccentricity, rather than being introspective. I forgot this is a Hellpoet collection, not a collection by whoever is behind the alias.

The Hellpoet is a theatrical character meant to be performed, blending queerness, stand up performance art with influence from the queer Yorkshire poetry scene. Reading a poetry collection from a stand up poet that’s meant to be performed in various different staging effects (I’ve seen them live), was an interesting experience and a reminder that there are multiple different ways to enjoy poetry.

Please support Written Off Publishing that publishes this collection. Theyre an independent publishing press based in the North of England, giving publishing opportunities where traditional publishing neglects.

[Sharona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry is usually not my go-to, but I gladly made an exception for The Hellpoet.

With a combination of funny and serious, every poem drew me in and made me think. The Hellpoet's writing style feels real. Easy to understand, no pretense, and yet no less beautiful.

I'd highly recommend this book.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be the very first to admit that I simply do not read enough poetry, which is entirely my own fault, it's a genre that I simply do not seek out often enough. Even though I love watching spoken word and poetry competitions and shows, I just never end up 'reading' poetry books.

Now, when a friend mentions they have a poetry collection published, there was only one thing to do: order it and dive right in.

I like to take my time reading poetry, letting each poem sink in, reading parts out loud to myself, which is why this short bundle did take me about two weeks to read.

Generally, I really loved this bundle. It’s a nice mix of social commentary, pop culture references, introspection and a big dose of dark humor that made me chuckle out loud multiple times. I loved the theme, the cadence and the overall vibe of the bundle a lot, and I have several of them tabbed for re-reading and enjoying!

Highly recommend for someone who’s not afraid to confront their own thinking patterns, who has a great love for pop culture and would like a chuckle with their confrontation.