sex and oatmeal

by Eric Guilmette

In his debut poetry collection sex and oatmeal, Eric Guilmette explores the complexities of love, identity, and what it means to feel deeply in a world that often asks us not to.

This is a book that lives in the warm, honeyed rush of intimacy and the thick, cold quiet that follows... the ache of absence, the weight of longing, the emotional staleness of something once comforting, now unfinished and forgotten.

With a voice that's emotionally honest, refreshingly vulnerable, and unmistakably his own, Eric invites his readers into an intimate space... one shaped by passion, reflection, and unflinching truth.

Through the lens of a man learning what it means to come of age not once, but again and again, these poems capture the electricity of new love, the beauty of intimacy, and the bittersweet ache of loss. His words resonate with raw sincerity that feels deeply personal yet relatable, grounded in his signature "Eric-isms" that lend each piece a distinct, lived-in texture.

sex and oatmeal doesn't shy away from discomfort. It lingers in the awkward, the aching, and the tender, offering readers a mirror to see their own messiness. Whether it's the dizzying rush of falling in love or the quiet wreckage of heartbreak, Eric meets each moment with care and courage.

This collection is an offering for anyone who has ever felt too much, wanted too deeply, or dared to hope again. More than poetry, it's a raw, human experience, stirred gently into verse... served warm or cold.

Genres: Poetry

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

Reviews

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled upon Eric after getting swept away by a captivating vertical movie advertised on Instagram. I had no clue who he was, except for the fact that he was incredibly talented, so I googled him. I began following him on Instagram and discovered that he was a poet. I wanted to support him, so I ordered his new book. I must say, I was blown away by the depth of emotion this young man conveyed through his writing. His words resonated deeply with me, evoking feelings I thought were long buried. As someone who hasn't always been fortunate in love, having raised my son on my own since he was six, I found solace in Eric's poetry. His words awakened a longing in me for a love I've never known. Though I've lost hope at times, Eric's beautiful, heart-wrenching poems reminded me that it's never too late to hold onto hope. This book is an emotional journey that will leave you transformed. I highly recommend giving this talented new author a chance. You'll be inspired.

[Chandra Tuggle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah…where do I begin??

Eric Guilmette truly bares his heart and soul in sex and oatmeal.

It’s equal parts love letter, confession, prayer, and words to live by. As I suspected would be the case, I completely devoured this beautiful book of poetry, but I know I will definitely come back for seconds, thirds, and long after that as Eric’s words keep you wanting more. I mean more wisdom, more glimpses into love found, love lost, passion remembered, and living in the now.

These are words you want to wrap yourself in as the fall leaves turn colors, sit with by a cozy fire in winter, savor as you welcome the renewal of spring, and bathe yourself in under that glorious summer sunshine.

Trust me. Your bookshelf needs and deserves this remarkable collection of poetry, or as I like to think of it, Eric Guilmette’s “symphony of wisdom.”

Grab your copy today!!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt every emotion as I read these beautiful words. So much love and vulnerability in every page. Loved this book for what it represents.

[DragonReader167 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this work of art more than five stars. It is pure art from a pure man. Eric captures the essence of humanity in these pages and puts them on display for all to see. The good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between.

I laughed. I cried. I stared in awe at the words on these pages, the art they created.

Thank you Eric, you're a pure soul. Thank you for this masterpiece. Thank you for sharing it with us. Just... thank you.

[Miss Rachael Calver · Rating 5 out of 5]

working my way through & loving his poetry so far. Definitely a pick up, put down book ❤️❤️

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.

His poetry touches the soul in ways that are incomprehensible from a man in his early thirties. He must be an old soul to have such depth and understanding.

I will reread this often

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh Eric what a beautiful, openhearted, lovely man you are!
(now please work on that audiobook as these words deserve your beautiful voice as well)
some of these poems just feel like they were written right for me

might not be the most objective person here, but ever since my UK bestie introduced me to Eric and his work (both acting and writing), we've been sharing our fave quotes and all daily.

[Nathalia Penalvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautifully written. It’s a beautiful poetry book filled with the first heart flutters of initial love, the joy of togetherness and discovery, thru heartbreak and finally strength and courage to overcome that heartbreak.
It’s such a wonderful book with so many poems that linger in your mind and heart and just bring you back to your own life experiences and really bring those emotions to the surface but in such a way that stays with you for days.

[Kyla Fairbrother · Rating 5 out of 5]

These beautiful words take you, the reader, on an enlightening experience. You may not resonate with many but I was hit with the first poem and it never settled. I didn’t want to put it down. It was refreshing and empowering. Inner reflection triggered by words so eloquently written but real and raw.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In sex and oatmeal, poet Eric Guilmette wears his heart outside of his body. You see, you feel and you get swallowed up by the passion in his poetry. I smiled, I sighed, I teared up. It’s all the emotions we feel as humans laid out in front of us. It’s a keeper for sure and I look forward to seeing much more from his heart.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different perspective ( from a man)

I've always read books based on a woman's point of view....There's plenty of worthy advice in here if you're willing to open up. I'm 68, and at that time in my life where it's now or never to have what I need. I'm going to take chances, be naked more, and be more honest with myself. Thank you Eric.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW!

If you haven't read this book. I highly recommend it.

He's not only a talented actor, but he's an amazing poet.

The emotions and feelings that this book made me feel are indescribable.

[Mavis Koon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with his acting, Eric has a unique way of expressing all kinds of emotions. I’ve cried many times watching his projects, listening to him read his poetry or reading it on my own. He doesn’t shy away from deep feelings that we sometimes don’t want to dwell on. Amazing young man.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the book alongside Eric reading it on Audible his dulcet tones carry you to a place you never imagined you could reach.

One word of warning don't listen to the book while driving as it can be distracting.
Highly recommend this poetry

[Ari Kom · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75/5 stars

[November · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m not sure what I should have expected from someone who uses lines like “you are a big-ass heart with a big ass” (p. 29) and calls it poetry.