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I Love My Love
A compilation of spoken word love poems.
116 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
January 2, 2017
I wanted to start the year with poetry. I really loved Lang Leav and Amanda Lovelace, both published by Andrews McMeel. So, while browsing the publisher's page on NetGalley, I decided to give Reyna Mays a try.
Unfortunately, having a good publishing house doesn't necessarily mean you get to like the author, too.
The first thing that irked me was the lack of capital letters. Lovelace did the same, but her hitting Enter after every two words or so, helped very much. Mays writes even whole paragraphs without caps. That made it hard for me to read.
Then, there's the fact that Mays seems angry and bitter most of the time (and curses a lot). And while I am like that, too, most of the time, I didn't want to read about it. I hoped to find out how she overcame most of her shortcomings. So... this was really not to my liking.
*Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, having a good publishing house doesn't necessarily mean you get to like the author, too.
The first thing that irked me was the lack of capital letters. Lovelace did the same, but her hitting Enter after every two words or so, helped very much. Mays writes even whole paragraphs without caps. That made it hard for me to read.
Then, there's the fact that Mays seems angry and bitter most of the time (and curses a lot). And while I am like that, too, most of the time, I didn't want to read about it. I hoped to find out how she overcame most of her shortcomings. So... this was really not to my liking.
*Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2017
By the title alone, “I Love My Love” readers may not be at all surprised to learn that Reyna (Mays) Biddy (1994-) discussed her own love addiction in her intimate debut poetry collection. This coming-of-age volume is also scheduled for formal release on Valentine’s Day.
Biddy, from an unnamed city in California, recalls her parent’s dysfunctional troubled marriage. With her Spanish speaking mother apparently leaving the family, her father, left in the poison of anger and bitterness towards her mother which she spoke of: (for my mother/who gave me her heart/we will never be on the same beat) ~ (for my father/who gave me his soul/we will never feel the same things) Biddy also said: “I wanted to sing my parents love song.” The messages are mixed, in “my mother’s interlude”. The news of her mother’s death from unknown causes is only briefly mentioned, her loss is felt on a deeper level as Biddy writes “self-parenting” poetry a mother may have written her daughter of advice and love. Many of the poems are simply titled, a few words or less. “Little me” is about Biddy’s younger sister.
Young teen love is fresh and fearless, early writings include: “results” – “pseudo” to remind her that without him she is nothing. – “10 Reasons I Could Never Leave” – “halfway close” – “rhetoric” – “love note” –“free styles off chardonnay” – Biddy then writes: (to all the boys I loved/Forgive me for giving you/So much power over me/You were never worthy)
Most of the poetry is of love, longing, and broken dreams when romantic relationships don’t work out. The men Biddy chose professed undying love, desire, and need for her in their lives, yet it seemed that after they got what they wanted they left her. At times she seemed on the verge of desperation to please, doing whatever she could to impress these men. “Sweet Talkin’ Guy” (1966) song by the Chiffon’s kept coming to mind while reading most of these poems. Standing by Biddy’s concepts of self-love that bring her the dignity and respect she deserves, may take additional time. Biddy seems genuinely grateful for her astonishing gift to write, to share, encourage, and inspire others in this nicely done volume of poetry. ~ Many thanks to NetGalley for the e-DRC for the purpose of review.
Biddy, from an unnamed city in California, recalls her parent’s dysfunctional troubled marriage. With her Spanish speaking mother apparently leaving the family, her father, left in the poison of anger and bitterness towards her mother which she spoke of: (for my mother/who gave me her heart/we will never be on the same beat) ~ (for my father/who gave me his soul/we will never feel the same things) Biddy also said: “I wanted to sing my parents love song.” The messages are mixed, in “my mother’s interlude”. The news of her mother’s death from unknown causes is only briefly mentioned, her loss is felt on a deeper level as Biddy writes “self-parenting” poetry a mother may have written her daughter of advice and love. Many of the poems are simply titled, a few words or less. “Little me” is about Biddy’s younger sister.
Young teen love is fresh and fearless, early writings include: “results” – “pseudo” to remind her that without him she is nothing. – “10 Reasons I Could Never Leave” – “halfway close” – “rhetoric” – “love note” –“free styles off chardonnay” – Biddy then writes: (to all the boys I loved/Forgive me for giving you/So much power over me/You were never worthy)
Most of the poetry is of love, longing, and broken dreams when romantic relationships don’t work out. The men Biddy chose professed undying love, desire, and need for her in their lives, yet it seemed that after they got what they wanted they left her. At times she seemed on the verge of desperation to please, doing whatever she could to impress these men. “Sweet Talkin’ Guy” (1966) song by the Chiffon’s kept coming to mind while reading most of these poems. Standing by Biddy’s concepts of self-love that bring her the dignity and respect she deserves, may take additional time. Biddy seems genuinely grateful for her astonishing gift to write, to share, encourage, and inspire others in this nicely done volume of poetry. ~ Many thanks to NetGalley for the e-DRC for the purpose of review.
March 7, 2022
There's something special about a writer that can make you feel and it doesn't apply to you. I think that’s what I love poetry so much and now it’s my go to! Learning me is my favorite poem in the whole book. It’s always hard for me to pick a favorite but that’s it. I realize that I give a lot of 5 star ratings but I feel I read a lot of good shit so oh well. Fight me.
March 16, 2020
I Love My Love is an another poetry collection. It was written by Reyna Mays. This poetry collection is raw, sharp, unapologetic. I feels like an uncut diamond.
I Love My Love is a poetry collection I have quite divided opinions about. Some of the poems were heartbreaking, I connected completely with the ideas they were carrying. For example: pseudo and on however long.
"I was wondering if you could be my everything -
after I realized I would be anything for you.
...
I can still smell you on my skin.
Our nights feel like decades
while our hearts beg for centuries.
I am sure,
I could spend lifetimes with you."
This is an excerpt from the poem on however long. This poem. I do not even know where to start. I loved every single line. It is full, filled with that special kind of suicidal love I would die for (excuse the pun). It is strong and it takes you to lands undiscovered.
I did not read this poem, I absorbed it.
There is also an another point of view I have on this poetry collection. I felt like some of the poems were forced and even unnecessary. This might seem harsh, but it is the truth.
In conclusion, I would recommend this poetry collection, but with a warning that you might love it or hate it. Some poems might stand out to you while others might make you want to skip them.
This poetry collection tells the truth of relationships nowadays, be ready to find yourself in them.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://bookprejudice.wordpress.com/2...
I Love My Love is a poetry collection I have quite divided opinions about. Some of the poems were heartbreaking, I connected completely with the ideas they were carrying. For example: pseudo and on however long.
"I was wondering if you could be my everything -
after I realized I would be anything for you.
...
I can still smell you on my skin.
Our nights feel like decades
while our hearts beg for centuries.
I am sure,
I could spend lifetimes with you."
This is an excerpt from the poem on however long. This poem. I do not even know where to start. I loved every single line. It is full, filled with that special kind of suicidal love I would die for (excuse the pun). It is strong and it takes you to lands undiscovered.
I did not read this poem, I absorbed it.
There is also an another point of view I have on this poetry collection. I felt like some of the poems were forced and even unnecessary. This might seem harsh, but it is the truth.
In conclusion, I would recommend this poetry collection, but with a warning that you might love it or hate it. Some poems might stand out to you while others might make you want to skip them.
This poetry collection tells the truth of relationships nowadays, be ready to find yourself in them.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
https://bookprejudice.wordpress.com/2...
October 1, 2020
Another collection of ~*modern poetry*~ that failed to generate any interest from me. It follows the trend: disregard for proper punctuation, uncapitalized text, aesthetics.
While I did think that this book tried to tackle deeper, more complex, and darker themes, the exploration of these themes was unmemorable and unremarkable because the lines and verses were lyrically, structurally awful. I couldn't make sense of any rhythm or any kind of meter, which greatly diminished my enjoyment. More often than not, I was confused and uninterested.
Definitely not my cup of tea.
Disclosure: ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
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While I did think that this book tried to tackle deeper, more complex, and darker themes, the exploration of these themes was unmemorable and unremarkable because the lines and verses were lyrically, structurally awful. I couldn't make sense of any rhythm or any kind of meter, which greatly diminished my enjoyment. More often than not, I was confused and uninterested.
Definitely not my cup of tea.
Disclosure: ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
🌻🍃 More bookish content on Shut up, Shealea 🍃🌻
instagram • pinterest • twitter
February 6, 2018
This was such a raw and moving poetry collection.
May 1, 2020
Tak mě po dlouhé době zklamala básnická sbírka. Tohle není ani ukázka dobré práce s emocemi, ani to nikam nesměřuje. Jsou to jen stránky plné textu. A téma, které by mě jinak opravdu zajímalo, mě tady vůbec neoslovilo.
1/5*
1/5*
May 22, 2018
Actual rating: 3.5/5
There are some brilliant, beautiful, incredible passages in this book.
One particular poem struck me, and I related to it in a way I never have with any other poem I’ve read.
There are some brilliant, beautiful, incredible passages in this book.
One particular poem struck me, and I related to it in a way I never have with any other poem I’ve read.
April 16, 2017
The actual formatting of these poems drove me absolutely insane. I think after a while I just got used to it but it still made me cringe a bit.
Some poems in this collection are full fledge paragraphs, and some are lists. Great spin on a poetry collection but if you're going to do it, BRING IT! You have to do it and be flawless with it..and I just couldn't vibe with it.
With that being said, the author does tackle some important issues and is a big advocate for self love which I respect. I will keep an eye out for more from Biddy and follow her growth as a writer. It takes guts to spill your heart out to the world and have it criticized and I'm excited to see where this journey goes for her, I just wasn't the biggest fan of this collection.
Some poems in this collection are full fledge paragraphs, and some are lists. Great spin on a poetry collection but if you're going to do it, BRING IT! You have to do it and be flawless with it..and I just couldn't vibe with it.
With that being said, the author does tackle some important issues and is a big advocate for self love which I respect. I will keep an eye out for more from Biddy and follow her growth as a writer. It takes guts to spill your heart out to the world and have it criticized and I'm excited to see where this journey goes for her, I just wasn't the biggest fan of this collection.
November 21, 2017
okay book. nothing really memorable. liked some of the poems, specially the ones about self love.
July 22, 2025
« the moment you said
"i don't love you anymore" -
i decided i don't love me anymore,
either. »
Discorvered Reyna years ago on her podcast. I have so much love for this woman.
"i don't love you anymore" -
i decided i don't love me anymore,
either. »
Discorvered Reyna years ago on her podcast. I have so much love for this woman.
Read
February 6, 2017I honestly just could not get into this book, and I really don’t know why. The description was great, and I absolutely love the cover. I suppose I just couldn’t entirely relate to it? With that being said, I liked the structure of the poems and the mix between verse/prose (and the prose part reading like verse! A very nice touch). You honestly have to be a 100% avid poetry reader, and a fan of her Tumblr page (link below) to truly love this book. Her message is beautiful, and it’s the main reason why I kept on reading. Just LOVE yourself, don’t let anyone change who you are, and don’t take crap from no one. This book can open up the door to so many discussions about loving yourself, and how to get there, so I really admire Reyna for sharing her story with us, in this way.
Read my full review on my blog, ReadingMaria: https://mariazuppardi.wordpress.com/2...
Read my full review on my blog, ReadingMaria: https://mariazuppardi.wordpress.com/2...
April 24, 2017
I flipped through this book back in March but couldn't justify buying it at the time, but the sections I read kept floating around in my mind and wouldn't leave me alone so I finally just bought it. And w-o-w. It was incredible.
There are poems in here that captured pieces of myself I've never found the right words for--it felt like looking into a mirror and recognizing my own face looking back at me when I was expecting just a window into another person's life. There are definitely some poems that just didn't fit well with me or that I didn't like as well, which is why I rated this 4 stars, but it honestly was fantastic.
There are poems in here that captured pieces of myself I've never found the right words for--it felt like looking into a mirror and recognizing my own face looking back at me when I was expecting just a window into another person's life. There are definitely some poems that just didn't fit well with me or that I didn't like as well, which is why I rated this 4 stars, but it honestly was fantastic.
September 5, 2018
Sort of tired of people taking journal entries, breaking them into smaller sentences and calling it poetry. Besides a handful of poems, this collections was basic, asinine, and lacked any sort of depth or skill. Hard pass.
May 11, 2017
Her voice literally and figuratively gives me beyond chills. I cried reading this. But to visualize the words she's portrayed was truly something. I recommend this book for many women!
June 11, 2017
This poetry collection might be my new favorite. She writes of the heartbreak that comes with loving those who don't love you back, and it is all so relatable. A must read of modern poetry.
August 2, 2019
“Loving yourself is the most fulfilling and beautiful love that life has to offer.
Unfortunately, we're all looking to love someone else..
we're all looking to be loved by someone else, first.”
Unfortunately, we're all looking to love someone else..
we're all looking to be loved by someone else, first.”
February 17, 2020
This was lovely. Biddy's work is all too relatable and hurts me in the best way. I've gone back to some of my favourite poems and reread them so many times just because the're so beautiful.
July 19, 2023
reading along with her album for this is perfect. her voice is beautiful. this is probably only worth 3 stars but nostalgia deserves the extra rating
June 28, 2019
This is a book I would have loved to have read when I was younger.
December 2, 2021
This book is just a straight up no for me. I don't really care for long poems, but if they're done properly, they're not so bad. She did not do them properly. These poems were all over the place. She tried to tell a story with these poems and kind of failed.
1.5
1.5
March 31, 2017
A journey through love. Broken love. Forgotten love. And most importantly, self love.
October 20, 2020
There's this love-hate feeling when I read similar books to Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey.
Because:
1) So many better poetry books have already been written in similar vein but have been underrated. (I am discovering a few every other week like this one...and I am not even sorry to say this: this one is a lot better!).
Now I cannot stop asking why was it so overhyped?
2) I still love that book because of its hype I actually began reading poetry and made me explore more poetry.
This one is good.
I won't say it's perfect or amazing but yes, it's genuine and honest and hopeful.
Like as mentioned before, it is along the themes tackled in Rupi Kaur's books: abuse, relationships in which one loves more and getting hurt, body shaming, teenage pregnancy, racial discrimination, loving and accepting oneself, letting go and being hopeful.
No trigger warnings from my side.
Swear words alert though 🧐
Love it still.
It takes lots of courage to write about your biggest fears and weaknesses and make them known to the world.
Because:
1) So many better poetry books have already been written in similar vein but have been underrated. (I am discovering a few every other week like this one...and I am not even sorry to say this: this one is a lot better!).
Now I cannot stop asking why was it so overhyped?
2) I still love that book because of its hype I actually began reading poetry and made me explore more poetry.
This one is good.
I won't say it's perfect or amazing but yes, it's genuine and honest and hopeful.
Like as mentioned before, it is along the themes tackled in Rupi Kaur's books: abuse, relationships in which one loves more and getting hurt, body shaming, teenage pregnancy, racial discrimination, loving and accepting oneself, letting go and being hopeful.
No trigger warnings from my side.
Swear words alert though 🧐
Love it still.
It takes lots of courage to write about your biggest fears and weaknesses and make them known to the world.
January 20, 2016
"I Love My Love is no filter, no B.S. It’s vulnerable, raw, and unapologetic. She shows you the messiness of learning to love who you are and that it’s an on-going process that you eventually, with time and patience, get better at." http://www.germmagazine.com/poetry-re...
June 3, 2017
This collection of beautiful poetry inspired me to reflect my love on others and make my feelings known where due. It was my go to book before I went to bed, because it made me happy for the most part. I highly recommend this book for my fellow poetry lovers!!
March 23, 2016
The lack of proper grammar drove me nuts.
April 30, 2016
Beautiful!!
This book was awesome. It made me cry because I felt that the words I was reading was my inner self finally having the right words to express itself.
This book was awesome. It made me cry because I felt that the words I was reading was my inner self finally having the right words to express itself.
May 15, 2017
If i could give this book a million stars i would. She was able to write something so completely relatable i was almost in tears at least five times. So amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews