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beyond rock bottom: a collection of poetry
"how wrong, how twisted, how ill-fated it should be that you were the one to bring out my poetry." A collection of poetry written by Kara Petrovic, a 21 year old who struggles with plenty. These poems give a look into the heartbreak, anguish, and ultimately, acceptance that comes to those afflicted with Mental Illness. Spanning across three years, they are an anthology of her relationships -- with those who loved her, those who did not, those whom she loved and the way she tried to love herself.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2017
85 people are currently reading
1707 people want to read
About the author
Kara Petrovic
4 books62 followers"Kara Petrovic" is currently publishing under Milo E. Gorgevska. Their latest collection, "Destructive Heresies" is published by Cathexis Northwest Press, for release Oct 1 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 11, 2018
A book of poetry in which I felt that by reading I glimpsed inside the very soul of the poet.
Really touched my heart and made me feel the emotions that where in the prose.
Beautiful and inspiring. This book will have a permanent place on my bookshelf.
Thank you to the author,publisher and of course Goodreads for a copy of this wonderful book.
It was really appreciated. Recommended. Xxx
Really touched my heart and made me feel the emotions that where in the prose.
Beautiful and inspiring. This book will have a permanent place on my bookshelf.
Thank you to the author,publisher and of course Goodreads for a copy of this wonderful book.
It was really appreciated. Recommended. Xxx
November 1, 2017
Love heals all.
Love overcomes all.
And though you cannot love someone's illness away.
Sometimes it is best to love them at all."
This book was beautiful. The emotions were so vivid and honest.
November 21, 2017
‘i think i really did love you in a way i never had before. i think love always shows up in different ways’
Poet Kara Petrovic a young and gifted poet who has shard her life with mental illnesses and her self therapy has been her writing. Her poems have been identified as genderfluid and LGBTQ.
In a short preface Kara offers a touching view of this book – ‘This is a collection of my writings that concern my illness, my trauma and reflect a negative time in my life. Yet still, I believe that this world can be filled with magic if you let it. I believe anything is possible, and that we all have some purpose, something valuable to contribute to the world — so long as we can find it within ourselves. I believe that people are kind at their core, and it's the world that makes them hard. I believe that deep down we know who the right people are. It's a feeling you can't describe or place, but you just know — they're the ones who matter, who will show up every time, who will be tied to you in this life. I believe we all have a light within us, and some of us either don't believe we're capable or we grew used to hiding it behind layers. There is no happy ending yet, but I’m alive, and that to me is good enough.’
The poems own a savage beauty that are as sensitive as any poetry of our time, partly because of the innate gift of Kara’s talent, and in part due to the courage he has the strength to share. An example follows.
ON THORNS
there is a thorn stuck in my leg.
i ask you once then twice if you feel it,
you tell me i've asked you this before
i sew my lips into a smile and you tell me
it's the prettiest i've ever been
there is a thorn stuck in my leg.
i tell you i'm itching, itching,
the kind of itch i can't escape from,
the kind of itch that has no start,
no end,
and no middle at all.
the kind of itch that makes me want to rip my skin off
and you say i'm talking too much
so i turn the volume down on my brain
and you thank me for the quiet
there is a thorn stuck in my leg
or my arm
or my neck
it's the same, i say
it's the same
even if it isn't
there is a thorn stuck in my leg
and i am buzzing, buzzing, buzzing
until you ask if maybe i am the bee
and i am the one who has stung herself
you laugh but i think you're afraid
there is a thorn stuck in my leg—
i am smiling
a thorn—
i am screaming
a thorn— i am smiling
a thorn—
there is a thorn stuck in my leg
i'm laughing now
you say it sounds like i'm crying
and you wish i would stop
so i reach in with jagged hands
and pull out my lungs
laying them out like lovely flowers,
laying them out like the reddest of roses,
laying them out like only you could have seen,
and you tell me,
you tell me,
it's the prettiest i've ever been
Very powerful works by an exceptional poet. Read these glimmers of sanity being carved from a world that makes little sense and the poems grow into your psyche – if you let them
Poet Kara Petrovic a young and gifted poet who has shard her life with mental illnesses and her self therapy has been her writing. Her poems have been identified as genderfluid and LGBTQ.
In a short preface Kara offers a touching view of this book – ‘This is a collection of my writings that concern my illness, my trauma and reflect a negative time in my life. Yet still, I believe that this world can be filled with magic if you let it. I believe anything is possible, and that we all have some purpose, something valuable to contribute to the world — so long as we can find it within ourselves. I believe that people are kind at their core, and it's the world that makes them hard. I believe that deep down we know who the right people are. It's a feeling you can't describe or place, but you just know — they're the ones who matter, who will show up every time, who will be tied to you in this life. I believe we all have a light within us, and some of us either don't believe we're capable or we grew used to hiding it behind layers. There is no happy ending yet, but I’m alive, and that to me is good enough.’
The poems own a savage beauty that are as sensitive as any poetry of our time, partly because of the innate gift of Kara’s talent, and in part due to the courage he has the strength to share. An example follows.
ON THORNS
there is a thorn stuck in my leg.
i ask you once then twice if you feel it,
you tell me i've asked you this before
i sew my lips into a smile and you tell me
it's the prettiest i've ever been
there is a thorn stuck in my leg.
i tell you i'm itching, itching,
the kind of itch i can't escape from,
the kind of itch that has no start,
no end,
and no middle at all.
the kind of itch that makes me want to rip my skin off
and you say i'm talking too much
so i turn the volume down on my brain
and you thank me for the quiet
there is a thorn stuck in my leg
or my arm
or my neck
it's the same, i say
it's the same
even if it isn't
there is a thorn stuck in my leg
and i am buzzing, buzzing, buzzing
until you ask if maybe i am the bee
and i am the one who has stung herself
you laugh but i think you're afraid
there is a thorn stuck in my leg—
i am smiling
a thorn—
i am screaming
a thorn— i am smiling
a thorn—
there is a thorn stuck in my leg
i'm laughing now
you say it sounds like i'm crying
and you wish i would stop
so i reach in with jagged hands
and pull out my lungs
laying them out like lovely flowers,
laying them out like the reddest of roses,
laying them out like only you could have seen,
and you tell me,
you tell me,
it's the prettiest i've ever been
Very powerful works by an exceptional poet. Read these glimmers of sanity being carved from a world that makes little sense and the poems grow into your psyche – if you let them
July 14, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
The thing is, I don't usually read poetry. Like, I just had to add a "poetry" shelf to my Goodreads because of this. I had read a bit of Kara's poetry before and it made me want to read more, so I did. It honestly makes me want to read more poetry than I currently do? Because it made me feel all sorts of ways. There are some poems and lines that I could feel in my soul and it hurts. In good-bad ways I have no idea.
I still don't think poetry is My Thing, not like fiction is, but damn I really liked this. I think my type of poetry would be the loud, angry, hurt, unapologetic kind, though. And poems about mental illness and trauma really speak to my little scarred soul. So a lot of these poems did, too. And I really loved it.
TW: mental illness, mention of self-harm/suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, toxic relationships, alcohol.
The thing is, I don't usually read poetry. Like, I just had to add a "poetry" shelf to my Goodreads because of this. I had read a bit of Kara's poetry before and it made me want to read more, so I did. It honestly makes me want to read more poetry than I currently do? Because it made me feel all sorts of ways. There are some poems and lines that I could feel in my soul and it hurts. In good-bad ways I have no idea.
I still don't think poetry is My Thing, not like fiction is, but damn I really liked this. I think my type of poetry would be the loud, angry, hurt, unapologetic kind, though. And poems about mental illness and trauma really speak to my little scarred soul. So a lot of these poems did, too. And I really loved it.
TW: mental illness, mention of self-harm/suicidal thoughts, sexual assault, toxic relationships, alcohol.
December 30, 2017
actual rating 4.75
Oh this was just lovely! I related to a lot of aspects of this book and I really loved so many of the poems in this. There were, as always is the case with poetry, some poems I didn't love, hence the 4.75 but overall this is easily one of the best poetry collections I've ever read.
Oh this was just lovely! I related to a lot of aspects of this book and I really loved so many of the poems in this. There were, as always is the case with poetry, some poems I didn't love, hence the 4.75 but overall this is easily one of the best poetry collections I've ever read.
April 3, 2018
"....and if i am a goddess, my mother is the titan that came before me, unfathomably powerful, and the fabric of my very universe."
April 3, 2018
Powerful words on love and fear and pain from a 22-year-old with bipolar and borderline personality disorder.
April 23, 2018
Everyone should read this. I haven't read poetry before that captures what I feel in the midst of the storm, but this, this beautifully encompasses it all. And I think the best way to express my love for this poetry collection is to include my favorite piece.
"And when I fell, I fell from the atmosphere, but the ground did not cushion my fall.
I plummeted deep within the earth, just missing oblivion but nestling instead into the centre of the void.
I grew comfortable here, I let it seep into my bones.
And I can hear you calling and I can see you reaching but alas I cannot feel anything at all."
"And when I fell, I fell from the atmosphere, but the ground did not cushion my fall.
I plummeted deep within the earth, just missing oblivion but nestling instead into the centre of the void.
I grew comfortable here, I let it seep into my bones.
And I can hear you calling and I can see you reaching but alas I cannot feel anything at all."
April 10, 2018
Beyond Rock Bottom: A Collection of Poetry by Kara Petrovic is a compilation of the author's prose, chronicling some incredibly dark and difficult times in life. There is a cautionary clause as the book begins, a trigger warning for depictions that include suicide, mental illness, and sexual assault. Coincidentally, there is a poem called "Little Triggers," where the author addresses this sensitivity. Petrovic also covers self-harm, gender binary, heartbreak, self-awareness and, finally, absolution and grace. Beyond Rock Bottom is broken into four separate parts: For The Ones That Did Not Love Me (all titled with "On"), For When Love Was Not Enough (all titled with "Of"), For When I Did Not Love Myself (all titled with "Little"), and For Love Itself.
Beyond Rock Bottom by Kara Petrovic is a marvel of rhythmic poetry. The writing is first rate and powerful with verses that, even in their brevity, carry Petrovic's emotion with melodic gravity. There were parts that I went back to and reread over and over, particularly a brilliantly crafted poem to the poet's mother in part three entitled "Little Questions" where Petrovic writes, "that my mother is a woman forged from the iron of the gods; that if I was a storm, my mother was the original hurricane that created me." It's clear that writing brings the author something of a cathartic release. What I didn't expect was for the gift to be extended to me, but that's exactly where I found myself: forging forward with the masterful words of a skilled poet. This is a beautiful book.
Review written by Please Pass the Books for Readers' Favorite.
Beyond Rock Bottom by Kara Petrovic is a marvel of rhythmic poetry. The writing is first rate and powerful with verses that, even in their brevity, carry Petrovic's emotion with melodic gravity. There were parts that I went back to and reread over and over, particularly a brilliantly crafted poem to the poet's mother in part three entitled "Little Questions" where Petrovic writes, "that my mother is a woman forged from the iron of the gods; that if I was a storm, my mother was the original hurricane that created me." It's clear that writing brings the author something of a cathartic release. What I didn't expect was for the gift to be extended to me, but that's exactly where I found myself: forging forward with the masterful words of a skilled poet. This is a beautiful book.
Review written by Please Pass the Books for Readers' Favorite.
March 23, 2018
In Kara’s words I found many thoughts and feelings echoing snapshots of very many lives I’ve known along my own path—and though I have very different life experiences to the poet in a lot ways, they seem to share my own uncrushable hope; a glimpse of an incorruptible potential for goodness in an often cruel and callous world. That everyone, including the cruel and callous, does the best they can. That this doesn’t excuse malfeasance, but does offer us a lens to understand its context.
These poems show an incredible self-awareness also. Kara manages to not only present feelings in words—the cornerstone of any poet’s work—but also step outside of them a little, to consider them from a cool exterior, nudge and guide them where appropriate.
I read recently a metaphor of the writing process presented as a three-headed snake; the heads each having a different task: the strategist, the dreamer, and the critic. All are vital; only the last’s bite is venomous, but sometimes the other two will gang up and kill it—and also themselves by consequence.
Kara manages all three of those heads brilliantly here, and the result is a collection of poetry that will give a valuable light for many. For some, that light will be insight to experiences far removed from their own; for others, it’ll be a reflection and a reminder they’re not alone.
All in all, a thought-provoking read, and (like many, I expect) I’m not easy to please when it comes to the often highly subjective realm that is poetry.
These poems show an incredible self-awareness also. Kara manages to not only present feelings in words—the cornerstone of any poet’s work—but also step outside of them a little, to consider them from a cool exterior, nudge and guide them where appropriate.
I read recently a metaphor of the writing process presented as a three-headed snake; the heads each having a different task: the strategist, the dreamer, and the critic. All are vital; only the last’s bite is venomous, but sometimes the other two will gang up and kill it—and also themselves by consequence.
Kara manages all three of those heads brilliantly here, and the result is a collection of poetry that will give a valuable light for many. For some, that light will be insight to experiences far removed from their own; for others, it’ll be a reflection and a reminder they’re not alone.
All in all, a thought-provoking read, and (like many, I expect) I’m not easy to please when it comes to the often highly subjective realm that is poetry.
September 18, 2018
Beyond Rock Bottom is a collection of poems mostly with a negative edge but written with personal touches and in elegant and eloquent manner. The book is for adult readers and triggers a sensitive and poignant note in our hearts. I have lots of favorites such as "Little Wolves"
i am the opposite of the boy who cried wolf
i am the boy who went silently as the wolves came around
i am the boy who allowed the wolf to maul him alive
i am the boy who went down without even a whisper and left the pieces of himself out for everyone to find
i am the boy who watched detached and separate
...
i am the wolf and they are all crying for me
Note the beauty of the poem. It catches your imagination and makes you share deeply with the writer. Also, the absence of any punctuation is not my typing fault- but the grace of the poetess. Kara Petrovic pours out her heart in its purest form and does away with any decorations of punctuation marks or capitalization. Her words are her inner most feelings and she presents them before her readers to accept them as they are. The poems are not just an expression of feeling but, has tiny stories hidden in them. They are different- and that is their unique quality.
i am the opposite of the boy who cried wolf
i am the boy who went silently as the wolves came around
i am the boy who allowed the wolf to maul him alive
i am the boy who went down without even a whisper and left the pieces of himself out for everyone to find
i am the boy who watched detached and separate
...
i am the wolf and they are all crying for me
Note the beauty of the poem. It catches your imagination and makes you share deeply with the writer. Also, the absence of any punctuation is not my typing fault- but the grace of the poetess. Kara Petrovic pours out her heart in its purest form and does away with any decorations of punctuation marks or capitalization. Her words are her inner most feelings and she presents them before her readers to accept them as they are. The poems are not just an expression of feeling but, has tiny stories hidden in them. They are different- and that is their unique quality.
January 31, 2020
This was such a touching reading. I feel somewhat emotional now. Poetry has always been something that touches my soul to its deepest ends and I think that when I keep reading this kind of sad, but at the same time very educational poetry, then I'll forever end up being heartbroken after I finish reading them. It's not a bad thing - kind of the opposite actually! Poetry is my favourite way of expressing your thoughts, feelings and even talking about your life struggles because that's what writing is about - sharing an ugly thing in a beautiful way. I loved this so much. I loved this so much that I'll keep recommending it to some of you who I think would love it, too, hehe.
Favourite parts:
“I often find myself falling for someone
who refuses to catch me,
and likewise upon waiting arms
I suddenly develop a fear of heights.
either I'm unlucky in love
or I'm obsessed with the theory
but not the practice.”
“Love heals all.
Love overcomes all.
And though you cannot love someone's illness away.
Sometimes it is best to love them at all.”
“See, I have dated death
and decided
he was not
the man for me.”
Favourite parts:
“I often find myself falling for someone
who refuses to catch me,
and likewise upon waiting arms
I suddenly develop a fear of heights.
either I'm unlucky in love
or I'm obsessed with the theory
but not the practice.”
“Love heals all.
Love overcomes all.
And though you cannot love someone's illness away.
Sometimes it is best to love them at all.”
“See, I have dated death
and decided
he was not
the man for me.”
November 22, 2017
Kara Petrovic is a very young author. And a very talented one, in my personal opinion, having already added her poetry books to the list of things to keep an eye on.
The poems reflect her struggle with some very serious Mental Illnesses, helping to raise attention to them. You can certainly feel the anguish and the pain in her words. She sounds very mature for her age and I’m sure writing helps her in the fight against her illness. This is very good writing, focused on her relationships with the spawn of 3 years, and you can see how each one of them affected the author. It is a very raw description of her feelings and how lonely and devastating it feels sometimes. It’s Kara Petrovic’s personal story and each word brings emotion to your reading. The style is quite amazing considering how young the author is. A very good reading that helps to shed some light on the world of those struggling with a mental illness.
The poems reflect her struggle with some very serious Mental Illnesses, helping to raise attention to them. You can certainly feel the anguish and the pain in her words. She sounds very mature for her age and I’m sure writing helps her in the fight against her illness. This is very good writing, focused on her relationships with the spawn of 3 years, and you can see how each one of them affected the author. It is a very raw description of her feelings and how lonely and devastating it feels sometimes. It’s Kara Petrovic’s personal story and each word brings emotion to your reading. The style is quite amazing considering how young the author is. A very good reading that helps to shed some light on the world of those struggling with a mental illness.
November 27, 2017
Beyond Rock Bottom: A Collection of Poetry by Kara Petrovic, is written by a 21 year old that struggles with PTSD and her diagnoses between Bipolar II Disorder and Borderline Personality. The collection spans across three years, looking at Kara's relationships from those who loved her, the ones that didn't, the ones she loved and the way she tried to love herself. All the poems cover topics ranging from heartbreak, emotions and coming to terms with a mental illness.
Each poem is brutally honest and beautiful at the same time. There are times that some are hard to read but they have a way of making the reader understand. Everyone has been through a dark time in their life and can find a way of relating to something she has written about. It always helps others to understand how a mental illness can affect someone.
There wasn't a favourite poem but I did enjoy reading her musings. For someone so young she's talented, I look forward to seeing what else she will publish.
Each poem is brutally honest and beautiful at the same time. There are times that some are hard to read but they have a way of making the reader understand. Everyone has been through a dark time in their life and can find a way of relating to something she has written about. It always helps others to understand how a mental illness can affect someone.
There wasn't a favourite poem but I did enjoy reading her musings. For someone so young she's talented, I look forward to seeing what else she will publish.
December 1, 2017
Deep, raw and heart wrenching
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to struggle with PTSD, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, this is the book to read. Kara Petrovic opens up a window into her souls through her writing. Beyond Rock Bottom is a collection of her writing over 3 years, she writes to those who loved her, those who didn’t love her and she writes about trying to love herself. All too often when we pick up a book of poetry there’s a hidden expectation of looking at the world through rose colored lenses. This is not the case. These are beautifully written, gut wrenching, soul bearing pieces of works that will make your heart fall knowing that someone so young has experienced so much angst that she writes some of the most soul touching pieces of work that I have read in a very long time. To say it’s worth reading would be a gross understatement. You won’t find a more Intense or heartfelt book anywhere else.
If you have ever wondered what it would be like to struggle with PTSD, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, this is the book to read. Kara Petrovic opens up a window into her souls through her writing. Beyond Rock Bottom is a collection of her writing over 3 years, she writes to those who loved her, those who didn’t love her and she writes about trying to love herself. All too often when we pick up a book of poetry there’s a hidden expectation of looking at the world through rose colored lenses. This is not the case. These are beautifully written, gut wrenching, soul bearing pieces of works that will make your heart fall knowing that someone so young has experienced so much angst that she writes some of the most soul touching pieces of work that I have read in a very long time. To say it’s worth reading would be a gross understatement. You won’t find a more Intense or heartfelt book anywhere else.
May 16, 2018
Kara Petrovic’s, “Beyond Rock Bottom: A Collection of Poetry,” gives a unique perspective to mental illness, as she herself struggles with various diagnoses. Having been diagnosed with not just PTDS, but also Bipolar II and Borderline Personality, her experiences in life are much different than anything I have ever had to endure and I think it is something that provides an alternative viewpoint on mental illness that many people may not understand due to a lack of experience. Petrovic opens up a conversation about what her experience has been and offers an educational opportunity to her readers. The poetry is beautifully written and ensnares you, making it difficult to stop reading. This is actually a large collection, in my opinion, of poetry that displays her struggle and acceptance of her diagnoses, perpetuating the idea that believing in one’s self can lead to triumph and the success that is being sought.
May 18, 2018
The topic of mental health issues is a fraught one in the US. So, it is rare that someone in the mental health community opens up about their life and their battles and publishes those words. This book is a collection of poems that deal with the harsh reality for the author, Kara Petrovic as they struggle with their relationships and their mental battles. These poems might seem at first glance simple and inelegant, but the force of the words will shock you if you truly read them with an open heart and mind.
Subtle, eerily raw and full of emotions, I found it hard to read sometimes, simply because the words had the power to make me shed a few tears. Anytime you read poems, you are reading someone’s deepest inner musings, but these seem to hit a chord. They are all very dark, so it is not a very easy or lighthearted read. If you enjoy poems that are not simpering and offer a different take on life then this collection will find a home with you.
Subtle, eerily raw and full of emotions, I found it hard to read sometimes, simply because the words had the power to make me shed a few tears. Anytime you read poems, you are reading someone’s deepest inner musings, but these seem to hit a chord. They are all very dark, so it is not a very easy or lighthearted read. If you enjoy poems that are not simpering and offer a different take on life then this collection will find a home with you.
May 21, 2018
When someone hits rock bottom, there is the optimist viewpoint that one can only go up. When that person is suffering from one or more forks of mental illness, that light is not easily seen. This poet expressed the struggles of young love and trust when there has already been broken hearts in the path to this moment. At the same time, there is beauty in the descriptions of family and close friend as well as the dark side of illness. These descriptions allow readers into the mind of something that can be understood in a way that could be relatable. There are some good lines whether it is about the history that got the author to this point or the insight on love with such wisdom for a young age.
"You are the sunrise, and I am the sunset. You are the moon, and I am a star.
'We are here,' you tell me, 'we are close.' But we have never been more far."
Overall the book tells a story and does it well.
"You are the sunrise, and I am the sunset. You are the moon, and I am a star.
'We are here,' you tell me, 'we are close.' But we have never been more far."
Overall the book tells a story and does it well.
November 27, 2017
Absolutely beautiful work! A must read that will open your eyes. What an amazing insight into the mind of someone with mental illness. The poems just blew me away with their details and information. I found that this book really helped me understand better what someone with mental illness goes through and how they see the world. The poetry was beautiful and really gave a fantastic view with how the author’s mind works. I imagine that the flow of the poems really reflexed the mental path of the author. I found that I could really understand and sympathize and hopefully communicate better with my friends and family with similar conditions. This was a fantastic read that I will be recommending to others, both friends and family. I really want to thank the author for creating this collection of work and hope that it helps others as well.
March 6, 2018
‘How wrong, how twisted, how ill-fated, it should be, that you were the one to bring out my poetry.’
The most pure and unique words that can possibly come out to you are not the ones you found by inspiration, the real ones are those who come out of your heart. We, by nature expect anything to be perfect, even when something bad happen we try desperately to find something positive out of it and try to move on, but as we learn that it might not be that easy, we also find a new perspective on what’s next for us, how to cope with the new ‘you’ and well, to simply thrive and move on.
The simple and unique take on those lines are simple outstanding, I was just reading them with nothing but silence and even try to write something afterwards, because I like to write everything that’s on my mind, but this is a memorable experience.
The most pure and unique words that can possibly come out to you are not the ones you found by inspiration, the real ones are those who come out of your heart. We, by nature expect anything to be perfect, even when something bad happen we try desperately to find something positive out of it and try to move on, but as we learn that it might not be that easy, we also find a new perspective on what’s next for us, how to cope with the new ‘you’ and well, to simply thrive and move on.
The simple and unique take on those lines are simple outstanding, I was just reading them with nothing but silence and even try to write something afterwards, because I like to write everything that’s on my mind, but this is a memorable experience.
May 8, 2018
Wow. This young pet is talented, honest, and exposing her deepest feelings in this book of poetry. Kara struggles with several ailments including PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder - all that contribute to the struggles she lays bare for all of us to read. The writing is excellent. She is very gifted and some of the poems I read several times just to soak in everything she was explaining. This is emotional, raw, and honest explanations of Kara and her love for others, the love she has received, and heartbreak she has felt. Overall this is one of the best books of poetry I have read - it connects the reader to a deeper understanding and meaning that I cannot explain, but can only feel. This is not your silly, cheery, bubbly book of poetry. It is dark, deep,and meaningful. Definitely worth a read.
June 2, 2018
This was not what I expected. I knew from going in that this is poetry from an author who struggles with mental illness, PTSD and some other conditions, but I was determined that I won’t read the poems through that lens. But, I couldn’t, because the author didn’t let me.
The poems are really heavy, themes like that can often be difficult to read about, but when you know that the author speaks from her own experience, it is a hundred times tougher. The poems themselves, even if you take the authors persona out of them, are mostly very, very good. They are direct, very visual, you can understand them on a surface level, but there are also many of them that can be interpreted in various ways if you dig deeper. I must say I couldn’t read more than ten of them in one take, I had to take a break and think about what I read. But, that is a testament to power and talent that is presented here.
The poems are really heavy, themes like that can often be difficult to read about, but when you know that the author speaks from her own experience, it is a hundred times tougher. The poems themselves, even if you take the authors persona out of them, are mostly very, very good. They are direct, very visual, you can understand them on a surface level, but there are also many of them that can be interpreted in various ways if you dig deeper. I must say I couldn’t read more than ten of them in one take, I had to take a break and think about what I read. But, that is a testament to power and talent that is presented here.
September 20, 2018
As you read Beyond Rock Bottom, you will see the depths Kara Petrovic feels as she sinks within herself desperately searching for acceptance, love, and peace within herself. She lacks the confidences others so easily put on, and she realizes what her mental state puts her through as she continually deals with abuse she for forced to endure.
Kara Petrovic reveals the raw emotions she experienced through the rejection she felt by others. Through words she is able to express what is in her heart, while using those same words as therapy to heal the wounds carved deeper than the marks engraved within her flesh. She exposes her soul and you wish so tenderly to protect her of the discarded feelings she suffered. This is an excellent read to verbalize what is going through the mind of someone who has been horribly abused or suicidal.
Kara Petrovic reveals the raw emotions she experienced through the rejection she felt by others. Through words she is able to express what is in her heart, while using those same words as therapy to heal the wounds carved deeper than the marks engraved within her flesh. She exposes her soul and you wish so tenderly to protect her of the discarded feelings she suffered. This is an excellent read to verbalize what is going through the mind of someone who has been horribly abused or suicidal.
November 1, 2018
Kara Petrovic will take you on a heartbreaking journey as you read her collection of poems that work to help bring awareness to the problems that mental illnesses can cause. These poems look at various themes, like loneliness and anger, that help to provide the reader with an understanding of those who suffer from these horrendous illnesses as well as be a comfort to those who are suffering from them. The poems also look into her relationships as she reflects on those who had her best interests in mind and those who did not. The book is broken up into three parts that each have themes relating to this.
At 173 pages, it might be a little long of a read for some people, but the poems are well-worth reading. They are descriptive and full of imagery which will help you to truly feel and consider the emotions being described.
At 173 pages, it might be a little long of a read for some people, but the poems are well-worth reading. They are descriptive and full of imagery which will help you to truly feel and consider the emotions being described.
September 18, 2018
Wow, I was not expecting to feel so much.
Kara has a skill in writing poetry that really makes you feel what she’s going through and the struggles she’s had to deal with.
Mental illness is a horrific thing that is often hard for those that haven’t experienced it to relate to. I really believe that the best way to express to those how it feels is through art. Whether that be painting, poetry or any other artistic expression, it is wonderful to see people share these experiences that are so hard to go through.
The poems really portray how hard it is for a lot of people in this world and it breaks my heart that people have to go through such anguish and pain.
Great poetry, written extremely well for someone so young.
Kara has a skill in writing poetry that really makes you feel what she’s going through and the struggles she’s had to deal with.
Mental illness is a horrific thing that is often hard for those that haven’t experienced it to relate to. I really believe that the best way to express to those how it feels is through art. Whether that be painting, poetry or any other artistic expression, it is wonderful to see people share these experiences that are so hard to go through.
The poems really portray how hard it is for a lot of people in this world and it breaks my heart that people have to go through such anguish and pain.
Great poetry, written extremely well for someone so young.
November 21, 2017
beyond rock bottom by Kara Petrovic is a moving collection of poems that tap into the author's consciousness. Sometimes bleak, sometimes hopeful with a black underbelly, these poems are nothing if not an expose of the writer's inner workings. Highly emotional and well wrought, this writing pulls you in and you feel the every emotion of Kara. Compelling and not to be missed, this collection amplifies the need for mental health advocacy and care, as we witness Kara's struggle. Highly recommended for an intriguing and masterful collection of finely tuned, captivating poetry.
February 18, 2019
i real experience, is how i best describe beyond rock bottom. reading thru the parts offers are raw and true narrative into the struggles and experiences that the author lived. Divided into four parts the first and second drawing you into the life of the author then the third gives a raw unedited glance at how they view the world and their own hardships. The final part offers closure onto its self giving an understanding of how the author themselves view everything that happened to them. All in all a great read and i look forward to reading more by the author.
March 1, 2020
I've never been the biggest poetry fan, only reading what people give me. But I grabbed this book on a whim and it didn't disappoint.
This collection of poetry about Petrovic's personal traumas, experiences, and though process is something else. It paints the pain, the constant questioning, and sheer trauma she experiences in a strong, brutally honest, and impactful way. Yet still remains relatable in a strange fashion.
I'm glad I picked up this collection, it was very much worth the experience.
This collection of poetry about Petrovic's personal traumas, experiences, and though process is something else. It paints the pain, the constant questioning, and sheer trauma she experiences in a strong, brutally honest, and impactful way. Yet still remains relatable in a strange fashion.
I'm glad I picked up this collection, it was very much worth the experience.
March 2, 2018
A very moving collection of raw emotional expression
Beyond rock bottom is a very well written expression of emotion through the art of poetry. As I read the poems in this offering, I could feel the emotion that Kara was feeling and expressing. Having family affected with these issues, I can relate to the words expressed. A true work of art and a great read and experience for everyone.
Beyond rock bottom is a very well written expression of emotion through the art of poetry. As I read the poems in this offering, I could feel the emotion that Kara was feeling and expressing. Having family affected with these issues, I can relate to the words expressed. A true work of art and a great read and experience for everyone.
March 8, 2018
Story as Experience!
The book is a collection of emotions poured into the lyrical words that can touch the heart of the reader and leave an impact even after the book is over. It is a short book, easy read, simple words with deep meaning. If you can relate in any ways it is bound to impact you and if you can’t, you can still enjoy the ride of emotions and thoughts. I would recommend reading this in a quiet place to create the environment for it.
The book is a collection of emotions poured into the lyrical words that can touch the heart of the reader and leave an impact even after the book is over. It is a short book, easy read, simple words with deep meaning. If you can relate in any ways it is bound to impact you and if you can’t, you can still enjoy the ride of emotions and thoughts. I would recommend reading this in a quiet place to create the environment for it.
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