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Be Brave: An Unlikely Manual for Erasing Heartbreak
Be Brave is the first in a series of erasures in which author JM Farkas puts a feminist, revisionist spin on classic literature. Permanent marker, meet Beowulf.
A former high school English teacher, Farkas transforms Beowulf into an unlikely guide for the brokenhearted that is both irreverent and moving. Anyone who has been devastated by love will appreciate the blackened pages of this bold, youthful, and empowering twist on the ancient epic.
A former high school English teacher, Farkas transforms Beowulf into an unlikely guide for the brokenhearted that is both irreverent and moving. Anyone who has been devastated by love will appreciate the blackened pages of this bold, youthful, and empowering twist on the ancient epic.
- GenresPoetry
112 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
3 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Farkas
5 books11 followershow to find me:
www.jmfarkas.com
for any formal inquiries, please contact my literary agent, Kerry Sparks, at Levine | Greenberg | Rostan Literary Agency: ksparks@lgrliterary.com
www.jmfarkas.com
for any formal inquiries, please contact my literary agent, Kerry Sparks, at Levine | Greenberg | Rostan Literary Agency: ksparks@lgrliterary.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 15, 2018
If you like#BlackoutPoetry , buy this book.
If you like Beowulf, buy this book.
If your heart has been broken, buy this book.
#poetry #poetry2018
If you like Beowulf, buy this book.
If your heart has been broken, buy this book.
#poetry #poetry2018
February 25, 2018
Be Brave: An Unlikely Manual for Erasing Heartbreak by J. M. Farkas. If you ask me, I shall say that I have never been a huge fan of poetry. I have always avoided it and to be honest, never really like it. I remember the only poetry book I have ever read was written by Charles Bukowski. I enjoyed it because the poems weren't the usual kind, they were very much like day-to-day stories. It gave a very different perspective to me.
The first thing that attracted me to Be Brave: An Unlikely Manual For Erasing Heartbreak was the cover. It is such a beautiful cover, a rather soothing one, makes you think about those 80s times. Reading the description of the backdrop was another hit for me. Trying to transform a classic literature by giving it a feminist touch, that says it all. Although I have never been much of a feminist person being a girl, the poems told by the author, J. M. Farkas, gave me a lot to think about.
It is a rather intense poetry, for me it surely was. I suppose who are into poems, they will think this to be a masterpiece. Be Brave is an ode to women, to our resilience, and also a song for the brokenhearted. The book has given a beautiful message at the end, a message which surely is needed for everyone..with all the obstacles, there is a light ahead, and that the heart will be mended in time. It is also an empowering message of self-care and empathy, one that all women should keep close to their hearts.
The front cover of the book, the beautiful, strong and empowered lady standing is the grandmother of the author, J. M. Farkas. The author has dedicated the book to his grandmother. The lady in the picture reminds me of my own granny. Wow, what a lovely book.
Be Brave will be published on April 3, 2018, through Andrews McMeel Publishing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
The first thing that attracted me to Be Brave: An Unlikely Manual For Erasing Heartbreak was the cover. It is such a beautiful cover, a rather soothing one, makes you think about those 80s times. Reading the description of the backdrop was another hit for me. Trying to transform a classic literature by giving it a feminist touch, that says it all. Although I have never been much of a feminist person being a girl, the poems told by the author, J. M. Farkas, gave me a lot to think about.
It is a rather intense poetry, for me it surely was. I suppose who are into poems, they will think this to be a masterpiece. Be Brave is an ode to women, to our resilience, and also a song for the brokenhearted. The book has given a beautiful message at the end, a message which surely is needed for everyone..with all the obstacles, there is a light ahead, and that the heart will be mended in time. It is also an empowering message of self-care and empathy, one that all women should keep close to their hearts.
The front cover of the book, the beautiful, strong and empowered lady standing is the grandmother of the author, J. M. Farkas. The author has dedicated the book to his grandmother. The lady in the picture reminds me of my own granny. Wow, what a lovely book.
Be Brave will be published on April 3, 2018, through Andrews McMeel Publishing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
February 22, 2022
"I believe in a kind of Book Fate. That certain books, like certain people, come into and out of and back into your life at just the right time and for just the right reason."
I was shelving at the library when this caught my eye, and when I flicked it open and read that sentence, obviously I had to take it home and read it.
This book is a blackout poem using the classic Beowulf. This type of poetry involves taking an existing piece of writing and scribbling out chunks of it, with the words not erased weaving a new magic.
In this work of erasure, the author turns an ancient, violent epic into a gently powerful manifesto of empowerment and self-actualisation. The deceptive simplicity of the style and the way the sparse words shine like little lights from the blackness of the negative space left by the erased text, in my opinion only heighten the emotional impact and poignancy of the poetic narrative.
A strangely encouraging and hopeful little missive with the tone of a loving, fiery-spirited sister. I enjoyed it.
I was shelving at the library when this caught my eye, and when I flicked it open and read that sentence, obviously I had to take it home and read it.
This book is a blackout poem using the classic Beowulf. This type of poetry involves taking an existing piece of writing and scribbling out chunks of it, with the words not erased weaving a new magic.
In this work of erasure, the author turns an ancient, violent epic into a gently powerful manifesto of empowerment and self-actualisation. The deceptive simplicity of the style and the way the sparse words shine like little lights from the blackness of the negative space left by the erased text, in my opinion only heighten the emotional impact and poignancy of the poetic narrative.
A strangely encouraging and hopeful little missive with the tone of a loving, fiery-spirited sister. I enjoyed it.
June 20, 2019
I was browsing the shelves at my local bookstore when a small, thin book caught my eye.
"Be Brave", the title said.
"A feminist, revisionist twist on classic literature", the back cover said.
I opened the book.
I was already sold.
"Be the sea, Be ready, Be sad. Like a rock be exactly who you are. Then move on."
It’s incredible to think that these words have been concealed within the original Beowulf for a thousand years and that Farkas was able to make them emerge in such an original way. This book warmed my heart and made me smile.
This is definitely something I will reread multiple times in future years.
"Be Brave", the title said.
"A feminist, revisionist twist on classic literature", the back cover said.
I opened the book.
I was already sold.
"Be the sea, Be ready, Be sad. Like a rock be exactly who you are. Then move on."
It’s incredible to think that these words have been concealed within the original Beowulf for a thousand years and that Farkas was able to make them emerge in such an original way. This book warmed my heart and made me smile.
This is definitely something I will reread multiple times in future years.
July 9, 2018
I'm probably a bit biased as I had the privilege of being a student of JM Farkas but reading this brought me to tears and reminded me exactly why JM was my favorite teacher in high school. Much like her teaching style, this erasure will leave an impression on you and make you feel things you may have previously tried not to feel.
August 24, 2018
As a huge fan of Old English literature I can never resist a new re-telling/-envisioning/-calibration of Beowulf. I read this in the aisle while I was perusing the poetry section at Barnes & Noble. I don't really get the draw of blackout poetry, but the ending result is interesting enough. The idea that this reading has been embedded in the text for over 1000 years and has just now emerged is pretty cool.
November 9, 2018
The style is unmistakably original, a "black-out" format where the whole page of text is blacked-out except for the occasional work, or groups of word that slowly piece together the verse/text, over many pages. A teacher by trade and experience, the author dedicates the book to "Ma" her deceased grandmother, about whom much is explained later in the afterword. Being brave in the midst of life's struggles and heartaches is the overarching theme. Simply loved it.
May 14, 2019
Be Brave is a book I return to often when I need a pick-me-up or some inspiration. Her words are woven with a sincerity that makes you feel like you're not alone in whatever it is you are feeling. It is a gem filled with one-liners that stay with you. Humorous, poignant and uplifting, I highly recommend Be Brave to anyone who needs a glimmer of hope in this world. Looking forward to reading the next thing J.M. Farkas writes.
August 16, 2018
Be Brave is an uplifting blackout poetry collection. Each page brought out a powerful message that all flowed together into one. Now, there were a few weird spots, but that’s probably just because of using text from Beowulf is hard. I think it’s well done and has made me a fan of blackout poetry.
To read my full review: https://www.boundtowriting.com/poetry...
To read my full review: https://www.boundtowriting.com/poetry...
April 7, 2018
I'm not one for feminist poetry so I wasn't paticularly sold on the content. Still, it's an absolutely beautiful book and I wish I had the original. I enjoyed reading it and would like to read more in this format for sure!
May 26, 2018
My appreciation and aspiration for blackout poetry skyrocketed when reading this lovely poem. I agree with "Book-Fate", and this book happened to fall into that category for me. Right place, right time. Truly inspiring.
May 28, 2018
I needed this book!
I needed this book, the book found me right when i needed the it. It is beautiful. Thank J. M. Farkas
I needed this book, the book found me right when i needed the it. It is beautiful. Thank J. M. Farkas
February 21, 2019
A very lovely clever way to write a story. "Be the sea, Be ready, Be sad. Like a rock be exactly who you are. Then move on." I enjoyed it & would recommend if you want a smile :)
September 13, 2019
I was so skeptical about this book (being it a 'rewritten' version of Belwulf) but it surprised me in a quite positive way. I love it!
November 21, 2020
Love this message, this format, this repurposing...
July 10, 2018
This was a unique poetry book, I had never read anything like it before but I’m so glad I was given the chance to read it.
I’ve never read erasure poetry before, but I enjoyed this new-to-me format. I really loved the feminist twist that Farkas put on this classic piece of literature by creating poems out of the pages of Beowulf. I thought the poems were creative, powerful, and reminded me that it’s just as important to care for myself as it is to care for those around me.
I loved the introduction to the book that talked about the process of creating these poems. I found the entire creative process fascinating and definitely made me want to try my hand at erasure poetry. I also think the cover is fantastic and I love the vibe and tone it helped to set for the book. I did struggle a little with figuring out where the breaks between poems were throughout the book, but I think that was mostly because I was reading it on a Kindle rather than a hard copy.
Thank you so much to Farkas, Renner, and the publisher for my free review copy!
I’ve never read erasure poetry before, but I enjoyed this new-to-me format. I really loved the feminist twist that Farkas put on this classic piece of literature by creating poems out of the pages of Beowulf. I thought the poems were creative, powerful, and reminded me that it’s just as important to care for myself as it is to care for those around me.
I loved the introduction to the book that talked about the process of creating these poems. I found the entire creative process fascinating and definitely made me want to try my hand at erasure poetry. I also think the cover is fantastic and I love the vibe and tone it helped to set for the book. I did struggle a little with figuring out where the breaks between poems were throughout the book, but I think that was mostly because I was reading it on a Kindle rather than a hard copy.
Thank you so much to Farkas, Renner, and the publisher for my free review copy!
February 7, 2018
Have you ever read Beowulf? I have once I think, a long, long time ago. Obviously I read a modern day translation as it is the oldest Anglo-Saxon poem in existence. Anyway, as much as I love poetry, I don’t particularly remember Beowulf. But after reading Be Brave by J. M. Farkas I may have to go back and read it again. In any case I will definitely be rereading Be Brave, because it hit a nerve, in a good way.
Let me back up and provide a bit of background. J. M. Farkas, writer and teacher, took a black marker to the text of Beowulf, and created a brand new poem, one that talks of strength and resilience, and the power to not only be free, but to love and be loved in the way we deserve to be, without limitations.
This was my first foray into the world of “blackout” or “erasure” poetry, where one takes a classic text and blacks out content, thereby creating a new work of art. I’ve read that teachers often use this as a way to repurpose old books while igniting interest in the classics. I am now fascinated by how one would approach this task… Do you already know what you want your poem to say and how you want it to read? Or does it come to you organically as you read through the original text?
In any case, Be Brave is an ode to women, to our resilience, and also a song for the brokenhearted, a message for all that there is a light ahead, and that the heart will be mended in time. It is also an empowering message of self-care and empathy, one that all women should keep close to their hearts.
I loved the dedication at the end of the book: Be Brave is dedicated to the author’s grandmother (she is also on the front cover of the book). J. M. Farkas’ description of her grandmother provides us with an image of a strong and remarkable person, one that reminds me very much of my own grandmother who passed away in 2012.
Be Brave will be published on April 3, 2018 through Andrews McMeel Publishing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
Let me back up and provide a bit of background. J. M. Farkas, writer and teacher, took a black marker to the text of Beowulf, and created a brand new poem, one that talks of strength and resilience, and the power to not only be free, but to love and be loved in the way we deserve to be, without limitations.
This was my first foray into the world of “blackout” or “erasure” poetry, where one takes a classic text and blacks out content, thereby creating a new work of art. I’ve read that teachers often use this as a way to repurpose old books while igniting interest in the classics. I am now fascinated by how one would approach this task… Do you already know what you want your poem to say and how you want it to read? Or does it come to you organically as you read through the original text?
In any case, Be Brave is an ode to women, to our resilience, and also a song for the brokenhearted, a message for all that there is a light ahead, and that the heart will be mended in time. It is also an empowering message of self-care and empathy, one that all women should keep close to their hearts.
I loved the dedication at the end of the book: Be Brave is dedicated to the author’s grandmother (she is also on the front cover of the book). J. M. Farkas’ description of her grandmother provides us with an image of a strong and remarkable person, one that reminds me very much of my own grandmother who passed away in 2012.
Be Brave will be published on April 3, 2018 through Andrews McMeel Publishing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy!
April 17, 2018
Ahhhh I love this so dearly it’s so nice
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July 15, 2018A really lovely book of erasure poetry. The epic Beowulf is transformed into a pep talk on how to overcome heart break.
Coincidentally, it's also the second book I read today that was somehow connected with a Hungarian who survived Auchwitz. Citizens imprisoned because of facsists, who became immigrants that grew the US. Ironies abound.
Coincidentally, it's also the second book I read today that was somehow connected with a Hungarian who survived Auchwitz. Citizens imprisoned because of facsists, who became immigrants that grew the US. Ironies abound.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews