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Semicolon ;
A Collection of poetry that uncovers the raw and heavy emotions that come with anxiety, trauma, and other experiences.
Part two takes you into the healing, bringing the light, the meditation, the beauty in finding oneself after all the chaos has passed.
& finally, you're left wanting to start your next chapter; the one that comes after the semicolon.
Part two takes you into the healing, bringing the light, the meditation, the beauty in finding oneself after all the chaos has passed.
& finally, you're left wanting to start your next chapter; the one that comes after the semicolon.
70 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2017
5 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
McKayla DeBonis
6 books55 followersMckayla is a bookworm of a soul, and realized that her mind was spinning with the same creativity of her beloved writers, leading to her own poetry, prose, and other writings. Her Hogwarts house is Hufflepuff and you'll definitely find her with a cup of coffee in her hand and her nose in a book at all times.
You can find her on any social media platform as, mckayladebonis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 5, 2020
I'm definitely a fan of McKayla's poetry that's for sure! Semicolon is a raw and beautiful read, with some very tough and sensitive topics shared. The writing style worked well for me and the emotions came across strongly. Would love to read more!
April 26, 2020
fantastic!
damn, girl, what a book! every poem and every word made an impact in my heart. simply beautiful.
damn, girl, what a book! every poem and every word made an impact in my heart. simply beautiful.
May 28, 2019
This was a beautiful collection full of hope and love. I could relate so well to many of the poems, and I am so proud of McKayla for another well done collection!
November 24, 2017
I have read a lot more poetry this year than in previous years, and it's been stunning.
I'll be honest, though: This one I picked up purely for my love of the semicolon. And the poetry collection inside is framed like a sentence with the actual correct use of a semicolon; not quite a new sentence, but not quite with the same feel of the first part of the sentence.
In Semicolon ;, we have we have "Darkness", then "Light." And boy does the dark get dark. There was a trigger warning listed at the beginning of this collection, so I'm going to include that here as part of the review:
Descriptions of Anxiety
Descriptions of Panic Attacks
Sexual Abuse / Harassment
Depression
Suicidal Tendencies
Self Harm
Body Dysmorphia
Natural Disaster References.
Honestly, however, had there not been the "Darkness" segment of this collection, I really doubt that the sweetness of the "Light" would have been so omnipresent. It might have seemed trite, or foolishly wistful.
As it was, the perfect balance between these two segments within this collection only heightened the experience of both.
I'll be honest, though: This one I picked up purely for my love of the semicolon. And the poetry collection inside is framed like a sentence with the actual correct use of a semicolon; not quite a new sentence, but not quite with the same feel of the first part of the sentence.
In Semicolon ;, we have we have "Darkness", then "Light." And boy does the dark get dark. There was a trigger warning listed at the beginning of this collection, so I'm going to include that here as part of the review:
Descriptions of Anxiety
Descriptions of Panic Attacks
Sexual Abuse / Harassment
Depression
Suicidal Tendencies
Self Harm
Body Dysmorphia
Natural Disaster References.
Honestly, however, had there not been the "Darkness" segment of this collection, I really doubt that the sweetness of the "Light" would have been so omnipresent. It might have seemed trite, or foolishly wistful.
As it was, the perfect balance between these two segments within this collection only heightened the experience of both.
March 13, 2018
Surviving my sadness was never easy
it came in waves
even when i thought it was safe..
it came in waves
even when i thought it was safe..
November 13, 2017
I didn’t even think I needed this book in my life and then I read the first poem. Then poem after poem, the author let me into their world. This collection of poetry may be short, but it’s everything you didn’t know you needed. The author transports you into her world, shows you the life she’s lived, and makes you feel exactly what she was feeling in the moment. This book will take you on a journey you didn’t know you needed to take, but you do. There are a few triggers in the book, but the author is respectful and responsible by putting them up front. Great collection.
January 6, 2018
semicolon; is a collection of poems that dives into the pains and worries in a troubled body
and soul. there is no hesitation in revealing all the emotions and thoughts that come with
surviving traumatic experiences. however, after the hurt, the light begins to seep through
and mckayla debonis takes you through the process of pouring honey into your bones, the
gentle love that begins to flourish when you realize that your sentence isn’t over; your
life is starting to bloom.
and soul. there is no hesitation in revealing all the emotions and thoughts that come with
surviving traumatic experiences. however, after the hurt, the light begins to seep through
and mckayla debonis takes you through the process of pouring honey into your bones, the
gentle love that begins to flourish when you realize that your sentence isn’t over; your
life is starting to bloom.
November 26, 2018
This was such a beautiful and effective poetry collection. What Mckayla does best is create a linear storyline for her collections that is focused and doesn’t meander into off-topic subjects. She really knows how to craft a story arc with her poetry. I also really appreciated the trigger warnings in the beginning and the hotlines at the end. It’s really clear that she cares about her readers and their mental health. Well done!
October 28, 2017
I was also lucky enough to be a BETA reader for this book. I thought Semicolon; was both beautiful and well written. The imagery and descriptive details within such short poems are astounding. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read really and the way some of the poems are written are so unique.
I love Semicolon; for how relatable it is. For people who suffer from depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, self-harm, anxiety, etc., this book is really for you. Many people who suffer from any of this often feel like they’re alone in the world—this book made me feel like I’m not alone. It’s a crazy thing to realize that all of the horrible things that have happened to you happen to other people too. The times where you feel at your most lonesome and vulnerable, just know that someone out there has suffered too and they’ve made it through. This book is also great for people who don’t suffer from any of these things.
McKayla’s words paint a beautiful picture for those who wish to understand what a depressed or anxious person go through. I would wholeheartedly recommend Semicolon; to anyone.
I love Semicolon; for how relatable it is. For people who suffer from depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, self-harm, anxiety, etc., this book is really for you. Many people who suffer from any of this often feel like they’re alone in the world—this book made me feel like I’m not alone. It’s a crazy thing to realize that all of the horrible things that have happened to you happen to other people too. The times where you feel at your most lonesome and vulnerable, just know that someone out there has suffered too and they’ve made it through. This book is also great for people who don’t suffer from any of these things.
McKayla’s words paint a beautiful picture for those who wish to understand what a depressed or anxious person go through. I would wholeheartedly recommend Semicolon; to anyone.
January 20, 2018
Too Rupi Kaur for my personal taste. In fact, so much so that it looks like a rip-off, it is clearly inspired by milk and honey, which is not a problem in itself, only that it seems to do wrong the same things which are bad about Kaur's poetry. This is a personal as well as informed opinion, I don't know what I expected from this, but sometimes when I read some of these new poetry collections I feel people think that poetry is just pressing enter on a keyboard. Newsflash: it's not.
October 30, 2018
Honest and Inspiring
The author's language is simple yet the subject matter is not. I especially enjoyed the poem about loving her body at last.
The author's language is simple yet the subject matter is not. I especially enjoyed the poem about loving her body at last.
March 2, 2018
Emotional , moving and so raw!
This book resonated with me. It was short but perfect. The way the author described what she was feeling literally moved me to tears. I’ve said before that poetry is something very special to my heart and a lot of poetry now a days is somewhat bland. This was far beyond bland. It was rich and incredibly moving ❤️
This book resonated with me. It was short but perfect. The way the author described what she was feeling literally moved me to tears. I’ve said before that poetry is something very special to my heart and a lot of poetry now a days is somewhat bland. This was far beyond bland. It was rich and incredibly moving ❤️
February 14, 2019
The Semicolon caught my attention. This is on Kindle unlimited.
I really appreciated that the author included a list of trigger warnings in the front BUT ALSO a list of suicide/crisis hotline numbers in the back.
I love the small doodles in this.
I wish there was more content.
I did love the division between light and dark.
I really loved this and ready to see more from the author.
I really appreciated that the author included a list of trigger warnings in the front BUT ALSO a list of suicide/crisis hotline numbers in the back.
I love the small doodles in this.
I wish there was more content.
I did love the division between light and dark.
I really loved this and ready to see more from the author.
January 7, 2018
I'd previously read Bones in the Garden and enjoyed it, but this, this - the book was divided into two sections, "Darkness" and "Light", and it was oh-so-perfect. Each poem is a fleeting glimpse into the worst kinds of trauma. And then into the glowing warmth of healing. The pieces about self harm particularly resonated with me. Let me not forget that there are also illustrations! And they will definitely add to your reading experience.
I really appreciated that the author included not only a content warning in the beginning BUT ALSO a list of suicide/crisis hotline numbers in the back. (I don't personally benefit from content warnings because I'm jaded af, but I know there are a bajillion people that do, so, bravo!)
I'm absolutely looking forward to McKayla's next work!
I really appreciated that the author included not only a content warning in the beginning BUT ALSO a list of suicide/crisis hotline numbers in the back. (I don't personally benefit from content warnings because I'm jaded af, but I know there are a bajillion people that do, so, bravo!)
I'm absolutely looking forward to McKayla's next work!
March 30, 2018
Split into two chapters of Darkness, and Light, Darkness writes from a place of depression, a possible eating disorder, and emotional turmoil. McKayla does not title her poems, and invites the reader to make these poems our own. They do feel general. There are a few of the poems, like Dear Me that writes, 'i don't see you
making it to 18
i don't see you fulfilling your dreams,'
that really got to me. I also like that McKayla writes a graphic, as it's happening, incident of self-harm in one of the poems, as it's not something I find is written about in poetry, and perhaps is too taboo for some people.
Lightness is the balance to that darkness, and a getting back onto your feet, ‘but i continued to fight
just so i could have
the last laugh,’
I did feel that McKayla opened herself up to the reader, and Semi-Colon is an unguarded read. It’s honest.
Well presented, illustrated, and edited, McKayla is a poet I cannot wait to read more of.
making it to 18
i don't see you fulfilling your dreams,'
that really got to me. I also like that McKayla writes a graphic, as it's happening, incident of self-harm in one of the poems, as it's not something I find is written about in poetry, and perhaps is too taboo for some people.
Lightness is the balance to that darkness, and a getting back onto your feet, ‘but i continued to fight
just so i could have
the last laugh,’
I did feel that McKayla opened herself up to the reader, and Semi-Colon is an unguarded read. It’s honest.
Well presented, illustrated, and edited, McKayla is a poet I cannot wait to read more of.
January 9, 2018
Lovely
Another lovely collection of poetry from McKayla! I really enjoyed Bones in the Garden, but I feel like she has grown as a poet, which is so fun to watch! The whole thing was solid, but there were a handful of lines and poems in particular that were truly stunning. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled with mental health issues, abuse, self harm, or suicidal thoughts. It reminded me that I am not alone. I really enjoyed the illustrations, too! Anyway, well done, McKayla.
Another lovely collection of poetry from McKayla! I really enjoyed Bones in the Garden, but I feel like she has grown as a poet, which is so fun to watch! The whole thing was solid, but there were a handful of lines and poems in particular that were truly stunning. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled with mental health issues, abuse, self harm, or suicidal thoughts. It reminded me that I am not alone. I really enjoyed the illustrations, too! Anyway, well done, McKayla.
November 14, 2017
Semicolon is a beautiful voice from a beautiful soul
Semicolon was beautiful the first read through, and better the second. I'm grateful these words were shared with us. There is such a personal voice to each poem. I can't wait for more. This is a must read for anyone, and I would recommend to anyone~
Semicolon was beautiful the first read through, and better the second. I'm grateful these words were shared with us. There is such a personal voice to each poem. I can't wait for more. This is a must read for anyone, and I would recommend to anyone~
January 4, 2021
I thought this was an okay collection but overall was very basic. I thought this would be a book based off the semicolon project and have a lot more passion and meaning in the poems. Sadly, that wasn't the case. I didn't connect to many of the poems in this collections and I think that is because they were written based on other similar popular poetry collections.
February 26, 2019
it was dark
and it was sad
and it was beautiful
and it was everything i was hoping it would
this is a most beautiful collection and i'm sad there isn't more in it but i am looking forward to more of the author's work.
and it was sad
and it was beautiful
and it was everything i was hoping it would
this is a most beautiful collection and i'm sad there isn't more in it but i am looking forward to more of the author's work.
February 11, 2018
2.5 stars
Underwhelming, though I reckon it's more of a me problem than this collection because I'm really disconnected from poetry these days, so maybe it'll work for you.
Underwhelming, though I reckon it's more of a me problem than this collection because I'm really disconnected from poetry these days, so maybe it'll work for you.
May 12, 2023
"Semicolon" is a captivating collection of poetry that delves deep into the realm of raw emotions, particularly those associated with anxiety, trauma, and other profound experiences. Divided into two parts, the book beautifully captures the darkness and weightiness of these emotions, inviting readers on an introspective journey.
In the first part, the poems vividly explore the turmoil and chaos that often accompany such intense feelings. The author fearlessly exposes their vulnerability, crafting verses that resonate with authenticity and power. Readers are drawn into a world where emotions run deep, allowing them to connect with the poet's struggles and empathize with their journey.
Part two of the collection offers a sense of solace and healing. Through introspection and self-discovery, the poems gradually introduce a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. The author artfully portrays the transformative power of meditation and self-reflection, providing readers with a pathway toward finding peace and resolution.
The book culminates with a compelling metaphor—the semicolon—that represents the start of a new chapter. It serves as a powerful reminder that life continues after the challenging moments, and the author leaves readers yearning to embark on their own transformative journey.
Overall, "Semicolon" is an evocative and thought-provoking collection of poetry. It exposes the depths of human emotions while offering hope and inspiration. Whether you have experienced anxiety, or trauma, or simply seek to explore the complexities of the human psyche, this book will leave you eager to embrace the next chapter of your own life.
In the first part, the poems vividly explore the turmoil and chaos that often accompany such intense feelings. The author fearlessly exposes their vulnerability, crafting verses that resonate with authenticity and power. Readers are drawn into a world where emotions run deep, allowing them to connect with the poet's struggles and empathize with their journey.
Part two of the collection offers a sense of solace and healing. Through introspection and self-discovery, the poems gradually introduce a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. The author artfully portrays the transformative power of meditation and self-reflection, providing readers with a pathway toward finding peace and resolution.
The book culminates with a compelling metaphor—the semicolon—that represents the start of a new chapter. It serves as a powerful reminder that life continues after the challenging moments, and the author leaves readers yearning to embark on their own transformative journey.
Overall, "Semicolon" is an evocative and thought-provoking collection of poetry. It exposes the depths of human emotions while offering hope and inspiration. Whether you have experienced anxiety, or trauma, or simply seek to explore the complexities of the human psyche, this book will leave you eager to embrace the next chapter of your own life.
May 16, 2019
Semicolon was a book of poems I felt connected with. The author talked about a few things I personally went through in my own and somethings I'm still battling. I enjoyed the author's way of writing and the illustrations.
Each poem was strong and powerful and I felt as though the book was written for me. I know when it comes to poetry people feel and see things differently. Which is why I like to go back and re read poems again and again because your feelings has a way of changing with each poem read.
In the collection of Semicolon there were many quotable lines I wanted highlight and remember. Which to me is a good thing, if a poet has quotes I want to always remember because it made me feel some kind of way I would say they did their job.
This book of poetry is definitely something I will revisit later on. I liked how the author added helpful links to help others maybe dealing with some of the issues mentioned in the collection. Which I personally felt was important.
This collection of poems can be triggering for some so be careful going in. But overall I think the author did a great job with hightlighting some important topics and not being so forward.
Great collection, 4 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Each poem was strong and powerful and I felt as though the book was written for me. I know when it comes to poetry people feel and see things differently. Which is why I like to go back and re read poems again and again because your feelings has a way of changing with each poem read.
In the collection of Semicolon there were many quotable lines I wanted highlight and remember. Which to me is a good thing, if a poet has quotes I want to always remember because it made me feel some kind of way I would say they did their job.
This book of poetry is definitely something I will revisit later on. I liked how the author added helpful links to help others maybe dealing with some of the issues mentioned in the collection. Which I personally felt was important.
This collection of poems can be triggering for some so be careful going in. But overall I think the author did a great job with hightlighting some important topics and not being so forward.
Great collection, 4 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
January 27, 2018
Such lovely growth from McKayla!
I loved semicolon so much! From bones in the garden (prior collection) to this one, the author shows an impressive amount of growth in their craft. They really cracked open parts of themselves and laid them bare for the reader. I had to take my time reading it because you can feel each and every word in your heart and soul. I’m so grateful to have read this collection and am definitely ready for the next!
I loved semicolon so much! From bones in the garden (prior collection) to this one, the author shows an impressive amount of growth in their craft. They really cracked open parts of themselves and laid them bare for the reader. I had to take my time reading it because you can feel each and every word in your heart and soul. I’m so grateful to have read this collection and am definitely ready for the next!
March 3, 2018
McKayla Debonis wrote my favourite collection of 2017 "Bones in the Garden", so I anticipated this collection as soon as it was announced. It did not disappoint, I cannot state how much I love the style of writing in Semicolon and the content. McKayla's words steal my heart, the poems are emotive, strong, and raw. Im a very greedy reader, I cannot wait for more. Until then, Im going to be rereading this and "Bones in the Garden" a million times over.
November 9, 2020
Words So Serene
Semicolon; is a beautiful book of self-love poems that are serene and caring. DeBonis'words wrap your aching heart with warmth and peace as you read every poem. I love that they added hotlines for those of us that are struggling mentally and are having a difficult time. I can't wait to read more work by McKayla. I recommend this book to anyone whose heart could use a gentle hug.
Semicolon; is a beautiful book of self-love poems that are serene and caring. DeBonis'words wrap your aching heart with warmth and peace as you read every poem. I love that they added hotlines for those of us that are struggling mentally and are having a difficult time. I can't wait to read more work by McKayla. I recommend this book to anyone whose heart could use a gentle hug.
July 10, 2018
Interested but also disappointed
For being about such personal moments there was an extremely general voice to this. It's not that i want to linger in the misery of authors, I just wish that this was a little more flavorful and personality files so that it would not be so easily washed away in the seas of poetry and self love/help admiration
For being about such personal moments there was an extremely general voice to this. It's not that i want to linger in the misery of authors, I just wish that this was a little more flavorful and personality files so that it would not be so easily washed away in the seas of poetry and self love/help admiration
October 18, 2018
My thoughts
I like this book because it has the light in the darkness. Currently I have a friend that believes she doesnt belong in the life of the living. So I think this book could change her mind. Thank you for being such a good writer i believe I can get her to stop because of you!
I like this book because it has the light in the darkness. Currently I have a friend that believes she doesnt belong in the life of the living. So I think this book could change her mind. Thank you for being such a good writer i believe I can get her to stop because of you!
December 30, 2018
Powerful
Powerful. Strong. Brilliantly written with such pose and determination to discuss the facts and deep sorrow that many go through alone in the mental health world. Things that are not talked about, spoken openly about and looked down upon. Amazing book. I thank the author for taking the time and putting this book together.
Powerful. Strong. Brilliantly written with such pose and determination to discuss the facts and deep sorrow that many go through alone in the mental health world. Things that are not talked about, spoken openly about and looked down upon. Amazing book. I thank the author for taking the time and putting this book together.
November 26, 2017
Strength and vulnerability
I was affected by McKayla's letters to her younger self, at a time when she was feeling so low she was suicidal. There's a lot of emotion to process in this book as a reader.
I was affected by McKayla's letters to her younger self, at a time when she was feeling so low she was suicidal. There's a lot of emotion to process in this book as a reader.
January 10, 2018
Nice Poems
I liked the poems, could feel the emotions. Gave it 3 stars only because for me, a book that deserves more has to keep me engrossed in it for a while (over 200 pages), it is not a bad book just a quick read.
I liked the poems, could feel the emotions. Gave it 3 stars only because for me, a book that deserves more has to keep me engrossed in it for a while (over 200 pages), it is not a bad book just a quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews