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Water Runs Red
In a world of tyrant rulers and the misunderstood witches who oppose them, this narrative poetry collection explores ruined friendships, self-exploration, and the ever raging battle between good and evil.
“a new poet explodes into the scene with a dark, fantastical, & all-too-relatable voice. you will consider this your new friendship breakup soundtrack.”
— Amanda Lovelace, Author of the princess saves herself in this one
“Riveting, thought-provoking and elegant, Water Runs Red will tug at your heartstrings and mend your soul in one fell swoop.”
— Sasha Alsberg, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of ZENITH: The Androma Saga
“a new poet explodes into the scene with a dark, fantastical, & all-too-relatable voice. you will consider this your new friendship breakup soundtrack.”
— Amanda Lovelace, Author of the princess saves herself in this one
“Riveting, thought-provoking and elegant, Water Runs Red will tug at your heartstrings and mend your soul in one fell swoop.”
— Sasha Alsberg, #1 NYT Bestselling Author of ZENITH: The Androma Saga
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
8 people are currently reading
2117 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Clare
1 book1,311 followersJenna Clare has been writing books since 2010 and taking photos since she was a kid. Her photographs have been featured in Billboard, The New York Times, The Offbeat Bride, and Read Poetry. Her YouTube channel has garnered over 2 million views, and her self-published poetry collection Water Runs Red debuted at #1 on Amazon. She was also published by Andrews McMeel Publishing in Amanda Lovelace’s collection, the mermaid’s voice returns in this one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
March 5, 2019
This collection was gorgeous in every way - the words, the themes, the visuals. I sat down to start it and didn't get up till I had finished. <3
September 9, 2019
This poetry collection is beautiful. I was in the mood for some poetry and I’ve been following Jenna on YouTube/Instagram for a while now, so I thought why not?
I really loved the whimsical/fairy tale vibes of these poems. I went through a really bad friendship breakup in high school and I related to so many of these poems about feeling hurt and forgotten and replaced by a boyfriend. I also loved the many Taylor Swift references in this collection, because I’m also a huge Taylor fan. This poetry read a lot like Amanda Lovelace, who apparently inspired this collection so that makes sense. I also really love the political poems about taking action and remembering 2016 and how awful that election was.
My favorite poems in this book though, are the poems about asexuality, because I’m almost 99% sure I’m asexual and it was just really nice to read something about it and be able to relate to it so hard and feel a bit more normal. It’s just so rare to see asexuality be mentioned anywhere ever, and so I appreciate the representation in this.
I ended up rating this four stars instead of five because I’m not a religious person, so I found some of those poems about god and religion to be skippable for me. It also got a little repetitive I think with the use of the words: witches and devil and things like that.
But overall I’m super impressed with this poetry collection and I have a lot of love for it! I’d be happy to read anything Jenna writes in the future!
I really loved the whimsical/fairy tale vibes of these poems. I went through a really bad friendship breakup in high school and I related to so many of these poems about feeling hurt and forgotten and replaced by a boyfriend. I also loved the many Taylor Swift references in this collection, because I’m also a huge Taylor fan. This poetry read a lot like Amanda Lovelace, who apparently inspired this collection so that makes sense. I also really love the political poems about taking action and remembering 2016 and how awful that election was.
My favorite poems in this book though, are the poems about asexuality, because I’m almost 99% sure I’m asexual and it was just really nice to read something about it and be able to relate to it so hard and feel a bit more normal. It’s just so rare to see asexuality be mentioned anywhere ever, and so I appreciate the representation in this.
I ended up rating this four stars instead of five because I’m not a religious person, so I found some of those poems about god and religion to be skippable for me. It also got a little repetitive I think with the use of the words: witches and devil and things like that.
But overall I’m super impressed with this poetry collection and I have a lot of love for it! I’d be happy to read anything Jenna writes in the future!
Read
March 5, 2019Do authors write reviews of their own books? What am I supposed to say? Could I count this towards my Goodreads challenge?
For the past few weeks I've been grappling with the fact that I wrote this collection. Wrote it, edited it, designed it, and formatted it. And while I was doing it, even though I knew it was a huge feat, it just felt like an everyday creative project. Like the ones I do all the time. I didn't feel like a *big deal* and even now looking back on it, it doesn't feel that monumental. But last night I gave a little speech about it for some random people from my church and I had to really dive into what it took to make this book - and that jarred me. It really made me realize that I created 300+ individual Photoshop files in the span of 2 months. I edited 7 drafts of a book for 10 months. I created a cover for a book I was self-publishing on Amazon. I DID THAT! ME! MOSTLY ON MY OWN! So even though I feel some imposter syndrome and my brain keeps telling me that it isn't that exciting, I'm trying to let myself feel the excitement, the pride, the joy, that I did this. I created this book, I told my story, and even if some people hate it or feel indifferent towards it, it changed me and it's already started changing some other people online. And that's what matters.
This story is incredibly personal and intimate and vulnerable, and even though I am terrified of letting my relatives and friends read it, I also feel so free having it out in the world. Like a part of myself is out there, finally able to stretch and breathe. Like I don't have to hide any part of myself anymore - I can just own who I am and people will know where I'm coming from. And I know that will wear off, but right now I'm just trying to take it all in and remind myself that it happened, it's over, but it's also just beginning. I can do this again. Probably not in the same way (if I ever have to format my own book again I QUIT), but I can definitely write another story. And maybe that one will be the one that goes mainstream or gets picked up by a publisher - or maybe it isn't. Maybe I'm destined to publish my own works myself until I die - and if that's the case, then I'll own it with pride and I'll keep having fun doing it.
Because above all, this work was created for fun. And for healing. I wrote it to explore my own past and my own feelings, feelings that hadn't been dealt with, and I wrote it because it brought me joy. So no matter what anyone says, they can't take this pride and joy from me because the book wasn't for them. It was for me. For me and the people who love me. And that's enough.
If you have taken the time to read this book, thank you. Sincerely. You'll never know how much it means to me when people appreciate my art. It's the best way I know how to praise God, and I know He gave me these talents for a reason. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
Here's to debuts! And changing the world with words!
For the past few weeks I've been grappling with the fact that I wrote this collection. Wrote it, edited it, designed it, and formatted it. And while I was doing it, even though I knew it was a huge feat, it just felt like an everyday creative project. Like the ones I do all the time. I didn't feel like a *big deal* and even now looking back on it, it doesn't feel that monumental. But last night I gave a little speech about it for some random people from my church and I had to really dive into what it took to make this book - and that jarred me. It really made me realize that I created 300+ individual Photoshop files in the span of 2 months. I edited 7 drafts of a book for 10 months. I created a cover for a book I was self-publishing on Amazon. I DID THAT! ME! MOSTLY ON MY OWN! So even though I feel some imposter syndrome and my brain keeps telling me that it isn't that exciting, I'm trying to let myself feel the excitement, the pride, the joy, that I did this. I created this book, I told my story, and even if some people hate it or feel indifferent towards it, it changed me and it's already started changing some other people online. And that's what matters.
This story is incredibly personal and intimate and vulnerable, and even though I am terrified of letting my relatives and friends read it, I also feel so free having it out in the world. Like a part of myself is out there, finally able to stretch and breathe. Like I don't have to hide any part of myself anymore - I can just own who I am and people will know where I'm coming from. And I know that will wear off, but right now I'm just trying to take it all in and remind myself that it happened, it's over, but it's also just beginning. I can do this again. Probably not in the same way (if I ever have to format my own book again I QUIT), but I can definitely write another story. And maybe that one will be the one that goes mainstream or gets picked up by a publisher - or maybe it isn't. Maybe I'm destined to publish my own works myself until I die - and if that's the case, then I'll own it with pride and I'll keep having fun doing it.
Because above all, this work was created for fun. And for healing. I wrote it to explore my own past and my own feelings, feelings that hadn't been dealt with, and I wrote it because it brought me joy. So no matter what anyone says, they can't take this pride and joy from me because the book wasn't for them. It was for me. For me and the people who love me. And that's enough.
If you have taken the time to read this book, thank you. Sincerely. You'll never know how much it means to me when people appreciate my art. It's the best way I know how to praise God, and I know He gave me these talents for a reason. Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you.
Here's to debuts! And changing the world with words!
November 19, 2018
y’all ready to get FUCKED UP?
March 5, 2019
I’m so sick
of everyone telling me
that I need to find
my soul mate
— plot twist I’m my own soul-mate
I loved this so much. I don't read poetry often but this collection of poems was beautiful. The body positivity in this really resonated with me and I admire Jenna's courage to share this with us. The many poems relating to losing a friend was also something I could relate to and hit me with emotions and memories I too have experienced. Most importantly the poems on self love and asexuality stood out to me most. Self love is something I struggled with for a long time while I was in the closet. Also the "secret so black it stained my fingers" hit me too in relation to my own sexuality.
Asides from the poetry themselves the amazing photography accompanying the poems really gripped me. I applaud Jenna for sharing her heart with us, as scary as it can be, and sharing her story. Amazing!
of everyone telling me
that I need to find
my soul mate
— plot twist I’m my own soul-mate
I loved this so much. I don't read poetry often but this collection of poems was beautiful. The body positivity in this really resonated with me and I admire Jenna's courage to share this with us. The many poems relating to losing a friend was also something I could relate to and hit me with emotions and memories I too have experienced. Most importantly the poems on self love and asexuality stood out to me most. Self love is something I struggled with for a long time while I was in the closet. Also the "secret so black it stained my fingers" hit me too in relation to my own sexuality.
Asides from the poetry themselves the amazing photography accompanying the poems really gripped me. I applaud Jenna for sharing her heart with us, as scary as it can be, and sharing her story. Amazing!
January 12, 2019
This collection of poetry was beautiful, visual, heart wrenching, and empowering all at the same time. It was much more than I thought it would be and much more than I hoped for.
From the first poem, you can tell that this writing isn't pure fiction. Due to the emotional intensity, immediately you can tell that this writing is coming from the writer's own personal experiences. Whether all of these poems be autobiographical or semi-autobiographical in nature, the emotions expressed are deeply visceral and have been felt by the writer. That gives the poetry a whole new definition and you can truly tell through the writing that these emotions were/are real.
These poems are also pure beauty in how they are extremely visual. Each one flows together and it feels as if you are reading a story that is unfolding before your eyes. Along with being able to visualize the "characters" in this story, you are able to feel the emotions as they are expressed. Some of the poems are so raw, real, and relatable that you cannot help but feel that clench in your own chest from sharing a struggle within your own history.
This collection is extremely profound and is no doubt only the beginning for Jenna Clare in poetry publication. After reading this ebook ARC, I know I will be needing a physical copy of this book. One that I can casually flip through for myself (or to share) knowing that each poem is equally talented and insightful. This is a very important collection that many will find meaningful in the capacity of deeply relating to the content.
***Thank you to the author for the electronic ARC of this collection that was won in a giveaway***
From the first poem, you can tell that this writing isn't pure fiction. Due to the emotional intensity, immediately you can tell that this writing is coming from the writer's own personal experiences. Whether all of these poems be autobiographical or semi-autobiographical in nature, the emotions expressed are deeply visceral and have been felt by the writer. That gives the poetry a whole new definition and you can truly tell through the writing that these emotions were/are real.
These poems are also pure beauty in how they are extremely visual. Each one flows together and it feels as if you are reading a story that is unfolding before your eyes. Along with being able to visualize the "characters" in this story, you are able to feel the emotions as they are expressed. Some of the poems are so raw, real, and relatable that you cannot help but feel that clench in your own chest from sharing a struggle within your own history.
This collection is extremely profound and is no doubt only the beginning for Jenna Clare in poetry publication. After reading this ebook ARC, I know I will be needing a physical copy of this book. One that I can casually flip through for myself (or to share) knowing that each poem is equally talented and insightful. This is a very important collection that many will find meaningful in the capacity of deeply relating to the content.
***Thank you to the author for the electronic ARC of this collection that was won in a giveaway***
June 7, 2019
What a beautiful collection of poems, beautiful typography, and photography all rolled into one. I’ve never experienced such a beautiful collection of poetry that I had me in awe of the writing and the photos with in it. Jenna writes about such a wide array of topics from toxic friendships to our political climate to learning to love oneself even in the darkest of times. Each poem resonated with me in different ways, and I’m so proud of her for putting her past and thoughts onto paper to share with the world. It takes bravery to do that, but it made me feel seen and heard, and for that, I thank her.
March 5, 2019
It's hard to even begin to describe how phenomenal this book is on so many different level and what an innovative addition to the world of poetry it is. I'd like to think I am being objective about it despite Jenna being a friend, and I really do believe that regardless of that connection I would have adored this collection because it's truly special and possibly one of my absolute favourite (if not my actual favourite) books of poetry.
There is something magical about Jenna's writing; she manages to convene the most mundane experiences in surreal ways, she morphs all her experiences and feelings so that the poems feel familiar but also have an almost mythical aura to them, there is something fantastical and reminiscent of fairytales to these poems and the larger narratives that they are part of.
While there was a lot going on in terms of narrative,from the small,quiet elements of the author's life to the larger scope of the socio-political climate of the time the poems were written, there is a wonderful balance between the two. Both the social commentary and the subjective real life experiences feel equally momentous inside the narrative created in Water Runs Red.
Thematically, I most certainly appreciated a lot of what was going on: the book feels like an ode to sisterhood and friendship and kindness and life, while also expressing that overwhelming existential dread that can sometimes come when times get rough, but there was an overarching idea that the light will always find its way through the darkness. There are poems about politics that act as social commentary, there are poems about asexuality and processing the journey to settling on that label, there are odes to bodies and analyses of body image and the complex relationships with bodies and there is the personal trauma and experience. There is also the religious aspect of the book, which is what I was most weary of; I had known faith was a huge part of Jenna's life, but I myself can't quite relate to all of that, so I wasn't quite sure how it'd translate into the poetry and how much those specific poems would appeal to me personally as a reader, but I thought that those themes were put in in such a gentle manner that I had nothing to complain about.
I also appreciated the small easter eggs and nods to things that Jenna enjoys/pop culture things.
I think the most simple way to describe this book is to say that it reads the way a Florence And The Machine song feels, so take that how you will.
I must also mention how groundbreaking the formatting of the book itself was, as the added visual elements make for such a more immersive reading experience and raise the impact of the poems to a whole new level. Jenna almost redefines the standard for poetry as we know it.
PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ THIS.
There is something magical about Jenna's writing; she manages to convene the most mundane experiences in surreal ways, she morphs all her experiences and feelings so that the poems feel familiar but also have an almost mythical aura to them, there is something fantastical and reminiscent of fairytales to these poems and the larger narratives that they are part of.
While there was a lot going on in terms of narrative,from the small,quiet elements of the author's life to the larger scope of the socio-political climate of the time the poems were written, there is a wonderful balance between the two. Both the social commentary and the subjective real life experiences feel equally momentous inside the narrative created in Water Runs Red.
Thematically, I most certainly appreciated a lot of what was going on: the book feels like an ode to sisterhood and friendship and kindness and life, while also expressing that overwhelming existential dread that can sometimes come when times get rough, but there was an overarching idea that the light will always find its way through the darkness. There are poems about politics that act as social commentary, there are poems about asexuality and processing the journey to settling on that label, there are odes to bodies and analyses of body image and the complex relationships with bodies and there is the personal trauma and experience. There is also the religious aspect of the book, which is what I was most weary of; I had known faith was a huge part of Jenna's life, but I myself can't quite relate to all of that, so I wasn't quite sure how it'd translate into the poetry and how much those specific poems would appeal to me personally as a reader, but I thought that those themes were put in in such a gentle manner that I had nothing to complain about.
I also appreciated the small easter eggs and nods to things that Jenna enjoys/pop culture things.
I think the most simple way to describe this book is to say that it reads the way a Florence And The Machine song feels, so take that how you will.
I must also mention how groundbreaking the formatting of the book itself was, as the added visual elements make for such a more immersive reading experience and raise the impact of the poems to a whole new level. Jenna almost redefines the standard for poetry as we know it.
PLEASE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND READ THIS.
July 20, 2020
Wow. I mean...wow. I think dumbfounded is the only word accurate enough to describe how I feel post-Water Runs Red.
I am not well-versed in poetry and would never claim to be, but I can say I am both happy and sad that this was my first real introduction to the genre:
- happy because it is a brilliant work of art, and art is the only way to describe it
- but sad because I highly doubt any future poetry books will impress me more than this one.
In her debut as an author, Jenna Clare brings to life a brilliant work that explores many themes that are rarely talked about, but need to be talked about, and she does it in a beautiful manner.
For so long now, I have had the absolute pleasure and honor of calling Jenna a friend, so I have been blessed enough to watch parts of her photography and artistic journey and I can easily say she is one of the most talented artists I know. Yet this book brings to light her undeniable talent as a writer as well.
There are so many themes Clare explores in this book, but what really struck me was her exploration of the loss of friendship/toxic friendships. That has, unfortunately, been something I have been grappling with in my own personal life since the beginning of 2019, and Jenna put into words so many emotions I didn't even know I was feeling in such a beautiful and lyrical manner.
This book also contains a beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-worth from start-to-finish, growing into something that sparks both hope and rebellion.
I honestly feel that it was truly an honor to gaze my measly human eyes on this beautiful piece of brilliance, and I am so thankful to Jenna for sharing this beautifully woven narrative with the world.
I am not well-versed in poetry and would never claim to be, but I can say I am both happy and sad that this was my first real introduction to the genre:
- happy because it is a brilliant work of art, and art is the only way to describe it
- but sad because I highly doubt any future poetry books will impress me more than this one.
In her debut as an author, Jenna Clare brings to life a brilliant work that explores many themes that are rarely talked about, but need to be talked about, and she does it in a beautiful manner.
For so long now, I have had the absolute pleasure and honor of calling Jenna a friend, so I have been blessed enough to watch parts of her photography and artistic journey and I can easily say she is one of the most talented artists I know. Yet this book brings to light her undeniable talent as a writer as well.
There are so many themes Clare explores in this book, but what really struck me was her exploration of the loss of friendship/toxic friendships. That has, unfortunately, been something I have been grappling with in my own personal life since the beginning of 2019, and Jenna put into words so many emotions I didn't even know I was feeling in such a beautiful and lyrical manner.
This book also contains a beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-worth from start-to-finish, growing into something that sparks both hope and rebellion.
I honestly feel that it was truly an honor to gaze my measly human eyes on this beautiful piece of brilliance, and I am so thankful to Jenna for sharing this beautifully woven narrative with the world.
January 5, 2019
A powerful debut from a promising young author. Relatable, intricate, and nothing short of magical. Longer review to come!
June 4, 2019
absolute nothingnessJenna Clare's unique poetry collection revolves around friendship breakups and toxic friendships and also delves into mental health, social justice/activism, self-love/womanhood, white feminism, queerness, and more. Water Runs Red is just incredible and so damn creative.
is preferable
to the kind of something
(or someone)
that makes you feel
alone
I read this on kindle since it's free on KU and screenshotted so many pages to share on my Instagram story - Clare not only includes poetry but also images and art/doodles which makes it read like a fairytale storybook slash diary and I thought she did such a good job on the layout of her collection.
The fantasticalness of princesses and queendom wraps around the story Clare is telling and I pretty much did enjoy how it was executed because wow. She makes it her own but also relatable enough that readers can understand and relate to the emotions and ideas expressed.
The thing with this narrative style, though, is that due to the length of her collection, it did get old near the end since it's a pretty lengthy collection and the princess talk was a bit too much for my liking. It also wasn't my favorite when she discussed what is happening in the world right now in the narrative tone that she used because it made it seem not as real when in reality, these topics are so important and heavy. It did feel lessened through the use of queendom and that whole style but I say this, I think her bringing up the fact that her brand of feminism in the past was white feminism and not intersectional was a great addition. It's the bare minimum for white women to understand how their brand of feminism isn't the same as women of color and so forth, you know?
Friendship breakups aren't talked about enough and let me tell you, we've all dealt with losing friends or a best friend and that is such a damn heartbreaking experience to deal with. It hurts like losing a limb and Clare does a great job in showing us how that is just as important as an experience as a romantic breakup.
I also LOVED the way she included witches and magic because it made it, even more, my thing since that sort of magicalness is my favorite thing to read, especially in poetry.
Her brilliant use of imagery is so powerful and was the top contender of my favorite thing about her collection because WOW. She tackled depression in such a personal, honest, and vulnerable way - describing her spiral into depression as a grim epidemic but also as drowning in the deep dark blue waves of isolation... I adored how impactful and intimate it was as someone who deals with depression and anxiety and it means so much to see that part of myself reflected in gorgeous words and in fantastical worlds that Clare has created.
March 28, 2019
My favourite poetry collection of all time.
I'm in love.
I'm in love.
January 26, 2019
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
(Thank you to the author for sending me this copy! I had won it in a giveaway!)
Wow oh wow. The imagery in this is absolutely STUNNING and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a poetry book more! I cannot wait until this comes out because not only are the words going to be stunning but it is going to be sooooo aesthetically pleasing!
(Thank you to the author for sending me this copy! I had won it in a giveaway!)
Wow oh wow. The imagery in this is absolutely STUNNING and I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed a poetry book more! I cannot wait until this comes out because not only are the words going to be stunning but it is going to be sooooo aesthetically pleasing!
March 6, 2019
[4.5 stars] this was absolutely incredible. I didn’t even know about this book until this morning and then once i started reading, i couldn’t stop. I feel like anyone could find a poem to relate to in this. The layout is beautiful. You can truly see the hard work that Jenna put into it.
Friend break ups, feminism, activism, self love, this book has it all. I highly recommend it!
Friend break ups, feminism, activism, self love, this book has it all. I highly recommend it!
April 21, 2019
Three words to describe Water Runs Red: beautiful, honest and (so very) relatable.
Water Runs Red is a gorgeous tapestry of magic and reality mixing together seamlessly. Even though the story is written mostly in the language of fantasy, it is easy to see the real life behind it. The magical veil of the words doesn't hide any meaning, it makes the poems raw and honest in their heartache, longing and bitterness.
The poems are paired with stunning visuals that enchance them. The pictures grab your attention, make you stay on the page a little bit longer and bring deeper meaning to the poems. I loved looking at all the details, and I kind of would like to see it all in color. Maybe I will have to get the ebook version one day.
What I love the most is that Water Runs Red isn't just a collection of poems, it is a full story. It is mostly about frienship and its downfalls, but so many other things as well. I related to a lot of it and some poems really struck me: This is how I felt. This is how I feel. THIS THIS THIS!
I'm honestly so glad I read this poetry collection even though poetry isn't something I usually read. It made me remember that years ago nothing could calm my mind like sprouting a quick (and probably terrible, but healing all the same) poem. Maybe I should try it again?
Water Runs Red is a gorgeous tapestry of magic and reality mixing together seamlessly. Even though the story is written mostly in the language of fantasy, it is easy to see the real life behind it. The magical veil of the words doesn't hide any meaning, it makes the poems raw and honest in their heartache, longing and bitterness.
The poems are paired with stunning visuals that enchance them. The pictures grab your attention, make you stay on the page a little bit longer and bring deeper meaning to the poems. I loved looking at all the details, and I kind of would like to see it all in color. Maybe I will have to get the ebook version one day.
What I love the most is that Water Runs Red isn't just a collection of poems, it is a full story. It is mostly about frienship and its downfalls, but so many other things as well. I related to a lot of it and some poems really struck me: This is how I felt. This is how I feel. THIS THIS THIS!
I'm honestly so glad I read this poetry collection even though poetry isn't something I usually read. It made me remember that years ago nothing could calm my mind like sprouting a quick (and probably terrible, but healing all the same) poem. Maybe I should try it again?
November 20, 2018
I read an early draft of this, and I know it will only get better before it's published!
Suddenly, I want to write academic theses about the themes and connections and parallels and social commentary in this collection.
Suddenly, I want to write academic theses about the themes and connections and parallels and social commentary in this collection.
March 26, 2024
I don’t know how quite to articulate how much I loved this poetry collection so I will just add the notes I made while reading.
It’s Magical
Powerful
Hopeful
A falling apart
A rising up
Darkness and lightness in every human
Leader
Letting go
Pulling back
Failure
Learning
Self love
It’s a fairytale.
A rebellion.
A call to arm
I am truly blown away by this book. I wasn’t expecting much from yet another book tuber book, and when it blew past my expectations, I was so incredibly happy. I was touched and moved and excited and sad and ready to kick ass.
Jenna, you are a marvel and I can’t wait to read more
It’s Magical
Powerful
Hopeful
A falling apart
A rising up
Darkness and lightness in every human
Leader
Letting go
Pulling back
Failure
Learning
Self love
It’s a fairytale.
A rebellion.
A call to arm
I am truly blown away by this book. I wasn’t expecting much from yet another book tuber book, and when it blew past my expectations, I was so incredibly happy. I was touched and moved and excited and sad and ready to kick ass.
Jenna, you are a marvel and I can’t wait to read more
June 23, 2025
I love this poetry collection! Clare is a really talented writer and I like the themes she writes about, like asexuality, friendship in several shapes and mental health. I also feel like she capture the voice of the younger generation today, which I'm really impressed by.
January 12, 2019
↬ 5 stars
first of all i want to say thank you to jenna for hosting the water runs red twitter giveaway & for gifting me an eARC copy of this book, i am overwhelmed and eternally grateful for your kindness 💕
to say i loved this poetry collection would be an understatement. i knew going in to this that i was going to love it, but just how much i was going to love it caught me unawares. unfortunately i am not eloquent enough to properly describe how much i loved it and how deeply it touched me, but i can’t wait for this book to be released into the world for all to see and read, because i know it’s going to resonate with so many people.
even though i read the unfinished version, i absolutely adored every single one of the poems & they all made me feel some kind of emotion. some of them made me tear up; some of them made me feel strong and powerful; some of them inspired me to pick up a sword and fight; some of them made me feel understood and seen; so many touched me so deeply that i had to step back for a moment to reflect on what i just read. this is an absolutely beautiful collection of poems and i can’t wait to see the finished copy, because i know it’s going to be absolutely beautiful. i am completely overwhelmed with how much this poetry collection meant to me, so thank you jenna for writing this amazing piece, i will cherish it forever 💕
first of all i want to say thank you to jenna for hosting the water runs red twitter giveaway & for gifting me an eARC copy of this book, i am overwhelmed and eternally grateful for your kindness 💕
to say i loved this poetry collection would be an understatement. i knew going in to this that i was going to love it, but just how much i was going to love it caught me unawares. unfortunately i am not eloquent enough to properly describe how much i loved it and how deeply it touched me, but i can’t wait for this book to be released into the world for all to see and read, because i know it’s going to resonate with so many people.
even though i read the unfinished version, i absolutely adored every single one of the poems & they all made me feel some kind of emotion. some of them made me tear up; some of them made me feel strong and powerful; some of them inspired me to pick up a sword and fight; some of them made me feel understood and seen; so many touched me so deeply that i had to step back for a moment to reflect on what i just read. this is an absolutely beautiful collection of poems and i can’t wait to see the finished copy, because i know it’s going to be absolutely beautiful. i am completely overwhelmed with how much this poetry collection meant to me, so thank you jenna for writing this amazing piece, i will cherish it forever 💕
April 4, 2019
this collection of poetry is so beautiful and stunning!! i love how jenna writes her poems so they’re simple to understand but they have such a deeper meaning and end up being so thought provoking. the aesthetic ness is also 100% on point. i am also so lucky to have seen this collection evolve through jenna’s youtube channel which i’ve been watching for close to two years. i’m so in love with this and i cant wait for any future releases jenna has to offer!! :)
March 9, 2019
This poetry collection was wonderful. It was very well written. I really enjoyed the writing in this collection. Heartfelt, inspiring, and a amazing read. I really like the magical elements in this poetry collection, I felt it was done very well. I would definitely check out more poetry collection books if the author writes another one!
March 5, 2019
Beautiful! So personal yet so universal. So inspiring and hopeful. Will be a constant companion as I know it will speak different wisdom and love every time I pick it up.
March 28, 2019
This book is so relatable and heartbreaking. Some poems felt like a direct reflection of my own heart. You are so amazingly talented Jenna! I will devour every book you write <3
April 4, 2019
4.5
this was a beautiful collection of poems and photography.
"i've never been one
to burn bridges
but maybe
i'll burn yours
in gasoline"
topics: feminism, empowerment, religion, body positivity, mental health, heartbreak, sexuality, ...
this was a beautiful collection of poems and photography.
"i've never been one
to burn bridges
but maybe
i'll burn yours
in gasoline"
topics: feminism, empowerment, religion, body positivity, mental health, heartbreak, sexuality, ...
March 6, 2019
THIS WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. I don't usually read poetry but I absolutely loved reading this. The way Jenna tells her stories is immersive and emotional. Not to mention this book is designed gorgeously too.
March 27, 2019
Um. I just finished the whole thing. I don't even know what to say. This is officially the first collection of poetry that I've read and can genuinely say is my favorite. My first impression thoughts still stand, but damn. Firstly, every part about friendship break-ups was too real. Mine was quietly faded away even when I fought with every emotion in my heart for the friendship. Nonetheless, the change led me into a 2-3 year long depression episode. As I right this, I feel nearly triggered because those years of my life were rough and I never thought I'd find the sun again. Anyway, enough about me.
I wish I had discovered Water Runs Red back when I was going through that. All this is to say, Jenna Clare wrote from a raw, heart-aching, vulnerable, real, honest place. She sees the world with bravery and fearlessness. Like I said before, I totally get the Taylor Swift vibes (and references) and that was confirmed in the Acknowledgements. Water Runs Red was beautiful and powerful. Okay, okay I know this review is getting cheesy as I throw out every possible adjective out there to describe this poetry. But my heart connected to Jenna Clare's words in a way most other poetry hasn't been able to do. Jenna Clare is a master of pen, a queen of prose, a sorceress of words... a force to be reckoned with.
__________
CAN I RATE THIS BASED ON THE AMAZON SNEAK PEAK ALONE???
Jenna Clare has always inspired me. Her photography, her vlogs, her inspiration, her creativity.
I can't wait to read her poetry collection with a huge cup of coffee and some Taylor Swift playing in the background. I can tell T.Swift was a huge influence in this already. I can't believe Jenna Clare photographed, compiled, and wrote HER OWN POETRY COLLECTION.
I promise to actually read the whole thing super soon, but HOLY CRAP. Based on the snippets I did see...awe-inspiring. Love. Love. Love.
I wish I had discovered Water Runs Red back when I was going through that. All this is to say, Jenna Clare wrote from a raw, heart-aching, vulnerable, real, honest place. She sees the world with bravery and fearlessness. Like I said before, I totally get the Taylor Swift vibes (and references) and that was confirmed in the Acknowledgements. Water Runs Red was beautiful and powerful. Okay, okay I know this review is getting cheesy as I throw out every possible adjective out there to describe this poetry. But my heart connected to Jenna Clare's words in a way most other poetry hasn't been able to do. Jenna Clare is a master of pen, a queen of prose, a sorceress of words... a force to be reckoned with.
__________
CAN I RATE THIS BASED ON THE AMAZON SNEAK PEAK ALONE???
Jenna Clare has always inspired me. Her photography, her vlogs, her inspiration, her creativity.
I can't wait to read her poetry collection with a huge cup of coffee and some Taylor Swift playing in the background. I can tell T.Swift was a huge influence in this already. I can't believe Jenna Clare photographed, compiled, and wrote HER OWN POETRY COLLECTION.
I promise to actually read the whole thing super soon, but HOLY CRAP. Based on the snippets I did see...awe-inspiring. Love. Love. Love.
December 20, 2018
I read early drafts and have seen some of the page layouts — this will NOT disappoint! It’s so powerful and so beautifully written!
March 21, 2019
These words flowing together the way Jenna crafted them is hypnotizing.
One section jumped topics quite drastically, and after much thought it still made sense. I did have to stop and contemplate what I just read and how it moved into the new section.
These words are the words of a sisters soul that were written and lost in a Lisa Frank diary in 1999 and now they have been found, I mean that in the best way possible!!! I'm so glad its in my life.
You should read this.
One section jumped topics quite drastically, and after much thought it still made sense. I did have to stop and contemplate what I just read and how it moved into the new section.
These words are the words of a sisters soul that were written and lost in a Lisa Frank diary in 1999 and now they have been found, I mean that in the best way possible!!! I'm so glad its in my life.
You should read this.
March 10, 2019
This book was beautiful. The poetry was more of a 4 stars however the photography and art incorporated in this were all so beautiful and I know that Jenna had devoted so much time to this book and I just think it deserves 5 stars.
December 18, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 ⭐️
I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this collection of poems.
It tackled important topics such as politics, body positivity, self-love, asexuality and friendship. It was definitely this last aspect that caught my attention since it highlighted the impact and hardness of toxic friendships and falling out of being friends with someone.
That shit hurts and very few acknowledge and address this argument.
A friendship is a relationship and it deserves just as much attention as love gets.
I also thought this collection was incredibly aesthetically pleasing. The layout was just gorgeous and I wanted to take a picture of every single page it was that pretty.
Sadly, though, I was not blown away by it.
For as much as I appreciated the format and the overall messages, I thought some poems were a bit too Tumblr-like and, after a while, I couldn't deal with the simili between women and witches.
It was repeated a bit too much and it kinda became unbearable.
Another metaphor that after too many repetitions rubbed me the wrong way was the women-queens one. I'm all for both of these empowering images, but when they are continuously repeated they lose their significance and power and become common and cheap :/
All in all, Water Runs Red was definitely a good collection of poetry that was (finally!) more centered on friendship and how toxic it can be than on love.
Favourite Poem:
there are worse things
that being alone
in a world as marvelous and vast
as this one
- single & satisfied
I was definitely pleasantly surprised by this collection of poems.
It tackled important topics such as politics, body positivity, self-love, asexuality and friendship. It was definitely this last aspect that caught my attention since it highlighted the impact and hardness of toxic friendships and falling out of being friends with someone.
That shit hurts and very few acknowledge and address this argument.
A friendship is a relationship and it deserves just as much attention as love gets.
I also thought this collection was incredibly aesthetically pleasing. The layout was just gorgeous and I wanted to take a picture of every single page it was that pretty.
Sadly, though, I was not blown away by it.
For as much as I appreciated the format and the overall messages, I thought some poems were a bit too Tumblr-like and, after a while, I couldn't deal with the simili between women and witches.
It was repeated a bit too much and it kinda became unbearable.
Another metaphor that after too many repetitions rubbed me the wrong way was the women-queens one. I'm all for both of these empowering images, but when they are continuously repeated they lose their significance and power and become common and cheap :/
All in all, Water Runs Red was definitely a good collection of poetry that was (finally!) more centered on friendship and how toxic it can be than on love.
Favourite Poem:
there are worse things
that being alone
in a world as marvelous and vast
as this one
- single & satisfied
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