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You Can't Kill Me Twice:
A deeply personal collection of poetry and art by the award-winning actor, comedian, and composer, Charlyne Yi.
With a poetic voice that is by turns lyrical and plainspoken, Charlyne Yi writes about the uncertainty of relationships, the absurdity of societal expectations, family trauma, and identity. Deeply personal, these poems and accompanying line illustrations are playful and profound, sometimes darkly funny, and often acutely moving.
With a poetic voice that is by turns lyrical and plainspoken, Charlyne Yi writes about the uncertainty of relationships, the absurdity of societal expectations, family trauma, and identity. Deeply personal, these poems and accompanying line illustrations are playful and profound, sometimes darkly funny, and often acutely moving.
- GenresPoetry
128 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
September 28, 2019
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I cried at your wedding
because you married someone terrible.
This short poetry collection is pretty good. The poems include a variety of themes, there are some harsh truths, some funny poems and some deep poems about trauma and family.
The illustrations added something more to the poems and I really liked the drawing style.
In the future I definitely would like to read more by this author.
I cried at your wedding
because you married someone terrible.
This short poetry collection is pretty good. The poems include a variety of themes, there are some harsh truths, some funny poems and some deep poems about trauma and family.
The illustrations added something more to the poems and I really liked the drawing style.
In the future I definitely would like to read more by this author.
November 22, 2019
Although I don't usually read poetry, I really enjoyed this poetry collection.
There were some really powerful and emotional poems.
Also the art was beautiful. Simple, but meaningful.
Just 3 🌟 because there were also many unnecessary and meaningless poems.
-
-
{got an e-arc send by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion}
There were some really powerful and emotional poems.
Also the art was beautiful. Simple, but meaningful.
Just 3 🌟 because there were also many unnecessary and meaningless poems.
-
-
{got an e-arc send by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion}
October 20, 2020
''My partner reads the newspaper
first because I always wet it
with my tears.
Just kidding,
I don't have a partner
but I'm slowly building one out of papier-mâché.'' I don't know what's the significance or what I am supposed to feel or enjoy when I read this. Somehow it annoys me.
One thing, I will NEVER enjoy poetry like this. I can and will never be able to consider it as funny or satirical or just plain poetry because it represents none.
I got a copy from #NetGalley as I got so interested in the description, the cover and the title. But I found these to be really opposite of what's inside the collection. I don't want to say this but after reading a few of these poems, I got so angry with myself for continuing on.
And what's with the illustrations I will never understand. They were really bad.
It's so childish and immature.
Look at this:
'I cried at your wedding
because you married someone terrible.'
Yes, that's one whole 'poem' taking up a whole page.
Seriously, I don't need such collection. It's not funny at all. It's not sad at all. It's not anything at all.
But I am so grateful to #NetGalley for providing me with this copy of #YouCantKillMeTwice
first because I always wet it
with my tears.
Just kidding,
I don't have a partner
but I'm slowly building one out of papier-mâché.'' I don't know what's the significance or what I am supposed to feel or enjoy when I read this. Somehow it annoys me.
One thing, I will NEVER enjoy poetry like this. I can and will never be able to consider it as funny or satirical or just plain poetry because it represents none.
I got a copy from #NetGalley as I got so interested in the description, the cover and the title. But I found these to be really opposite of what's inside the collection. I don't want to say this but after reading a few of these poems, I got so angry with myself for continuing on.
And what's with the illustrations I will never understand. They were really bad.
It's so childish and immature.
Look at this:
'I cried at your wedding
because you married someone terrible.'
Yes, that's one whole 'poem' taking up a whole page.
Seriously, I don't need such collection. It's not funny at all. It's not sad at all. It's not anything at all.
But I am so grateful to #NetGalley for providing me with this copy of #YouCantKillMeTwice
December 27, 2019
You Can’t Kill Me Twice (So Please Treat Me Right) by Charlyne Yi
3.75 stars
“A child bangs his head
against a wall,
trying to understand
why the adults supervising this world
need convincing that his father
shouldn’t be murdered because of his black skin.”
“The humans stared at their screens
as they missed another sunset.
Too bad it was the last.”
Whimsical Writing Scale: 3.5
Plotastic Scale: 3.75
Cover Thoughts: I kind of love this cover. The colors and the little drawings of two people walking away. I love how the image doesn’t take up the whole cover. It’s different.
Thank you, Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 stars
“A child bangs his head
against a wall,
trying to understand
why the adults supervising this world
need convincing that his father
shouldn’t be murdered because of his black skin.”
Poetry is hard to rate. Particularly poetry that deals with personal experiences and showcases a person’s vulnerability and raw pain. It feels cruel to rate poems like those, but I am a book reviewer. So, I will try to rate this collection as kindly as possibly without being too harsh to her experiences. For that reason, those very deep and personal poems are not factored into my rating because this collection is much harder for me to rate because of those few poems. However, that is Yi’s strong suit—vulnerability. I don’t think I’ve read a collection from a modern-day poet that is raw and vulnerable about her experiences like she is. With that being said, huge trigger warnings for most heavy and triggering topics because it is obvious that Yi has had a hard life, but her poetry is a great reflection of how she will not let the substance of her hardships define her narrative. I wasn’t always a fan of this collection. There are some poems that are just plain ridiculous in the sentimentality of love and pandering, but that’s the be expected of modern poetry. It’s become the norm. I much preferred the raw poetry even if it showed layers of her soul. It reminded of Wintergirls in that respect. Beautifully written, but with sad and hard topics behind those vicious and layered words.
“The humans stared at their screens
as they missed another sunset.
Too bad it was the last.”
Yi has a lot of social commentary poems, which I really like. The good thing about these poems is that they feel like a protest against society which are the poems I generally prefer. If you are interested in a poet who isn’t afraid to pack a punch, then I suggest giving Yi’s collection You Can’t Kill Me Twice a shot. I am greatly impressed by it. It has its issues with being consisted throughout, but there are some striking poems inside. Just not as many as I would personally like.
Whimsical Writing Scale: 3.5
Plotastic Scale: 3.75
Cover Thoughts: I kind of love this cover. The colors and the little drawings of two people walking away. I love how the image doesn’t take up the whole cover. It’s different.
Thank you, Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, for providing me with a copy of this collection in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2019
"I can live with the fact that I was
born ignorant, have said dumb things,
and am fighting those tendencies
by learning in whatever means I can.
However, I cannot live cemented in my ways.
Never growing is the death of any living thing.
I am willing and open."
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed reading this but I felt like that sypnosis advertised the poem too strongly that when I read it, it wasn't as powerful as I thought it would be. The book talks love, loss, human nature and self-worth. Some were hard-hitting ones and some slightly funny ones that could induce a chuckle. Around 25-30% of the book is illustrations with a one-liner poem while the rest of the book contained mostly short poems with semi long ones here and there.
Some of my favorites:
"I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid of
being dead while I'm alive."
"A child bangs his child
against the wall,
trying to understand
why the adults supervising this world
need convincing that his father
shouldn't be murdered because of his black skin."
"Bodies should not be emptied so casually of their life."
""I have grown out of ways to reach you,"
said the child to the adult
who forgot how to love."
"Stop pouring breath
into the mouths
of the monsters
we won't let die."
"You lit your cigarette
but the light behind you eyes went out.
My dear, what are we to do with you?"
"Complacency killed the humans.
Curiosity led the cats into a peaceful
existence in which they prospered
and learned from the cats
that died before them."
"We time travel emotionally
to our past, or anxiously forward
to the future. But if we are not here,
we are deteriorating
as we cannot be
in two places at once."
Overall, I enjoyed some of the poems while they others were so-so. As for the illustrations, I liked the ones closer to the end rather than the silly looking ones. Since the poems are mostly short, this was a really quick read. I thought most of the poems would be related to the title but was left a bit disappointed.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
born ignorant, have said dumb things,
and am fighting those tendencies
by learning in whatever means I can.
However, I cannot live cemented in my ways.
Never growing is the death of any living thing.
I am willing and open."
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed reading this but I felt like that sypnosis advertised the poem too strongly that when I read it, it wasn't as powerful as I thought it would be. The book talks love, loss, human nature and self-worth. Some were hard-hitting ones and some slightly funny ones that could induce a chuckle. Around 25-30% of the book is illustrations with a one-liner poem while the rest of the book contained mostly short poems with semi long ones here and there.
Some of my favorites:
"I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid of
being dead while I'm alive."
"A child bangs his child
against the wall,
trying to understand
why the adults supervising this world
need convincing that his father
shouldn't be murdered because of his black skin."
"Bodies should not be emptied so casually of their life."
""I have grown out of ways to reach you,"
said the child to the adult
who forgot how to love."
"Stop pouring breath
into the mouths
of the monsters
we won't let die."
"You lit your cigarette
but the light behind you eyes went out.
My dear, what are we to do with you?"
"Complacency killed the humans.
Curiosity led the cats into a peaceful
existence in which they prospered
and learned from the cats
that died before them."
"We time travel emotionally
to our past, or anxiously forward
to the future. But if we are not here,
we are deteriorating
as we cannot be
in two places at once."
Overall, I enjoyed some of the poems while they others were so-so. As for the illustrations, I liked the ones closer to the end rather than the silly looking ones. Since the poems are mostly short, this was a really quick read. I thought most of the poems would be related to the title but was left a bit disappointed.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
November 19, 2019
While most of these poems didn't really resonate with me personally, I appreciated Yi's honesty, vulnerability and creativity. They tend to be quite short poems and are accompanied by many little sketches. Sometimes sketches take up several pages at a time to be the poems instead. Many of the poems are quite bizarre, some sad, some deal with issues like racism and failed relationships while others deal with family trauma.
Favorite poem:
You say so much, that you love butterflies.
There are at least thirty-eight of them pinned to your wall.
Please do not tell me you
love me next.
That said, I usually bookmark quite a few poems to read again and this was the only one I bookmarked in this collection. It's definitely interesting, which gets it marks from me even if I didn't love it.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
Favorite poem:
You say so much, that you love butterflies.
There are at least thirty-eight of them pinned to your wall.
Please do not tell me you
love me next.
That said, I usually bookmark quite a few poems to read again and this was the only one I bookmarked in this collection. It's definitely interesting, which gets it marks from me even if I didn't love it.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
May 2, 2021
This collection of ramblings (it's definitely not poetry) opens with:
I don't judge a book by its cover;
I judge it by its spine.
That should have been warning enough, considering that I got a copy of this book from the library and yet it had a clean spine.
Some of the 'poems' were actually quite good:
No one can take that much hot and cold.
It'll break anyone. This isn't based on psychology,
it's just physics.
— Studies on romance, climate change, and the effects of alternating extreme temperatures on glass.
Most were nonsensical, however:
The humans all gathered around the giant bowl
and stared at God's still because they were gross.
Wtf? The only reason this isn't 1 star is because the book does mention heavy topics and social issues.
I don't judge a book by its cover;
I judge it by its spine.
That should have been warning enough, considering that I got a copy of this book from the library and yet it had a clean spine.
Some of the 'poems' were actually quite good:
No one can take that much hot and cold.
It'll break anyone. This isn't based on psychology,
it's just physics.
— Studies on romance, climate change, and the effects of alternating extreme temperatures on glass.
Most were nonsensical, however:
The humans all gathered around the giant bowl
and stared at God's still because they were gross.
Wtf? The only reason this isn't 1 star is because the book does mention heavy topics and social issues.
November 29, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for gifting an ebook copy of You Can’t Kill Me Twice in exchange for an honest review.
You Can’t Kill Me Twice by Charlyne Yi is a book of poetry with additions of line drawings for effect. To be honest, when I started this book, I wasn’t sure that I would like it. But then I kept reading and found myself highlighting passages and making notes about my favorites (and there are a lot of favorites!).
Charlyne Yi’s poetry is unafraid to open up about topics on race, culture, relationships, hate, and so much more. Her voice is poetic and strong, leaving a meaningful feeling to the pages.
I read a fair amount of poetry and I really enjoy her writing style and the messages she shares, I will definitely watch for more writing from her.
You Can’t Kill Me Twice by Charlyne Yi is a book of poetry with additions of line drawings for effect. To be honest, when I started this book, I wasn’t sure that I would like it. But then I kept reading and found myself highlighting passages and making notes about my favorites (and there are a lot of favorites!).
Charlyne Yi’s poetry is unafraid to open up about topics on race, culture, relationships, hate, and so much more. Her voice is poetic and strong, leaving a meaningful feeling to the pages.
I read a fair amount of poetry and I really enjoy her writing style and the messages she shares, I will definitely watch for more writing from her.
October 15, 2019
Charlyne Yi is one of those effortlessly brilliant comedians that immediately make you think, this girl has been through some shit to be this insanely funny. Her collection of poems is a jump off a waterfall and a swim around a mind that has survived some dark trauma.
“My heart’s been avalanched, torched, hanged, shot twenty-eight times by a shotgun; and still I love.”
So many of these poems pack a serious punch and the art makes you linger on the pages a little longer than normal. I can’t wait to get my hands on more of her work!
November 11, 2019
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read. I liked the art that was incorporated into some of the poetry. It's not my favorite kind of poetry but it had some really nice stuff.
This was an interesting read. I liked the art that was incorporated into some of the poetry. It's not my favorite kind of poetry but it had some really nice stuff.
September 29, 2019
*3.5 stars*
I really enjoyed this! This year, I've read a lot of different poetry collections (Egghead, Adultolescence) that seem to be attempting to be the adult version of Shel Silverstein. I think that this collection accomplishes that goal the best. It was both funny and insightful, and used swear words but not randomly and gratuitously. There was a wide variety of topics covered, but the book still felt cohesive. If you're interested in a quick, lighter poetry collection that will still make you think, I would definitely recommend this one.
I really enjoyed this! This year, I've read a lot of different poetry collections (Egghead, Adultolescence) that seem to be attempting to be the adult version of Shel Silverstein. I think that this collection accomplishes that goal the best. It was both funny and insightful, and used swear words but not randomly and gratuitously. There was a wide variety of topics covered, but the book still felt cohesive. If you're interested in a quick, lighter poetry collection that will still make you think, I would definitely recommend this one.
December 28, 2020
2.5. Que libro tan raro. Y cuando les digo raro es realmente raro. La autora incluía poemas hermosos sobre temas difícil como el suicidio de su madre y luego había otro poema de 2 líneas sobre como los humanos miraban en inodoro de Dios.
October 17, 2019
A short poetry collection that hits on a variety of topics from relationships to family trauma. I believe the illustrations, though simple, really hit on the topics that she wrote about. With some harsh truths and some humor, it's an eclectic and varying collection all in it's few short pages.
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlyne Yi for an advanced copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Charlyne Yi for an advanced copy!
December 14, 2022
it's so hard to rate poetry
didn't resonate with a lot of the poems, but the ones i did were whimsical and vulnerable
i also really loved the drawings
didn't resonate with a lot of the poems, but the ones i did were whimsical and vulnerable
i also really loved the drawings
January 29, 2023
Wasn’t for me
November 18, 2019
Every time I see Charlyne Yi in something, I’m always surprised and then delighted. I’m pretty sure I saw her for the first time in Knocked Up, which I didn’t particularly enjoy despite a general good job all around by the actors, but I knew her best for Ruby in Steven Universe. Then, later, she voiced the lead in Next Gen (so cute) and played Lucifer’s nerdy little sister Death/Azrael (seen above, with Death’s fishies). And that’s just the acting side of things, because she’s also a comedian (which I knew) and a composer/musician/artist/writer/director (which I did not know). And then I saw her book come up on Netgalley.
I wouldn’t call this your standard book of poems, although as a musician, Yi can wield a metaphor adeptly. I might rate the book lower, if compared side to side with some of my absolute favorite poets who have left me gasping. You Can’t Kill Me Twice (so please treat me right) isn’t just another chapbook, though. It’s a set of musings, art, and stories. And like the best of all of these, it grows deeply personal.
One thing that Yi does that I’ve not actually seen other poets really do is integrate her illustrations into the meaning of the expression on the page. Yes, you’ll see some interesting pictures here and there in Rupi Kaur and others, but they aren’t critical to the poetry. You can just read the poem and get it. “The Study of Types of Love of Friendship, Family, and Romance” lists types like “The Black Hole” and “The Projectionist” and “The Disassemblist.” Just making a list without the illustrations wouldn’t give us same effect. Later in the book, in between a few lines of a short poem, Yi deploys her illustrations as well as the space of different pages to have a couple dancing and pulling each other back and forth. One of my favorites is the of image those enormous glasses the optometrist gives you, to look between lenses for which one looks right, and Yi punctuates each with a little circular lens with a drawing: Repression, Depression, and Reality. (I like the little ghost, okay.)
Apart from that, there are volumes of poetry that make me laugh, but reading this, there were a lot of little moments of saying “YES!” and outright snorting in laughter. Yi’s ability to move fluidly between roles makes for volume of poetry and art that is ever changing and doesn’t let you settle. It was a quick read, yes, but very enjoyable. Her humor is also a moving target. Sometimes it’s a bitter laugh, and sometimes it’s about an egg going up someone’s butt.
Thematically, Yi does address romantic relationships to a degree, but this is by far not the only focus. It’s hard to pin it all down, but You Can’t Kill Me Twice addresses love, loneliness, mental illness, suicide, identity, racism, political violence and scapegoating, building society on empathy rather than aggression, and the cyclical nature of abuse.
It’s a lot, ya’ll.
At the same time, it’s nice to see books of poetry that don’t just revolve around the rise and fall of a person’s relationships. It’s there, definitely, and I appreciate the themes of needing to be a whole person without your significant other, but that isn’t the beginning and end of what you’ll see here. The book is an interesting ride.
I wouldn’t call this your standard book of poems, although as a musician, Yi can wield a metaphor adeptly. I might rate the book lower, if compared side to side with some of my absolute favorite poets who have left me gasping. You Can’t Kill Me Twice (so please treat me right) isn’t just another chapbook, though. It’s a set of musings, art, and stories. And like the best of all of these, it grows deeply personal.
One thing that Yi does that I’ve not actually seen other poets really do is integrate her illustrations into the meaning of the expression on the page. Yes, you’ll see some interesting pictures here and there in Rupi Kaur and others, but they aren’t critical to the poetry. You can just read the poem and get it. “The Study of Types of Love of Friendship, Family, and Romance” lists types like “The Black Hole” and “The Projectionist” and “The Disassemblist.” Just making a list without the illustrations wouldn’t give us same effect. Later in the book, in between a few lines of a short poem, Yi deploys her illustrations as well as the space of different pages to have a couple dancing and pulling each other back and forth. One of my favorites is the of image those enormous glasses the optometrist gives you, to look between lenses for which one looks right, and Yi punctuates each with a little circular lens with a drawing: Repression, Depression, and Reality. (I like the little ghost, okay.)
Apart from that, there are volumes of poetry that make me laugh, but reading this, there were a lot of little moments of saying “YES!” and outright snorting in laughter. Yi’s ability to move fluidly between roles makes for volume of poetry and art that is ever changing and doesn’t let you settle. It was a quick read, yes, but very enjoyable. Her humor is also a moving target. Sometimes it’s a bitter laugh, and sometimes it’s about an egg going up someone’s butt.
Thematically, Yi does address romantic relationships to a degree, but this is by far not the only focus. It’s hard to pin it all down, but You Can’t Kill Me Twice addresses love, loneliness, mental illness, suicide, identity, racism, political violence and scapegoating, building society on empathy rather than aggression, and the cyclical nature of abuse.
It’s a lot, ya’ll.
At the same time, it’s nice to see books of poetry that don’t just revolve around the rise and fall of a person’s relationships. It’s there, definitely, and I appreciate the themes of needing to be a whole person without your significant other, but that isn’t the beginning and end of what you’ll see here. The book is an interesting ride.
November 13, 2019
"I have learned to hone my darkness.
I have enough darkness to fill the night sky.
I have enough light to turn the night into day.
And I have enough fire
to fill centuries of cold and loneliness
with warmth that will never fade."
I always drop by the poetry section of NetGalley to see if any new books have been added. I also keep my eye out for upcoming books by Andrews McMeel Publishing. Most of my best poetry reads of this year come from this publishing house. The moment I saw this book, I was drawn to it, thanks to the very catchy title! I knew this read was going to be interesting. As soon as I delved deep into this book, I was incredibly amazed and was full of love for this utterly beautiful collection of poetry!
A blend of brutally honest and outright emotional, the poems in this collection is accompanied by dark humour and childish (yet so mature) illustrations which just gives a touch of innocence to the poems surrounding the themes of the uncertainty of love, lingering family traumas and the absurdity of societal expectations. The moment I finished reading this book, my only thought was to hug Charlyne! Every poem in this collection makes the reader contemplate on so many things and even after you finish reading the collection, you can see a strong, vivid print of the poems inside your head, resonating louder and louder as the moments pass by. Every turn of a page increased my love for this book. This is definitely taking the 1st place in my Top 10 poetry reads of this year! Charlyne's style of writing is extremely profound and make's you want more. This book will make any one fall in love with poetry and if one is already in love with it, it makes you fall in love all over again!
I will be reading this again and again for the times to come! The book has left me with so many emotions lingering close to the surface. One of them is a sense of assurance and empowerment. If you didn't love this book, I am coming for you. You wouldn't want that. I am not considering, "Your opinion is yours" when it comes to this book!
Recommended: Everyone out there, just read this collection already!
I have enough darkness to fill the night sky.
I have enough light to turn the night into day.
And I have enough fire
to fill centuries of cold and loneliness
with warmth that will never fade."
I always drop by the poetry section of NetGalley to see if any new books have been added. I also keep my eye out for upcoming books by Andrews McMeel Publishing. Most of my best poetry reads of this year come from this publishing house. The moment I saw this book, I was drawn to it, thanks to the very catchy title! I knew this read was going to be interesting. As soon as I delved deep into this book, I was incredibly amazed and was full of love for this utterly beautiful collection of poetry!
A blend of brutally honest and outright emotional, the poems in this collection is accompanied by dark humour and childish (yet so mature) illustrations which just gives a touch of innocence to the poems surrounding the themes of the uncertainty of love, lingering family traumas and the absurdity of societal expectations. The moment I finished reading this book, my only thought was to hug Charlyne! Every poem in this collection makes the reader contemplate on so many things and even after you finish reading the collection, you can see a strong, vivid print of the poems inside your head, resonating louder and louder as the moments pass by. Every turn of a page increased my love for this book. This is definitely taking the 1st place in my Top 10 poetry reads of this year! Charlyne's style of writing is extremely profound and make's you want more. This book will make any one fall in love with poetry and if one is already in love with it, it makes you fall in love all over again!
I will be reading this again and again for the times to come! The book has left me with so many emotions lingering close to the surface. One of them is a sense of assurance and empowerment. If you didn't love this book, I am coming for you. You wouldn't want that. I am not considering, "Your opinion is yours" when it comes to this book!
Recommended: Everyone out there, just read this collection already!
November 10, 2019
"You Can't Kill Me Twice"
Written by Charlyne Yi
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia
"You Can't Kill Me" is the first work that I have encountered by Charlyne Yi, a poet, comedian, writer, actress, and musician. Yi's collection of poetry and illustrations was so incredibly unique, in such a ridiculous and fun way.
Yi's poetry is comedic, serious, feministic, and fun, all in one incredible package. At first, I had to come to grips that some of her poems and illustrations are just plain ridiculous, in a fun and interesting way. Yi's poems are highly likable, once you come to the understanding that some of them are strange and weird on purpose. Her words almost feel like satire sometimes.
A wonderful aspect of her poetry is the serious themes that are underneath the dark comedy elements. Her poetry asks of the reader to take care of themselves, to love carefully, and be a great person. Sometimes, her metaphors and silly verses do really take ahold of you.
Although I am not typically a fan of comedic writing and funny poetry, I still enjoyed the collection. Accompanied by the odd illustrations, the book was quite fun.
Yi has interesting segments in the book, "The Study of Types of Love, Friendship, Family, and Romance" and "The Optometrist". Her peculiar insight creates interesting reading material.
I personally liked her work very much. I plan to look into her other works. I truly think a great career for her would be to write and draw cartoons. Her comedy definitely needs to be brought further into the world. I cannot wait to look more into her art and writing.
I rated this collection of poetry and illustrations at a four star rating out of five stars.
I received a complimentary edition of this book from the publisher in exchange for reading and reviewing purposes. Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Written by Charlyne Yi
Reviewed by Diana Iozzia
"You Can't Kill Me" is the first work that I have encountered by Charlyne Yi, a poet, comedian, writer, actress, and musician. Yi's collection of poetry and illustrations was so incredibly unique, in such a ridiculous and fun way.
Yi's poetry is comedic, serious, feministic, and fun, all in one incredible package. At first, I had to come to grips that some of her poems and illustrations are just plain ridiculous, in a fun and interesting way. Yi's poems are highly likable, once you come to the understanding that some of them are strange and weird on purpose. Her words almost feel like satire sometimes.
A wonderful aspect of her poetry is the serious themes that are underneath the dark comedy elements. Her poetry asks of the reader to take care of themselves, to love carefully, and be a great person. Sometimes, her metaphors and silly verses do really take ahold of you.
Although I am not typically a fan of comedic writing and funny poetry, I still enjoyed the collection. Accompanied by the odd illustrations, the book was quite fun.
Yi has interesting segments in the book, "The Study of Types of Love, Friendship, Family, and Romance" and "The Optometrist". Her peculiar insight creates interesting reading material.
I personally liked her work very much. I plan to look into her other works. I truly think a great career for her would be to write and draw cartoons. Her comedy definitely needs to be brought further into the world. I cannot wait to look more into her art and writing.
I rated this collection of poetry and illustrations at a four star rating out of five stars.
I received a complimentary edition of this book from the publisher in exchange for reading and reviewing purposes. Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing.
October 30, 2019
I was hardly attracted at the cover of this book initially (idk how many hours I thought why it had such a plain and simple cover) but the moment I started with this book I was amazed. To say this book has the best and the most magnificent poems I have ever read, it almost made my eyes shine.
The interior with perfect font initially I was lazy reading long poems but then a realization of wanting striked me to read more and more. I have no words to describe Charlyne's style of writing; it’s totally different from all other poets.
All I found in the book was Charlyne, Charlyne and Charlyne. Such unique books are often more pleasure to read. The poems unlike usual instagram poetry or contemporary poetry are a combination of both of them. The length and style depicts the wonderful fusion of these two styles which comes out really very well. Another thing I loved was the creativity that was profound in each poem right from the idea to structural layout of the poems—poems seem to be more appealing when they please eyes as well.
The illustrations are just perfect to hit you harder. I especially loved the depth and hardness in the poems. They were guns in my boots maybe something else that would be carried willingly with ease.
My favourite poem was about her dad being her cancer. I couldn't help but love the flow it had. This is a must buy
The interior with perfect font initially I was lazy reading long poems but then a realization of wanting striked me to read more and more. I have no words to describe Charlyne's style of writing; it’s totally different from all other poets.
All I found in the book was Charlyne, Charlyne and Charlyne. Such unique books are often more pleasure to read. The poems unlike usual instagram poetry or contemporary poetry are a combination of both of them. The length and style depicts the wonderful fusion of these two styles which comes out really very well. Another thing I loved was the creativity that was profound in each poem right from the idea to structural layout of the poems—poems seem to be more appealing when they please eyes as well.
The illustrations are just perfect to hit you harder. I especially loved the depth and hardness in the poems. They were guns in my boots maybe something else that would be carried willingly with ease.
My favourite poem was about her dad being her cancer. I couldn't help but love the flow it had. This is a must buy
May 24, 2022
Charlyne Yi is an actor and comedian best known for their parts in Judd Apatow films (Knocked Up, This is 40) and from their comedy. I, personally, know them mostly from their film Paper Heart (2009) which I was absolutely obsessed with when I was 15. I also really liked Charlyne's character in Good Girls on NBC. Anyway, to put it mildly, I have always been a fan of Charlyne's work, and I literally only just found out they had a poetry collection tonight when I looked into them to see how they were doing lately. Random, but it seemed like fate.
I thought that this poetry collection was great - it was brief, witty, and felt like I was reading someone's journal. I really like accessible poetry. I feel that people can knock poets like Rupi Kaur all they want to, but they connect with people for a reason, you know? Some of the poems in here do seem Rupi Kaur-esque, which I guess means they aren't for everyone, but I thought that these were charming, insightful, and often a little tear-jerking.
However, there were a couple of poems in here that really could've just been tweets. I like my poetry accessible, but I feel like there was some filler in here and I would've liked to see more substance where the filler was.
Bonus points because I thought the illustrations were charming.
I thought that this poetry collection was great - it was brief, witty, and felt like I was reading someone's journal. I really like accessible poetry. I feel that people can knock poets like Rupi Kaur all they want to, but they connect with people for a reason, you know? Some of the poems in here do seem Rupi Kaur-esque, which I guess means they aren't for everyone, but I thought that these were charming, insightful, and often a little tear-jerking.
However, there were a couple of poems in here that really could've just been tweets. I like my poetry accessible, but I feel like there was some filler in here and I would've liked to see more substance where the filler was.
Bonus points because I thought the illustrations were charming.
November 16, 2019
(Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to have access to this title in exchange for a honest review!)
Overall, I found this poetry collection to be a good one. There were some that seemed more like fillers than a full piece for this book, but I found many of the poems to be touching and would be interested in seeing what this author releases in the future.
(One of my favorite poems in the book)
There are two glasses that are half-empty,
that think they can complete each other.
But every time they go into each other’s glasses,
they lose themselves completely.
That’s the catch: You can’t be anyone else’s half.
You need to fill yourself up, so you can be two glasses
clinking and toasting, enjoying one another.
Overall, I found this poetry collection to be a good one. There were some that seemed more like fillers than a full piece for this book, but I found many of the poems to be touching and would be interested in seeing what this author releases in the future.
(One of my favorite poems in the book)
There are two glasses that are half-empty,
that think they can complete each other.
But every time they go into each other’s glasses,
they lose themselves completely.
That’s the catch: You can’t be anyone else’s half.
You need to fill yourself up, so you can be two glasses
clinking and toasting, enjoying one another.
February 28, 2020
Unfortunately I can’t say this collection of poetry was really for me.
The topics are good, and there are some interesting and good thoughts in it, but the formatting is just not my style. I don’t feel like I’m reading actual poems, I feel like I’m reading someone’s (mostly) random thoughts. There might be quality to them, but only as thoughts, and not as real poems. For me, at least. Then again, I feel like that a lot when reading modern poetry. I should have maybe already learnt that 21st century poetry is not really my cup of tea. I still can’t stop reading it…. because sometimes, rarely, but sometimes I find some hidden treasures…and that’s completely worth it.
This collection was forgettable for me, though.
3/5 stars, because it’s poetry and subjective.
The topics are good, and there are some interesting and good thoughts in it, but the formatting is just not my style. I don’t feel like I’m reading actual poems, I feel like I’m reading someone’s (mostly) random thoughts. There might be quality to them, but only as thoughts, and not as real poems. For me, at least. Then again, I feel like that a lot when reading modern poetry. I should have maybe already learnt that 21st century poetry is not really my cup of tea. I still can’t stop reading it…. because sometimes, rarely, but sometimes I find some hidden treasures…and that’s completely worth it.
This collection was forgettable for me, though.
3/5 stars, because it’s poetry and subjective.
June 20, 2025
I enjoyed it because it was a quick read and had some nice poems. Some of them are cringe, corny, and miss. But some of them are eloquent, poignant, and relatable. It can be hit or miss depending on the poem. Since it only takes like maybe an hour or so to read I'd say it's worth the time, has value, and deserves at least a 2/5.
The poems that stood out to me for one reason or another:
"I don't judge a book by its cover; I judge it by its spine."
"Is there any evidence that this is love?" (with a cute drawing of two people kissing and little people in their forehead reaching towards each other)
"I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid of being dead while I'm alive" (accompanied by a little picture of a person with a lil dude in a coffin where there heart should be)
"I threw my goddamn emotional baggage off the docks and into the ocean and the goddamn sonuvabitch popped up floating! Who on God's green earth taught it to swim?"
"There's a cat who hops from rooftop to rooftop. And when our eyes have closed shop, he whispers things we want to hear, like, 'I love you, Ethel, your existence is not meaningless. Let's get fucking weird together and drink each other's tears, Ethel.' He's a liar, but he's also a good friend."
"When I moved, I gave away everything that reminded me of you, even our blanket. If it was cold, I slept under a pile of coats. I pushed all the furniture (that was a two-person job) down the stairs by myself. All the neighbors thought they were watching a Laurel and Hardy film with just Hardy. I'm glad they got a good laugh as I slid down the stairs with that big oak desk. When we got these pieces, you told me I'd never have to worry about carrying the load by myself. That was a good joke."
"Bodies should not be emptied so casually of their life."
"I cried at your wedding because you married someone terrible."
"There's an unwritten, unwelcomed bible that says, 'Just don't be a fucking asshole.'"
"I planted a row of spines in case anyone needs one."
"How will anyone be racist when they are ghosts and have no skin?"
"Complacency killed the humans. Curiosity led the cats into a peaceful existence in which they prospered and learned from the cats that died before them."
"Only seeing the bad is depression. Only seeing the good is repression. But to see both the darkness and light is reality. To see what's at stake is what makes the world so humble and beautiful."
"I placed an egg under you to see if you could hatch it but your butt swallowed it up."
"Get out of your head" (accompanied by a cute picture of a dude who lives in a guy's head sitting in his tussled hair)
"Babies don't have a poker face. In a single minute they've exploded in laughter, shat themselves, wailed screeches of hunger interludes with quiet confusion, and found solace in being held, which was met with violent rupture from the annoyance of being held. I wonder at what age we train our faces to lie."
"I bought two large ice bags and plopped them into my bed because I missed the cold touch of a man. When I woke up, he was gone and my bed was wet. Typical man."
"I made a wish I could hold your face just once."
"There are two glasses that are half-empty, that think they can complete each other. But every time they go into each other's glasses, they lose themselves completely. That's the catch: You can't be anyone else's half. You need to fill yourself up, so you can be two glasses clinking and toasting, enjoying one another."
"My first car was a rough relationship. First it started to smoke, then it started to drink, and then it died."
"...if I wasn't so scared, I would be happy. But I'm afraid of missing you and the memories we could've shared."
"I miss all the things I can't remember."
"Stop pouring breath into the mouths of the monsters we won't let die."
"There are people who talk to you like you are a mirror. There are people who talk to you, projecting old eels of their past onto your face. And there are some people who can see you, and suddenly, you don't feel so much like a ghost anymore."
"An anchor tied to your tongue kept your words from floating, and I never found out how you actually felt." (accompanied by a cool picture)
"Sometimes holidays make you feel alone even though you're not, and so often you are and you feel fine."
"The further we were
the more tunnels we built" (accompanied by a super duper cute drawing)
"We time travel emotionally to our past, or anxiously forward to the future. But if we are not here, we are deteriorating, as we cannot be in two places at once."
"Life only lasts a little while, and if you're lucky, if you're really lucky, you get to spend it with some pretty special people, even if they come and go, even if you drift and grow, far and stranger to those who were once close because life only lasts such a little while."
"Doomed? No. Everything is perishable! Food is, humans are, the earth is, relations of all sorts--But just because food is going to perish, and your body too, doesn't mean you shouldn't eat, does it? The same applies to love. Love may live, and with that, may die, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't have chapters and passages of life with people and the world. The fact that everything is perishable is the reason to live."
"I went to the loveliest courthouse wedding. My two friends kissed like they needed to. It was like both their faces were two dimensions opening up, their mouths, and they were colliding, making an even bigger sky. My god they love each other."
"I can live with the fact that I was born ignorant, have said dumb things, and am fighting those tendencies by learning in whatever means I can. However, I cannot live cemented in my ways. Never growing is the death of any living thing. I am willing and open."
The poems that stood out to me for one reason or another:
"I don't judge a book by its cover; I judge it by its spine."
"Is there any evidence that this is love?" (with a cute drawing of two people kissing and little people in their forehead reaching towards each other)
"I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid of being dead while I'm alive" (accompanied by a little picture of a person with a lil dude in a coffin where there heart should be)
"I threw my goddamn emotional baggage off the docks and into the ocean and the goddamn sonuvabitch popped up floating! Who on God's green earth taught it to swim?"
"There's a cat who hops from rooftop to rooftop. And when our eyes have closed shop, he whispers things we want to hear, like, 'I love you, Ethel, your existence is not meaningless. Let's get fucking weird together and drink each other's tears, Ethel.' He's a liar, but he's also a good friend."
"When I moved, I gave away everything that reminded me of you, even our blanket. If it was cold, I slept under a pile of coats. I pushed all the furniture (that was a two-person job) down the stairs by myself. All the neighbors thought they were watching a Laurel and Hardy film with just Hardy. I'm glad they got a good laugh as I slid down the stairs with that big oak desk. When we got these pieces, you told me I'd never have to worry about carrying the load by myself. That was a good joke."
"Bodies should not be emptied so casually of their life."
"I cried at your wedding because you married someone terrible."
"There's an unwritten, unwelcomed bible that says, 'Just don't be a fucking asshole.'"
"I planted a row of spines in case anyone needs one."
"How will anyone be racist when they are ghosts and have no skin?"
"Complacency killed the humans. Curiosity led the cats into a peaceful existence in which they prospered and learned from the cats that died before them."
"Only seeing the bad is depression. Only seeing the good is repression. But to see both the darkness and light is reality. To see what's at stake is what makes the world so humble and beautiful."
"I placed an egg under you to see if you could hatch it but your butt swallowed it up."
"Get out of your head" (accompanied by a cute picture of a dude who lives in a guy's head sitting in his tussled hair)
"Babies don't have a poker face. In a single minute they've exploded in laughter, shat themselves, wailed screeches of hunger interludes with quiet confusion, and found solace in being held, which was met with violent rupture from the annoyance of being held. I wonder at what age we train our faces to lie."
"I bought two large ice bags and plopped them into my bed because I missed the cold touch of a man. When I woke up, he was gone and my bed was wet. Typical man."
"I made a wish I could hold your face just once."
"There are two glasses that are half-empty, that think they can complete each other. But every time they go into each other's glasses, they lose themselves completely. That's the catch: You can't be anyone else's half. You need to fill yourself up, so you can be two glasses clinking and toasting, enjoying one another."
"My first car was a rough relationship. First it started to smoke, then it started to drink, and then it died."
"...if I wasn't so scared, I would be happy. But I'm afraid of missing you and the memories we could've shared."
"I miss all the things I can't remember."
"Stop pouring breath into the mouths of the monsters we won't let die."
"There are people who talk to you like you are a mirror. There are people who talk to you, projecting old eels of their past onto your face. And there are some people who can see you, and suddenly, you don't feel so much like a ghost anymore."
"An anchor tied to your tongue kept your words from floating, and I never found out how you actually felt." (accompanied by a cool picture)
"Sometimes holidays make you feel alone even though you're not, and so often you are and you feel fine."
"The further we were
the more tunnels we built" (accompanied by a super duper cute drawing)
"We time travel emotionally to our past, or anxiously forward to the future. But if we are not here, we are deteriorating, as we cannot be in two places at once."
"Life only lasts a little while, and if you're lucky, if you're really lucky, you get to spend it with some pretty special people, even if they come and go, even if you drift and grow, far and stranger to those who were once close because life only lasts such a little while."
"Doomed? No. Everything is perishable! Food is, humans are, the earth is, relations of all sorts--But just because food is going to perish, and your body too, doesn't mean you shouldn't eat, does it? The same applies to love. Love may live, and with that, may die, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't have chapters and passages of life with people and the world. The fact that everything is perishable is the reason to live."
"I went to the loveliest courthouse wedding. My two friends kissed like they needed to. It was like both their faces were two dimensions opening up, their mouths, and they were colliding, making an even bigger sky. My god they love each other."
"I can live with the fact that I was born ignorant, have said dumb things, and am fighting those tendencies by learning in whatever means I can. However, I cannot live cemented in my ways. Never growing is the death of any living thing. I am willing and open."
September 30, 2019
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“An anchor tied to your tongue kept your words from floating, and I never found out how you actually felt.”
This was a beautiful and honest poetry book, written with Yi’s whole heart. The poems in this book handle different subjects, like mental health, emotions,... The book also contains a lot of beautiful illustrations, which make the reading experience even better. I definitely think this poetry book was one of the best I have ever read, in my personal opinion.
“An anchor tied to your tongue kept your words from floating, and I never found out how you actually felt.”
This was a beautiful and honest poetry book, written with Yi’s whole heart. The poems in this book handle different subjects, like mental health, emotions,... The book also contains a lot of beautiful illustrations, which make the reading experience even better. I definitely think this poetry book was one of the best I have ever read, in my personal opinion.
November 4, 2019
I received an advanced electronic copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I haven't seen or heard much from/about Charlyne Yi since I saw Paper Heart, so I felt the need to request this one. Some of the poems are funny or silly while others reflect on her experiences with love and relationships. Don't go into this one expecting something deeply profound or conventionally poetic.
October 5, 2019
It's a nice collections of poems, some are pretty funny. I liked her sense of humour.
(there are some things in here that left me wondering whether their truthful or not, definitely gonna do some research after writting this)
(there are some things in here that left me wondering whether their truthful or not, definitely gonna do some research after writting this)
November 1, 2019
Surprisingly enjoyable collection of poems and illustrations, even though the actress-writer discloses herself as a polymath. Some of the poems are too tongue-in-cheek, but others were biting and poignant in their critique of racial injustice, men/masculinity, and relationships.
August 14, 2023
“I cried at your wedding
because you married someone terrible.”
Oh yes, ofc. POETRY RIGHT THERE!! Hasta yo puedo escribir una vaina que de menos cringe y sea más inspiradora. 🤥
Me gustaron 4 poemas 🥶💀
because you married someone terrible.”
Oh yes, ofc. POETRY RIGHT THERE!! Hasta yo puedo escribir una vaina que de menos cringe y sea más inspiradora. 🤥
Me gustaron 4 poemas 🥶💀
November 5, 2025
It’s sad how much of modern poetry has lost its craft. No form, no rhyme structure, no deliberate technique. Not even the discipline of free verse remains. Just raw diary fragments masquerading as poems without any poetic device.
October 6, 2019
Another poetry book that I requested on Netgalley and it was beautifully written. Thank you @Netgalley especially the publisher for providing me an electronic ARC.
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