Whisper Screaming in the Middle of a Crowded Room

Snarky Girl #1

by G.G. Knoth

In her debut poetry collection, author G.G. Knoth invites you to dive head first into the terrifying and isolating web of mental illness. Raw and vivid language draws the reader down to its depths, offering a front row seat to the hidden torments of an array of battles. A dark—but ultimately hopeful—journey offers a spirit of compassion and camaraderie for those in the thick of their own fight, a glimpse behind the curtain for those wishing to understand, and ultimately an impassioned call to solidarity over stigma.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2019

About the author

G.G. Knoth is a fierce advocate for mental health. A professional writer for over twenty years, she also holds advanced degrees in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pastoral Counseling, including a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Counseling. Her company, This Is not What I Signed Up For, LLC is devoted to providing holistic resources for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness. She believes we have the power to take back our own health if we are willing to take action and that we we can end the stigma of mental health if we just keep talking about it.

She lives on a small farm in South Florida with her husband, their two daughters, six cats, a grouchy chihuahua, and some seriously spoiled honeybees, chickens, and ducks.

In her poetry and in her business, G.G. Knoth takes on the stigma of mental illness in our society, calling each of us to greater compassion and understanding for ourselves and one another. With a message of solidarity and hope, she encourages those struggling, especially alone, to hold on, reach out, and keep the faith. ​​

Reviews

[Jillian Rabbito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whisper Screaming in the Middle of a Crowded Room snaps the stigma attached to mental health in half like a rubber band. G.G. Knoth expresses so eloquently what many of us are feeling, thinking, and or going through while being as raw as one can possibly get discussing mental health. She speaks directly from the heart and the very core of the soul. She utilizes her witty sense of humor and creative metaphors bringing a sense of comfort surrounding a topic many of us have difficulty talking about or even approaching. This book has made me feel like I am not alone, that I am heard, that I am worthy, and that my feelings are real and valid. This book has saved me in the darkest of times providing me with a glimmer of hope. I recommend this book to anyone with a mental illness, anyone who is struggling or going through a hard time, and to anyone that loves someone who can directly relate to this body of work. Whisper Screaming in the Middle of a Crowded Room is like a warm blanket - you can feel the author reaching out to the reader and giving them a great big hug. You are not alone, and I promise you that you are worth it.

[Beth Cusack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this collection of poems by chance. I’m grateful I did. I’ll be holding on to them for years to come. Knoth’s collection is a way to get the conversation started with the self when I feel numb, disconnected, lost, anxious, dark. I look forward to picking this collection up again to reread and find different poems that resonate with me. I think it can be a book for family and friends who want to develop insight into mental illness and to become part of the team that removes the social stigma around mental illness. Solidarity, empathy, and listening are running threads throughout Knoth’s book.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of poetry that reaches into the very depths of the heart, mind and soul of the author, allowing the reader a window into the world of mental illness. Her words are beautiful and honest...and, they are piercing and raw. She seeks to speak to those living with mental illness, and offers them herself in written from, to let them know they are not alone. In her own words, from her poem "The Gift of Darkness," she writes...

I am glad for the sadness
because somewhere out there is
Y O U
whoever you are
reading this
needing this
desperate to know
you’re not broken or alone
I see you and I understand you

I highly recommend this amazing collection. May it speak to you the way it did to me.

[Kathy Franzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful debut collection written with a creative and sharp wit, and a well learned mind.

The poems relentlessly explore, astutely observe, to provoke questions reflecting on the human condition. Throughout, they combine an appropriate measure of serious focus, often combined with humor.

This work voices disturbing truths but also gives hope, imparting wry wisdom and offering reflection on the many challenges we personally face and perhaps observe in others.

A must read if you've ever suffered from depression, or love someone who has.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a journey through the complex subject of mental health. While this poetry collection is a work of art, it portrays the struggles of others in a real and raw manner. IThe writing is brilliant as it pulls off the masks, and reveals a closer look behind the smiles and periods of silence of those who battle the dark, inner workings of the mind.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of these poems captured what I’ve felt and what I’ve seen and heard from others. There was such brutal honesty which I loved. Just brilliant!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a great read, loved it immediately. There is a certain feeling of belonging and/or understanding you get from reading a book; that so beautifully puts into words the thoughts that sometimes run through your head. The words are deep and bring light into a dark subject.

[Lisa Sollod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems both changed and saved my life.. I mean it. Reading this book helped bring me out of my deepest depression and most anxious times. The author expresses the experiences and thoughts that are so common among those struggling with mental illness. It not only allows the person struggling to connect and understand themselves and others on a deeper level, but it also allows others to understand and be of better assistance for their loved ones who may be struggling. While reading this book, I became more hopeful for the future. I appreciated myself and this “gift” more than I ever did before. The author tells a beautiful story through the use of poems that I recommend everyone read it. I was more then excited to recommend my best friend read this book, as it is by far the most incredible, thought-provoking, real book that I have ever read and loved (I am not much of a reader, and am currently reading it for the third time in just a few weeks).
Thank you for writing this and truly understanding.