Parallel Universe Me Has No Scars

by Matthew Stegman, Hal Gre (Illustrations)

Parallel Universe Me Has No Scars is a collection of four poetry and short essay chapbooks by Matthew Stegman. The Last Flamingo, Memory Memory, Absolute Absence Romance, and Parallel Universe Me Has No Scars. Each section is a peek into the author's mind as he depicts his experiences, delusions, thoughts, and complaints. Have you found yourself on the opposite side of the mirror? Have you thought yourself close to insanity? Have you paved over your entire childhood? Have you seen your death in the body of others? This collection of poetry seeks out the answers. Each poem reflects a moment of overwhelming emotion that the author chose to express by writing down. This collection was tailored to Matthew's design, it is unapologetic and only asks to exist. Just as we all simply seek to exist.

Genres: Poetry

181 pages, Paperback

Published February 22, 2020

About the author

Matthew Stegman is the author of If Anyone Can Hide it, it's Me and Parallel Universe Me Has No Scars, two self-published poetry collections. He has no other notable accomplishments. He’s honestly at best let everyone down, but he makes up for it with charisma. Matthew has always had a passion for literature and art. The Altruistic Hedonist, The Uneducated Prick, he strives every day to be a little better than the last. Matthew’s writing will often walk the tightrope balancing between taking itself a tad bit too seriously and playfully being as satirical as it possibly can. “Whatever happens, happens, baby.”

Reviews

[Eliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Parallel Universe Me Has No Scars is a collection of poetry told in four sections, each poem depicting a moment of intense emotion. I really enjoyed reading this! It felt like stepping into someone’s mind, and hearing their every thought throughout the day(s). I’m fascinated by the way different people think, everyone’s individual internal dialogue and how it may differ from what mine sounds like. Reading this collection of poetry felt like that and it was a really interesting read! I love how honest the author is; he is unapologetic and doesn’t hold back, qualities I wish more people would have.

Thank you so much to Matthew Stegman for sending this collection my way!

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

➳ Rate:  4/ 5 stars

Matthew has done it again! He is raw, dark weird and deep in this collection. He has an insane ability to reflect over his life and actions which to me is amazing.

This is another step in growth and watching Matt keep working on his issues, his insecurities, his heartbreak.

His poems are almost like journal entries, some on things he’s been through, on his memories, on his pain and heartbreak. He always goes very deep in his self analysis and it’s inspiring to see him working so hard on himself and his mental health.

I enjoyed this one a bit more than his other collection.

➳ Physical copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.

➳ Order at: Amazon US

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[Zal E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start by saying, this was a vulnerable piece of work to put out, a light casting its own push at the shadow. Thank you for sharing, brother.


Matthew Stegman reveals to the interpreter a set of personal dilemmas, epiphanies, psychological insights, and the ability to tug at nostalgic nuggets of memory. I believe the indirect, poetic confrontation with all selves plays well with the mystery lurking within the page. As even the author mentions in some lines, there is careful intention in his actions. Revealing enough to understand, however leaving room to wonder and empathize. There is no finer recipe to connect beyond page level.

From the titling and choice layout, you can see the same craftsmanship. It calls to other poem headings, or a clue from a previous charged line within one. There were times where I connected to the piece, only to catch a welcome nod to it later on.

Again, the detailing makes sense when you realize the intentionality. We are doing a deep dive into the author's understanding and misunderstanding; a spiral of many emotions and thoughts-- easily you can find yourself missing the meaning, which could throw off the nonchalant reader. However, there's encouragement to dig-- to draw your own clues. Knowingly, the author plays into this.

I strongly recommend anyone to give this plenty of read overs, it's an excellent yet vulnerable piece of work. Open minded souls will gravitate to this, it's a marker of a journey we all are taking. A healing one, may life lead us all on a path of self discovery.

Seriously, it's worth it.

[Here's Johnny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather than write a whole other review here, I'd refer anyone looking at this to my other review of Stegman's book 'If Anyone Can Hide It, It's Me,' as this one continues the same level of authorship found in that collection.

I do not know how much time was taken between each book but Amazon tells me they were both published within days of each other. Therefore, my impression is there isn't much growth between the works.

Stegman just needs to focus on revising and editing.

[Hazel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as thematically organized as his last collection, and could be edited down, but this collection was vulnerable and experimental, as poetry (i think) should be. Some of my favorites were 'The Boy and His Motorcycle,' 'The Moon,' and 'Windchimes Devouring a Midwestern Home.'

[Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect expression of hidden feelings on paper. I have loved reading this book from the first page to the end. Wow

[leilani ! · Rating 1 out of 5]

i am NOT a fan of modern poetry. all i do is sit there and cringe.