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Gut Feelings
At school, I learned that words,
More than weapons,
Could destroy bodies,
Could break hearts
More than fists or fury.
This is the story of Chris, what happened to him at age eleven and how that would change the rest of his life. A life-affirming and powerful coming of age verse novel that shines a light on chronic illness, who we are and how we live.
Familial adenomatous polyposis
fa mIljal aedI na matas p la pousIs noun
An inherited disorder characterised by the rapid growth of small, pre-cancerous polyps in the large intestines.
More than weapons,
Could destroy bodies,
Could break hearts
More than fists or fury.
This is the story of Chris, what happened to him at age eleven and how that would change the rest of his life. A life-affirming and powerful coming of age verse novel that shines a light on chronic illness, who we are and how we live.
Familial adenomatous polyposis
fa mIljal aedI na matas p la pousIs noun
An inherited disorder characterised by the rapid growth of small, pre-cancerous polyps in the large intestines.
400 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2021
5 people are currently reading
237 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 23, 2020
The first striking feature of this book is its cover which is very thoughtful and rightly relates to the content that is within the book. This was my first experience of reading a verse novel and therefore, in the beginning, I had my little struggles of adapting to such a format. But slowly and slowly the words sank in and I felt connected. As the title suggests, everything revolves around the “guts”. No wonder, guts are so important that we do have a handful of idioms and sayings on this body part.
This book specifically gave me a very personal perspective on genetically borne diseases, shape the lives in a family. Yes, it was an emotional ride sprinkled with some philosophy here and there. This is a book of hope, to remind you to be thankful for whatever life you are leading and making the best of every single day, no matter how hard life tries to pull you down.
I did feel that the novel was way too long. The length bugged me a bit. It does tackle a wide variety of topics related to teens and young adults, and of course an in-depth narrative on chronic illnesses but I do think it could have been wrapped up in a few pages or so.
The language is simple and very straightforward, so if you are like me who is new to verse novels and want to read something that moves your heart and increases awareness on chronic illnesses then dive into this heartwarming book.
This book specifically gave me a very personal perspective on genetically borne diseases, shape the lives in a family. Yes, it was an emotional ride sprinkled with some philosophy here and there. This is a book of hope, to remind you to be thankful for whatever life you are leading and making the best of every single day, no matter how hard life tries to pull you down.
I did feel that the novel was way too long. The length bugged me a bit. It does tackle a wide variety of topics related to teens and young adults, and of course an in-depth narrative on chronic illnesses but I do think it could have been wrapped up in a few pages or so.
The language is simple and very straightforward, so if you are like me who is new to verse novels and want to read something that moves your heart and increases awareness on chronic illnesses then dive into this heartwarming book.
July 11, 2022
Let me start this review by saying that I have Crohn's disease, it is not the same as FAP but it has similar symptoms. Similar worst case scenarios. It is chronic.
I felt very seen by this book. It is raw and emotional, it is very open and honest and personal. I felt very connected to the narrative, despite the fact that I rarely/never read poetry or verse.
This book is not just one for people who can relate though. It is a book that can educate, give perspective and help people empathise more with others on so many levels. I will personally be recommending it to a lot of people. Please read it.
I felt very seen by this book. It is raw and emotional, it is very open and honest and personal. I felt very connected to the narrative, despite the fact that I rarely/never read poetry or verse.
This book is not just one for people who can relate though. It is a book that can educate, give perspective and help people empathise more with others on so many levels. I will personally be recommending it to a lot of people. Please read it.
August 13, 2021
I had personal reasons for wanting to read Gut Feelings. I have suffered with gut problems for as long as I can remember and I have never seen someone like myself or what I have gone through represented in books. I am so grateful that disability awareness – in particular invisible illnesses – is getting recognised in writing. Plus own voice stories are so powerful.
CG Moore’s Gut Feelings is a story told through poetry and explores Moore’s own experience with having an invisible illness. He brilliantly describes the drained feeling of constant hospital appointments, the fear of the next thing you are going to be told by a specialist, the remission and the flare ups. Maybe it is because my experience has been similar but Moore’s writing feels powerful.
Invisible illnesses are difficult for the person who has it but equally for the patient’s loved ones. They don’t know how you feel or what you go through or the pain you feel. However, CG Moore has done a damn good job of describing it.
Gut Feelings is definitely worth a read.
CG Moore’s Gut Feelings is a story told through poetry and explores Moore’s own experience with having an invisible illness. He brilliantly describes the drained feeling of constant hospital appointments, the fear of the next thing you are going to be told by a specialist, the remission and the flare ups. Maybe it is because my experience has been similar but Moore’s writing feels powerful.
Invisible illnesses are difficult for the person who has it but equally for the patient’s loved ones. They don’t know how you feel or what you go through or the pain you feel. However, CG Moore has done a damn good job of describing it.
Gut Feelings is definitely worth a read.
March 2, 2021
Gut Feelings is an own voices novel in verse based on the author’s own experiences of living with Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). FAP is an inherited disorder characterised by the rapid growth of small, pre-cancerous polyps in the large intestines.
I found reading this novel incredibly moving and cathartic as I recognised some of my own experiences of chronic illness reflected in the pages. Similarly to the narrator of the novel, Chris, I was diagnosed as chronically ill at a young age, when I was ten years old. There are so many parts of this book I could quote, but I chose just a few to include in this review that really resonated with me.
“This room is no place
For a child
That wants to run and swim,
Bike his way
To the top of the hill.
I listen and obey
As curtains close
Around me –
Around my future.”
While the condition I have – Crohn’s disease – is a different condition to FAP, there is some overlap in symptoms and treatments as both affect the intestines. I could relate to the blood tests, the colonoscopies, the hospital visits, the surgery, the anxiety around having to rush to the toilet, of praying to make it through an exam, and issues of body image and scars. I could relate to the confusion and the fear of being faced with a diagnosis at such a young age.
“It could be a funeral home,
This hospital,
From the outside –
All drab colours and no imagination.
We pass through automatic doors,
Greeted by cartoon knock-offs
Stencilled across damaged,
Death-infused walls.
Dog-eared games and dishevelled toys
Piled up high in a cardboard box.”
This book spans a long period of time, from diagnoses aged 11 through to university. The part which I found most moving was when Chris was first diagnosed and navigating this new reality through the eyes of a child. There were always toys in the children’s department and cartoons on the walls when I went for hospital appointments. The brightness of it felt like a horrible contrast to the place we were actually in. I never played with any of those toys, always just sat quietly in an uncomfortable waiting room chair, partly because I was shy, but also because in some ways it felt like those brightly coloured toys were mocking me, and they haunt me still. A lot of my own memories are quite blurred, but reading Chris’s story was like walking through those memories again. I was quite genuinely brought to tears.
“You can paint these walls
In rainbow colours bright and bold,
Plaster the walls
With princes and princesses
But we all know
There is no gold
Waiting at the end.”
The depictions of the hospital visits were so visceral, I was taken back to my own experiences in hospital. It was both relieving to see my experiences depicted on the page, but also pulled me back to some traumatic memories. Reading this book was an emotional experience which, while at times painful, was also freeing.
While I could relate to a lot of Chris’s experiences, I also took away some new insight. Chris has a stoma and ileostomy bag for part of the story. I nearly had to have one of these following my own surgery when I was 13, but in the end, it wasn’t necessary for me. While I’m aware of ileostomy bags and have seen them discussed on Crohn’s forums, seeing what it’s actually like to have one through the eyes of the narrator gave me a deeper insight into it. Gut Feelings also explores how Chris’s illness impacts his experiences and relationships as a gay man, which is not something I had really been aware of before.
“I’m nervous.
It’s a standard procedure
To reverse the ileostomy but
Clinical smells,
Beeping monitors,
Blue scrubs,
Bring back memories
I want to forget.”
Telling this story through verse was an excellent decision as the poetic form really lent itself to the shattering experiences portrayed in the novel. C. G. Moore utilises the structure of the verse to further increase the impact of the words, and the brilliant illustrations by Becky Chilcott added another layer, enhancing the words and immersing me in the story.
“Keeping my eyes open
During lectures:
A momentous effort.
Standing on the bus:
Everything spins.
Twelve-hour sleeps:
Still exhausted.”
Gut Feelings is a raw, powerful and emotive depiction of chronic illness that I felt a deep connection to. Reading this book emphasised to me how little representation there is of chronic illness in fiction and media. I hope chronically ill readers will feel a kinship to this book as I did. And I hope those who haven’t had these experiences will learn something about chronic illness when they read this book – not just the facts, but the feelings and the emotions, the ups and the downs, and the pain and the hope that comes with living with chronic conditions.
I found reading this novel incredibly moving and cathartic as I recognised some of my own experiences of chronic illness reflected in the pages. Similarly to the narrator of the novel, Chris, I was diagnosed as chronically ill at a young age, when I was ten years old. There are so many parts of this book I could quote, but I chose just a few to include in this review that really resonated with me.
“This room is no place
For a child
That wants to run and swim,
Bike his way
To the top of the hill.
I listen and obey
As curtains close
Around me –
Around my future.”
While the condition I have – Crohn’s disease – is a different condition to FAP, there is some overlap in symptoms and treatments as both affect the intestines. I could relate to the blood tests, the colonoscopies, the hospital visits, the surgery, the anxiety around having to rush to the toilet, of praying to make it through an exam, and issues of body image and scars. I could relate to the confusion and the fear of being faced with a diagnosis at such a young age.
“It could be a funeral home,
This hospital,
From the outside –
All drab colours and no imagination.
We pass through automatic doors,
Greeted by cartoon knock-offs
Stencilled across damaged,
Death-infused walls.
Dog-eared games and dishevelled toys
Piled up high in a cardboard box.”
This book spans a long period of time, from diagnoses aged 11 through to university. The part which I found most moving was when Chris was first diagnosed and navigating this new reality through the eyes of a child. There were always toys in the children’s department and cartoons on the walls when I went for hospital appointments. The brightness of it felt like a horrible contrast to the place we were actually in. I never played with any of those toys, always just sat quietly in an uncomfortable waiting room chair, partly because I was shy, but also because in some ways it felt like those brightly coloured toys were mocking me, and they haunt me still. A lot of my own memories are quite blurred, but reading Chris’s story was like walking through those memories again. I was quite genuinely brought to tears.
“You can paint these walls
In rainbow colours bright and bold,
Plaster the walls
With princes and princesses
But we all know
There is no gold
Waiting at the end.”
The depictions of the hospital visits were so visceral, I was taken back to my own experiences in hospital. It was both relieving to see my experiences depicted on the page, but also pulled me back to some traumatic memories. Reading this book was an emotional experience which, while at times painful, was also freeing.
While I could relate to a lot of Chris’s experiences, I also took away some new insight. Chris has a stoma and ileostomy bag for part of the story. I nearly had to have one of these following my own surgery when I was 13, but in the end, it wasn’t necessary for me. While I’m aware of ileostomy bags and have seen them discussed on Crohn’s forums, seeing what it’s actually like to have one through the eyes of the narrator gave me a deeper insight into it. Gut Feelings also explores how Chris’s illness impacts his experiences and relationships as a gay man, which is not something I had really been aware of before.
“I’m nervous.
It’s a standard procedure
To reverse the ileostomy but
Clinical smells,
Beeping monitors,
Blue scrubs,
Bring back memories
I want to forget.”
Telling this story through verse was an excellent decision as the poetic form really lent itself to the shattering experiences portrayed in the novel. C. G. Moore utilises the structure of the verse to further increase the impact of the words, and the brilliant illustrations by Becky Chilcott added another layer, enhancing the words and immersing me in the story.
“Keeping my eyes open
During lectures:
A momentous effort.
Standing on the bus:
Everything spins.
Twelve-hour sleeps:
Still exhausted.”
Gut Feelings is a raw, powerful and emotive depiction of chronic illness that I felt a deep connection to. Reading this book emphasised to me how little representation there is of chronic illness in fiction and media. I hope chronically ill readers will feel a kinship to this book as I did. And I hope those who haven’t had these experiences will learn something about chronic illness when they read this book – not just the facts, but the feelings and the emotions, the ups and the downs, and the pain and the hope that comes with living with chronic conditions.
January 16, 2021
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I discovered C.G. Moore last year when I had a chance to read his debut novel, Fall Out, which I loved. So, when I found out about his latest release, Gut Feelings I knew automatically that I had to read it. I was intrigued as to how this book was going to differ from his debut, especially as it was written in verse and had the topic of chronic illness.
Gut Feelings follows Chris as he battles with his chronic illness – Familial adenomatous polyposis – An inherited disorder characterised by the rapid growth of small, pre-cancerous polyps in the large intestines. Written in verse, we follow Chris through diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Ultimately, we see Chris’s journey through his eyes and how that’s changed him.
Well, this was such a beautiful, poignant, powerful read that had me in awe. It felt so personal like I was there with Chris on his life-changing journey. I was so moved throughout the book that at times I felt tears starting to fall. You do get deep into the gritty side of living with a chronic illness, and as someone who doesn’t live with one, I felt like I was learning as I went along with the book. To discover the stigma that people living with chronic and invisible illnesses face did open my eyes, and it did get me thinking as to how much these people go through both physically and mentally. You also get an idea of how illnesses not only affect the person with them, but their families too, and this was evident throughout Gut Feelings. I felt for not only Chris but his mum, dad, aunt and other family and friends that we are introduced too. Also, one final thing, I found it interesting to see how Chris’s illness affected his relationships as a gay man. It’s not something I would have thought about before reading Gut Feelings, so my eyes were also opened to this and I found myself gaining knowledge as well.
Novels written in verse are becoming one of my favourite ways to tell a story, and with Gut Feelings, this was no different! The writing was stunning and pulled on my heartstrings several times. Each poem brought a different edge to the story and each one wasn’t out of place. The way the story was set into three parts also stood out to me, as we got to go deep into the diagnosis, treatment and aftermath, all important things when you have an illness. Each part was so intricate and detailed and you got to learn a lot about Chris’s condition on a personal basis.
Gut Feelings was a distinctive, gorgeous, emotive read that affected me in more ways than one. I am in awe at how entranced I was by the beautiful storytelling and heart-rendering poetry. C.G. Moore is certainly an author to look out for, and I am excited to read what he releases next.
I discovered C.G. Moore last year when I had a chance to read his debut novel, Fall Out, which I loved. So, when I found out about his latest release, Gut Feelings I knew automatically that I had to read it. I was intrigued as to how this book was going to differ from his debut, especially as it was written in verse and had the topic of chronic illness.
Gut Feelings follows Chris as he battles with his chronic illness – Familial adenomatous polyposis – An inherited disorder characterised by the rapid growth of small, pre-cancerous polyps in the large intestines. Written in verse, we follow Chris through diagnosis, surgery and recovery. Ultimately, we see Chris’s journey through his eyes and how that’s changed him.
Well, this was such a beautiful, poignant, powerful read that had me in awe. It felt so personal like I was there with Chris on his life-changing journey. I was so moved throughout the book that at times I felt tears starting to fall. You do get deep into the gritty side of living with a chronic illness, and as someone who doesn’t live with one, I felt like I was learning as I went along with the book. To discover the stigma that people living with chronic and invisible illnesses face did open my eyes, and it did get me thinking as to how much these people go through both physically and mentally. You also get an idea of how illnesses not only affect the person with them, but their families too, and this was evident throughout Gut Feelings. I felt for not only Chris but his mum, dad, aunt and other family and friends that we are introduced too. Also, one final thing, I found it interesting to see how Chris’s illness affected his relationships as a gay man. It’s not something I would have thought about before reading Gut Feelings, so my eyes were also opened to this and I found myself gaining knowledge as well.
Novels written in verse are becoming one of my favourite ways to tell a story, and with Gut Feelings, this was no different! The writing was stunning and pulled on my heartstrings several times. Each poem brought a different edge to the story and each one wasn’t out of place. The way the story was set into three parts also stood out to me, as we got to go deep into the diagnosis, treatment and aftermath, all important things when you have an illness. Each part was so intricate and detailed and you got to learn a lot about Chris’s condition on a personal basis.
Gut Feelings was a distinctive, gorgeous, emotive read that affected me in more ways than one. I am in awe at how entranced I was by the beautiful storytelling and heart-rendering poetry. C.G. Moore is certainly an author to look out for, and I am excited to read what he releases next.
April 25, 2022
damn this was good i finished it in about an hour or two. the discussion of chronic illness wasn’t glossed over at all and i appreciated the inclusion of how his queerness intersected with his illness.
March 12, 2023
Heartbreaking
January 16, 2021
Gut Feelings is a powerful and personal story, that is well told and instantly pulls you in, It educates you too. Fantastic read!
Read
January 27, 2021After reading and loving Fall Out by C.G. Moore, I was really excited to read Gut Feelings when it was announced. Having read it in under 24 hours, I can say that Gut Feelings in a worthy successor to Fall Out and everyone should read a copy.
The word, “raw” gets thrown around a lot with books, and I would admit that I do it through, but there is something about Gut Feelings that know it was made for that word. After reading the first section, something inside of me was transported to his emotions at that moment. This rarely happens to me anymore, so when it did, I was shocked because it really took me off guard.
At this moment, I knew it was good.
When I say that the book was raw, I literally felt every moment come off the page. The verse is definitely his medium, and I allowed me to feel every emotion, even how hard it could be. His voice came off the page, and from that moment, I was in for the rest of the story. Listening to Chris talk at his book launch, I know that he wrote a lot of it really quickly, but you couldn’t tell at all. If anything, that made it better as it definitely came from a special place.
Even though this book can stand alone, it is heightened by the illustrations and some of the page’s choices. Everything from some places where the text blurs when he is going under anaesthetic, to different word placements of the page all came together to enhance the story.
Even with more YA books are being published featuring characters with disabilities, hidden disabilities are less common, and even though this is a true story, I hope this continues in the future. As someone who has a disability, all be in a physical one, I still connected to C. G’s progression with his disability and how he learns to accept it. Some of the poems did affect me, and this book will help so many people in the future.
As well as this, there is going to be greater awareness given to hidden disabilities and the discourse that happens when people are seen as able-bodied as they have invisible disabilities. If this can break down stigma and help others emphasise with their own conditions, then it is for the better.
As someone who did not know anything about Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), this book allowed me to learn more, and the condition and I hope that this book gets into the hands of everyone who needs it. C.G. writes about his condition so honestly and frankly and I am sure that so many people will connect with his words on a personal level. Even though I could connect with some elements, some people will need it so much more.
As it is a true story, it seems so weird to comment on those in the book, but I think by sharing his family’s story, C.G. will help so many people so thank you for writing it.
You can tell the love and care that uclanpublishing put into the book because the attention to detail and the small things make a world of difference. It shows that these are supported for books that focus on disabilities, mostly hidden ones.
This has further cemented C.G. Moore to be one of my favourites, and I can’t wait to read more of his books. He is definitely one to watch!
The Verdict:
Gut Feelings is a raw and lyrical look at life with a disability that hits readers to the core. It is a must-read for all YA readers alike.
The word, “raw” gets thrown around a lot with books, and I would admit that I do it through, but there is something about Gut Feelings that know it was made for that word. After reading the first section, something inside of me was transported to his emotions at that moment. This rarely happens to me anymore, so when it did, I was shocked because it really took me off guard.
At this moment, I knew it was good.
When I say that the book was raw, I literally felt every moment come off the page. The verse is definitely his medium, and I allowed me to feel every emotion, even how hard it could be. His voice came off the page, and from that moment, I was in for the rest of the story. Listening to Chris talk at his book launch, I know that he wrote a lot of it really quickly, but you couldn’t tell at all. If anything, that made it better as it definitely came from a special place.
Even though this book can stand alone, it is heightened by the illustrations and some of the page’s choices. Everything from some places where the text blurs when he is going under anaesthetic, to different word placements of the page all came together to enhance the story.
Even with more YA books are being published featuring characters with disabilities, hidden disabilities are less common, and even though this is a true story, I hope this continues in the future. As someone who has a disability, all be in a physical one, I still connected to C. G’s progression with his disability and how he learns to accept it. Some of the poems did affect me, and this book will help so many people in the future.
As well as this, there is going to be greater awareness given to hidden disabilities and the discourse that happens when people are seen as able-bodied as they have invisible disabilities. If this can break down stigma and help others emphasise with their own conditions, then it is for the better.
As someone who did not know anything about Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), this book allowed me to learn more, and the condition and I hope that this book gets into the hands of everyone who needs it. C.G. writes about his condition so honestly and frankly and I am sure that so many people will connect with his words on a personal level. Even though I could connect with some elements, some people will need it so much more.
As it is a true story, it seems so weird to comment on those in the book, but I think by sharing his family’s story, C.G. will help so many people so thank you for writing it.
You can tell the love and care that uclanpublishing put into the book because the attention to detail and the small things make a world of difference. It shows that these are supported for books that focus on disabilities, mostly hidden ones.
This has further cemented C.G. Moore to be one of my favourites, and I can’t wait to read more of his books. He is definitely one to watch!
The Verdict:
Gut Feelings is a raw and lyrical look at life with a disability that hits readers to the core. It is a must-read for all YA readers alike.
February 4, 2021
TW: chronic illness, surgery, homophobia, bullying
Gut Feelings cut deep. This was such a powerful, eye-opening read that felt so poignant and beautiful.
This is a deeply personal story and it’s incredibly brave of Chris to be sharing such intimate details of his life, but I truly feel like this is a book that could change people’s lives. It examines living with a chronic illness and hidden disabilities through searing language that you can’t help but deeply emotionally connect with. I’ve spoken before about the innate emotional power that exists within poetry for me and Chris perfectly utilises the sparsity of the language here for maximum effect. Each word is obviously carefully considered and chosen. There’s also no room for sugarcoating or dishonesty, instead we are presented with the raw truth. In this way, I think it reflects the experiences of so many incredibly well.
There’s a plethora of conflicting emotions presented within the book, each of which I felt distinctly and I found myself connecting to Chris’ voice deeply. Some aspects of the story really hit home from familial experiences and this kind of representation is sorely needed. Invisible or hidden disabilities need to be spoken about more and we need to erase the notion of assuming that we need to always see someone’s disability in order for it to be considered real. No disability is more important than another and in particular the poem about using a disabled bathroom in public is exceptional.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I absolutely flew through this in the space of an evening, unable to tear myself away from the stunning yet devastating writing. Chris is definitely an author to watch and now I feel like I need to read everything he’s written.
Gut Feelings is a heart-wrenching, no holds barred discussion of living with a chronic illness, yet it also showcases the importance of family and the reclamation of your own narrative.
Gut Feelings cut deep. This was such a powerful, eye-opening read that felt so poignant and beautiful.
This is a deeply personal story and it’s incredibly brave of Chris to be sharing such intimate details of his life, but I truly feel like this is a book that could change people’s lives. It examines living with a chronic illness and hidden disabilities through searing language that you can’t help but deeply emotionally connect with. I’ve spoken before about the innate emotional power that exists within poetry for me and Chris perfectly utilises the sparsity of the language here for maximum effect. Each word is obviously carefully considered and chosen. There’s also no room for sugarcoating or dishonesty, instead we are presented with the raw truth. In this way, I think it reflects the experiences of so many incredibly well.
There’s a plethora of conflicting emotions presented within the book, each of which I felt distinctly and I found myself connecting to Chris’ voice deeply. Some aspects of the story really hit home from familial experiences and this kind of representation is sorely needed. Invisible or hidden disabilities need to be spoken about more and we need to erase the notion of assuming that we need to always see someone’s disability in order for it to be considered real. No disability is more important than another and in particular the poem about using a disabled bathroom in public is exceptional.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that I absolutely flew through this in the space of an evening, unable to tear myself away from the stunning yet devastating writing. Chris is definitely an author to watch and now I feel like I need to read everything he’s written.
Gut Feelings is a heart-wrenching, no holds barred discussion of living with a chronic illness, yet it also showcases the importance of family and the reclamation of your own narrative.
February 5, 2021
CWs: surgical procedures, chronic illness and disability, references to childhood cancer, references of blood, references of ableism and homophobia
Many thanks to C.G. Moore and UCLan Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chris was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition at a young age and this novel-in-verse explores the many ways that chronic illness impacts your life. It’s raw, honest and incredibly relatable.
While some elements may be uncomfortable for some, I think those are an important part of the story because chronic illness IS uncomfortable. The things that we go through are not comfortable or pleasant and are often not spoken about for fear of being TMI or considered ‘attention seeking’. So I really valued the candid nature of this book.
There were times when I struggled with the poetry format a little bit. I think this is due to the way the story moves on quite quickly as it spans a large period of time. (It follows Chris from age 11 through to post-University life.) I enjoyed that it covered such a wide timeframe (and therefore offered insight into changing behaviours, feelings and experiences) but sometimes it wasn’t entirely clear if we were still at a certain age or if we’d moved on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and do recommend it to anyone looking for disability representation especially own voices.
Read my full review
Many thanks to C.G. Moore and UCLan Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chris was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening condition at a young age and this novel-in-verse explores the many ways that chronic illness impacts your life. It’s raw, honest and incredibly relatable.
While some elements may be uncomfortable for some, I think those are an important part of the story because chronic illness IS uncomfortable. The things that we go through are not comfortable or pleasant and are often not spoken about for fear of being TMI or considered ‘attention seeking’. So I really valued the candid nature of this book.
There were times when I struggled with the poetry format a little bit. I think this is due to the way the story moves on quite quickly as it spans a large period of time. (It follows Chris from age 11 through to post-University life.) I enjoyed that it covered such a wide timeframe (and therefore offered insight into changing behaviours, feelings and experiences) but sometimes it wasn’t entirely clear if we were still at a certain age or if we’d moved on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and do recommend it to anyone looking for disability representation especially own voices.
Read my full review
January 1, 2021
You know from the very beginning, right after reading the first poem what is about to happen. And the fact that this is written in poetry form does nothing to lift the weight of the meaning.
It's beautiful. Sad, and strong and full of suffering, but beautiful. There is so much power in these poems, so much energy... It's so beautiful to read and if I have to recommend just one thing in 2020 - I wish it could be that one. But I have a couple of books I have to say this about, so it's a really difficult choice
I was a mess after this book. A total mess, but a happy mess. This book is about strength and fight and pain and loss and struggle - it is a truly amazing read!
I received a free ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's beautiful. Sad, and strong and full of suffering, but beautiful. There is so much power in these poems, so much energy... It's so beautiful to read and if I have to recommend just one thing in 2020 - I wish it could be that one. But I have a couple of books I have to say this about, so it's a really difficult choice
I was a mess after this book. A total mess, but a happy mess. This book is about strength and fight and pain and loss and struggle - it is a truly amazing read!
I received a free ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2022
I picked up the book in (Bray) Dubray and I didnt have any money but the book was so fascinating looking and It really stuck with me so for about a went from bookstore to bookstore trying to find it again but it was all sold out then on the 7th of August I went into Dundrum Dubray and there was one copy left. I bought it and read it within two hours. It had me hooked. It was so well written and the end was just a perfect conclusion. CG Moore is incredible! The fact its all true as-well.
Honestly if you need a book to read, read this one.
Honestly if you need a book to read, read this one.
July 31, 2021
Honestly, a wonderfully poetic story from the author. Powerful, moving and so beautifully pulled together into this book.
I knew nothing of FAP before this book, and thank Chris for so openly sharing their journey in such a phenomenal way.
I knew nothing of FAP before this book, and thank Chris for so openly sharing their journey in such a phenomenal way.
January 13, 2022
I read this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down. Its written in a captivatingly beautiful way which made me ache with emotion. I am a huge fan of long form poetry books and this was absolutely no exception.
October 11, 2021
So so in love with the playful formatting in this book. Lovely writing too, talking about a subject I've never seen explored before in YA. Bravo!
April 8, 2022
So amazing, I low-key relate to some aspects of the character in the book and just all round it’s an amazing book
January 19, 2024
Such an incredible autobiography
June 5, 2024
Reading "Gut Feelings" by C.G. Moore was an incredibly moving experience for me. This verse novel, rooted in Moore's own journey with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) sheds light on the broader experience of living with an invisible illness. The powerful, poetic narrative brilliantly captures the relentless cycle of hospital visits, the dread of medical results, and the fluctuating hope and despair that come with chronic illness.
What stood out to me was the raw authenticity in Moore’s depiction of life with an invisible illness. The verses viscerally convey the physical and emotional toll of living with FAP, from the invasive medical procedures to the silent battles with fear and pain. While the focus on the personal relationships and the impact of the illness on the narrator's life as a gay man provided new perspectives for me, the descriptions of hospital environments and the portrayal of childhood diagnosis struck a deep chord. The poetic form, complemented by Becky Chilcott’s illustrations, intensifies the narrative's emotional impact, making "Gut Feelings" a profoundly relatable and cathartic read for anyone familiar with the invisible battles of chronic illness.
What stood out to me was the raw authenticity in Moore’s depiction of life with an invisible illness. The verses viscerally convey the physical and emotional toll of living with FAP, from the invasive medical procedures to the silent battles with fear and pain. While the focus on the personal relationships and the impact of the illness on the narrator's life as a gay man provided new perspectives for me, the descriptions of hospital environments and the portrayal of childhood diagnosis struck a deep chord. The poetic form, complemented by Becky Chilcott’s illustrations, intensifies the narrative's emotional impact, making "Gut Feelings" a profoundly relatable and cathartic read for anyone familiar with the invisible battles of chronic illness.
January 1, 2023
This book made me really feel for the mc, however i feel like i didnt really get to know him, because most of the prose was written quite vaguely, but the writing style made anything beautiful, i would still have liked to get to know him better. I thibk that this book was sort of a biography of sorts, and im pretty sure that it is, and i just want to say that his story was very powerful, and it made me feel ashamed, scared, terrified, and anxious with him.
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