Thank you so much to the author for sending me a copy to review!
This was a lovely little book of poetry that the author used to describe her life with anxiety, different heartbreaks she’s endured, and also that all consuming feeling of falling in love.
Parts of this definitely felt like reading a journal, she didn’t really hold anything back and was completely vulnerable. The section about dealing with anxiety was the portion of the book that I felt most strongly connected to, her descriptions of her anxiety were so raw and relatable. Quite a few of the poems about falling in love definitely made me go “aww” as well.
There was a section at the ending about her quarantine journals, and I felt like this section felt out of place and maybe those poems could’ve been blended into other chapters of the book. But overall, I’d recommend this to anyone who is a fan of contemporary poetry! I think there’s something for everyone in here.
CW: descriptions of panic attacks, and alluding to childhood abuse/trauma.
This book started out strong and I connected to some of the poems deeply. But, my main critique is one I have received for my own poetry collection as well (and did not like it, so, I am sorry Sarah!) and that is, that it did not feel refined. You could clearly tell that these poems were unedited and were not given enough time to breathe and bloom. At the end of the day, poetry is a type of writing that does not NEED editing, because it is an intentional art piece, but I feel like it would have helped to let this collection sit for a bit longer and go over it a few more times or get feedback from readers for it to feel more flowly and less like stumbling through someones mind. I do believe, however, that Sarahs potential is there and when she grows more into her writing she will publish great books and I will read them for sure.
Thank you Sarah Ciminillo for giving me a copy to read and review.
I genuinely enjoyed this collection of poetry. I really liked what she talked about in the book and she separated it into different sections: the heartbreaks, battling anxiety, self love and healing, falling in love, and quarantine journals. I really enjoyed the quarantine journals section I thought it was different. I thought a lot of the poems were true standouts and really relatable. She described what it's like living with anxiety perfectly. I loved the lists she put in the section about anxiety. I think that section would really help people understand what it's like dealing with anxiety. I really recommend this collection of poetry to everyone.
I found this on Sarah's poetry account @poetrybysarahciminillo and was happily surprised that this was a pretty good poetry book. Some of the poems were real standouts that I was able to really connect to. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a new poetry book to read!
I don’t think I’ve ever connected so easily with poetry/prose before but somehow every word Sarah wrote resonated with me on so many levels.
Diving into Naked it became apparent that her title was exactly how her book shone. It was raw and in such a naked form. This collection of poetry is sectioned into five parts: the heartbreak, battling anxiety, self-love and healing, falling in love, and quarantine journals.
Out of the five sections, my favorite was battling anxiety. Her take and experience left me breathless as every word written was so detailed and accurate that I could think back to an exact moment and experience. One part in particular ‘the stages of anxiety’ was engraved into my brain because instead of ignoring it, it’s embraced, it’s recognized and understood just how often anxiety occurs both known and unknown. A bonus was the helpful tools and what not to do’s when helping someone during and after an attack.
Naked is an unfiltered collection of the good and bad and everything that comes between as well as after. It takes you through the life of quarantine and just how easy something deemed so bad could have its redeeming qualities. This book is a journey of healing and self-discovery, it’s a battle of loss and gain but most of all, it’s a path to openness and trust, a path to so much more than we could ever anticipate. With five moving parts, they all work so well together; each section independently standing yet falling into place on a roadmap to a set destination.
I really enjoyed this fantastic collection. She is a top favorite of mine. Loved her first book too! The poems are carefully crafted, composed and set in type. I especially enjoyed the section about anxiety, as I can certainly relate. I think you will enjoy this book too, which is why I highly recommend it!
I have read two beautiful poetry books on the last couple of days. I truly feel as if poetry makes the world a better more beautiful place. Keep sharing your gift.
Self-healing and reflection on ourselves and not allowing ourselves to be lost ever again these are just a few things mentioned in her book. Also, if you have not read A Love in Lockdown by Sarah Ciminillo, I highly suggest it. I see fragments of myself throughout her books.
I found this on Sarah's poetry account @poetrybysarahciminillo and was happily surprised that this was a pretty good poetry book. Some of the poems were real standouts that I was able to really connect to. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking for a new poetry book to read!
An incredible book . Everything about it has captivated me , the swift flow of words, the relevance of emotions they expressed, the originality of each piece . Here's three examples of pieces that have impacted me deeply under the title Science of healing, you're too good for just ripples and discouragement is a seed . Follow @SarahCiminillo on Instagram and purchase her book , you won't regret it .