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American Rapture: Poems from a Heartscape
This collection of poetry is for all the hearts that have done everything "right" but still end up in a gutter- all the people who are pissed off and unfulfilled, and who are able to laugh at themselves.
No more lies. No more pretending. Whether we have lost our self-concept to our own broken childhoods, to parenthood, to careers, to marriages, to the wrong lovers- it is time for us to champion one another's truths, to embrace our worth and to dispel toxic expectations of perfection.
Borne out of the author's postpartum depression journey (and subsequent nervous breakdown) and sexual awakening in her thirties, Jordan's poems explore the interweaving of relationships, loss, healing, and self-worth. This collection follows the trajectory of self-exploration through relationships that have broken down and brought her closer to herself, prior to and in the aftermath of hospitalization- predominantly, the abandonment of Jordan's mother, a trauma which only manifested once her own baby was placed in her arms. Jordan's bicultural marriage and experiences as an immigrant in Great Britain further highlight the complexity of one modern woman's quest for personhood.
“Jordan’s thoughts are at times brutally direct and at times enticingly cryptic, but always open, always honest and always a welcome reminder that none of us are alone in our human struggle. And thank goodness there are a good number of laughs mixed in - truly the best medicine.” -J.R. Havlan, Emmy Award-winning writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
No more lies. No more pretending. Whether we have lost our self-concept to our own broken childhoods, to parenthood, to careers, to marriages, to the wrong lovers- it is time for us to champion one another's truths, to embrace our worth and to dispel toxic expectations of perfection.
Borne out of the author's postpartum depression journey (and subsequent nervous breakdown) and sexual awakening in her thirties, Jordan's poems explore the interweaving of relationships, loss, healing, and self-worth. This collection follows the trajectory of self-exploration through relationships that have broken down and brought her closer to herself, prior to and in the aftermath of hospitalization- predominantly, the abandonment of Jordan's mother, a trauma which only manifested once her own baby was placed in her arms. Jordan's bicultural marriage and experiences as an immigrant in Great Britain further highlight the complexity of one modern woman's quest for personhood.
“Jordan’s thoughts are at times brutally direct and at times enticingly cryptic, but always open, always honest and always a welcome reminder that none of us are alone in our human struggle. And thank goodness there are a good number of laughs mixed in - truly the best medicine.” -J.R. Havlan, Emmy Award-winning writer for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
224 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2020
974 people want to read
About the author
Jordan Claire McCraw
6 books12 followersBorn and raised outside of Washington, D.C., Jordan grew up an overachieving nerd with a passion for reading aloud, performance and her self-produced radio program about breakfast foods and Bette Midler, which she recorded religiously on a Fisher Price tape player. At the age of twenty, while getting degrees in Theatre Performance and English Language and Literature at the University of Maryland, Jordan volunteered as a schoolteacher in Ghana, where she met some British guy...the resulting crisis being a move to England and a near-decade of teaching in the British education system. The birth of Jordan's son inspired her to return to her roots as a writer, screen actress, audiobook narrator and all-American voiceover artist. Best known as the author of American Rapture: Poems from a Heartscape and the voice of Androma for the New York Times bestselling duology The Androma Saga (HarperCollins/Audible), Jordan is on her bicultural artist hustle.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 15, 2020
Smiled in recognition of the feelings and conflicts explored in these reflective post-confessional poems that show the ubiquitousness of the bumpy and ofttimes painful journey of self-discovery. Pitched perfectly for the Insta generation in bite-sized poems, McCraw's collection is both relatable and profound. I urge you to read her poems aloud and take a moment to breathe.
November 11, 2020
Never before have I read a book that has carried me through such an incredible journey of the human’s emotional spectrum, and to the point where I closed the final pages feeling more empowered than ever before. The collection of poems breaks through the barriers of everyday literature and dismantles the reader’s preexisting beliefs on what it means to survive. From tales of abuse and mistreatment at the hands of the ones we trust, to the uprising of the survivor and the new world in which they live. You will laugh and cry, and at times want to shout from the rooftops, but most of all if you read this book, you’ll know you’re reading the tales of someone whose story grew from trauma, but whose future is in the hands of a powerhouse. An author to watch... I eagerly anticipate what’s next for Jordan.
November 30, 2020
I read American Rapture cover to cover in a single sitting. Jordan's poetry collection will move you, cause you to question and doubt yourself and the world, while reminding you to find joy in the little things. Her struggles become an education, her unique insight and experience; a revelation. Her heart and soul pours out of every page, there is something here for everyone. I was lucky enough to receive a pre-release copy and I can both honestly and gladly say this book will not disappoint. American Rapture took me to all the most important parts of my life and laid them bare. I have never felt more known.
January 30, 2021
I'm grateful to have won a signed copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. The author also wrapped the book beautifully, included a handwritten note and a bag of Breathe Deep tea, which I enjoyed before plunging into this poetry book.
As is typical for books of poetry, I read this book in one sitting last night. Many of the short poems, I had to read more than once. Quick read-throughs left space for multiple readings of the words, multiple meanings. You can feel the author's authentic feelings and fears in the poems, in her words. You feel her vulnerability, hope for approval, and letting go of her fears in putting her work out there for judgement. Although I don't know enough about the author's life to understand the context of every poem, there's enough to piece some of the puzzle together.
By far, the genuine, authentic nature of this book sets it above others that similarly use primarily short, few word poems. Feelings exude from this book, especially fear/anxiety, and I find it very relatable. Reading the about the book and the about the author sections at the end piece more of it all together.
I wish this author a fulfilling life and many more opportunities to write without pain as the primary inspiration of her words. Though, this influence brought about brilliance.
As is typical for books of poetry, I read this book in one sitting last night. Many of the short poems, I had to read more than once. Quick read-throughs left space for multiple readings of the words, multiple meanings. You can feel the author's authentic feelings and fears in the poems, in her words. You feel her vulnerability, hope for approval, and letting go of her fears in putting her work out there for judgement. Although I don't know enough about the author's life to understand the context of every poem, there's enough to piece some of the puzzle together.
By far, the genuine, authentic nature of this book sets it above others that similarly use primarily short, few word poems. Feelings exude from this book, especially fear/anxiety, and I find it very relatable. Reading the about the book and the about the author sections at the end piece more of it all together.
I wish this author a fulfilling life and many more opportunities to write without pain as the primary inspiration of her words. Though, this influence brought about brilliance.
November 28, 2020
I bought this book and I love it. I never write reviews but I had to for this one because it is so beautifully heartbreaking at times and hilariously funny in others. This book is a collection of unapologetically truthful poems set against the backdrop of personal struggle clashing with the beauty of motherhood. Jordan Claire McCraw exposes her life and her roots without shame even when her words could lead to judgment. So inspiring. I highly recommend.
November 29, 2020
Jordan’s vulnerability is inspiring and much needed in a world where women are expected to be able to do the impossible and not complain. Her bravery in sharing her struggles reminded me I’m not alone and gave me hope that it is with a community of supportive women, we can rise and are already strong.
November 30, 2020
I don’t usually read poetry, but this book may change that. These poems showcase the complexities of adulthood, parenthood, and personhood, while highlighting the truths we often feel but do not speak. It’s rare to find a book that leaves you feeling seen and more empowered by the end of it, but that’s exactly what “American Rapture” does.
November 29, 2020
A beautiful piece of work, I read it from cover to cover in one night! So many of the poems spoke to me as a mother, friend, partner and woman. If you love Rupi Kaur, you'll love this too. A must-read collection.
November 29, 2020
Jordan's extraordinary dive into the heart of her emotions is a perfect guide for anyone who experiences hardship and loss, which is to say everyone, but chooses to face them and overcome them rather than give in and accept their negative consequences.
February 1, 2021
It is amazing how much feeling so few words (there are MANY poems, but each one is bite-sized) can convey. These are so raw, angsty (in a good way), and heartfelt. They can be brutal--real gutpunches. We love it.
December 1, 2020
An absolute journey that makes me feel empowered, inspired, sorrowful, exhausted, overjoyed, and humbled. Jordan has completely opened up herself and her mind to produce an extraordinary piece of work, one that readers will cherish and refer back to throughout their lives.
November 18, 2020
Unapologetic and brave. Jordan invites the reader to share in her raw experiences of love, identity, relationships, motherhood, and – above all – the challenges of being a woman in today’s world. This collection is both unexpectedly hilarious and (“What the fuck is the plot of / Paw Patrol” – ‘A Mother, Part 2’) and completely shattering (“Back to You”). To whom Jordan is addressing her work is not always clear, but this elusiveness invites the reader to channel their own struggles, frustrations, and howls of pain through the work. This is by no means a self indulgent collection - though based upon deeply personal experiences, Jordan’s writing is a voice for all women, for all humans who struggle and cry out to God ‘BITCH, HELP ME OUT’. Through beautiful broken lines and flashes of searing imagery, Jordan offers us a work that is reductive and paired-back without ever compromising any of its power. This is a gift from the bravest of souls - a spirit undone and being pieced back together, miraculously finding beauty in the fracture.
November 20, 2020
American Rapture found me at a time of my life where I felt confused, vulnerable, isolated and lonely. Jordan's account of her journey through the recovery from postpartum depression made me feel whole again. This book of beautifully written poetry made me laugh, cry, smile and think and is a wonderfully written book for all women. Being a woman is complex and Jordan's brutally honest poetry helped me explore my ideologies of womanhood and feel like I was part of her journey.
November 18, 2020
Insightful, then humorous, then devastating. This collection of mainly brief poems paint a vivid picture while conveying harsh truths and snapping witty comebacks. One never knows what to find on the next page - you may laugh, or cry, or simply pause to contemplate.
November 12, 2020
Jordan McCraw reveals anguish and often hilarious self-discovery through her art. An impressive, moving portrait of spiritual awakenings from a promising new author.
January 9, 2021
An emotional rollercoaster, in a good way. Simply, honest, complex truth in so few words. Less is more, and that's the truth in this book. Thank you!
January 3, 2021
American Rapture reads as a love letter to motherhood— not just the joys, but also the trials, the sleeplessness, the loneliness and the doubt. Mothers experience so much hardship but it’s taboo to speak about it. I’ve really never felt so seen.
November 28, 2020
An extremely powerful story. I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to tackle these personal and important matters, but I do know that Jordan did it with a finesse only a talented author like herself possibly could. With an unapologetically realistic delivery packed with emotion, American Rapture is a crucially important portrayal of the difficulties women face in our country every single day. If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to walk in a young woman's shoes who has faced postpartum depression (and subsequent nervous breakdown) and sexual awakening, then I feel like this is an unflinchingly honest place to start.
WRITING STYLE: 5/5
SUBJECT: 5/5
CANDIDNESS: 5/5
RELEVANCE: 5/5
MUST READ: 5/5
WRITING STYLE: 5/5
SUBJECT: 5/5
CANDIDNESS: 5/5
RELEVANCE: 5/5
MUST READ: 5/5
December 1, 2020
The most accessible and refreshing collection of poetry that I have read. Jordan Claire McCraw has the clarity of Rupi Kaur, creating vivid snapshots with edge and dark humor. As a father, I can relate to many aspects of the work from the author's descriptions of parenthood, to the stark and painful descriptions of marriage and relationships. A thought-provoking must-read for uncertain times.
December 1, 2020
This books hits many emotions of the human experience. Easy to read cover to cover in one sitting. The journey this books takes you on is the best part. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, and I closed the book, just in hope to read it all over again. The style is reminiscent of the great visual poets of our time while adding a new kind of grit to the genre.
December 24, 2020
Self-exploration in a very honest, brave, and beautiful way!
Like a journey through the human psyche. And it's amazing how she manages to get to the point with so few words on different topics. You know exactly what she went through or experienced here. Beautiful black and white photos of her and her family as well! Give it a read! 5+++++
Like a journey through the human psyche. And it's amazing how she manages to get to the point with so few words on different topics. You know exactly what she went through or experienced here. Beautiful black and white photos of her and her family as well! Give it a read! 5+++++
February 9, 2021
This is a fantastic work. As an AMAB, cishet, white... guy... it was really eye-opening and fascinating to hear about a topic that isn't brought up in general conversation. Also, just really great modern poetry.
February 5, 2021
Raw. Honest. Emotional. Jordan Claire McCraw put it all out there.
Some of my favorites:
-I miss music
-Maslow’s hierarchy
-Or move along
-Put here to talk
-New ecosystem
-What a gem
-Wisdom sucks
Some of my favorites:
-I miss music
-Maslow’s hierarchy
-Or move along
-Put here to talk
-New ecosystem
-What a gem
-Wisdom sucks
February 15, 2021
This was a wild ride.
And I loved it.
And appreciate it.
And, also -
What is the plot to Paw Patrol...?
And I loved it.
And appreciate it.
And, also -
What is the plot to Paw Patrol...?
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews