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Driftwood
All proceeds of Driftwood are donated to Futures Without Violence COVID-19 Response: a non-profit working nationwide with frontline responders to help children and adult survivors—who are uniquely affected by isolation—safely get out of abusive households.
Driftwood is a poetry collection about the author's experience being raised by an abuser and surviving an abusive relationship. Marya Layth uses poetry as a lifeline into the most light-deprived places of the past. Ghosts are reawakened and their features are conjured with achingly honest detail.
Driftwood is a current that pulls you into the deep sea where daylight becomes a myth. And yet there is breath in the water. Layth proclaims "sink as the victim, emerge as the survivor" as much to herself as she does to the reader.
Driftwood is a poetry collection about the author's experience being raised by an abuser and surviving an abusive relationship. Marya Layth uses poetry as a lifeline into the most light-deprived places of the past. Ghosts are reawakened and their features are conjured with achingly honest detail.
Driftwood is a current that pulls you into the deep sea where daylight becomes a myth. And yet there is breath in the water. Layth proclaims "sink as the victim, emerge as the survivor" as much to herself as she does to the reader.
- GenresPoetry
71 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2020
10 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Marya Layth
4 books50 followersMarya Layth is a poet, visual artist, and recreational fantasy writer (whatever that means). If you really want to know more about Marya, she suggests you read her poetry. Speaking of poetry, sometimes she likes to submit her work to literary journals and see what happens. A few of those literary journals have nominated her poems for Best of the Net and the Pushcart Prize. She also was chosen as a finalist in the Write Bloody Publishing contest for her poetry collection 'Driftwood'.
When she isn't writing, designing, or being weird on social media, she is keeping it real with her cat somewhere in New Jersey. Actually, she is usually doing all of those things simultaneously.
You can find her everywhere:
Instagram @marya.layth
Twitter @maryalayth
Facebook @laythmarya
When she isn't writing, designing, or being weird on social media, she is keeping it real with her cat somewhere in New Jersey. Actually, she is usually doing all of those things simultaneously.
You can find her everywhere:
Instagram @marya.layth
Twitter @maryalayth
Facebook @laythmarya
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 18, 2020
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Ms. Layth!
Unexpectedly deep and profound. Each poems are emotionally driven and I was sitting here like "Damn, that gutted me." I can say this one is a good collection.
Unexpectedly deep and profound. Each poems are emotionally driven and I was sitting here like "Damn, that gutted me." I can say this one is a good collection.
April 21, 2020
“We all know someone who reduces us to a copper nail to justify being a hammer. I know three facts about those kinds of people: One. They are the weak ones. Two. They are the weak ones. Three. They are the weak ones.“
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I thank the author for providing me an e-book of her collection.
These poems hit me like a punch in the face! They are so full of loss and pain that I physically experienced that loss and that pain. They speak about violence, that subtle violence that is disguised as love. How many women are forced to shut up, not to move in their own house because they are afraid of how their husband or their father may react. These men convince you to live as they want, that their world is the only one you deserve to live in, and in reality they are only trying to let you down and make you feel small, so small that you start thinking you are worth nothing. And when you live as a child in a family like this, it may even happen that you actually look for a love like this because it’s the only one you know. But these poems teach us that a healing process is possible, that you can learn that an artificial light is not the light of the sun and that you can be your own light and your own source of happiness... even if this process is not easy and you will never be a “perfect” person. But actually perfection is not what we should seek, perfection is overrated... healing and happiness should be our goals! This collection is a beautiful hymn to feminism, the one that inspires you to feel good and to condemn people that try to blame you for their own faults.
•
•
I thank the author for providing me an e-book of her collection.
These poems hit me like a punch in the face! They are so full of loss and pain that I physically experienced that loss and that pain. They speak about violence, that subtle violence that is disguised as love. How many women are forced to shut up, not to move in their own house because they are afraid of how their husband or their father may react. These men convince you to live as they want, that their world is the only one you deserve to live in, and in reality they are only trying to let you down and make you feel small, so small that you start thinking you are worth nothing. And when you live as a child in a family like this, it may even happen that you actually look for a love like this because it’s the only one you know. But these poems teach us that a healing process is possible, that you can learn that an artificial light is not the light of the sun and that you can be your own light and your own source of happiness... even if this process is not easy and you will never be a “perfect” person. But actually perfection is not what we should seek, perfection is overrated... healing and happiness should be our goals! This collection is a beautiful hymn to feminism, the one that inspires you to feel good and to condemn people that try to blame you for their own faults.
December 1, 2021
Marya Layth is one of the most underrated poetic geniuses. I don't know what else there is to say on the matter.
April 15, 2020
A haunting collection of poems that delve into heavy subject matter with poise and strength. Marya Layth's vulnerability is inspiring.
May 11, 2020
this needed to be longer. okay. everything about this book was magnificent. from the poetry to the storytelling to the collage art. i 100% wanted this to be so much longer.
July 7, 2020
This was a raw and powerful book of poetry centered on the writer's abuse and mistreatment at the hands of her father and lover(s). My two favorite poems in this collection were "How We Met" and "A Mother’s Blessing Cannot Be Stolen". I was particularly moved when the poet drew comparisons between herself and her mother and reflected on their relationship because of this. A few verses that really spoke to me:
"it’s okay to scream just don’t let your voice get so hot that it burns you alive."
"I didn’t expect healing to feel like breaking and resetting my bones one by one"
"Would it make a difference
If I told you he did not drown your voice he only convinced you it could not swim?"
Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for awarding me this book in a giveaway.
"it’s okay to scream just don’t let your voice get so hot that it burns you alive."
"I didn’t expect healing to feel like breaking and resetting my bones one by one"
"Would it make a difference
If I told you he did not drown your voice he only convinced you it could not swim?"
Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for awarding me this book in a giveaway.
April 11, 2020
Marya outdoes herself again with a powerful collection which leaves your soul shaking. The imagery puts you in her shoes- you smell what she smells, you feel, and I mean feel what she feels. You see through her eyes, and make it your own. This collection is one of a kind, and everyone should do themselves a favor and read it.
April 14, 2020
Astounding, deep, and achingly beautiful. The poet of Driftwood speaks honestly about her heart-rending experiences, but writes about them in a way that brings hope. Plus, the original artwork is like nothing I've seen before. Truly a spectacular and unique work of art.
April 25, 2020
First of all I want to thank Mary’s Layth for sending me her beautiful work.
Every poem and every word was intense and emotional. It talks about loss, broken family, intoxicating relationships. It made me feel so much and I personally connected deeply because I have experienced that pain, that rage towards the main man in my life.
She made me see her soul, hear her story and now I feel like I know her.
It started with lose, then pain, then love, then a broken-beaten heart and ended with- “hang your fears beneath the sun, now you’re free to make music out of mayhem”.
Every poem and every word was intense and emotional. It talks about loss, broken family, intoxicating relationships. It made me feel so much and I personally connected deeply because I have experienced that pain, that rage towards the main man in my life.
She made me see her soul, hear her story and now I feel like I know her.
It started with lose, then pain, then love, then a broken-beaten heart and ended with- “hang your fears beneath the sun, now you’re free to make music out of mayhem”.
April 21, 2020
"I didn't expect healing to feel like breaking and resetting my bones one by one / until I became a synonym for sort-of-new / healing is a body with broken legs / learning to walk from / its own shadow"
I had the absolute pleasure of Marya reaching out to me to read her debut collection, and I was thrilled. I read the whole thing in one sitting, and loved every bit of it. The poems were difficult, but relatable - they deal with relationships, the toxicity that can exist with romantic ones, but also with yourself and family as well. The poems are short and to the point, but they invoke so much feeling that you're left wanting more. There are also mixed media images interspersed throughout that lent so much to the understanding of the collection, and I kept looking forward to seeing which one, with which quote, would appear next. My only complaint was that I wish it had been longer, and Marya told me that once she publishes the physical copy it will contain some more poems which is the best news. If you're a fan of poetry, or looking for something to relate to in hard times, I would highly suggest this collection.
April 18, 2020
"You look nothing like my father
but when I peel your skin back
you could be his
cherry flavored tobacco spitting image."
From "Not All Doppelgangers Look Alike."
Check out this book you will not be disappointed. Just has great line after great line I kept turning back while looking ahead for more. Inspiring words, intense subject matter of abuse. Full of hurt but you'll find the poet makin you laugh with surprise and appreciation for how she knew you needed it. The words come clean out of the book they want to be spoken.
If you don't like poetry maybe you will after reading some of this.
but when I peel your skin back
you could be his
cherry flavored tobacco spitting image."
From "Not All Doppelgangers Look Alike."
Check out this book you will not be disappointed. Just has great line after great line I kept turning back while looking ahead for more. Inspiring words, intense subject matter of abuse. Full of hurt but you'll find the poet makin you laugh with surprise and appreciation for how she knew you needed it. The words come clean out of the book they want to be spoken.
If you don't like poetry maybe you will after reading some of this.
April 27, 2020
“She knew it was better to be on the other side of pain than to be the one causing it.”
Marya’s Driftwood is a haunting yet truly enlightening collection. With each poem, she allows us to dive deep into the pitch-black rabbit holes of her trauma filled childhood and coming-of-age memories. While in the same moment, we find our ways right back up towards the surface with the comforting guide of her own unwavering and warm glowing resilience. In addition to the visuals she paints with her words, Marya includes unique works of visual art to accompany her poems.
Marya’s Driftwood is a haunting yet truly enlightening collection. With each poem, she allows us to dive deep into the pitch-black rabbit holes of her trauma filled childhood and coming-of-age memories. While in the same moment, we find our ways right back up towards the surface with the comforting guide of her own unwavering and warm glowing resilience. In addition to the visuals she paints with her words, Marya includes unique works of visual art to accompany her poems.
May 4, 2020
Layth's work wraps its arms around the chaos of abundance.
They name and weigh each feeling with tender regard.
Driftwood is a collection we can all find within ourselves -- and Layth's narrative voice guides us gently, suggests, shines soft light, shares only enough to assist.
As a survivor of abuse, I found unexpected familiarity within the connected themes of loss in the face of expansive love. A beautiful glimpse into the author's (and our own) capacity to feel, mourn, overcome and enjoy.
They name and weigh each feeling with tender regard.
Driftwood is a collection we can all find within ourselves -- and Layth's narrative voice guides us gently, suggests, shines soft light, shares only enough to assist.
As a survivor of abuse, I found unexpected familiarity within the connected themes of loss in the face of expansive love. A beautiful glimpse into the author's (and our own) capacity to feel, mourn, overcome and enjoy.
Read
May 22, 2020Enraging, emotional, profound, melancholic, strong, poignant, traumatic, cathartic, painful.
I loved Marya’s first poetry collection and I feel no different to this new, heartrending one. Each time I read her prose I feel the authenticity bleed from the page. Ripe with Marya’s own memories, you feel each pain, each sorrow, each conquering triumph in such a vivid way—I found myself weeping. The symbolism, the darkness, and the striking vulnerability come together to create a book you just cannot put down: an incredible feat of prose and art!
I loved Marya’s first poetry collection and I feel no different to this new, heartrending one. Each time I read her prose I feel the authenticity bleed from the page. Ripe with Marya’s own memories, you feel each pain, each sorrow, each conquering triumph in such a vivid way—I found myself weeping. The symbolism, the darkness, and the striking vulnerability come together to create a book you just cannot put down: an incredible feat of prose and art!
April 18, 2020
There's an incredible depth, creativity, and authenticity within the pages of Driftwood. Marya Layth's poetic symbolism and visual imagery is a unique reflection on her memories of abuse, trauma, and adolescence. I really love how Marya immediately sinks her teeth in – biting down with emotion in every poem and delivering a lethal dose of clever storytelling. The subject matter can be heavy at times, but Driftwood doesn't dwell on the darkness without interweaving tales of innocence, levity, and empowerment.
I couldn't put Driftwood down once I started reading. I was completely captivated and read through it in a little over an hour. It's a short but powerful read. I highly recommend this collection for anyone seeking a truly authentic read – even if you don't like poetry).
I couldn't put Driftwood down once I started reading. I was completely captivated and read through it in a little over an hour. It's a short but powerful read. I highly recommend this collection for anyone seeking a truly authentic read – even if you don't like poetry).
April 30, 2020
This collection is something special. Marya creates imagery in her words with ease. She plays with double-meanings without being cliche and is able to reach the reader in ways they reflect their own personal experiences. This collection does not lack depth, rather you almost find yourself drowning along with her as she struggles, and all in the same work you breathe deeply together as she gasps and finds air.
June 7, 2020
I did dark sided poetry
This poetry really hit home for me. Everyone has their own demons and ghosts to deal with and I feel as though Marya really got in touch with hers in this poetry. I couldn't emphasize with all of it, but I could relate to most of it. It has a dark theme, but the truth is at the heart of it.
This poetry really hit home for me. Everyone has their own demons and ghosts to deal with and I feel as though Marya really got in touch with hers in this poetry. I couldn't emphasize with all of it, but I could relate to most of it. It has a dark theme, but the truth is at the heart of it.
August 3, 2020
Driftwood is full of incredible depth and movement. There are some heavy themes here but Marya skillfully pulls you along toward resilience and light. These poems are rich with imagery and sound and wordplay.
It’s such a cohesive collection: words and images return throughout, and the artwork adds such a special touch. Such an experience!
It’s such a cohesive collection: words and images return throughout, and the artwork adds such a special touch. Such an experience!
May 13, 2021
This is actually my first ever poetry collection so take that as you will. Even though I have never been through what the author has, their writing was very impactful and I could feel the pain in their words. Some of the lines left me like "wow". Very tragic, but also hopeful. *I did receive this copy free in a giveaway and I'm so glad I did!*
April 16, 2020
An amazingly powerful, soul-stirring collection of poetry from Marya Layth. I could FEEL every emotion, every experience, each shard of pain, each moment of victory, strength, survival... Artistic imagery throughout further accentuated the sensory experience. A true Must-Read!!
May 6, 2020
Wow..I couldn't praise this book enough. Written directly from the soul, and so relatable. A collection of incredible and insightful poetry. While much is dark there is a certain hopeful optimism at play that is so beautiful.
June 9, 2020
I won a Kindle copy via Goodreads giveaway!
This was an amazing collection of poems - so haunting and powerful.
Beautiful work with such intense imagery... traumatic, strong, and deep.
I also really enjoyed the beautiful artwork that complemented the poems very well.
This was an amazing collection of poems - so haunting and powerful.
Beautiful work with such intense imagery... traumatic, strong, and deep.
I also really enjoyed the beautiful artwork that complemented the poems very well.
July 3, 2020
I never read poetry, but this was excellent.
I really enjoyed all of the poetry and visual art pieces in this book. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to try something different and new.
I really enjoyed all of the poetry and visual art pieces in this book. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to try something different and new.
May 6, 2020
This is now one of my favorite poetry books!
May 13, 2020
Another amazing collection 🥳🥳🥳
July 29, 2020
amazing
marya is a mastermind with words. this collection is seriously stunning and i loved the visuals that accompanied the poems!
marya is a mastermind with words. this collection is seriously stunning and i loved the visuals that accompanied the poems!
November 14, 2020
Clever work!!
This book was absolutely stunning. These pieces were so unique and well written. There was beautiful analogies, metaphors, and imagery. This book is very relatable!
This book was absolutely stunning. These pieces were so unique and well written. There was beautiful analogies, metaphors, and imagery. This book is very relatable!
December 10, 2020
Literary art
This woman keeps it real with her poems of self reflection. This anthology is art for more than the drawings it contains.
This woman keeps it real with her poems of self reflection. This anthology is art for more than the drawings it contains.
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January 9, 2021the art is so pretty in this one
December 29, 2020
This book and the creative artistry that went along with it was visceral and breathtaking. The subject matter was raw and unfortunately relatable, but that's one reason why it resonated so well with me. I loved the narrative, how open and fragile it felt while somehow being the epitome of strength at the same time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews