Born to Love, Cursed to Feel Revised Edition

by Samantha King Holmes

Samantha King Holmes brings forth a raw, original perspective. A collection of poetry that breathes hope into the idea of love while mourning the human condition of seeking out connections, sometimes with the wrong people. Her verse takes the readers on an introspective journey of love, longing, and self-evolution.

Born to Love, Cursed to Feel Revised Edition brings to life an answer to the many difficult questions involving self-love and the feelings we have for others. The book explores the need to connect and the way emotions can complicate our decision making. Ultimately this book is a poetic documentation of heartbreak, anguish, and redemption. A story told in hopes of reminding others that their mistakes do not define them and that the end is usually the beginning of something more. 

In this revised edition, new, never-before-seen poems are sprinkled throughout among beloved and refreshed pieces from the first edition.

Genres: Poetry

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2021

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first found this book, I hesitated to get it because the reviews were lukewarm. However, I ended up in the bookstore and it caught my eye, so I took a chance. I can confidently say I don't regret it. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The poems weren't what I thought. I expected short-form, 1-2 line poems similar to the author's husband (r.h. sin). But most poems are longer, usually half a page or more.

As with any poetry book, not every poem is relatable to every reader. However, for people going through a breakup, or people who've been in abusive relationships, I think they'll identify deeply with most of the poems. It was a pretty quick read, and on the easier / more direct side of poetry, but I really loved the experience. Would definitely recommend.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Thank you for the fuel, but the fire is all mine."

This collection of soul-healing poetry was probably the best one I've read this year, simply because of the way it immediately connected with the reader in such an intimate and gentle sense. The title is certainly something to go by, as all of the poems no matter what their length or subject matter.

The raw vulnerability, the honesty, the way I just stared into space for a while moments after closing this book...ahh just everything about it was so beautiful.

My favourite quote, other than the one above, is "You are a light/ despite the darkness / that has tried to consume you." This. This and nothing else. That is all. <3

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a few good lines here and there that tugged at my heart strings, but for the most part these poems seemed like they were written in the notes app of the authors phone. They were plain, generic, and passionless. I've felt more reading the overly long blog posts at the beginning of online recipes. A pleasant read that I would recommend to those new to poetry or romance.

[Glendon Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s not particularly great poetry, nor is it particularly deep, but it does feel very true.

I was introduced to this collection while depressed in a Chapters and for maybe a year or so I would find it and take it off the shelf to read a few pages and feel something. I finally bought it for myself and, while I often have an antipathy for current trendy formless poetry, Holmes writes something that feels very personal. There’s nothing particularly sophisticated here but I can’t help but love something that feels like an open wound. It does read like the poetry I’d publish, but it does read like the poetry I’d write to myself in journals that don’t see the light of day. And I guess there’s a comfort in that sense of solidarity.

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one really hit me. A great number of these poems felt like the author was talking about me and saying the things I have wanted to say for the last 5 years. There were emotions brought back from a relationship long ago and emotions from the last 2 years, and even things felt today. It kind of scares me how much I related to this collection of poems throughout various points in my life. I definitely recommend for people who fall in love hard and feel things deeply.

[Samantha Medina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a long long while to get through while annotating but it was a pleasant read. Not pleasant in the actuality of the poetry but in the feeling of being understood. Some of these poems felt extremely personal to situations of abuse in relationships and neglecting one’s own needs. Overall, don’t regret reading.

[Amy :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title caught my eye, a simplistic but beautifully worded framework for a collection of poems. I feel a younger version of me would have connected with this and there were some lines I highlighted; however, not everything I expected.

[Alyssah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary poetry man.... gets me every time. Very relatable, I like how the style is similar to some of my other favorites that have come out recently, but not so similar that its not its own being.

[noreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the theme of the book, but maybe i realize that modern poetry isnt for me (which is totally fine)! definitely a collection of poems for the burnt out lover girls or those who have found personal freedom from moving on from a relationship that held them back.

[Mikaila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Simply wasn’t for me. Maybe because I have never felt a love like this? Who knows. But I wish Samantha best of luck. xx

[Malin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's like she knows me, and the words I want and need to hear.

[Denyse Springs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took me longer than I thought it would for me to get through but I did love the stories being told in the poems and the pains of the writer.

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. My last read of 2023 and wow this was amazing. I could really relate to these beautifully put words. It really was healing my broken heart.

[Norie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ohhhhh! i can’t believe i waited so long to read this. on a side note, i feel like i just got punched in the face

[Arzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got called out in ways I didn’t know I could be.

Everything I felt that I spent multiple pages writing trying to get the words out and still failed this book did it in less than 156 pages

[Chantelle J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adoration of emotions, truly something.

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

So like, how did this book see into my soul 🤔

[Willow Tompkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in like 20 minutes or somethin like that. Pretty good, kinda sad. Heavy on the “first love affects any after” type beat. Liked most of them tho, purdy good 👍🏻

[Mayte · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There will be those who seek to destroy you
and everything you stand for
No matter what, keep building”