It Was Just Another Day in America

by Ryan David Ginsberg

Introducing "It Was Just Another Day in America," a thought-provoking book by Ryan David Ginsberg that explores a range of issues facing America today. Through eight short stories and a series of powerful poems, the author provides commentary on topics such as abortion rights, gun violence, capitalism, social media, and more. In addition to tackling these important issues, Ginsberg also bravely delves into the deeply personal topic of mental health, sharing his own experiences with depression, anxiety, self-loathing, and suicidal ideation. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to engage with contemporary issues and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Genres: Short Stories, Poetry, Fiction, Dystopia, Novella

129 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2023

About the author

RYAN DAVID GINSBERG is a writer of fiction and poetry. He lives in the Central Valley of California with his wife and three dogs.

Reviews

[Heidi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never written a review this long so bear with me here. I’ve read quite a few dystopian novels based on the idea if we keep doing ____ then ____ will happen (1984, Fahrenheit 451, The Handmaid’s Tale…). This book, however, is the most impactful I have read with this particular theme. Perhaps it’s because it was written recently about problems we are facing TODAY. Obviously, this collection of short stories are not literally going to happen. One of the reasons behind over exaggerating current problems is to make us critically think about how far we will go in the name of protecting ___ (our country, the economy, the unborn, the second amendment …) and to make us realize there is a line we should not cross, no matter how honorable the intention behind it is.

As someone who works in a school, I felt most affected by the second to last short story, “It was Just Another Day in America.” It’s sad and scary to have to practice lockdown drills. The last elementary school I worked at had a tall gate surrounding the school that had to be locked at all times. Some teachers have to learn how to plug bullet holes as part of their training. This book makes you uncomfortable and makes you think, which is why I think this book has the potential to be a classic just like the books I listed earlier.

[Kyle O’Keefe · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of potential but it ultimately did not work for me. The stories and poems were all very heavy handed, and the characters were flat and emotionless. I know this book is self-published, and I do think it would have benefitted from having a professional editor on board. An editor could have pushed him to think a little deeper about these dystopian ideas by asking questions like "How would this affect the rest of society? How do the individual people feel in these situations? How do other countries view America in this situation? How are older generations adjusting to the changes in society? How could you show this part instead of telling it?" etc. The strongest story is the one about the woman making corporate deals to afford bringing her baby home from the hospital because it answers a lot of those questions and is the most fleshed out.

If there's one think Ginsberg is great at it's marketing. I found his book on TikTok and purchased it immediately based on his videos. I hope this book does well enough that he can seek traditional publishing again in the future. His mind is clearly full of interesting ideas, and I would love to see what he could do with the support of an editor.

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found It Was Just Another Day in America on TikTok. Scrolling between booktok videos and some super hot guys way too young for me jumping rope…. My FYP presented Ryan David Ginsberg talking about his book of stories and poems. Every story he gave a short synopsis of sounded interesting and I immediately bought the book and eagerly awaited its arrival.

I can’t wait to see what Mr Ginsberg comes up with in the future! I totally recommend his book.

[Madie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw the authors TikTok last week reading an excerpt from this, and I immediately ordered the book, I’m so glad I did because it’s genuinely one of the best books I’ve read this year. Each of these stories and Poems evicts real raw emotions. It’s one of those books that makes you just want to look at everyone around you and scream “WAKE UP!! Don’t you see what’s happening around us every single day? This is what will happen if we don’t do something”
Personally I was the most affected by the stories about the school shootings, and the one of the mother trying to afford birthing her child. Both of these are just so close to real thing happening today in America. However all the stories leave you feeling eerie and unsettled because of the reality of the United States.
The pens were also excellent and a great look into depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. All things I have also personally experienced? But “sing for me” was a stand out to me and very timely for my situation.

I will be making all my friends and family read this!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roped in from the introduction and could not stop myself from devouring this entire book in one sitting. The parallels to modern day in the short stories is unreal, especially considering how dystopian they are. And I read the poems at the end with goosebumps clean down my arms. Can’t wait to revisit this again!

[Nochu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very emotional. One of those books that you have to put down and ask “are you hearing this ***” to no one because you’re absolutely flabbergasted. A dark satire on the state of America.

[Heather Larocchia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying I think I may be too old for this book (I’m quickly approaching 32). It seems the target audience is perhaps people in their late teens/early 20’s, and I admit that I found this title on TikTok. The use of lower case i’s throughout the poetry reads as something that would appeal to a younger audience, although I also imagine the author intended this to be an example of breaking conventions (as alluded to in one of the poems with the line, “but people desire order. so we sentenced poetry to structure.” (112))

I feel a bit duped by the poetry, to be honest. I bought this book because it’s marketed as a critique of the US (which I’m very into), but the poetry was entirely centered on the author’s personal experiences. The author is a (most likely due to the mentioning of a wife) straight white guy whose deepest struggles seem to be depression/anxiety and having to work a corporate job. While I guess this does make it relatable to some people on a certain level, it felt whiny to me. There’s also a whole poem about not comparing himself to great authors on page 137, and yet he mentions those authors multiple times within his poems. What else is a reader to do in this situation BUT compare? I don’t mean this as a comment meant to dissuade men from writing poetry (because they definitely should engage in the practice) but it kind of just feels like these are writings from a man who simply knows what empathy is. I’m very critical of poetry, and I’m looking for something much deeper than this when I read it. I wish the book had included a few more short stories and cut the poetry.

As for the short stories, they were quick and entertaining, violent but not overly graphic. I’m not sure we need a dramatized fictional telling of certain horrors, as we (people in the US), so often live the real ones. I do think these exaggerated stories are attention grabbers (likely why this book kept popping up on my TikTok), which can be helpful in pulling in reluctant audiences (people who may not tend to read often). I enjoyed the story about the alien.

Overall, I can see why this book would be appealing to some - it’s just not for me.

[Jessica Mcclaskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was a line in one of the last poems of the book that said ‘I am 4 AM in the middle of winter’ and that resonated deeply with me.
The stories were engaging and the entire book was impossible to put down. I had all the emotions and can’t wait to read more from this author

[Dawn E · Rating 3 out of 5]

OVERALL BOOK RATING
3.34★

OVERALL "STORIES" RATING
3.4★

OVERALL "POEMS" RATING
3.28★
*** FULL SPOILER "STORIES REVIEWS ***


●●●A Million Times Over●●●

~4.5★
~Tw/Cw: death of a loved one
~As someone who's close to their grandma, I think this is a sweet story and sentiment to open the book with. I also love that it explored the idea that soulmates don't just have to be romantic in nature. But rather someone you can love platoniclly. Or Just some one you have a true connection with.



●●●Amber's Son●●●

~ Tw/Cw: military exploitation, war, child soldiers, child death, children killing children
~2.75 ★
~As my boyfriend said, it sounds like the world wars. Meaning it's already happened. But I do understand that it is not so subtlety suggesting that's where we're headed again. And I agree, especially if the semi moderate to extreme Republicans/ Right Wingers get more power and influence.



●●●A Baby Is Born●●●

~3★
~Tw/Cw: social and economic pressure/ struggles black mail/coercion, parental guilt
~The last page-ish, from where it says that this is the 1st time Maybelline is leaving with a baby, is where it gets more interesting for me. The last sentence is the poignant. It's definitely the most black mirror-esqu thus far. Also strongly reminds me of the South Park episode where we find out Jimmy's gf and pc principal are living ads



●●●Tommy Longhorn, Planet Explorer●●●

~3.75★
~Tw/Cw:(even though this story is about aliens) murder of et because he was discovered, execution of his murder, gun violence, random pointless unfounded shooting, thus a pointless and unnecessary murder (of the 1st guys son), A father dying thus leaving behind a wife and 2 kids.
~"which is rippled with muscles" is the most dude bro sentence fragment in a character description that I've read in a while.
And I love the cheesyness of it.
The basic premise of this story was an episode of South Park. As well many other tv shows and movies.
That being said, I like the execution and minutia of this story
Such as the description of how the camouflage suit works. I really liked the fact that Longhorn explored every facet, iteration, and entrapment of being human. The ending whilst very plausible/realistic was just alright.




●●●The Termination Bureau ●●●

~4.5★
~Tw/Cw: Brief mention of a slur, loss of bodily autonomy of women, women and children referred to as propery of the men around them them, rape of a minor,familial rape Aka incest, victim blaming, self induced late stage miscarriage, blood, violent straight murder of babies deemed useless and unnecessary by gun,saying said murders are endorsed by God, thus religious abuse and trauma, violent and intense arrest.
~This is one of the 2 stories I heard the author read excerpts of onTik-Tok that made me buy the book. Heavy black mirror vibes. And disquieting because we're not far off from it being reality. Case and point:“You should have thought about that before you went and got yourself pregnant, my dear,” is a sentence I have heard from not just right wing family members, but from those that are in positions of extreme power and influence.
Even though the first chunk of the story, talking about how the nurses swoon over the officer, screamed woman written by a man. I am of the thought it does so hyperbolically. Mostly because the rest of the story is about how stupid it is that men quite literally own women and their reproductive organs. Not mention how stupid and dangerous it is to not have abortion available.
What's even more disturbing is that there are people (not just women) that would act like those nurses, were this reality. I mean, they already do with police.
I also really loved the highly disturbing detail that the Moral Advisor knew the exact line by heart to show Jocelyn.
I, however, do not like or appreciate the use of the r slur in that line. It was unneeded. The same sentiment could have easily been conveyed without it.



((RANT INCOMING))
●●●Dinner and a Show●●●

~1★
~Cw/Tw: pretty typical edge lordy, hyperbolically exaggerated, behavior of morally reprehensible, and out touch top 0.001%, capitalism, cannibalism, drinking human blood, (mostly of those killed in war), eating endangered animals, massive pointless war, mass casualties, cheering on the war and casualties, using said war and casualties for entertainment and enjoyment purposes.
~“I have an extravagant life to fund; and as it is, lying pays far better than telling the truth.”
If that ain't truth, i don't know what is.

"Politics were created to distract the weak and idiotic from the truth."
Also, how many times a day do you think that exact lines are said, specifically by those in government. Especially those high up in government.
This concept is tired and played out. This particular story is a mix of the Purge and QANON fanfic. The Purge did it way better.




●●●It Was Just Another Day in America●●●

~5★
~Tw/Cw minor school yard bullying, school shooting, brief mention of blood, implied child death. We don't actually see any of them die on the page.
~This was the second story I heard the author read excerpts from on Tik-Tok. As well as the second story that made me buy this book.
After the police do whatever it is they do with the perpetrator, the dead are then taken off the premises , and the police come let the children out of their protection lockers. Upon getting out of his locker, Jasper, the main character, notices all the pools of blood on the floor. Then, as all of the other kids that were in lockers get settled in at their desks, he takes note of just how many empty seats there are. It is at this time presumably Jasper, but for sure, we, as the reader, find out that
his best and only friend Brian was one of the people among those who got murdered. No sooner did Jasper take note of these things than did the school day carry on as if nothing had just happened.
In my opinion, the story is more disquieting uncomfy and canny than any of the other stories because it is so very close to being our reality.
That's also infuriating heart-wrenching and sickening.
To me, a good story illicits strong feelings in the reader. Be they good, bad, happy sad, eye opening or infuriating. A good story also sticks with you for at least a day. The longer it sticks and the more you think about it after the better the story.
The saddest part is that there are people who would push for and love this "solution " to school shootings.





●●●A Portrait of the Artist in 2022●●●

~2.75★
~A slightly depressing and slightly feel-good self. insert story to end the stories portion of the book

[Kris Donaldson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a book written by someone with interesting ideas and no skill. I read the first four stories and disliked each one. I thought I was going to love this book because I saw the premise of multiple stories on TikTok and was very interested but they were handled poorly. The dialogue was the most awkward writing I've ever read. I see why they tried and failed to get a book published for ten years. They should have worked harder on improving their prose than getting weird and bitter and self righteous about it.

[Jamie Vaca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this. The dystopian ideas are fascinating foundations, but the writing is simplistic, awkward at times, and disjointed.

[Dana Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like a season of black mirror. Dark, but very good

[Sarah Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved the stories, poems were okay! a solid last read of 2023 🎉

[Jenny Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dystopian, dark, thought-provoking, terribly sad. A great read.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️Favorite Story: Either It was just another day in America or A baby is born
Favorite Poem: A degree hung on my wall
I wanted to love this book and I think the ideas are brilliant, but I wish they had been flushed out more. I wanted to read about the impacts to society, how these ideas were so grotesque, yet so mundane. Ginsberg has a head FULL of ideas that I would love to keep reading, but I’d like to see more before moving on to the next story

Edit: Updated to 3.5 as I genuinely love the ideas and commentary on society, I just wanted MORE

[Jane Fudger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a mixture of prose and poetry both of which explore issues facing America today He tackles subjects such as gun violence, abortion, war and religion in what can only be described as a fantastical way which was really refreshing and easy to determine the subject matter he was portraying
Ginsberg also shares his experiences with anxiety, depression and self loathing which is intermingled between his prose and particularly his poetry which I found extremely poignant and revealing.
If you want to experience what Ginsberg perceives to be modern day America this is a must read book. I really enjoyed it

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this up and coming author while scrolling through tik tok, and I'm glad I did. This book was an incredibly profound allegorical anthology that hit me in the chest more than once. The author has stated he did not have an editor for this project, so there are a few grammar mistakes here and there, but it doesn't take away from the book. I'm excited to read the more polished version with the extra stories when it comes out.

[Miranda Flerlage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopian and dark as hell but SO GOOD. The short stories are really what shines about this but the poetry is really beautiful as well. Quite honestly, this is one I will 100% be recommending to everyone I know. Super quick read but so impactful. If this catches on the way it deserves to, this is gonna be one of those bookshelf staples that remains through every purge and pair down to be shared with the next generation as one of the great works of the time.

[Hex S · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was good! the story that was titled “it was just another day in america” really friggin got me tbh. that was a hard one. the poems are good and somewhat choppy but like he said it’s a mixtape not an album :)

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because Tiktok's algorithm was feeding me it literally 4x a day, until the day I purchased it and I haven't seen one video again, of course all the videos I was getting was from the author himself and I'm glad that I read it! I gave it only a 3 star because I'm not a big poem person, and also this is the first time I've read a collection of short stories, maybe it just wasn't for me(?) but honestly it was a good read! I'd recommend it to friends! The short stories were... interesting, there were a few I'd actually have loved to read more of. The one story that had me hooked/convinced me to purchase was unfortunately read on one of the videos, i didn't realize it was read in entirety or maybe I wouldn't have bought it, but that's alright! Overall, great! I'm just rambling but Ryan I hope you continue to write! Maybe even make some of these short stories a whole novel with the same premise.

[Tanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried. I thought. My heart pounded.

I felt human reading this book. I felt seen by someone I had never met. I felt the passion that was poured into this book. Words I have thought but could never put so eloquently. “It Was Just Another Day In America” is complied of so many words that have true meaning and are hard to ignore.

[Lindsay Moser · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Some of the stories were well written and I loved the comparisons to our current state through metaphors and over-exaggerated versions of our world today. Other stories needed more time, more pages to come to fruition but instead were stuck inside short stories.

His stories are very Kurt Vonnegut and George Orwell-esque which I enjoyed.

[shawn leavell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly Predictable


"Just Another Day in America" by Ryan Ginsberg was a book I approached with much anticipation, hoping for a collection of thought-provoking stories that would offer fresh insights into the American experience. Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations in several critical ways, leading me to give it a 2-star review.

First and foremost, the stories felt juvenile and lackluster. Each narrative seemed to lack the depth and complexity that makes a short story memorable and engaging. The characters were underdeveloped and often seemed like mere caricatures rather than fully realized individuals. This superficial approach made it difficult to connect with the stories on an emotional level. Instead of being drawn into the world the author created, I found myself detached and uninterested.

The plots themselves were equally disappointing. Each story seemed to follow a predictable pattern, with few surprises or moments of genuine suspense. The author seemed content to stick to safe, well-trodden ground, rather than taking risks or exploring new narrative avenues. As a result, the stories felt repetitive and uninspired, lacking the spark that makes a collection of short stories truly stand out.

A significant issue with the book was the author's heavy-handed approach to political themes. It's clear that Ginsberg has strong political beliefs, which in itself is not a problem. Many great works of literature are infused with political commentary. However, in "Just Another Day in America," the author's political views were presented in an extreme and didactic manner. Rather than weaving these themes seamlessly into the narrative, the author opted for overt and sometimes preachy messages that overshadowed the storytelling. This approach felt more like reading a political manifesto than a collection of short stories.

The political content was not only extreme but also one-sided. The author did not seem interested in presenting a balanced or nuanced view of the issues at hand. Instead, the stories often portrayed a black-and-white world where the author's perspective was the only valid one. This lack of nuance made the stories feel more like propaganda than literature, detracting from their artistic value and making it difficult to engage with them on a deeper level.

Furthermore, the writing style itself was often clunky and uninspired. The prose lacked the lyrical quality and attention to detail that can elevate a good story to greatness. Sentences were often awkwardly constructed, and the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. This lack of polish made the book a chore to read, rather than a pleasure.

In conclusion, "Just Another Day in America" was a disappointing read. The stories were juvenile and lackluster, the political content was extreme and poorly integrated, and the writing style left much to be desired. While the author's intentions may have been noble, the execution fell flat. I was hoping for a collection of stories that would offer new insights into the American experience, but instead, I found a book that felt more like a series of lectures. I would not recommend this book to others, as it failed to deliver on its promise in almost every way. There are many other collections out there that offer a more engaging and thoughtful exploration of similar themes.

[Angelic Linmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the world of modern literature, it's a rare treat to stumble upon a collection of stories that not only captivate the reader's imagination but also offer a profound commentary on contemporary society. "It Was Just Another Day in America" does just that, presenting a trio of stories that are as diverse in their narrative as they are unified in their thematic brilliance.

The title story, "It Was Just Another Day in America," is a heart-wrenching tale that resonates deeply with the current societal pulse. It adeptly captures the nuances of everyday life, set against the backdrop of a society grappling with complex issues. The narrative is a poignant reminder of the struggles and resilience inherent in the human spirit, making it relatable on a universal level.

"Tommy Longhorn, Planet Explorer" shifts gears into the realm of science fiction, masterfully blending adventure with a thought-provoking exploration of interstellar diplomacy and cultural integration. The story of Tommy Longhorn, an extraterrestrial being tasked with observing human society, is a compelling examination of the human condition from an outsider's perspective. This tale is a testament to the author's ability to traverse genres while maintaining a sharp focus on the human elements that bind us all.

"Dinner and a Show" is perhaps the most daring of the trio, offering a satirical look at the elite's detachment from everyday realities. Set in a lavish dinner party, it is a scathing critique of the opulence and indifference that characterizes certain echelons of society. This story is a brilliant commentary on wealth, power, and the often-unseen impacts they have on the broader world.

Each story in this collection stands out for its unique voice and perspective, yet together, they weave a tapestry that reflects the complexities of modern life. The author's skill in character development and narrative pacing is evident throughout the book, making it a page-turner from start to finish.

"It Was Just Another Day in America" is more than a collection of stories; it's a mirror held up to society, reflecting our triumphs and tragedies, our fears and hopes. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the world we live in, told through the lens of masterful storytelling. This book is a shining example of how fiction can illuminate the truths of our time, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection.

[Jayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "It Was Just Another Day in America" Ryan David Ginsberg crafts a hauntingly dystopian landscape, interwoven with deeply personal and beautifully poignant poems. As someone who typically doesn’t gravitate towards poetry, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the emotional depth and raw vulnerability encapsulated in Ginsberg's verses. The stories, reminiscent of the sharp societal critiques found in Vonnegut and Bradbury's works, carry a chilling relevance to our current world. Each narrative serves as a stark reminder of the slippery slope our society could descend, echoing the cautionary tales of Orwell's "1984" and Huxley's "Brave New World." Ginsberg's ability to blend the frighteningly possible futures with the intimate struggles of the human condition elevates this collection beyond mere speculative fiction. It's a compelling blend of dystopian foresight and heartfelt expression that left me reflecting on its profound implications long after I put the book down. This book, with its unique blend of unsettling narratives and soul-stirring poetry, positions Ginsberg as a potential contemporary to these literary giants, offering a fresh voice in a genre that continues to challenge and provoke thought in its readers.

[Casey O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

OKAY BLACK MIRROR???? Hooked from the introduction—this is basically Black Mirror in book form. The short stories in this collection are raw, disturbing, sharp, and often deeply emotional. Most made me want to cry or throw up. The storytelling here is so effective, and the commentary hits hard.

“A Million Times Over Again” was a brilliant opener—funny, touching, and so clever. “Amber’s Son” was just fucking sad, while “A Baby Is Born” and “Dinner and a Show” made me physically sick. “The Termination Bureau” might be one of the most horrifying things I’ve ever read—I genuinely felt nauseous and had to put the book down. “It Was Just Another Day in America” gutted me, even though I saw it coming. "Tommy Longhorn, Planet Explorer" I actually can't even talk about I'm devastated.

The only one that didn’t totally land for me was “A Portrait of the Artist in 2022,” but that’s one miss in a sea of hits, not bad, just not as hard hitting as the rest of the collection.

I also really appreciated the poetry—especially since I’ve read a lot of mediocre poetry lately. The poems here were strong, but the short stories absolutely stole the show.

[Kelly Hjulberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story portion. It’s divided into stories and poems and I found the stories portion to be better. The stories are akin to what you think they’d be from the title. It’s the not-too-far-away dystopian realities of America. I think they make a lot of sense and are interesting in concept. The writing itself isn’t anything terribly new or exciting, but he did put in the intro that it’s essentially the raw, unedited manuscripts of himself and his ideas. I think that’s cool in theory, but an edited version would be much more digestible. That probably goes against his philosophy, but I want books that are interesting and easy to read. That’s what makes reading fun. The stories are a bit too on the nose, subtlety is not his style, but I think that’s okay. The poems are rough. Very generic stuff. “I'm depressed, America is in the shitter” yada yada yada. That’s not to say they are menial to him, but they add nothing to my own personal experience which is often what books are for. I guess half of the book is 3 stars and the other is like 0, but I'm gonna give it 3 overall cause I’m a sucker for short stories.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually don't write reviews, but this book made me want to share my thoughts. This book is about what's happening in America right now. It's got a bunch of stories and poems that talk about big issues like gun control and healthcare. The book makes these problems bigger to show us how serious they are and to make us think about what we should and shouldn't do, no matter how good our reasons are.

One story that really got to me was about schools having to deal with school shootings. I work in a school, and it's tough to think about these things. This book doesn't hold back; it makes you feel uncomfortable and think hard, which is why I think it could become as famous as other big books out there.

This book also made me feel a lot of emotions. It's like a dark joke about what's going on in America. I first heard about this book on TikTok and I'm glad I got it. Every story and poem in this book makes you feel something. It's like the book is shouting at you to wake up and see what's happening.

I'm going to make sure all my friends and family read this book!

[Jen Ferreira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could do a half star; I would give this 4.5 if I could and, frankly, if I had the focus to read the book rather than listen to it, I probably would’ve been in a place to give it a full five. I’m only docking the half star, even, because by the time we reached the poems at the end, the reading cadence felt more appropriate for a sermon and it was mildly triggering to me for that reason alone.

THAT said, this book was incredible. I saw the author reading an excerpt on TikTok and I immediately made my way to Audible to snatch it up. I’m seldom a fan of dystopian fantasy because I’m an American in 2024, that’s close enough for my taste. But I couldn’t resist and I have zero regrets.

To keep from spoiling anything, I’ll largely leave it at that, but one thing I WILL say, is that the author has a way with words that truly paints a picture and you won’t be sorry if you give this one a read. 💕

[Juno 🍃🍂 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words cant even describe how muxh i love this piece. I cant wait tor his debut novel because MY GOD!!!!!!!! its so good......everyone needs to read this. so beautifully written. amazing.

edit: had to come back and add just how impactful these poems and shorts were...I left my room to get some water after reading, only to see a headline that truly encapsulates "Just Another Day In America": 14 and 15 year old shot in front of their own homes.

Just for being teens. Just for existing outside at dawn. And the fact we just blink it away is....man. this got to me. Wonderful work, I can't wait for more and urge readers to pick this up whenever you get the chance to. Each short is so well written amd the poems are so so beautiful. I love poetry so much...I love authors and I LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! how raw and honest all of this is. So real, so human. amazing.