So, back in 2020, after having read 50 books the year before, I was (maybe overly) optimistic about my reading ability and started requesting review copies. Then, well. Everything that was 2020 happened, my reading habits went to shit and... I didn't read a lot of them. Its a goal of mine this year to go through this backlist and read/review them, no matter how late that review may be. I was provided a review copy in exchange for an honest review, but as that copy expired, the copy I read was provided courtesy of my library's online catalog.

1.5/5 - This poetry collection was not for me. I'm sure it's for some people, but I want to feel like I've been left with something when I'm done, to feel that if I re-read it I'd maybe find something I hadn't before, and with the title 'Everything You Hold Dear' I honestly expected to be left with something more hard-hitting or profound.

My reaction to this collection would have been similar to Rupi Kaur's work (namely the notes-app poetry feeling that I describe as 'a few common-sense thoughts spaced into lines to to make it <i>poetry</i>'), if not for the general confusion regarding what these poems were trying to say. I also got the impression that some lines, and some interjections between poem were looking down on the types of people who don't 'get' poetry, as if the collection was pre-judging anyone who found fault with it. While I can admit that may not have been the intention, and that this review is coloured by my own preferences when it comes to poetry, the tl;dr is it made for an unpleasant reading experience.

Bonus .5 stars goes to a couple standout lines and poems:
- Find a Strong, Tall Mast
- The New Long Poem

#'Everything You Hold Dear' by author # Jamie Sharpe is a book of poems. A very enjoyable novel by many. Sometimes you have to slow down and just enjoy.
Thank you,
#Netgalley, # Jamie Sharpe, and # ECW Press

Today I am #reading: Everything You Hold Dear by Jamie Sharpe. This was an interesting read. Every poem has a prelude mini poem personifying a letter from the alphabet as the life of a poet. I really enjoyed these because of the accuracy of what goes on in some poets' lives.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Unfortunately, this one was just a major miss for me. Beautiful cover art though.