Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.

I have tried to read this one several times since I was approved and unfortunately can't get into it, so am officially DNFing it.

It was good. I enjoyed it but I am not a big poetry reader, so it didn’t wow me but I am opening to reading more of this author

I loved it a lot the book had me hooked from page one... Did not want to put it down until the very last page

This was phenomenal! My favorite thing about this poetry book was the mixture of poems and pictures, the whole collection felt very explorative in its style. I have always felt drawn to Persephone's myth, and I definitely feel like this poetry collection does her justice. The poems are emotional, they are unforgiving, and they bring us on a journey. Mateer explores Persephone's story and relates it to the realities of modern girlhood and womanhood. Reading Persephone Made Me Do It was truly a wonderful experience, and I am definitely going to continue reading Mateer's poetry. If you enjoy feminist poetry, Greek myth, or even better - both, then you should check this book out!

Persephone is a well-loved character in Greek Mythology. She was often viewed as a victim but in Trista Mateer's rendition of Persephone, she was not and never a victim. As always every book of Mateer champions women through vulnerable and healing story telling coupled with such vivid illustrations. Another great addition to the body of work centered on Persephone.

Amazing book of poetry, this is a great books for one of those days where you need poetry in your life. I loved it and highly recommend

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

What a stunning collection of poetry. I really enjoy finding a good poetry book to break up fiction reads, and this was perfect. Rich writing and so much depth in the meanings. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a stunning collection of poetry, with an interest in retellings.
Thank you for an Arc of this book in return for an honest review.

One of the most poignant books of poetry. I love this whole series - and it inspired me to restart writing my own

The artwork in this book is amazing, it really adds to the poems from Persephone’s view and feel like she’s really telling us her story.

I loved this poetry book, thank you for my e arc Netgally & publisher!

Another wonderful installation in the Myth and Magick series from one of my favorite poets. Trista focuses on mother-daughter relationships while both empowering and comforting women.

Firstly, I'd like to thank Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the eARC for an honest review.

I read Artemis Made Me Do It this time last year, and I really loved it. I was really looking forward to reading the third instalment in this series. For me, it didn't wow me as much as I wanted it to. I didn't feel like it delved deep enough into Persephone's story - I wanted to see more. The poetry is still good, and Mateer is a good writer. My favourite chapter was 'Persphone: Reclaiming' - it was great to see her reclaiming what was taken from her. It would have been really great if we saw more of her story before the 'reclaiming' chapter. I felt like because I knew about Persephone's story that I could fill in what wasn't here.

I'm still planning on reading the first book in the series, Aphrodite Made Me Do It (not really doing this in order), and I look forward to seeing where it began. I've seen that a lot of people have enjoyed this book and I'm sure many more will. It's a well written poetry collection that didn't explore the story of Persephone well enough for me.

I read the previous poetry collection by Trista Mateer and absolutely loved it! So I picked up this book, and lo behold! it is even better. This book is visceral, powerful, and essential for anyone with a love of mythology and poetry. Her words ebb and flow perfectly, synchronous with a lot of depth and meaning, as well as a mythical approach to self-care and love. I highly recommend reading this book to everyone. Thank you to NetGalley and the published for this ARC.

Another gorgeous collection from Trista Mateer. A few editing issues, but they don't take away from the raw power of the work.

This collection, without any doubts, is one of the best ones I have read this year. It provides a fresh perspective on Persephone and her relationship with her mother. It is heart wrenching yet so hopeful. This collection made me cry quite a few times. Kudos to the poet!

Persephone Made Me Do It is the third in the Myth and Magick series with previous works giving voice to Aphrodite and Artemis. This is the first I have read of Trista's but I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking to read more.

This fresh, feminist, reclaiming of Persephone's lore was relatable and empowering. Alongside her poetry and conversation there is also mixed-media contemporary art which I loved. A different take on modern poetry to what I've been seeing and reading recently and a very welcome change.

This has to be my favourite collection from Trista so far, every word held so much meaning and truth that I devoured it in one sitting.
I feel like I just looked into a mirror and found a name for all the things I couldn't place.

"I love you.
And I miss you.
And I will be missing you forever, girl."

Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC.

<i>Persephone Made Me Do It</i> was both a good and a terrible reading experience for me. I always struggle with modern poetry because it never comes across as real poetry, moreso just random quotes with line breaks.


<blockquote>
Every woman

goes through Hell

and comes out again

changed.</blockquote>


A lot of the poems in this collection have the same angsty, cringey structure as other modern poetry collections, but there are a few poems that struck a chord with me and showed promise. Mateer’s strengths are illuminated when she diverges from the quintessential poetic structure; there are sections of prose that speak far more profoundly than those stilted, edgelord turns of phrase interrupted by line breaks.


<blockquote>
I've been chewed up and spat out and repackaged so many times you don't even realize how often you’ve heard my story.

I've been a thousand women.

I've lived a thousand lives.
</blockquote>


Thematically, the idea that Persephone is an echo of all the women that came before her and all the women that would come after is a stunning revelation. The unique suffering one experiences as a woman is driven home again and again. This poetry collection stands strongest when it leaves behind the impulse to be edgy or to lean too hard on the Persephone myth, and instead divulges honest experiences, even when the truths unearthed are painful.


<blockquote>
I served the mother of my rapist at the restaurant where I worked. More than once. Before I quit my job. Served him too. Had to walk up and introduce myself. Had to say my name like he didn't remember it. I had to ask him what he wanted and then I had to give it to him.

Again.

Big trauma in a small town turns everything against you. Eventually there are more reasons to run than to stay. You might return for the holidays, but it never feels like coming home.

And it never will again.
</blockquote>


The heart of the collection is in the harrowingly commonplace resonation of female suffering. Here, emerges a woman who rises from the dust, lamenting the familiarity of her suffering, but reclaiming her name.


<blockquote>
WE ARE ALL THE SAME WOMAN…
TELLING STORIES SO SIMILAR
THEY MAY AS WELL BE THE SAME.
LET ME CALL YOU BY MY NAME.
</blockquote>


<b>Overall Rating:</b> 3 stars

I loved this series of goddess-inspired poetry. It made me feel more powerful and also like my problems have always been and will always be there.

Trista Mateer is back at it with Persephone Made Me Do It, something that’s just as raw and honest as her prior collections. Featuring the duality of lived experiences in connection to Persephone, it is equally inspiring and thought provoking. As a survivor of sexual assault, I could relate to much of this, and maybe that is why I feel a kinship to Persephone. Absolutely stunning.