Conversations With Monsters feels like a love letter to every struggling artist who's ever been called "different." It feels like a friend sitting down with you and holding your hand. As my first creative non-fiction read, I found Conversations With Monsters a delightful read that I devoured in less than an hour. As a twenty-year-old writer struggling with anxiety, depression, and finding my place in the world as a neurodivergent person, every page of Poe's book had me pointing at paragraphs that described my experience in such an innate way. I genuinely believe this is one of my most annotated books- both because I adore Poe's writing style and because I felt so incredibly seen. This book almost felt like reading back my own experiences, especially when Poe discusses how they would delete their anxiety and struggle with maths in a moment, but not their autism. And I sat up straight in my seat and pointed at the page because you get it!! You get it!! (Hard agree on removing the struggle with maths, because I have been grappling with my dyscalculia longer than I can remember. The same goes for the anxiety, I'm tired of having social interactions feeling sick to my stomach.)

Conversations With Monsters is a quintessential read in my not-so-humble opinion. Like you must read it. I demand you read it. Because I'm simply going to be thinking about this book forever now. This was one of the easiest 5 star-ratings I've given to a book. From its lyrical prose to its neurodivergent-friendly structure, Conversations With Monsters is a welcoming exploration of love, grief, and autism.

As an autistic person, I found this relatable. I'm glad the author did not shy away from all the downsides of autism. It was reassuring to see that I'm not alone.

My biggest criticism is that it lacks structure. The text went from one topic to the next and it found it difficult to keep up. I do like the interludes with poems that relate to the subject matter in between. They are a nice change of pace.

Thank you NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for giving me access to this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This read like someone monologued in my direction and I absolutely loved it. I'm the type of person who will gladly sit through an infodump or special interest because I like the passion or getting to know people. I feel like I know the author now a bit.

This is my new Roman Empire.

I cannot begin to describe the sense of understanding and peace this book has brought me. I could quote a sentence on every page, and scream it from the rooftops. I feel seen! Poe puts to words the thoughts, feelings, and frustrations that have plagued my mind for YEARS. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.

If you are Autistic, or know and love someone who is Autistic, this is a must read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for this ARC.