Thank you NetGalley for this arc!

This was a very short, but powerful read.
While poetry can be pretty subjective, this was a very good book.

This book was a fun to read. It talks about the small and insignificant things that matter in our life. I'm glad that this one was not about love and pain, like all other poetry books. The theme mostly revolved around childhood and family. My favourite among these were - Report Card (that says result may not be the end of everything) and Velcro Friends (that talks about clingy friends). There were subtle mentions of my favourite famous personalities like Harry Styles and Enid Blyton. Anyone who is new to poetry can dive into this one as it is not complex.

I’ve never read a poetry book before so didn’t know what to expect and I just don’t think poetry is for me. I thought some were cute and funny or I just didn’t get them, which is obviously my fault. I like the idea, I’m just not the right audience for this book but I’m sure if you like poetry, you would love this.

This was a very cute collection. I don't usually connect with poetry, but I like these fun verses like the ones in this book.

This was short, sweet, humorous, and uplifting little collection of poems about life, love, and adulthood that many can identify with, especially the poem about Netflix.

**Thanks to the author and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, this book of poetry was not for me. No nuance or depth.

I am afraid these poems were not my cup of tea at all.
I have a liking for quirky and modern poetry about the challenges of being a grown up and the themes around every day life, however none of these poems stood out for me and the style did not sit well with my tastes.
The Answer is Yes was a cute idea.
I am sure there is a right audience for this book.

So I am not usually a poem reader but I found tye title of the book relatable. Out of all of them I'd say 4 poems stood out for me.
Netflix you got me wrong
The answer is yes
Blue
Outgrown
The others I may have not understood or did not find them relatable.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Very easy read and one I’ll be going back to often and reading my favourite poems. Definitely recommend.

There is much misleading about this book. For starters, the title — I read this thinking that it would make a great graduation gift for a poetry-lover. Both the description and the title led me to believe that this poetry collection was about the misconceptions and realities about adulthood; but the poetry inside really wasn't. It was simply a collection of poetry, which is perfectly fine, just not what I was led to believe. Secondly, I was led to believe that this collection of poetry was humorous. It isn't. There are few poems within it that have humor value, but as a whole, it is not a humorous collection. For the most part, the cadence of the poetry missed the mark just a tad. The English major in me just couldn't get past the fact that nearly every poem lost its cadence or hit a not-quite-there rhyme. Unfortunately, this collection just wasn't the one for me.

I actually really enjoyed this read! It was a fast paced poetry book that I was able to finish within a sitting which is something that I love! These poems made me giggle to the book, and sometimes made me a little sad and nostalgic for my childhood. Thank you to Atmosphere Press for approving this Arc in exchange for honest review!!

Absolutely loved this book. I know I'll come back to it whenever I feel down and enjoy the poems again and again. 10/10.

Thank you for the book!

I received a copy of “It’s Tough Being a Grown Up!” from NetGalley in exchange for leaving an honest review.

This was a quick read, and was easy to put down and pick back up again to continue reading.

The book consisted of thought provoking poems, however it was a bit more juvenile than I anticipated. The writing style resembled Dr. Seuss. The poems covered many various topics which I did enjoy.

I would give this book three stars, and would recommend it as a quick read for readers who enjoy poetry.

I really wanted to like this, but it's very, very immature, and I couldn't stand it. If the author was a child, this would have made sense, but the author is a grown-up herself. There are ways of being funny that appeal to adults.

‘It’s Tough Being a Grown Up!’ by Malika Bhandarkar is a very cool collection of poetry that explores the many challenges of adulthood. With relatable themes, vivid imagery, and a variety of poetic forms, this collection offers a delightful yet thought-provoking reading experience.

Themes: ★★★★☆
The collection covers a wide range of themes under the umbrella of the tough parts of being a grown-up. From daily struggles to deeper emotional battles, each poem touches on aspects that are highly relatable for adults. The variety in themes keeps the reader engaged and resonates with the many facets of adult life.

Imagery: ★★★★☆
The imagery in ‘It’s Tough Being a Grown Up!’ is quite good. Bhandarkar uses vivid descriptions and evocative language to bring her themes to life. The imagery enhances the emotional impact of the poems and helps to paint a clear picture of the experiences and feelings described.

Structure: ★★★★☆
The structure of the poems is well-crafted, with a lovely range of forms. This variety adds depth to the collection and showcases Bhandarkar's versatility as a poet. Each poem’s structure is thoughtfully designed to complement its theme and tone, making the collection dynamic and engaging.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
This collection is a nice, short, and fun read. The poems are concise yet impactful, making it easy to read a few at a time or devour the entire collection in one sitting. The relatable themes and accessible language ensure that readers remain engaged throughout.

Readability: ★★★☆☆
While the collection is overall quite good, the rhythm feels a bit off in a few of the poems. This can disrupt the flow of reading slightly. However, the majority of the poems maintain a good rhythm, and the engaging content compensates for the occasional hiccup in readability.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
‘It’s Tough Being a Grown Up!’ is a very enjoyable collection. Bhandarkar's insightful and often humorous take on the challenges of adulthood makes for a delightful read. The collection's relatable content and vivid imagery ensure that it leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

‘It’s Tough Being a Grown Up!’ by Malika Bhandarkar is a highly recommended read for anyone looking to reflect on the trials and tribulations of adulthood through poetry. Its relatable themes, vivid imagery, and variety of forms make it a standout collection that is both thought-provoking and enjoyable.

It sure is tough being a grown up! 0/10 recommend. This book on the other hand, 10/10 recommend. Such a great read!

4/5 stars. I received this book from Netgalley. These poems were a quick, fun read. Many of them made me laugh. My favorite ones were:
- Fortunes Told
- Conditions
- Pounce-ciations
- I Love what you love
- Velcro Friends
- Magic Carpet

I didn’t completely dislike this collection, but the writing style of the poems felt too juvenile and overall I didn’t like any of the poems all that much.

I'm a huge fan of funny poems so I was really excited when NetGalley let me read this (thank you!) The poems were witty, wise, and modern -- I think my favorite would be the one lamenting that Netflix doesn't get me.
But I identified with most of the poems, which covered topics ranging from school to relationships. I was so intrigued that I felt as though I needed to know who this person was, and she's an economist! Proof that we can all find common ground when we open our hearts (I wish I could understand economics).
If you enjoy whimsy and are young at heart, you will enjoy this as much as I did. There are definite shades of Silverstein and Seuss

Feels frivolous and fun. But caught me unawares. The easy rhyming style belies the deeper more human meaning. Interesting.