It’s Tough Being a Grown Up!

• Sweet foreword
• Homorous but thought provoking poems
• If you're having an existential crisis and need something uplifting this is it. The poems in this book allow for readers to contemplate their place in the world but feel good doing it
• The poems gave me Dr Seuss vibes and maybe a bit of Roald Dahl too

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

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

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

‘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.

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 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!!

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

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.**

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 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.

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.