Two New Poetry Purchases

As someone who is currently in the process of putting together and publishing her own debut poetry collection, it's a given that I want to appreciate the work of other writers too. That's essentially how I came up with the inspiration to follow in their footsteps anyway. 

I've made my way through quite a few books now, including the infamous Milk and Honey, (which you can see my review for here) so I thought it would be a nice idea for those of you that are interested for me to do a review on a couple of new ones that I've been dipping in and out of recently.

The Boys I've Loved & The End Of The World - Catarine Hancock - £7.55

If I'm being completely honest (which I always strive to be on my blog), I felt much more of a connection towards this book and the writer behind it compared to the next one that I'm going to be mentioning. It's fair to say that I did read it first and found that I couldn't put it down, but still, I just personally thought that there was a stronger sense of personality, and character in it. The book itself was also smaller with less pages, which I prefer when it comes to poetry, because there's no specific storyline that you need to sift your way through if that makes sense. 
I think the front cover is really cute and aesthetically pleasing and it takes up the majority of the page, which I like, as it should be the main attraction.
I could relate to a lot of the themes that were present and when you feel like you're reading your own experiences and your own emotions, that's how you know a book has literally captured your heart. Catarine had also spent 5 years working on this collection, which is exactly what I've done with Intoxicated Minds (although it isn't out yet!), so I do feel inspired by her for that reason too. When I get the chance, I'll definitely be reading her other pieces, and I think you should consider doing so too, as you can see she has such a gift just from her Instagram posts (I'm sure all of her 116k followers agree!).

Eighteen Years - Madisen Kuhn - £9.14

Like I already mentioned, I do think that with poetry books, because they don't have a set structure as such, they should typically be shorter in length and easier on the eye. This book only features one or 2 illustrations throughout the 255 pages. Catarine's book only had 160 pages, but more of a handful of illustrations, which is what I personally prefer. I do think it's easier on the eye and generally more pleasant when taking in what the words are saying to you. I understand that this book by Madisen was a collection of poetry that she developed over a period of 18 years, but I do think more illustrations should have been included or it could have been cut down slightly. I fully appreciate that writing and producing art in this form is a vulnerable process and it's something that the individual is in total control over, so Madisen obviously has her reasons in doing everything that she's done in the way that she's done it.

Having said that, I do still enjoy taking a look through this book every now and then. I admire Madisen's talent and think that she has created her own unique masterpiece, just like Catarine has. It physically feels older and more like a classic through the front cover design and the layout, but that's somewhat more comforting to me. 

I haven't ever come across a poetry book or even really a poem online that isn't relatable or special in it's own sense. Just because you may not be able to connect to someone else's work from your soul, it doesn't mean that you're unable to see it's value and recognise that it may mean the world to others. Writers will always see the beauty, dedication and vulnerability that has gone into a fellow writers collection.

Are you a fan of poetry? Have you read either of these books?

Lots of love always,