For book one of the month of September, I started with Love, Loss, and Everything in Between by Nicole Loher. This collection of poems was written during a deeply trying season in Nicole’s life. From pursuing higher education, to going through a divorce, and, like the rest of us, navigating the uncertainty of a global pandemic, Nicole opens her heart and shares the raw emotions of love, loss, and everything in between. I truly appreciated the vulnerability and perspective she offers through her journey. Some of her poems resonated with me on a personal level, reflecting both what I am experiencing right now and what I have walked through in the past.

That being said, I personally found the majority of the poems to feel slightly repetitive or to only skim the surface of what I hoped for. They didn’t always leave me with that “wow, that was beautifully said” moment that I look for in poetry. Instead, I often read them, turned the page, and kept moving without much reflection.

However, the poems that did captivate me truly stood out. Those were the ones that lingered with me long after reading. I found myself sitting with them, reflecting on how I related to Nicole’s words in my own life, and allowing them to stir up a sense of nostalgia reminding me of past moments and emotions I had once felt. That, to me, is the heart of poetry: when printed words bring feelings to life and allow you to relive emotions you thought were long gone.

Out of five stars, I would give this book a two. While it was beautifully written, it didn’t fully hold my attention or leave a lasting impression once I closed the final page. I personally love poetry that makes me sit in my feelings and reflect deeply, even long after I’ve finished reading. Though this book had its moments of beauty, it’s not one I would revisit or recommend to other avid poetry lovers.

Still, I respect the honesty and courage it takes to share such vulnerable pieces of yourself with the world. That alone makes Love, Loss, and Everything in Between worth acknowledging.

I’ve attached my favorite poems from the collection below, along with the link to the book for anyone interested in reading it for themselves.

https://linktr.ee/tyannaangeline