How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
Review Detail
Young Adult Nonfiction
406
when the world didn't end
Overall rating
4.0
Writing Style
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
4.0
Caroline Kaufman, otherwise known as @poeticpoison, has published her latest poems in WHEN THE WORLD DIDN’T END. The collection, which is autobiographical, addresses surviving, living, mental illness, sexual assault, and self-harm. In other words, this book doesn’t shy away from heavy topics. In fact, the perspective that Kaufman has about these events is so mature and wise that it’s hard to believe she is a mere twenty years old.
This book is split into three sections, “what was,” “what could have been,” and “what became.” Unlike similar poetry books that have been published recently, Kaufman’s overall tone is hopeful. She repeats over and over again how she wants to live now that she’s faced her trauma- and for that reason alone, this book could genuinely save others. She is giving readers hard, tangible proof that it does get better.
My favorite poem in this collection is the one about the femur bone being the strongest bone in the human body. According to Kaufman, it’s supposed to be stronger than concrete. However, she broke her femur bone when she was two years old, which she used to take as proof of her weakness. Now, she sees only her resilience and her ability to recover. I love the meaning in this poem and in others like it. Because her poetry is so brutally honest, it makes us hold a mirror up to our own lives and asks us to examine ourselves in the brave way Kaufman already has.
Overall, fans of Instagram poetry and micropoetry will enjoy Kaufman’s work. Her style is similar to that of Rupi Kaur, R.M. Drake, Atticus and other contemporary poets. If you’re more a fan of the traditional, structured, or even rhyming poetry, this may not be the book for you. That aside, Kaufman addresses the darkest moments of her life with the most beautiful words, and for the artistic experience alone, this book is worth reading.
This book is split into three sections, “what was,” “what could have been,” and “what became.” Unlike similar poetry books that have been published recently, Kaufman’s overall tone is hopeful. She repeats over and over again how she wants to live now that she’s faced her trauma- and for that reason alone, this book could genuinely save others. She is giving readers hard, tangible proof that it does get better.
My favorite poem in this collection is the one about the femur bone being the strongest bone in the human body. According to Kaufman, it’s supposed to be stronger than concrete. However, she broke her femur bone when she was two years old, which she used to take as proof of her weakness. Now, she sees only her resilience and her ability to recover. I love the meaning in this poem and in others like it. Because her poetry is so brutally honest, it makes us hold a mirror up to our own lives and asks us to examine ourselves in the brave way Kaufman already has.
Overall, fans of Instagram poetry and micropoetry will enjoy Kaufman’s work. Her style is similar to that of Rupi Kaur, R.M. Drake, Atticus and other contemporary poets. If you’re more a fan of the traditional, structured, or even rhyming poetry, this may not be the book for you. That aside, Kaufman addresses the darkest moments of her life with the most beautiful words, and for the artistic experience alone, this book is worth reading.
Comments
Already have an account? Log in now or Create an account
Powered by JReviews
How to resolve AdBlock issue?
X
Latest Book Listings Added
Twelve-year-old Rosie Singer’s mom is missing whatever it is that...
On October 2nd, 1977, Glenn Burke, outfielder for the Los...
It's been almost a year since Sila's mother traveled halfway...
Jocelyn and Alex have always been best friends...until they aren't....
From New York Times bestselling author Amy Ewing comes the...
This captivating second book in Bree Barton’s Heart of...
In the heart-pounding second book in the Shadow Skye...
Latest Member Reviews
"I DREAM OF POPO is a beautiful book about immigration, family, and culture. A young girl loves spending time with..."
"THE READING HOUSE set is a really fantastic motivator for early reading. Each book focuses on a letter, with it..."
"THE READING HOUSE set is a really fantastic motivator for early reading. Each book focuses on a letter, with it..."
"A STORY FOR SMALL BEAR is a beautifully illustrated picture book about saving time for the things that matter. As..."
"NO READING ALLOWED is a delightfully charming take on homonyms and sound-alike words. The book features two panels for phrases..."
"JUAN HAS THE JITTERS is a fantastic picture book about children who are neurodivergent and the importance of inclusion. Juan..."
"I DON'T WANT TO WASH MY HANDS is a picture book about the need for frequent hand washing. The little..."
"DANCE LIKE A LEAF is a beautiful book about grief and loss of a loved one. A young girl loves..."
"SPECIAL DELIVERY is a delightfully silly picture book. A little duck is eagerly awaiting the delivery of her baby brother...."
"THE TINY BAKER is the sweet story of a baker bee who runs a bakery and tea shop. Every day,..."
"A GIFT FOR AMMA is a delightful and colorful journey through the marketplace in India. A young girl ventures out..."
"FIVE LITTLE DUCKS is a delightful collection of nursery rhymes. The book includes many rhymes that are familiar alongside those..."
"THE BREAD PET is a cute story about Cora, whose favorite uncle asks her to take care of his sourdough..."
"SCRUFF is a cute picture book story of a man who gets a scruffy dog, which suits his scruffy style..."
"'The Walrus and the Caribou' by Maika Harper, illustrated by Marcus Cutler, is an endearing tale of creation, based on..."
"TIGER WILD is a picture book about imaginary friends and getting into trouble. Lily always blames her mistakes on Tiger,..."
"BEA BY THE SEA is a sweet picture book about trying new things and making new friends. Bea loves lions..."
"WINSTON WIGGLES is a cute book that gives strategies for helping children to settle down when they have the "wiggles."..."
"SWEET DREAMS: A GOODNIGHT LULLABY is a great bedtime book pick for children who love Sesame Street. Sesame Street is..."
"BEST FRIENDS, BUSY FRIENDS is a fun, rhyming book that celebrates differences and friendship. This book is a poetic rhyme..."