I’m always up to reading a new poetry collection.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for a review and I want to thank the author, Megan O’Keef, for reaching out and asking me. I will always try to get a review done for anyone who wants to email me at quibblesandscribbles@gmail.com.

Where I Ache

Author: Megan O’Keef | Website 

Publication Date: June 10, 2019

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Amazon | Goodreads

This collection is broken up into six chapters ranging from themes such as depression, jealousy, grief, and strength. These are delicate subjects to talk about and most people avoid them because of the uncomfortable vulnerability. I’ve always written and shared my poetry with the hope that readers would relate and feel less alone. I hope you feel a sense of community to all of those connected throughout this collection.

First things first, I want to note that there is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book, so if any of the topics said above may be triggering for you, do be wary of that. It’s always appreciated before the start of a book.

The chapters are broken down into different sections with different body parts such as “My Foggy Head,” “My Bruised Spine,” and “My Grieving Knees.” Each of the chapters deals with a particular topic like jealousy or grief. I like how it let you know going in what it would be about.

Some of the sections didn’t resonate with me, just because it may not have been something I experienced or have gone through in a while (relationships being the main thing) but that doesn’t take away the great writing.

I actually wanted to include some of my favorite passages.

Flying or Falling

I live with ghosts inside my head

A monster creeping under my bed.

They make me hard to read

and even harder to please.

I climb to the top of mountains

To drown out their voices

Then high dive off the edge again.

Another example: