Choose To Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos

by Elizabeth Knightly

Choose To Choose Me is a collection of poetry that is lyrical, intimate, spicy, and ultimately Liz Knightly herself encapsulated into words and splattered onto the page. It is not a linear experience in poetry with a set ending, but rather a cyclical connection that allows readers to draw from her experiences and build a world together as a collective while consistently choosing each other.

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2023

Reviews

[Literary Titan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Choose to Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos, the inaugural poetry anthology by Elizabeth Knightly, is an exquisite exploration of love, desire, and self-evolution. Knightly eloquently describes it as a dynamic and cyclical journey of mutual selection rather than a linear narrative with a predetermined conclusion. With a bold refusal to conform to the male gaze, she masterfully deconstructs the female experience, asserting autonomy over her story.

The collection is an intimate voyage through the author's inner landscape, with each poem offering a fragment of her essence. Readers are invited to engage deeply, perhaps recognizing echoes of their own lives within her verse. One of Knightly's primary aims is to resonate with and validate the experiences of women who see themselves reflected in her words. The latter part of the anthology bravely addresses serious issues such as body dysmorphia, depression, eating disorders, self-worth, and addiction, offering solidarity and understanding to those grappling with similar challenges.

Structured around four muses and five chapters, the book encompasses 45 poems that narrate a saga of affection, heartache, complexity, and a tenacious hope. As an ardent Taylor Swift fan, I found the collection uniquely resonant. Each poem is paired with a meticulously chosen song, enhancing the reader's immersion and emotional connection. This musical element paints a vivid portrait of each muse and amplifies the emotional depth of Knightly's words.

I recommend this compelling collection to all, particularly to young women seeking validation and understanding. It offers an insightful glimpse into the female psyche for others, fostering a deeper comprehension of diverse experiences. The infusion of contemporary pop culture references throughout the poems lends a relatable and modern touch, inviting readers to step into Knightly's world. Choose to Choose Me is not merely a book but a resonant journey, a heartfelt invitation to empathy, understanding, and self-discovery.

[Brianna Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3.5, however, this is definitely one of the more creative works I’ve read. I could not follow the first two muses or how they correlated, however, I did understand how they related to the title (i.e. organized chaos). Following ‘The Archer’, however, I was able to resonate with more of the work written, and could understand the correlation between the superseding muses. I am not someone that can listen to music while I read, so I had to skip the playlists. Maybe this affected my experience as a reader? I’d like to listen to them now, at least the muses I resonate with more!

[Azure Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Knightly's debut poetry collection, Choose To Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos, is a wonder. Through her powerful words and carefully curated accompanying songs, Knightly invites the reader on a journey with the poet and her Muses. Together, you traverse the waters of inspiration, heartbreak, and self discovery. This collection will leave you thinking long after you close its cover and forever changed for the better.

[lex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would’ve liked this more if I was in the throes of my first heartbreak. But it was fine!! There were some standouts that I put sticky notes on and may revisit from time to time. Some of the poems could be stronger; a few were so good until one or two lines that would take me out of the emotion of it all. I really really love the concept though and feel very well represented as a big music/taylor girl.

[Muskaan Awasthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Swiftie heart feels seen.