(No) I am (not) okay

by Dre Hill

No one can see the world that exists inside one's head. Sometimes you might wish you could close your eyes and never wake, drifting off peacefully into an eternal slumber. (No) I am (not) okay is Dre Hill's exploration into this hidden inner world and what happens within. This chapbook centers its dialogue on suicide and ideations, mental health, along with commentary on religion, race, and gender, and how these structures further cloud the waters of the mind. Here, Hill reckons with the weight of the war waged in one's own mind. (No) I am (not) okay is raw, unashamed, and unafraid, willing to say things that many think but feel they could never articulate.

Genres: Poetry

42 pages, Paperback

Published January 22, 2024

About the author

Dre Hill is a Black, Texas born literary and visual artist. He tags himself as an artist, writer, and storyteller. He is a published fiction writer, poet, photographer, painter, and more; often working across mediums and genres collectively.

Hill is the author of multiple poetry collections, including his full-length collection, Crossroads, and his latest chapbook, (No) I am (not) okay.

An energetic and eclectic soul in lyrical motion, Hill's words bring life to the page and picture to the imagination.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one who reads poetry. Since I was young, I've struggled to understand it and when assigned to write it in school, I failed miserably. In light of this, when I say I loved Dre's book of poetry, you know he's a truly special poet.

(No) I am (not) okay, is an extremely dark book of poetry (check your trigger warnings). Every poem is a year of Dre's life and where he is that year with his mental health. I don't want to spoil anything, so I will just leave it at that. However, know that his poems are easy to read and understand, even if you struggle with poetry.

Dre is a phenomenal poet and I will definitely reading more of his work in the future.

[Roula Loew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the trigger warnings before continuing to the poetry. I thought it was an extremely heart wrenching read as i know many people struggling with s*icide. It’s eye-opening and it made me feel like societal changes need to be made about how we view the male population. Mindfully that is. They too are entitled to their emotions and they too deserve to open up. As a fellow poetry writer, im happy to see more people writing about these issues and spreading awareness. Thank you for taking the time to express your profound thoughts with the world.

[Anysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how, but Dre Hill made me believe that it is okay to not be okay all the time....

Everyone should read this!!!!

[READER VIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Dre Hill shares his inner thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities in this collection of poetry. Opening with tales of a fantastical world of monsters and magic roaming free, and closing with gratefulness and resources for those thinking about suicide, including resources for substance abuse and mental health, it is clear the trajectory “(No) I Am (Not) Okay” takes.

As a male, Hill intimately dives into the expectations placed upon him. Representative of a minority, the strength, fearlessness, and unwavering attitudes expected of him shine through in many of his pennings. From Spiral Szn (After JoJo) broaching topics of alcohol abuse and grief, to I killed myself (what now?) and the poem titled (No) I Am (Not) Okay showing him removing his mask, this collection asserts a plethora of emotions, reflections, and thoughts.

I found myself drawn to Hill’s openness, aware of his pain, and empathetic in his struggles. While “(No) I Am (Not) Okay” is certainly anything but light reading, it sits extra heavy as the holiday season approaches. As we remind ourselves that many may be wearing a mask of strength, struggling with things kept beneath the surface, and needing an extra wide shoulder to lean on. I commend Dre Hill for sharing his raw and honest truths. Despite how many may see him for how he looks on the outside, he has shared his innermost demons with all who care to look.

“(No) I Am (Not) Okay” is a timely reminder, a searing cut through one man’s exterior, to the truth that lies within. Invoking deep thoughts, lingering expressions, and deliberate musings of one man’s poetic lyrics, this collection invites us to see men, see minorities, see Dre Hill beyond the surface. While short in nature, each entry in this compilation provokes and lures readers into looking beyond the words. Soak in the feelings, the darkness, the pain that many of these poems incite while reminding us to look beyond the thoughts, through the anguish and into the light. This commendable collection shows us Dre Hill as only he can. Opening our hearts, so we can open our minds and see the real person within.

[Plus Size Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was brought to my attention when I saw it was a finalist in a literary award. As a fan of poetry, I immediately looked it up and was super excited to read. Not only to support the genre, but an indie artist.

Reading is subjective. This collection is heavily focused on suicide, suicidal ideology, healing, and overcoming. For me it fell flat. Not because thew writing was bad, or because the theme didn't flow. I truly felt there were some strong pieces in this. Sadly, I just wasn't moved.

I believe that's because that's because of my current headspace. I have done a lot of reflecting and healing over the years. There was a time when reading this book would have touched me deeply because of the relatability and impact.

Unfortunately, I didn't have that experience. But again, everything is subjective, and I feel like this book could really touch someone that needs it.

[Jill Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a male, Hill intimately dives into the expectations placed upon him. Representative of a minority, the strength, fearlessness, and unwavering attitudes expected of him shine through in many of his pennings. From Spiral Szn (After JoJo) broaching topics of alcohol abuse and grief, to I killed myself (what now?) and the poem titled (No) I Am (Not) Okay showing him removing his mask, this collection asserts a plethora of emotions, reflections, and thoughts

[Nishi Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning, pulsating, and insightful, this author describes agony down to the cellular level. I appreciate the awareness and intensity of these poems that it is felt but less talked about. The collection as a whole moves through realms of the mind, unmasking a man’s mental state and revealing true feelings that lie underneath from personal and societal struggles. Hill gives these feelings vocabulary through vivid imagery…”like bacteria garnishing a petri dish”...”floating fragments of brain matter wash against…”..”where the breath of the world blows away the footsteps of my progressive journey forward.” This collection was both relatable and eye-opening for me. I took care and time reading through this chapbook, and I am glad I did - so good and so needed.

[Glorya Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a poet myself, I was struck in awe of Mr. Hill's writing. His words were profound, relatable, and full of angst. His book (No) I am (not) okay is one of my favorite reads of the year. It is beautifully written. I will absolutely be reading more of his books. Well done, Sir.