What do you think?
Until You Make the Shore
Four fictionalized female juveniles represent each of the four levels from a juvenile detention center's Restorative Justice Model. With this as structure, Until You Make the Shore inhabits the humanity of mind, justice and traumatic childhood as it carves its way through systems and harsh realities to find where empathy shines.
- GenresPoetry
76 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2014
About the author
Cameron Conaway
8 books247 followers
Cameron Conaway
is a faculty member at the Penn State Smeal College of Business, where he teaches ethical leadership, business ethics, and corporate social responsibility. A former global marketing lead at Cisco and award-winning investigative journalist, Cameron researches what he calls employee feedback literacy—how employees seek, give, receive, process, and use feedback—and how these practices support organizational resilience, innovation, and psychological safety.
His latest article at Harvard Business Review explores how to process feedback effectively.
• Cameron's feedback talks and workshops including the following topics, among others:
- The Art & Science of Receiving Feedback
- The Art & Science of Giving Feedback
• Request feedback training services
• Cameron's popular resources include:
- What is Feedback?
- Feedback FAQ
- Customer Feedback FAQ
- Performance Reviews FAQ
- One-on-One Meeting FAQ
• Connect:
- LinkedIn
- Contact page
His latest article at Harvard Business Review explores how to process feedback effectively.
• Cameron's feedback talks and workshops including the following topics, among others:
- The Art & Science of Receiving Feedback
- The Art & Science of Giving Feedback
• Request feedback training services
• Cameron's popular resources include:
- What is Feedback?
- Feedback FAQ
- Customer Feedback FAQ
- Performance Reviews FAQ
- One-on-One Meeting FAQ
• Connect:
- Contact page
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 20, 2014
A very good collection of poems which will keep you thinking and make you start rooting for these fictional girls in the system. I could not put it down once I started. The language is a little rough in parts, but that is to be expected from the narrators of the poems. The story between the poems is at once heartbreaking and full of hope as these girls become more understood.
How long are these young women going to struggle? Until they make it, not making it is not an option. The characters are too real to not be based on the experiences of some real women in the system. Despite no description of the characters, the reader comes to understand them through their writing. Well worth the read and I will be using some of the work from this book in my teaching.
How long are these young women going to struggle? Until they make it, not making it is not an option. The characters are too real to not be based on the experiences of some real women in the system. Despite no description of the characters, the reader comes to understand them through their writing. Well worth the read and I will be using some of the work from this book in my teaching.
July 3, 2014
I've included this book on both my poetry and drama shelves because of the way Conaway has structured this collection. It's made of fine poems, to be sure, but it's also a dialogue between Conaway the instructor and the imagined voices of four students, all female inmates in a juvenile detention center. I'd love to see this fine drama/poetry staged one day.
The individual poems are moving and dark, as the lives and attitudes, but fondness for language, of the characters is revealed.
The individual poems are moving and dark, as the lives and attitudes, but fondness for language, of the characters is revealed.
June 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this book of poetry, but written from point of view from girls in our jail system.
I work in the jail system, and this was really felt like our teens in our system today
I won this book through Goodreads, and I definitely recommend it. Especially if you work within the system like I do.
A very good collections of poems.
I work in the jail system, and this was really felt like our teens in our system today
I won this book through Goodreads, and I definitely recommend it. Especially if you work within the system like I do.
A very good collections of poems.
January 14, 2017
In the introduction to this book of poems, playwright Brad Fraser says, "This collection spoke to me in the same way a lot of really good plays can speak to me, through a group of fascinating characters who had affecting stories to tell. I knew I was reading poetry but somehow felt as if I was reading drama as well."
And I have to very much agree with this statement.
To echo Brad Fraser's estimation: I work in the theatre as well, and as I was reading could see a staged performance of this easily. The voices are that lovely blend of realistic and artful which makes for moving pieces.
The poems in Until You Make the Shore have very distinctive voices (told, as they are, through four different, fictional, young ladies who are residents of the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center's all-female pod in Tucson, Arizona). And Conaway shows up as a character too -- a guide, as it were, for both the girls as they tell their stories and for the reader as we move through their stories. The construction of this collection is bold, authoritative, and true to life.
Honestly, with a background in criminal justice, English, and the theatre -- I feel like this book was engineered for me.
Highly recommended for anyone working with youth in any environment.
And I have to very much agree with this statement.
To echo Brad Fraser's estimation: I work in the theatre as well, and as I was reading could see a staged performance of this easily. The voices are that lovely blend of realistic and artful which makes for moving pieces.
The poems in Until You Make the Shore have very distinctive voices (told, as they are, through four different, fictional, young ladies who are residents of the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center's all-female pod in Tucson, Arizona). And Conaway shows up as a character too -- a guide, as it were, for both the girls as they tell their stories and for the reader as we move through their stories. The construction of this collection is bold, authoritative, and true to life.
Honestly, with a background in criminal justice, English, and the theatre -- I feel like this book was engineered for me.
Highly recommended for anyone working with youth in any environment.
September 20, 2015
This is the first book of poems that I have ever reviewed. I picked it because of the subject matter.
Until You Make The Shore is a fictional collection of poems by Cameron Conway of girls, from eight to seventeen years old in detention facility.
They are dark, gritty, painful and lacking in hope. It is easy to imagine why they feel they have no future.
The feeling that I take away from this book is that I wish I could take those experiences away from the girls and never let anyone have those nightmarish times.
I received this finished copy from the publisher as a win from FirstReads but that in no way influenced my thoughts or feelings in this review.
June 30, 2014
I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program.
The poems were good, there was a variety of well crafted and sharp ideas. My biggest complaint is how short the book is - we get a taste of very distinct voices and stories but don't get to go really in depth with any of them. It's like Orange is the New Black - you get a brief overview of the experience but there's obviously so much more under the surface that you're interested in. But I think the expression is great and the format works.
The poems were good, there was a variety of well crafted and sharp ideas. My biggest complaint is how short the book is - we get a taste of very distinct voices and stories but don't get to go really in depth with any of them. It's like Orange is the New Black - you get a brief overview of the experience but there's obviously so much more under the surface that you're interested in. But I think the expression is great and the format works.
March 26, 2014
This collection of poetry was at best, mind-opening. It made the reader (me) a bit uncomfortable. I do, however, applaud the author for committing to this project and I think he has helped the these young girls to articulate their circumstances in a new way. I liked the empty spaces that made the poetry more realistic. But I would have preferred a book about this project interspersed with the girls' poetry. I don't think this collection stands well on its own.
June 2, 2014
Goodreads win. Will read and review once received.
Even though I am not a big poetry fan I really enjoyed this. I loved how this was a different feel for poetry then what I have seen. I thought it was interesting how all the girls seemed to have a different voices. By the end of the book you could definitely see some of the history of the girls in this book. I definitely thought this was a good collection og poems.
Even though I am not a big poetry fan I really enjoyed this. I loved how this was a different feel for poetry then what I have seen. I thought it was interesting how all the girls seemed to have a different voices. By the end of the book you could definitely see some of the history of the girls in this book. I definitely thought this was a good collection og poems.
June 30, 2014
first reads book. Wow! Got this book really quickly through the mail and kudos to the author for personalizing the book! It made my day! I will update after I've read it.
The style of the poetry was frustrating at times with all the spaces. I can sort of understand the thinking behind the spaces, though.
The style of the poetry was frustrating at times with all the spaces. I can sort of understand the thinking behind the spaces, though.
September 12, 2014
It's wonderful to see that young poets today continue to evolve the ancient craft of poetry. Conaway's narrative book is the poetic version of Winesburg, Ohio, only instead of focusing on the truths and goings-on of a prototypical American town, Conaway exposes the tragedy of our juvenile penal system. This is an excellent read. Thought provoking and heart-breaking.
March 28, 2014
I received this book from First Reads. I don't read much poetry but I haven't seen this concept used before. All of the girls had different voices and you could see some of their history in the writing.
June 22, 2014
An intelligent form to showpiece otherwise untouchable stories, social activist Cameron respectfully deciphers language codes into raw poetry to share hope with the world. ‘Dear Mama’ is my heartfelt favourite.
July 8, 2018
I don't usually read poetry...just so you know...but this is more than poetry...more than a collection of short ideas or thoughts or memories...
This is a collection of encounters encompassed in rage and passion and hate and confusion. These 'poems' are raw and emotionally draining. They ask you to look at someone through a lens few of us, if any, will experience in our lives.
If nothing else, they'll introduce you to a level of despair and anger at circumstances beyond the control of the women who've lived it.
Thought provoking and powerful.
I received a copy of this collection through the Goodreads giveaway program. This should definitely be included in any study of poetry...whether it be by an individual or in a classroom. Beautifully done, Cameron.
This is a collection of encounters encompassed in rage and passion and hate and confusion. These 'poems' are raw and emotionally draining. They ask you to look at someone through a lens few of us, if any, will experience in our lives.
If nothing else, they'll introduce you to a level of despair and anger at circumstances beyond the control of the women who've lived it.
Thought provoking and powerful.
I received a copy of this collection through the Goodreads giveaway program. This should definitely be included in any study of poetry...whether it be by an individual or in a classroom. Beautifully done, Cameron.
May 14, 2018
"Until I make the Shore," by Cameron Conway is a wonderfully written and thought-provoking book of poetry. I loved everything from the cover art/title, to the premise which is stitched together with complex psychological pain. Then there are the stories. Cameron is a word man. He's able to pair down raw emotion and punctuate it with poetry. This book is a keeper. I recommend it for both the literary connoisseur and the novice, ready to get their toes wet in the safe confines of their home. Not to be missed.
May 17, 2018
I received a copy of this in exchange for a review. I would not consider myself a poetry scholar, but I really enjoyed this. The pieces had an unexpected structure, which was fun, but I really enjoyed the subject. It isn’t often that we see incarcerated teenaged girls as the subject of a work. I would recommend this for fans of poetry and for those who may not typically pick up a collection of poems. It will appeal to all.
June 24, 2025
Haven’t ever read anything like it. I think about it a lot—I resonate with those girls trying to come to terms with their womanhood amongst a broken system.
Approachable collection of prose revolving around girls in a juvenile detention center.
Approachable collection of prose revolving around girls in a juvenile detention center.
May 21, 2017
Creative and thought provoking
I'm so glad I came across this book. It expanded my idea of what poetry can do. Its beautifully written.
I'm so glad I came across this book. It expanded my idea of what poetry can do. Its beautifully written.
May 7, 2018
These powerful poems offer glimpses to girls lives within the system.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads.
July 16, 2018
Goodreads giveaway
April 6, 2018
Conaway's poetry is wonderfully concise. The beats are reflective and the spacing adds weight to certain revelations. In some ways, the narrative approach made them felt like transcripts of his creative writing classes. Each young woman felt distinct, even if they all shared the unfortunate fate of juvenile incarceration. Felt like a shorter, mature, and grounded version of
Getting Somewhere
to me. Poems are stylishly brief, so it's easy to finish the book in one sitting. My personal favorites are the Eva and Precious sets.
In saying that, I felt many of the poems could have dug deeper. Like try to include more encounters the girls had from the C.O.s or other detainees. On the touchier topics, the impact felt damped to me. Maybe because there is only so much you can understand from observing or listening. Perhaps there was a disclosure agreement or plain respect that prevented Conaway from going that far. Restrictions are noted at least. Publishing a collection of the actual poetry he received during his classes might have hit that void for me. Even if I know the reality of Conaway's scheduling conflicts, the rotating juveniles, and the possibility that the "four girls" could be an amalgam of various students he taught.
Until You Make the Shore is a bite-sized chunk of the mentality that can be found within youth detention centers, so anyone unfamiliar with them (or any form of government incarceration) will probably benefit from trying this collection. There is plenty of literature written about American imprisonment, but a quasi-fictional spotlight on the teenage female side is still not as common. Give it a chance if you're curious and don't want to invest time in a novel or memoir.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
In saying that, I felt many of the poems could have dug deeper. Like try to include more encounters the girls had from the C.O.s or other detainees. On the touchier topics, the impact felt damped to me. Maybe because there is only so much you can understand from observing or listening. Perhaps there was a disclosure agreement or plain respect that prevented Conaway from going that far. Restrictions are noted at least. Publishing a collection of the actual poetry he received during his classes might have hit that void for me. Even if I know the reality of Conaway's scheduling conflicts, the rotating juveniles, and the possibility that the "four girls" could be an amalgam of various students he taught.
Until You Make the Shore is a bite-sized chunk of the mentality that can be found within youth detention centers, so anyone unfamiliar with them (or any form of government incarceration) will probably benefit from trying this collection. There is plenty of literature written about American imprisonment, but a quasi-fictional spotlight on the teenage female side is still not as common. Give it a chance if you're curious and don't want to invest time in a novel or memoir.
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
June 28, 2014
NOTE: I received a free copy of Until You Make the Shore by Cameron Conaway. The review below is entirely of my own opinion.
As a social work major, I am very interested in the biopsychosocial influences that lead to crime, especially by juveniles and females. I'm a fanatic for Orange is the New Black, and this collection of poetry contained both female and juvenile delinquents, so I knew I had to have it.
Conaway is a very educated poet. The poems in this collection have their own rhythm and atmosphere, and there are some very interesting and witty themes to each poem.
I would have really liked to have seen more diversity among the characters and gotten deeper into their backstories. I just felt as if all of the girls were very similar, and I know from my experience that as similar as they appear on the outside, they come from many different situations and the community and learning experience of juvenile detention can set them on completely different paths. Cameron Conaway's short work is a great glimpse between the bars, but I wanted to see the bars pried open.
I really hope Conaway writes more, as I would be more than willing to read it because he is a very capable and talented writer. I just feel as if Until You Make the Shore, however well written, didn't have enough material.
As a social work major, I am very interested in the biopsychosocial influences that lead to crime, especially by juveniles and females. I'm a fanatic for Orange is the New Black, and this collection of poetry contained both female and juvenile delinquents, so I knew I had to have it.
Conaway is a very educated poet. The poems in this collection have their own rhythm and atmosphere, and there are some very interesting and witty themes to each poem.
I would have really liked to have seen more diversity among the characters and gotten deeper into their backstories. I just felt as if all of the girls were very similar, and I know from my experience that as similar as they appear on the outside, they come from many different situations and the community and learning experience of juvenile detention can set them on completely different paths. Cameron Conaway's short work is a great glimpse between the bars, but I wanted to see the bars pried open.
I really hope Conaway writes more, as I would be more than willing to read it because he is a very capable and talented writer. I just feel as if Until You Make the Shore, however well written, didn't have enough material.
May 30, 2014
This was a book with a definite theme. If you want a true portrayal of the rough side of life, of people in jail...this is the one to read. At times, it was painful to read. There was a lot of bad language, seedy atmosphere, and obvious abuse and negativity throughout. I try to avoid this type of thing, so I had a hard time reading it. Each section of poetry was a vivid scene or person, told with strong, descriptive words.
I can't for sure recommend it, except for those who want a colorful picture of these people...the author is gifted certainly in putting the words on the page and into life. I'm not sure I could read it again, except to ponder the words more deeply. Thanks to the author and goodreads for providing a complimentary copy for an honest review.
I can't for sure recommend it, except for those who want a colorful picture of these people...the author is gifted certainly in putting the words on the page and into life. I'm not sure I could read it again, except to ponder the words more deeply. Thanks to the author and goodreads for providing a complimentary copy for an honest review.
November 2, 2014
Written with all the power and depth of an ocean, Until You Make the Shore drags in the reader and holds her under, submerged in the pain, hope, moment. It doesn't let up, keeps you underwater, lungs fighting for air, then releases you, gasping, just in time for the next poem-wave.
Water-logged with emotion, changed by the tumbling, I am a Cameron Conaway fan. If you're brave enough to jump in, you might just be moved as well.
Water-logged with emotion, changed by the tumbling, I am a Cameron Conaway fan. If you're brave enough to jump in, you might just be moved as well.
April 23, 2014
I won this book for free in a good reads giveaway for a honest review.
So basically this book is poems in story form.its about some kids in juvie(sorry i couldnt spell it).i got bored with it and ending up skiming most it.im going to give to a friend maybe they will like it.
So basically this book is poems in story form.its about some kids in juvie(sorry i couldnt spell it).i got bored with it and ending up skiming most it.im going to give to a friend maybe they will like it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews