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i have wrestled with the way clouds weep
"This is my garden among rubble," writes Judy Nahum in this intricate and beautiful collection. And indeed, the world conjured between these pages is in a constant state of transformation. Sea shells shatter into speech, rocks crumble into mirrors, relationships begin and end, arias slides into the elegiac. Nahum's poems expand and contract in scope, as the poet's tender attention roams the earth and climbs into the stratosphere. The speaker and her beloveds "reckon with survival,/ the sun's last wave of migrants." In this time of upheaval, uncertainty, destruction and creation, Nahum's poems remind me how to wrestle and weep, forage and weave, notice, write, sing and love. Her collection resists resolution, but takes us, generously, to "the cusp of something holy, reverberating."
--Mónica Gomery, author of Might Kindred & Here is the Night and the Night on the Road
"When we cannot decide [whether] to face the mundane terrors of the world or to flee into the lonely woods altogether, may we turn to this chapbook, for herein Judy stares down both, fierce and gentle. Nahum is at the a mouthful of growing flowers, remembering love, and yearning to seed a heaving world."
- Ken Yoshikawa, author of Monster Colored Glasses
--Mónica Gomery, author of Might Kindred & Here is the Night and the Night on the Road
"When we cannot decide [whether] to face the mundane terrors of the world or to flee into the lonely woods altogether, may we turn to this chapbook, for herein Judy stares down both, fierce and gentle. Nahum is at the a mouthful of growing flowers, remembering love, and yearning to seed a heaving world."
- Ken Yoshikawa, author of Monster Colored Glasses
- GenresPoetry
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2024
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 20, 2024
***I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review***
what a beautiful, short collection of poetry! loved it so much and oh, how i wish it were a bit longer! i have a sweet spot for imagery and the writing in this was simply exquisite. highly underrated, and i definitely recommend <3
“I will gorge myself on the ocean floor
& rise up,
grinning
a mouth full of shells
ready to shatter into words”
props to the author for giving me inspiration to finally write and publish my own collection as well <3
“From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep. In dreams I take flight, soaring over city blocks, patchworked rowhouses fathoms below. In dreams, I smash windows and don't even bleed. Glass shards turn to rose petals under my fingernails.”
x
what a beautiful, short collection of poetry! loved it so much and oh, how i wish it were a bit longer! i have a sweet spot for imagery and the writing in this was simply exquisite. highly underrated, and i definitely recommend <3
“I will gorge myself on the ocean floor
& rise up,
grinning
a mouth full of shells
ready to shatter into words”
props to the author for giving me inspiration to finally write and publish my own collection as well <3
“From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep. In dreams I take flight, soaring over city blocks, patchworked rowhouses fathoms below. In dreams, I smash windows and don't even bleed. Glass shards turn to rose petals under my fingernails.”
x
November 16, 2024
Wow! A brief, but beautiful collection of poems. I believe this collection will resonate with a lot of people as it explores familiar themes of illness, love, grief, and the natural world. My personal favorites were "You are what I feel" and "swinging steadfast from a tender branch" although I was also pleasantly surprised by "yakamoz" as its not very common to find Turkish being discussed in books! The poem inspired by this phrase was a stunning representation of grief. This collection was my first reading experience with this poet's work and I look forward to finding more in the future!
Thank you to the publisher, Querencia Press, for an E-ARC of this collection via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared in this review are my own!
Thank you to the publisher, Querencia Press, for an E-ARC of this collection via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared in this review are my own!
December 11, 2024
'I will gorge myself on the ocean floor
& rise up,
grinning
a mouth full of shells
ready to shatter into words'
Such a beautiful ode to the nature surrounding us humans. The author paints such beautiful comparisons between humans and various elements from the animal and plant world, you can easily feel and see them. The language is striking, oftentimes making you reread verses and contemplate their meaning. The beautiful craftsmanship of this short collection is even more astonishing when you realize that this is a debut author! I would highly recommend you add this to your collection as it is the type of book you could often come back to in the future; it would also be a perfect gift!
'From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep. In dreams I take flight, soaring over city blocks, patchworked rowhouses fathoms below. In dreams, I smash windows and don't even bleed. Glass shards turn to rose petals under my fingernails.'
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Press and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
& rise up,
grinning
a mouth full of shells
ready to shatter into words'
Such a beautiful ode to the nature surrounding us humans. The author paints such beautiful comparisons between humans and various elements from the animal and plant world, you can easily feel and see them. The language is striking, oftentimes making you reread verses and contemplate their meaning. The beautiful craftsmanship of this short collection is even more astonishing when you realize that this is a debut author! I would highly recommend you add this to your collection as it is the type of book you could often come back to in the future; it would also be a perfect gift!
'From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep. In dreams I take flight, soaring over city blocks, patchworked rowhouses fathoms below. In dreams, I smash windows and don't even bleed. Glass shards turn to rose petals under my fingernails.'
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Querencia Press and the author for sending me an ARC of this book!
November 12, 2024
ARC given by NetGalley for Honest Review
A short but lovely collection of poetry. Nahum weaves through longing, quarantine, mourning, and love effortlessly with lush and imaginative language. Something I could easily reread again and again. I hope to see more writing in the future as this was far too short while full of so much talent.
My favorite poems are: "Brighton Beach", "Migrants", and "of hunger & circling."
A short but lovely collection of poetry. Nahum weaves through longing, quarantine, mourning, and love effortlessly with lush and imaginative language. Something I could easily reread again and again. I hope to see more writing in the future as this was far too short while full of so much talent.
My favorite poems are: "Brighton Beach", "Migrants", and "of hunger & circling."
January 5, 2025
There were some lines that were really good, and I liked, but the rest went over my head, and my brain retained nothing.
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January 6, 2025*Honest review in exchange for an ARC via NetGalley from Querencia Press*
Judy Nahum's debut chapbook consists of gorgeous, spiritual, surrealist and lyrical nature poems wandering across the West Coast through the Siskiyous, the beaches, and the Redwoods up in northern California, going down to SF, to San Lorenzo to Madrid and beyond. These poems have multilingual and multicultural elements, with Spanish interwoven into quite a few, the Turkish yakamoz, and the Jewish prayer shehecheyanu. A sense of intimacy with nature, the self, and with others springs through them.
Throughout the collection, there's a compelling use of the "I", where bold lines paint the speaker in motion or having a sense of agency. Since they veer towards untouched pain or unexplored subjects, they also gesture to the tradition of feminist confessional poetry, for instance in the three-part poem swinging steadfast from a tender branch:
And another from Brighton Beach:
Confessional poetry sometimes intermingles with traditions of ecopoetics and nature poetry, with the two occasionally inter-marrying. The "I" exists in a dynamic relationship with nature, a feeling that becomes vivid in poems like The earth wove a casket of reeds, where nature and voice transform so quickly. People are inseparable from the places they are or were situated, these places speak through them as in Practice Makes:
The speaker's yearning for nature in a man-made world, and deriving an understanding of her emotions from it, also comes through in the three-part prose poem swinging steadfast from a tender branch:
Judy Nahum's debut chapbook consists of gorgeous, spiritual, surrealist and lyrical nature poems wandering across the West Coast through the Siskiyous, the beaches, and the Redwoods up in northern California, going down to SF, to San Lorenzo to Madrid and beyond. These poems have multilingual and multicultural elements, with Spanish interwoven into quite a few, the Turkish yakamoz, and the Jewish prayer shehecheyanu. A sense of intimacy with nature, the self, and with others springs through them.
Throughout the collection, there's a compelling use of the "I", where bold lines paint the speaker in motion or having a sense of agency. Since they veer towards untouched pain or unexplored subjects, they also gesture to the tradition of feminist confessional poetry, for instance in the three-part poem swinging steadfast from a tender branch:
my womb is a clenched pit of clotted blood, a tiny copper anchor in my cervix wrenching me down, down. But my pain is not precious. My pain deserves to be loosed
And another from Brighton Beach:
But they don't know the weapon
of my tongue, how it lashes
when provoked
Confessional poetry sometimes intermingles with traditions of ecopoetics and nature poetry, with the two occasionally inter-marrying. The "I" exists in a dynamic relationship with nature, a feeling that becomes vivid in poems like The earth wove a casket of reeds, where nature and voice transform so quickly. People are inseparable from the places they are or were situated, these places speak through them as in Practice Makes:
I watched the entire Columbia River
run through your fingers
The speaker's yearning for nature in a man-made world, and deriving an understanding of her emotions from it, also comes through in the three-part prose poem swinging steadfast from a tender branch:
I place forsythia branches in water and will them to bloom yellow melted butter right in the kitchen. Right in front of slowly rising skyscrapers. I will it. This is my garden among rubble.
...
I pretend the skyscrapers are mountains. That scaling one makes you rugged. I pretend the tide drags its tongue down my block, leaving my doorstep strewn with kelp.
...
The metal mountains must suffice. The tiny life that blooms in their shadows.
December 16, 2024
3.5 stars
** Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
Excerpt from "yakamoz" (my favorite poem from the collection)
... "or when I'm in the car and suddenly struck/ by an old pain, I want the asphalt/ to flood, to make a sailboat of me,/ skimming along the watery glow./ I want the moon in one pocket/ & the ocean in the other, to roll them/ between my fingers like worry beads,/ hold them close & know/ that when I need them,/ I can cast them out to make yakamoz,/ the word that actually means a phrase,/ the word that is a balm for/ pain as big as a whale's."
Pros
+ the final poem, "Yakamoz," is absolutely beautiful and a standout in the collection
+ themes: nature, water, ecology, survival, growth, grief
+ vibes: contemplative, sad
+ 4.5-star (1 poem):
"Yakamoz" - grief, water as healing, space
+ 4-star (2 poems):
"Brighton Beach" - beach, male gaze, bottom-feeder
"Aria of Mourning & the Maple" - overstimulation, parenthood
+ 3.5-star (4 poems):
"October" - trees, forest, air/breathing, shadows
"Migrants" - plant growth, survival
"M" - longing, pain, taste
"of hunger & circling" - grief, memory, hunger
Cons
- 3-stars (6 poems): "The earth wove a casket of reeds," "The Bookbinder," "You are what I feel," "swinging steadfast from a tender branch," "Aria of Space Travel Through Your Irises," "Practice Makes"
- 2.5-stars (1 poem): "Breakthrough"
- My average poem score was 3.4/5 (exactly meh)
- I felt neutral about the majority of poems. The nature imagery was nice and the style was inoffensive. Yet, it didn't make me feel nor did it make me think. Just kind of meh.
- I asked for this ARC because of the water imagery and was hoping for more, especially since the only poem I loved was the orca/ocean one at the very end.
Similar vibes: Your Heart Is the Sea by Nikita Gill (ocean/water, breakup, grief/healing themes)
TW: grief, a breakup
** Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
Excerpt from "yakamoz" (my favorite poem from the collection)
... "or when I'm in the car and suddenly struck/ by an old pain, I want the asphalt/ to flood, to make a sailboat of me,/ skimming along the watery glow./ I want the moon in one pocket/ & the ocean in the other, to roll them/ between my fingers like worry beads,/ hold them close & know/ that when I need them,/ I can cast them out to make yakamoz,/ the word that actually means a phrase,/ the word that is a balm for/ pain as big as a whale's."
Pros
+ the final poem, "Yakamoz," is absolutely beautiful and a standout in the collection
+ themes: nature, water, ecology, survival, growth, grief
+ vibes: contemplative, sad
+ 4.5-star (1 poem):
"Yakamoz" - grief, water as healing, space
+ 4-star (2 poems):
"Brighton Beach" - beach, male gaze, bottom-feeder
"Aria of Mourning & the Maple" - overstimulation, parenthood
+ 3.5-star (4 poems):
"October" - trees, forest, air/breathing, shadows
"Migrants" - plant growth, survival
"M" - longing, pain, taste
"of hunger & circling" - grief, memory, hunger
Cons
- 3-stars (6 poems): "The earth wove a casket of reeds," "The Bookbinder," "You are what I feel," "swinging steadfast from a tender branch," "Aria of Space Travel Through Your Irises," "Practice Makes"
- 2.5-stars (1 poem): "Breakthrough"
- My average poem score was 3.4/5 (exactly meh)
- I felt neutral about the majority of poems. The nature imagery was nice and the style was inoffensive. Yet, it didn't make me feel nor did it make me think. Just kind of meh.
- I asked for this ARC because of the water imagery and was hoping for more, especially since the only poem I loved was the orca/ocean one at the very end.
Similar vibes: Your Heart Is the Sea by Nikita Gill (ocean/water, breakup, grief/healing themes)
TW: grief, a breakup
December 26, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for the ARC!
I have grown to love poetry in the last few years, and enjoyed this short collection of poetry. I first was interested by the cover alone. There was something about the Orca and title that drew me in.
At first, I will be honest, I wasn’t fully “getting” the poems, especially the first few. However, after rereading them their beauty began to take shape. This is something I love about poetry- the way it changes and speaks differently to you each time you read it. And when I realized what time period the poems were based on, then they hit so much deeper.
I think what touched my soul the most was the description of pain and grief, especially in “Breakthrough” where it describes the acute pain of illness. While I know it was specific to COVID, when it reads “A mess of words throbbing in my brain; my skull inadequate casing.” It reminds me of the many times where a chronic illness flares and my brain is very alive, but yet that is all that I can do. When it then reads “dishes piled on the desk, countless takeout orders,” I felt seen. In “Swinging steadfast from a tender branch,” the description of pain, and in particular menstrual pain… it hit the mark.
So while at first I was struggling to understand, the beauty began to reveal itself. Looking forward to more from this author.
I have grown to love poetry in the last few years, and enjoyed this short collection of poetry. I first was interested by the cover alone. There was something about the Orca and title that drew me in.
At first, I will be honest, I wasn’t fully “getting” the poems, especially the first few. However, after rereading them their beauty began to take shape. This is something I love about poetry- the way it changes and speaks differently to you each time you read it. And when I realized what time period the poems were based on, then they hit so much deeper.
I think what touched my soul the most was the description of pain and grief, especially in “Breakthrough” where it describes the acute pain of illness. While I know it was specific to COVID, when it reads “A mess of words throbbing in my brain; my skull inadequate casing.” It reminds me of the many times where a chronic illness flares and my brain is very alive, but yet that is all that I can do. When it then reads “dishes piled on the desk, countless takeout orders,” I felt seen. In “Swinging steadfast from a tender branch,” the description of pain, and in particular menstrual pain… it hit the mark.
So while at first I was struggling to understand, the beauty began to reveal itself. Looking forward to more from this author.
November 20, 2024
It's my first time reading Judy Nahum's work and I will start by saying that the title of this book seized not just my attention but every fibre in me that adored words.
I love the way each word evokes not only an emotion but also wraps you into a sense of wonder and has you going on this journey of transformation. From 'swinging steadfast from a tender branch,' talking about pain and memory of pain, to 'of hunger and living,' starting off with this quote from another author about life and life's purpose to 'yakamoz' where the author simply says 'I want the moon in one pocket.'
If you love prose, and the taste of words in your mouth I can safely say that you ought to read this book, at least for the sake of an adventure and a reminder of how beautiful, raw and enchanting words can be.
Got an eARC of this from Netgalley
I love the way each word evokes not only an emotion but also wraps you into a sense of wonder and has you going on this journey of transformation. From 'swinging steadfast from a tender branch,' talking about pain and memory of pain, to 'of hunger and living,' starting off with this quote from another author about life and life's purpose to 'yakamoz' where the author simply says 'I want the moon in one pocket.'
If you love prose, and the taste of words in your mouth I can safely say that you ought to read this book, at least for the sake of an adventure and a reminder of how beautiful, raw and enchanting words can be.
Got an eARC of this from Netgalley
December 15, 2024
you are what I feel / when my mouth puckers with tartness, / when the sentence comes out flawless, / when I see the word celestial. (loc. 72)
Chapbooks are such an odd beast of a thing: short and sweet, so much packed into so few pages. I'm not a poetry connoisseur (I know what I like but can't always articulate why, and poetry analysis is not my forte), and in spite or perhaps because of that I find chapbooks useful—enough to get a taste of the poet's writing but not so much that if it's not your cup of tea it drags.
I picked this one up largely for the title, taken from one of Nahum's poems:
From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep. In dreams I take flight, soaring over city blocks, patchworked rowhouses fathoms below. (loc. 91)
The poems are a little over my head at times (again, I don't speak fluent poetry), but the imagery is lovely. It's probably a step too much wrestling for me, but that's okay—I'd rather a poem be a step too complex for my understanding than a step too simple to challenge. Would recommend this for those with a strong grasp of metaphor and impressionism.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
Chapbooks are such an odd beast of a thing: short and sweet, so much packed into so few pages. I'm not a poetry connoisseur (I know what I like but can't always articulate why, and poetry analysis is not my forte), and in spite or perhaps because of that I find chapbooks useful—enough to get a taste of the poet's writing but not so much that if it's not your cup of tea it drags.
I picked this one up largely for the title, taken from one of Nahum's poems:
From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep. In dreams I take flight, soaring over city blocks, patchworked rowhouses fathoms below. (loc. 91)
The poems are a little over my head at times (again, I don't speak fluent poetry), but the imagery is lovely. It's probably a step too much wrestling for me, but that's okay—I'd rather a poem be a step too complex for my understanding than a step too simple to challenge. Would recommend this for those with a strong grasp of metaphor and impressionism.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
November 20, 2024
ARC received from NetGalley for reviewing.
Judy Nahum's pen is filled with imagery that can move even those most stoic. I felt haunted by her sorrow, touched by her loss and compelled to continue reading no matter what.
This is what poetry is supposed to do, in my opinion. Move you to the point of exhaustion, change you and challenge you. Dare you to reconsider what you know and to look through a different lense.
Quick note: English isn't my first language, but I have a C2 level of proficiency and a degree on English and there were still moments where the language baffled me. I think poetry needs to be understandable while also sophisticated. So that's where the other two stars went. It was just a tad over the top for me.
Judy Nahum's pen is filled with imagery that can move even those most stoic. I felt haunted by her sorrow, touched by her loss and compelled to continue reading no matter what.
This is what poetry is supposed to do, in my opinion. Move you to the point of exhaustion, change you and challenge you. Dare you to reconsider what you know and to look through a different lense.
Quick note: English isn't my first language, but I have a C2 level of proficiency and a degree on English and there were still moments where the language baffled me. I think poetry needs to be understandable while also sophisticated. So that's where the other two stars went. It was just a tad over the top for me.
December 30, 2024
Publishing date: 13.12.2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Short collections like these are great breaks between longer books, which I have been trapped in for a while now. But this collection wasn't the strongest cleanser. Not sure if it was a lack of strong themes, the writing not calling to me, or simply me being in a reading slump.
The contents surround nature, disease, grief, and survival
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. This falls on a middle ground. I enjoyed my time with it and can appreciate the writing and contents, but I haven't really thought about it since and didn't find any favorites among the poems. This might land better with others.
Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Short collections like these are great breaks between longer books, which I have been trapped in for a while now. But this collection wasn't the strongest cleanser. Not sure if it was a lack of strong themes, the writing not calling to me, or simply me being in a reading slump.
The contents surround nature, disease, grief, and survival
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. This falls on a middle ground. I enjoyed my time with it and can appreciate the writing and contents, but I haven't really thought about it since and didn't find any favorites among the poems. This might land better with others.
November 16, 2024
ARC given by Net Galley for an honest review.
“In dreams, I smash windows and don’t even bleed”
These poems were beautiful - they are extremely personal and speak of experiences everyone can relate to.
As what happens with most collections I connected to some of them more than others. This is a collection of poems that have been previously published elsewhere and therefore they do not tell a full story together. Which I how I tend to prefer my experience when it comes to poetry collections, especially ones this short.
But there are a few exceptional works in this collection I will definitely go back to and reread over and over again.
“In dreams, I smash windows and don’t even bleed”
These poems were beautiful - they are extremely personal and speak of experiences everyone can relate to.
As what happens with most collections I connected to some of them more than others. This is a collection of poems that have been previously published elsewhere and therefore they do not tell a full story together. Which I how I tend to prefer my experience when it comes to poetry collections, especially ones this short.
But there are a few exceptional works in this collection I will definitely go back to and reread over and over again.
November 21, 2024
This is a very short book of poems centered mostly around relationships and grief ( think). The words rolled off my tongue beautifully, with a lovely cadence, but their meaning didn’t quite reach or resonate with my heart the way I want poetry to. I admit they are not really for me, but they might be for you!
Here’s a snippet I did really like, though, from the first poem titled Brighton Beach:
“Daylight, make me a forager,
a bottom feeder
with patient lungs
I will gorge myself on the ocean floor
& rise up,
grinning
a mouthful of shells
ready to shatter into words”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC. :)
Here’s a snippet I did really like, though, from the first poem titled Brighton Beach:
“Daylight, make me a forager,
a bottom feeder
with patient lungs
I will gorge myself on the ocean floor
& rise up,
grinning
a mouthful of shells
ready to shatter into words”
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC. :)
November 24, 2024
"Pain is awakening the color of sun ... But my pain is not precious. My pain deserves to be loosed."
A delightfully profound (albeit brief) collection of poems that touch on nature, womanhood, love, nostalgia, quarantine, and grief. I particularly loved the poems Brighton Beach, yakamoz, and swinging steadfast from a tender branch. I would love to see more of Judy Nahum's elegant prose in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange of an honest review.
A delightfully profound (albeit brief) collection of poems that touch on nature, womanhood, love, nostalgia, quarantine, and grief. I particularly loved the poems Brighton Beach, yakamoz, and swinging steadfast from a tender branch. I would love to see more of Judy Nahum's elegant prose in the future.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing this eARC in exchange of an honest review.
December 1, 2024
Only 34 pages but I’m glad I read this book by Portland poet Julie Nahum— I have wrestled with the way the clouds weep. A beautiful title and cover, nature based poetry, intense and beautiful lines.
From a poem called “The earth wove a casket of reeds” which I loved.
I drink from wild honeysuckle
Suck bare fishbones
White as teeth, leave the tiny fans
Of rib cage for the dogs
Watch the mushrooms sprout
From tongues of torn carpet—
I am an oilslick, rusted hubcap
I open every door to the shrill fever of wind.
Words well-crafted in lines.
Enjoy
From a poem called “The earth wove a casket of reeds” which I loved.
I drink from wild honeysuckle
Suck bare fishbones
White as teeth, leave the tiny fans
Of rib cage for the dogs
Watch the mushrooms sprout
From tongues of torn carpet—
I am an oilslick, rusted hubcap
I open every door to the shrill fever of wind.
Words well-crafted in lines.
Enjoy
December 4, 2024
First of all, this cover is gorgeous. The image and colour palette is a solid 120/10 and is what drew me to the book as normally I am a bit hesitant at requesting poetry books from netgalley. I am so glad it did entice me as while short this poetry collection packs a punch. I found myself re-reading poems and still finding them as impactful as the first time.
This poetry collection attempts to encapsulate the feelings of pain and sorrow following on from grief and love. Basically, they are a collection of very human poems.
4/5 stars.
Thank you to #netgalley for this ARC.
December 12, 2024
A gorgeous collection from Judy Nahum filled with words on bravery, grief, hope, and reflection. Each piece within
i have wrestled with the way the clouds weep
holds its own consciousness and presence- "...I want the moon in one pocket & the ocean in the other, to roll them between my fingers like worry beads, hold them close & know." I enjoyed the authenticity of each poem's voice and luscious scenery that allowed me to feel as though I was recalling precious memories; a sun soaked day trying to live in the moment.
January 3, 2025
There is a raw edge to this writer’s reality that is as enjoyable as it is disturbing. It does not bring about feelings of fear, but rather a sense of requirement — to plunge into oneself and find meaning in their words.
To me, that is beautiful poetry. Embracing death with a mystic tongue and frank beauty. Unmistakeable and true.
My favorite poems were: Aria of Mourning & the Maple, The earth woven casket of reeds, and Migrants
Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC.
To me, that is beautiful poetry. Embracing death with a mystic tongue and frank beauty. Unmistakeable and true.
My favorite poems were: Aria of Mourning & the Maple, The earth woven casket of reeds, and Migrants
Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC.
November 13, 2024
This collection of poems felt personal. It felt like I was reading someone’s diary and I think that’s what poetry should be. “I have wrestled with the way clouds weep” was short but covered many emotions and topics. It was beautifully written and made clever comparisons that were so shockingly true.
I could see myself coming back to this book when I need something to relate to.
I could see myself coming back to this book when I need something to relate to.
December 6, 2024
Long Story Short: wrestling with the perfect words to convince everyone to read this book
Judy Nahum's poetry is best described as a strong tea: an aromatic blend that manages to put a peppery twist on Emily Dickinson's elliptical use of language.
This book was kindly made available to me by NetGalley. #netgalley #poetry #judynahum
Judy Nahum's poetry is best described as a strong tea: an aromatic blend that manages to put a peppery twist on Emily Dickinson's elliptical use of language.
This book was kindly made available to me by NetGalley. #netgalley #poetry #judynahum
March 3, 2025
The beautiful use of language throughout this collection kept me hooked. I read it from beginning to end without stopping for so much as a drink of water. As someone who grew up by the sea, these poems resonated with me deeply. They use ocean and nature imagery to convey the difficult truths of this world. If Nahum releases another collection, I'll be the first to buy it.
July 22, 2025
Una colección corta pero encantadora de poesía. Nahum navega con facilidad entre el anhelo, la cuarentena, el luto y el amor, utilizando un lenguaje exuberante e imaginativo. Algo que podría releer una y otra vez. Espero ver más escritos en el futuro, ya que esto fue demasiado corto pero lleno de tanto talento.
November 13, 2024
This is.an interesting set of poems. Also very beautifully written. They. Were beautiful and kinda makes you think about life in general. Very short read and I recommend reading this book.
I.received. afree.copy.of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
I.received. afree.copy.of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
January 22, 2025
Nahum’s chapbook is a poetry lover’s collection. By this I mean, these are complex poems, but if you’re up for the challenge of spending time with a poem, they are immensely satisfying. Some are very visual. Some only evoke a feeling. But they all will pull you in and make you think.
November 19, 2024
Beautiful collection of poetry. I really enjoyed this work. Nature shines through in every poem.
December 7, 2024
I don’t always enjoy poetry but I really loved this book. And incredible selection of short poems, 10/10 recommend 🥹
January 26, 2025
i feel like when reading poetry: it either has to be so relateble in its experiences or offer me some gorgeous writings and lines. this collection was good but wasn't entirely to my taste.
January 10, 2025
I give this small but mighty poetry collection 5 stars because I think that if you give this the time and effort it deserves, it will enchant you and tell you a whole story instead of several, single poems.
I would love to own this physically and pour over it with a pen and find delicious patterns in storytelling and word usage.
✨Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange of my honest review✨
I would love to own this physically and pour over it with a pen and find delicious patterns in storytelling and word usage.
✨Thank you to NetGalley and Querencia Press for providing me with this ARC in exchange of my honest review✨
December 12, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this book
3.5 stars to Judy Nahum's i have wrestled with the way clouds weep. This collection of poems was brief, yet carried profound insight into a story of love, life, grief, and healing.
from the poem "swinging steadfast from a tender branch":
"From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep... In dreams, I smash windows and don't even bleed. Glass shards turn to rose petals under my fingernails."
3.5 stars to Judy Nahum's i have wrestled with the way clouds weep. This collection of poems was brief, yet carried profound insight into a story of love, life, grief, and healing.
from the poem "swinging steadfast from a tender branch":
"From above, and in my throat, sparrows. From above, I have wrestled with the way clouds weep... In dreams, I smash windows and don't even bleed. Glass shards turn to rose petals under my fingernails."
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