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Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi

Author of Breathe. Breathe.

3+ Works 6 Members 3 Reviews

About the Author

Works by Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi

Breathe. Breathe. (2017) 4 copies
Becoming 1 copy
Jeffy 1 copy

Associated Works

We are Wolves: A Horror Anthology (2020) — Contributor — 12 copies
Hardened Hearts (2017) — Contributor — 5 copies

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Reviews

In the foreword to this book, Brian Kirk admits that he doesn't understand most poetry. I tend to agree, despite being a poet myself, that poetry can sometimes be too personal or abstract to make a connection with a lot of readers. And then there is Erin Sweet Al-Mehairi's work in Breathe Breathe: the kind of poetry that is deeply personal yet universally resonant of the pain and darkness that we all encounter in our most difficult times. Her precise imagery adds a sense of beauty to those hopeless moments when we feel alone and uncertain. There is a raw realness to her work that struck a personal chord for me, especially in seemingly confessional poems like "You Say You Love Me" and "Anxiety of Darkness." As a fan of dark poetry that has heart and soul, I cannot recommend this book enough.… (more)
 
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JosephVanBuren | 2 other reviews | May 17, 2022 |
This fantastic book is a collection of poems and tales of abuse and horror, told so brilliantly only by someone who has firsthand experience. Get ready to feel every range of emotion while reading. From fear to intense anxiety to shock, and even a bit of laughter. This book will touch your soul.

The author touches on the all to prevalent issue of domestic violence. Gut wrenching horror and sorrow to read such powerful narratives of these experiences. She also visits our most deeply seated fears, of what we create to cover up the horrors in our lives.

Certainly not my most favorite or the biggest standout, but definitely one that took me by surprise was Earl Grey Tea...not what I was expecting. This poem is the art of the quick change.

Those who love The Twilight Zone will enjoy Lunch Served at Noon. The one that really had my nerves on edge...The Madness of the Woodpecker.

So many standouts in this collection. Really too many to mention them all individually. Just read it, is all I can say. The experience will be unforgettable. I promise. If you like books that make you think, and that make you feel everything, then this is the one for you.
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TheTrueBookAddict | 2 other reviews | Mar 22, 2020 |
As I sit here, I’m contemplating what to write. Erin’s words were deeply moving. As I read, I posted a few comments on Twitter. We don’t know each other, but maybe she’d respond?

It began with my initial reaction to her book. Her words were pleading. Each poem was a cry for help. My heart hurt. My soul was bleeding. She was glad I was able to grasp her pain.

I then commented on the short story, The Madness of the Woodpecker. The ending was an amazing twist. I did not see that coming. She told me it was based on a true creature who’s incessant drilling naturally led to a story of insanity, and she just wanted to have a bit of fun. Even though we saw humor in the inspiration, the story itself is serious. Much of the population doesn’t understand mental illness. This story is a creative peek inside the mind of madness.

I also came across a set of short stories set in Loveless, Ohio. I told her I loved the lane they all resided on. The revenge was sweet. She had fun writing that part.

By the time I was finished reading, my emotions had run the gambit. I was depressed, hurt, angry, scared. I told her she should sell her book as a kit. One needs the emotional support while reading her pain.

This turned into joking back and forth. How inappropriate, I know. I just experienced her tortured past as if it was right in front of me. I could see the helplessness in her red, blood-shot eyes. The salt from her tears creating permanent rivulets down her face. And I was laughing.

This book was written as a way to heal. It is an outlet to keep emotions from turning into a time bomb. Another part of recovery is being able to see the lighter side of things. Being able to smile and share a laugh or two is also therapeutic. A balm for the soul. There was no disrespect. Only the glimpse of happiness for a woman who deserves only the best.

Here’s to the charter members of Woodpecker’s Anonymous! May we all find a smile beneath all the crazy.
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Bibliodiction | 2 other reviews | Apr 15, 2018 |

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Works
3
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2
Members
6
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Rating
½ 4.4
Reviews
3
ISBNs
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