Book Review: Milk and Honey

​Milk and Honey is a poetry book published in November of 2014. Minimalistic sketches are plentiful adding depth and visualization to stories focused on the hardships of intimate relationships, abuse, pain, and loss, from a feminine perspective. Different pains are revealed within each of the four chapters: The Hurting, The Loving, The Breaking, The Healing.
 
Personally, as someone who has experienced abuse and mental illness, I believe this beautiful work of poetry describes internal conflict in ways those struggling may not be able to articulate. References to substance abuse and difficult upbringings connect the audience of readers to the personal traumas of the narrator. As a reader, you feel a mutual understanding and connection to the harsh and cruel experiences described. A sense of relief is felt in The Healing when strength is found in the darkest moments. A quick read in the style of internal dialogue, the suspense throughout this piece is enough to keep you reading front to back the first time you pick it up. Many aspects make this book a great one. The sense of gut-wrenching remorse experienced when putting your faith in people with foul intentions. Learning how to cope with the memories and let go of the fear. Reclaiming body, mind, and soul after someone has vandalized and sodomized. Learning to accept there is no fault for victims in trauma. All of these things make this story a true journey to recovery and an accurate description of pains experienced all too often as a young adult.

Editor: Autumn McClain

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