This was a wonderful collection of poetry. Although I didn’t enjoy every single piece, I did love the majority. It explores the theme of love and what it means to be loved, but it also explores pain and loss, which I thought was a really interesting mix. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a chance to read and review this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This poetry book delivers what it promises in the synopsis. I imagine that those who can relate to the raw emotions at the depths of these poems will enjoy it very much. They are a very "Rupi Kaur" style, which might not work for all poetry lovers, but it is still a popular style for a reason. These poems don't need to be thought about in-depth or dissected to understand the concept, so it is also perfect for those who want to read poetry and not get lost in reading comprehension.

That being said, I have quite a few critiques on these poems that really held me back from giving a higher rating. The first being the constant end rhymes and half-rhymes. It works at times for very long poems within a singular stanza, but it becomes a bit dull when it is every other poem. There is also the matter of a lot of these rhyming words or half words being very simplistic words. They don't offer a lot of poetic imagery and do very little for the rhythm.

As common in Rupi Kaur style of poetry, these poems also have a tendency to sound like diary entries rather than poems. Once more, there's nothing inherently wrong with it, especially since millions of people like and appreciate it, but there is a lot of potential with this author and I think there is definitely room to keep pushing and growing to expand beyond those boundaries.

Finally, there were just a ton of cliches. This is probably the hardest part for any writer because almost everything feels as if it has been done or said before. There were some great moments in this book though where I saw Maier pushing those boundaries and playing around more with unique imagery, and metaphors.

Overall, I think the foundation of this poetry book is emotion and relatability. That area is definitely not lacking and that is truly the core of all poetry. Evoking emotion and understanding through written words. That is present here and it was done well.

Thank you NetGalley for the free ARC.
*Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*

This was an amazing collection and I'm so happy I read it! I enjoyed it very much! It's like I had to read all these words in this time of my life.
''To Be Loved To The Bone'' explores all kinds of love and I think there is a poem for everyone.
I love how the poems were simple, but the words were so meaningful to me. I just adored the first part of the collection ''anchors''. Even though I didn't like that much the second part ''beacons'', as a whole the collection is great.
I would totally recommend it!

Loved the real simplicity of this book. Poems were short and to the point that brought out your own feelings and memories

Really enjoyed this collection of poems! They are very similar to Rapi Kaur’s work as most of them are short and sweet but that’s how I like it. I definitely could relate to a lot of the beautiful words. Thank you to the author for sharing a piece of her heart with us!!

Can I just say I needed this book of poems in my life, at this moment of my life. These poems gave my all the feels, and I loved every single one of them. The book has three parts, all beautiful in their own way. I personally think this book is beyond 5 stars.

It's a A+±+++ for me.

For me, if I can relate to it or if a word can trigger an emotion or memory in me then it's got my attention and this collection is oh so relatable.
Love the simply artwork and the variation in length of the pieces.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I am fairly new to poetry so it always takes time for me to really dig in and let it slip into my soul. I really enjoyed this collection. There were 3 parts and for me each part felt like 3 different parts of my life. Part 1 being me and finding my self love, part 2 I couldn’t help but think of a past love, and part 3 brought me thoughts of my current love.

I was consumed by the words here. I wanted to cry a lot because it really dug into my skin. My only flaw with this was some of the longer poems felt like the dragged and didn’t say much between the words.

Everything is subjective, especially poetry so this resonated with me and I thank the author for pouring her soul out for the readers.

4 stars! ⭐️

Devoured this in one day, beautifully written! Poetry throughout the book really opens your mind on understanding mental illness and heartbreak. As a person who struggles from depression, these poems are exactly how I felt at times! This is a must read! Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

I can appreciate the author’s intent and feeling however I didn’t feel it conveyed real compassion beyond that. Some, like the one page 23 were good with word play. Thank you for the opportunity to review the book in exchange for an honest review.

*I received this book for free through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A fantastic collection of poetry!

The poems are direct, passionate, and inspiring to newbie writers. I especially enjoyed the first part of the three-part set. It maintained the tone and emotion without fail. I also love the cover and the title. This is one of those books most would prefer to have a physical of.

I did see the resemblance to Rupi Kaur's books. They both have illustrations. And the shorter poems have a similar rhythm to some of Kaur's poems. However, Beverly Maier definitely has her own unique voice. I liked what she chose to discuss. She didn't get overly descriptive (gross language or otherwise) but still made an impact on the reader.

There are few poems I disliked. Even if I didn't connect or agree with everything, it was still written eloquently. This was very well-presented and put together! I can't wait to see how her poems improve over time.

2 stars - It was ok

So while I did enjoy a few of these poems, the majority of them didn’t do much for me. Yes they were heartfelt and emotional but my biggest issue was the format. Half of them were just paragraphs of meaningful things or just one sentence, which for me doesn’t make it a poem. It just is a meaningful paragraph or sentence.

If you are a fan of this style of poetry I can see this book working for you, but I apparently am not, so this book just wasn’t for me.

To Be Loved To the Bone -ARC
Beverly Maier

Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Independently published - February, 16th 2022

Poems and affirmations to encourage and comfort one struggling with mental health and self worth. A comforting read.

#tobelovedtothebone #netgalley #poems #selflove #depression #slelfhelp #recovery #youareworthit

Thank you NetGalley and IBPA for sending me this beautiful poetry book.
Every page felt like a hit to the heart. This is the first poetry book I was ever able to finish, because it was just so good.

The cover art for this book of poems is exquisite. A quick read but oh so lovely. A compilation of shorter and longer poems with minimalist art throughout. While I didn’t connect with every piece, there were several poems that I felt deep in my soul. A great read - definitely recommend!

As a reader, I search for passion. I want to feel the emotions coming directly off the page. To Be Loved To The Bone by Beverly Maier is raw & unfiltered. It tells a story. It tells you life, without the sugar coating most people do. It's about being human and being real. There's a specific one that tells a story about depression. As someone diagnosed with it, the author literally nailed it. It was raw but, passionate. It was real. I absolutely recommend anyone who wants something real to read this book. Beverly Maier never disappoints. Check out Detaching Roots by her as well, you will thank me later!

This book of poetry is about love, self love, and pain. It is a short read and a lot like the poetry and artwork of Rupi Kaur. The poetry and art is not very original. A lot of the poems are very short, cliche and repetitive.

To be loved to the bone by Beverly Maier.
I did enjoy this book of poetry. I loved the drawings in it. There was 3 parts. Anchors beacons and Oceans. I liked all the poems. I didn't have a favourite. 4*.

Beverly Maier sits down next to you like a good friend, wraps you in her arms, and speaks truth and beauty. I felt most drawn to the profound sketches and short affirmations (like sharp pricks of a knife, I found them arresting), and while the poetry is generally affecting, perhaps in my mental state when reading this I wasn't as moved as I was with the short little hits of those sketches. Through the whole book, though, there definitely is a connection, a "oh yes, I remember that particular pain" that I wish the shards of the past me could have had access to.