A nice collection where some poems resonated more with me than others. I would love to read more from this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thanks to NetGalley and Querencia Press for the ARC.

I thought the collection was fine, but it didn't really stick with me. I really can't think of anything to say about it. It was just kinda there and gone.

Poetry is an art form that is personal to both the writer and the reader; each has their own interpretation of the words and thoughts that are written. As a poet, I understand that readers may not necessarily relate to my words in the same manner that I do. That being said, I believe that readers of poetry should take something away from the poet's words. Unfortunately, "The body is where it all begins" didn't resonate with me at all. I can't say that it is not well-written, and other readers might relate to Marcy Rae Henry's work, but it was not for me.

i think that this collection would have resonated a lot more with someone older than me, as i don't believe i was the target audience and therefore i didn't feel too much connection with the poems. i appreciated the bilingual approach in some of the pieces and the imagery was quite beautiful, but this was a selection designated for a very specific audience.

A weaving winding collection of poetry exploring the body through a bilingual lens. Henry plays with meter and form in a playful and almost mischievous way that kept my attention throughout. Her way of creating humor and softness from hard times with the body is a lovely and rare thing.

My favorite poems are: "You Could Be The Lake", "Fortuna Wore A Blindfold", and "Real Feel."

Thank you NetGalley and Querencia Press for the chance to read and review this ARC!

Honestly, I actually really like this collection and I want to read what the poet writes next. I really liked "SHE NEEDS TO KNOW MY SKIN ISN’T WHITENING BUT MY HAIR IS" but I do think the following seems to be very male authory

"her tips poking at her t-shirt
implying flight​at any moment"


KARNICKELKÖTTELKARNICKEL starts off quite funny.

I will say that the cover (while good) doesn't match the book.

A couple of poems like "MY BOOB POPPED OUT IN THE POOL TODAY" could have been left out.

Incidentally this book made me look up how a mammography is done.


3.5 stars, generally rounded to 3 where the option is not available.

I am drawn to poetry, prose and verse because of those words, lines that leap up from the page and stay with me. As I was reading this collection, from "My House Seems Unfamiliar," I could not help but take a moment and drown in the lines: "someone taught me the difference between wound (as in tightly) and wound (as in painful)
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I really like the imagery and how it flows, it's almost stream of conscious while at the same time, not quite thoughts, just feelings. Beautiful work.

Thank you for the ARC

Beautiful collection of poetry. Each with its own story to tell. I was able to lose myself in the words.