Customer Reviews

Sometimes My Heart Pushes My Ribs

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I think this collection is both refreshing and unpretentious. The only downside in my opinion is its short length for the price.

I learned of this book when the first edition was out of print and the second edition wasn't yet available. After reading the jacket review I was really excited to own a copy and when the second edition became available I bought it immediately. I was hugely disappointed. I am a big fan of Tao Lin's poetry which is how I heard of Ellen Kennedy in the first place, but I was angered and almost shocked to see how clearly she copies Lin's work and style. She even goes so far as to co-opt characteristic phrases and subject matter that as far as I know originated with and are unique to Lin. The only way she goes about distinguishing herself is with the addition of a few extremely vulgar descriptions of various bodily functions. I'm no prude, but the way she handles it is cheap and obvious. I would not recommend this book to anyone, but especially not to someone who enjoys poetry and prose in the style of Tao Lin, because you'll feel cheated, not pleased.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book of poetry/short stories. The entries are mostly sad, sometimes funny, and often moving. Any young adult can relate to Ellen Kennedy's style of writing that consistently mixes the banal and the intriguing aspects of life.

My favorite poem in the book begins with: "i wish my life consisted only of riding my bike with you." I was able to relate many of her lines to my own life in both good and bad ways, which is what made reading it so interesting to me.

My only dislike is the short length, I was finished reading this book in 20 minutes and immediately wanted more.

It was short and the author seems like she wants to be the female version of Tao Lin, except she is a little more immature and a little more boring. She reuses sentences and themes alot throughout the book. I like the story about Norm Macdonald... and I'm sure it's a pretty accurate look into his life. At least I hope it is...