Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across: Poems by Mary Lambert

I have been a fan of Mary's music and writing for years now and like the headline says I knew I was going to love it because I always connect with whatever art she shares, sometimes in small ways other times in huge ways, this was one of the huge ways moment, for sure. Evelyn Is Made Up is my most favorite poem I have ever read and I have read thousands from Poe to Wilde and Maya Angelou to Anne Sexton, Rachel Mckibbens, Adrienne Rich ..well you get the picture I love poetry. Never have I felt more valid as a growing human who once made up a "normal" version of herself when she felt like she was either too expressive or not expressive enough, I honestly never felt more connected to a piece of writing than that moment and it will forever be special to me. All the poems are a treasure each their own and I know there is a trigger warning as it deals with hard issues that can bring about painful memories including rape but I feel everyone would get a deep bonding experience reading this poetry collection and the benefit outrisks the pain. If you are on the fence about getting it, please let me pull you over and convince you to take a chance on it, It's really special, deep, meaningful and rawly beautiful in a universal way.

I really am grateful that this author did not shy away from poetry of tough subjects. And, that we came around to tell the story of survival even though, sometimes, surviving is the last thing on our mind.

Mary Lambert is a powerful woman in every sense of the word. I knew of her as a musician, and later, through 'Body Love', as a real human who communicates beautifully, who gets 'it'. This book of poetry is truly one of the most raw, introspective, just straight up real and truly beautiful works I've had the pleasure to consume. In short (?), the woman's awesome, support her cause we need her voice on all platforms.

This is by far my favorite poetry collection I read this year. I've always thought Mary Lambert was an amazing writer, singer, and general human, but I felt like I really connected with her through this book. She writes honestly and beautifully about love, friendship, abuse, rape, fame, and so much more. The day after I finished I ordered her other book of poetry, 500 Tips for Fat Girls, because I'm so eager for more. Highly recommend!

My daughter really struggled this past year and was inpatient 5 times throughout the year. I bought her this book to hopefully make her laugh and feel like she's not alone in the world. We read some of it out loud to one another and laughed for days. Best book I've read in a long time and had a definite positive effect on my beautiful daughter

Everything, from her music to now her poetry, hits deeply in the heart. She has a beautiful and heartbreaking way with words, able to convey her experiences genuinely. It feels like the reader is sharing very intimate moments and feelings with Mary, in a way that will certainly make you tear up or full on bawl.

I have to limit myself to a poem or two a day to keep myself from being an absolute wreck. As a fat bisexual woman in Idaho going through a heart break, these poems resonate with me deeply. Mary Lambert is the voice we need. She's everything.

I was anxiously awaiting the release of Mary's poems and the book does not disappoint. Her poems are beautiful, truly, in the most profound and vulnerable way. She shares so much of herself and I noticed myself feeling empowered and somehow stronger. Brilliant read. I highly recommend this book.