Light Filters In: Poems

I was expecting so much more light and positivity from this book, especially after reading so many good reviews but unfortunately, this book did not cut it for me at all. No, I’m not an expert by any means, however, being an aspiring writer/poet, someone who struggles with anxiety myself, I was expecting this book to have a lot more substance and versatility within her words, within her language that sadly wasn’t quite there. I wanted so much more. I don’t know, maybe my standards are just too high and maybe I’m being a little too harsh, but I would not consider this poetry. Especially after reading about the author and her story, I was expecting her poems to be a lot more in depth than how they appeared on the page. I was expecting there to be a lot more contrasts between dark and light in terms of the title, but in my personal opinion her language was just too dark, sad, and there didn’t seem to be much of rise— or a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.To me, this book was more like a very generic fall. She uses very few words of inspiration on just how she rose above her mental illness and came out a stronger person on the side because of it. No, I’m not saying that all her poems were poorly written, some of them were good, some were just okay, and some were left up in air, leaving me very dissatisfied. Yes, I do appreciate the attempt. I do appreciate many different forms of poetry, but I personally don’t prefer nor do I like a lot of newer rather ‘popular‘ poetry out in the world today because a lot of the language and the words seem to be the same or very similar to other newer poets, talking about the men and the women who broke them. Don’t get me wrong, I like a good variety of works myself, I like writing about the men who have hurt me in the past. I like writing from my own personal experiences, and when it comes to love, it’s actually the place I find the most inspiration, but if you enjoy reading the works of older poets like Pablo Neruda: if you like how he talks about love, nature, and the many different of life as if they’re a paradox, this poetry book is probably not for you. Therefore, do not waste your money, it’s not worth it overall.

Caroline Kaufman's twitter handle is @itspoeticpoison, but her verse is anything but poisonous.I would give this slim volume - which I have read slowly, rereading many pages - I would give it ten stars if GR had them to give. The words are that beautiful, that haunting, that healing.I know firsthand the cathartic power of writing. To pour something unwanted out of yourself into words. To leave it there, on the page, and walk away. Free, or at least freer than before. These poems progress, each one a little closer to understanding. To wholeness and peace. The result is a satisfying, though emotional, journey.I won't compare Kaufman to other poets. There is no comparison. She's written what only she could write. (Who can ask a writer for more than that?) Light Filters In is wholly original. I suspect many, many young people have found and will find comfort and companionship in these poems. The imagery and language, the movement and beauty, and the emotions so elegantly conveyed herein moved me to compassion.I will keep this one handy on my Kindle, so that I can return to it again and again.

This book is another triumph from @PoeticPoison and is well-written and inspiring and inspirational. It isn't my favorite poetry novel, but it's still great in it's own way. Kudos to and praise for Caroline Kaufman!

My daughter love this book.

Came in great condition! This is perfect for a teenager or young adult who is still trying to figure out who they are. References mental health, happiness, sadness, romance.... basically everything an angsty teen thinks about. Bought this for my sister because she’s 15 and in this age range. Compares to Milk and Honey hybrids Rupi Kaur

I found the story within these poems captivating, reminiscent of many teenage girl's struggles with identity, self love, and facing inner and outer demons. The author's voice is well beyond her years as she articulates dark subject matter very well! Perhaps my favorite poem in this collection is the one with the analogy of yarn and pink and blue, so powerful and cleverly written!

My preteen Granddaughter will love this book of poetry...she's struggling especially with this pandemic and not being able to be with her friends or going to school. She requested a book of poetry about Sadness and Depression.

i read this whole book in one day and as a healing teen it definitely was powerful 10/10 recommend

I have mixed feelings towards this collection. I have great respect to Caroline Kaufman for being able to put herself out there so unreservedly - if I could describe this in one word it would be 'brave.' She talks with painful honesty about her experiences with depression and self-harm, and it's by no means an easy read. There were also some great one-off lines which I feel had a lot of impact, and worked fantastically.Stylistically, I feel that this collection was reminiscent of poets such as Amanda Lovelace and Rupi Kaur, so fans of their work would almost certainly enjoy this - it has this great knack of getting difficult emotions across without wrapping them up in a bow. However, something different about this poet is her use of rhyme, something which is becoming obsolete in the realms of modern poetry. I found this interesting, because as I said, rhyme isn't utilised often in much of the poetry I've read recently - however, I personally felt it could have been done a little better. There were many occasions when a rhyme felt clunky, or the rhythm was a little off. It could be jarring at times; if you'd read certain poems aloud, you'd definitely notice it.Rhyming poetry can have a great ring to it if done well, and there are some instances where she does this really nicely. However, there are also some occasions where I cringed a little - in all honesty, rhyming poetry just isn't my thing, though I can respect the times when this poet makes it work for her.I don't want to sound condescending, but Caroline is a young writer and I feel like that does show in some of her poems. There's a sense of immaturity to some of them, but some of her words are so powerful and her emotions are so strong - I don't doubt that she's going to keep growing as a writer and improving massively, and she definitely has a lot of worthwhile things to say. Caroline's words have made many people feel as though they aren't alone, and I appreciate her bravery in sharing these words with the world. I feel as though young teens in particular will be inspired by her words and by seeing someone so young achieving such great success. This book wasn't entirely for me, but I still think it has value and will be helpful to a lot of people.

Really speaks to the heart. The book came in one piece, I have no complaints. Wonderful purchase.

Lovely collection of poetry!

Absolutely beautiful book, immaculate condition amazing quality for the price, great service

a beautiful collection of poems that i love very dearly :)