Cyrus Parker's writing gets better and better with every single book. I am in absolute awe of this collection. Incredibly hard hitting, had me in tears on more than one occasion. Relatable, too, as a trans/non-binary person.

This book was received as an ARC from Central Avenue Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I could feel my heart strings pulling right out of me while reading some of the poems in this book. Anyone can relate to the pain and struggle expressed in these poems even if you are not LGBTQ. Everyone has a struggle and sometimes it takes a little coffee and whiskey to settle it down. Also, a lot of our readers will be drawn to this book because of the poetry, short writings and the expressions throughout the books that just may leave you to tears. Even though this book was not what I expected, I really did enjoy it and I know our patrons will too.

We will consider adding this title to our Poetry collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Cyrus Parker floods the page with beautiful words and powerful experience. I loved the cadence of this work, and the portrait that unfolded page by page, reflecting life and the importance of a person’s story. Lovely and literary, a highly recommended read.

I related a lot to this work of poetry, the ups and the downs, and found myself tearing up a few places and running several highlighted phrases throughout the book. The author has captured well that feeling of up and down and the ways they can change quickly throughout the day. I found myself rereading phrases here and there as I highlighted them, and considering them within the context of my own life.

It was a brief read, with depth and I found myself wishing was slightly longer.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for this review.

I didn’t even know I needed to read this until I finished this book. Reading a book of poetry on an e-reader is not ideal in the slightest, but the words that Parker was able to string together were all a reminder of the simple things in life like coffee and enjoying the feeling of being. It was a reminder that even in the low points of yourself, you can rise and bloom and be you. This wasn’t the most spectacular writing or poetry I’ve ever read. It was simple and a little cliche, but at the end of the day it brought me comfort reading it. It was like talking to your best friends from high school, something you revisit when you need a little pick me up and piece of hope. I really recommend you guys check this out when it comes out in September. It was something special.

I didn't even know I needed to read this until I finished this book. Reading a book of poetry on an e-reader is not ideal in the slightest, but the words that Parker was able to string together were all a reminder of the simple things in life like coffee and enjoying the feeling of being. It was a reminder that even in the low points of yourself, you can rise and bloom and be you. This wasn't the most spectacular writing or poetry I've ever read. It was simple and a little cliche, but at the end of the day it brought me comfort reading it. It was like talking to your best friends from high school, something you revisit when you need a little pick me up and piece of hope. I really recommend you guys check this out when it comes out in September. It was something special.

3.5 stars

"How much better it must feel to be nothing at all than to be everything I can't stand."

I really enjoyed the flow and the cohesiveness of the authors life and message. Dark and light. The struggle for happiness and power.

Arc provided by Netgalley for honest review. I will add that the provided arc copy was a bit hard to read because if the format. Parts of it were very light

3/5 stars. I’ve always enjoyed poetry and this collection was a very insightful one. This year I have been reading more poetry than last and I’m glad I received a copy from NetGalley.

This was my first time reading Cyrus Parker's work and I enjoyed it a lot. It was a quick read and very enlightening. The book is very inspirational and there are quite a few parts that I personally enjoyed a lot. The writing is engaging and gets to the point. One of my favorite parts was: "Some say my generation is too wrapped up in social media to live their lives, but that's not what I see. I see a generation who so desperately wants to cling to every precious moment because we know the good ones are so few and far between. I see a generation who knows that life is a fleeting thing, and there's only so much time to leave behind something that says. 'I was here. I existed.'"

Parts like that really hit home and connected with me. I will definitely be looking out for more of Cyrus Parker's works in the future.

Unfortunately, my favorite parts of this new poetry book are the fantastic cover and the clever, slightly gimmicky format -- more hopeful (sometimes) morning/coffee poems on white pages on one side and sadder night/whiskey poems in white text on black on the other side.

This author and publisher are apparently from the world of Tumblr and Instagram poetry. I realize that's immensely popular right now and many people love it, but it's not my kind of poetry. I keep hoping to find a popular modern poet who actually uses words really poetically (say something in a new way, add some rhythm or alliteration, stack some meaning, throw in a truly new metaphor...) but for the most part this is the standard "I am worthy/I'm so sad" kind of poetry that this genre is known for.

Example coffee/white side poem:

there are things i had expected from you that you
couldn't give me, so now i give them to myself.

Example whiskey/black side poem:

you ask me for more time
like your fingers aren't wrapped
around my throat, crushing
my windpipe, keeping me
from the air i need to live.
i can only give you so much
time before there isn't any left.

I really feel for the author, though, who writes very honestly about issues like gender dysphoria and depression. Folks who enjoy this sort of poetry will find lots to like, and will root for Parker.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.

This rating reflects that this was simply not to my taste; I respect the themes and emotions that went into this collection, but the style of poetry was just not for me.

I finished reading this collection of poetry in one sitting. It’s very well thought out and pleasing to the eye. The poetry alternates between black-on-white pages representing those coffee days and white-on-black pages representing those whiskey nights.

The poetry and prose were both short, but the content packed a punch. It felt very raw, real, and relatable. Perhaps some of that hit too close to home, but that’s poetry doing its job!

I feel like “coffee days whiskey nights” would make an fun coffee table book for its aesthetics and its contents. This book was uplifting and hopeful. Looking forward to reading more from Parker.

Powerful, raw,and poignant! The author opened up their heart and mind on the pages. Looking forward to purchasing a copy!

I loved this book. I cannot wait to purchase my personal copy (so I can legally write in it.) The verses were poignant and heart-felt and I saw myself on more than one page. Beautifully written.

As with Parker’s previous work, there are several poems that hit straight to the heart. Instagram poetry fans will enjoy their latest and it will resonate with readers that have gone through some tough times.