Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

Had an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I struggled with what rating to give this book because I could see its merit. I can also see how it can speak to a different experience from my own, which I usually love. The problem is this kind of poetry.
I mean the kind of poetry that reads in very short bursts, the kind that wants to slap you in the face, the kind that is looking to convey its message through its style rather than through thoughtful phrasing. Not to say that this didn't have thought in its construction, just that it is more interested in a gut-punch. Also, it felt a bit... gimmicky. I know, I know. It's poetry and therefore, a literary gimmick by nature, but I couldn't help but feel the format rather than have the format be the conduit to the narrative. I prefer poetry that gives me a beautiful narrative, even if brutal, even if honest, I still want beauty from poetry. This poetry wasn't what I wanted, though I guess that doesn't mean that it can't be what others want.

I spent a couple of months with this one since there's a lot of triggering content explored. I needed to take breaks to take care of myself/process throughout. I would recommend looking up TWs/CWs for this one since it is very heartbreaking and it is not an easy read.

There is beauty in this collection and a deep vulnerable exploration of processing various traumas. It took me a while to get into/understand the direction of this collection. I'm not sure I would recommend it to everyone.

I am looking forward to reading Paul Tran's work in the future.

Paul Trang has written a spectacular first book of poiems. His subject matter is wide ranging, although much of it evokes harsh living conditions and turbulent life experiences that Trang obviously had to endure. Trang’s lyricism is bold, daring, and rapturous. He is highly talented.

All the Flowers Kneeling is often a difficult read, but is also always engaging. Even while speaking about deeply personal experiences, the reader can feel connection with Tran.

loved this so much! it was a difficult read- but definitely one to remember. i will be looking out for this author in the future.

I will admit, I am not much for reading poetry. But, I heard great things about this book and author so decided to give it a try. This isn't at all what I was expecting, but in a good way. Many of the poems are dark and emit emotions that will draw you in . There were different styles of poetry, which was also nice.

Is it wrong to say this collection wanted to masquerade as the work of my favorite poets, but didn’t quite achieve this goal? It tried too hard, to the point where connection was lost.

ALL THE FLOWERS KNEELING is an incredible collection of poetry that is as raw and painful as it is beautiful and inspiring. Dealing with topics of sexual assault and trauma, certain poems were dark and really captured the array of emotions that survivors of sexual violence experience.

This collection also highlighted the healing process and how those who experience trauma are able to reimagine themselves as they begin to move forward. This collection shared the vulnerabilities of survivors and while heartbreaking to read, it was also quite beautiful.

I thought Tran did a wonderful job of incorporating different poetry styles and forms, which really carried and emphasized each topic.

All the Flowers Kneeling blooms as its being read, a heartfelt and—at times—painful journey that readers will relate to. The vulnerability of the work leaves room for the reader to be vulnerable with themselves. An inspiring and excellent debut collection.

This is an incredible collection of poetry. It focuses heavily on trauma and healing. Most distinctively, these poems have a strong and unique progression. They spiral and curve and sharpen at just the right moments to wrap the reader in. The train-of-consciousness effect utilized in these poems lends some really interesting sonic echos! A must-read.