It can be hard to review works like this due to their deeply personal nature. I applaud Jennifer Ruth Jackson for choosing to publish this collection of poems. As someone who is disabled and whose mother is currently in treatments for cancer, some of the poems in this book certainly hit harder for me than others.

This was a decent book! I think the author should be very proud of themselves for creating this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Querencia for the ARC of this!

A moving collection of poems, this kept my interest, even though I’m not always a poetry fan (but I want to be!). Overall, I’m glad I read this!

I didn't love this one but I also didn't hate this one. However I'm not sure how I feel about this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was unable to download and read Domestic Bodies before it was published and archived. I look forward to finding it in the world!

I did enjoy the poems.
I just realize I am not a poerty girl
I wish they had headings as to what its main theme was- pregnancy zloss, womanhood, etc

In Domestic Bodies, Jennifer Ruth Jackson takes readers on a profound exploration of the physicality of both ordinary and extraordinary moments, offering a unique perspective through the lens of a narrator disabled from birth. This collection of poetry delves deep into the themes of cancer, family, death, disability, and resilience, inviting us to confront the raw realities of life. While many of these poems may not conclude with a traditional sense of happiness, they leave the reader with a profound understanding that life, in its varied forms, persists in the face of adversity. One of the remarkable aspects of Domestic Bodies is Jackson's unflinching ability to depict the complexities of living with a disability. Through her vivid imagery and poignant language, she allows readers to experience the physicality of everyday moments that most might take for granted. From the mundane tasks of daily life to the profound experiences that shape our existence, Jackson's narrative voice resonates with authenticity and creates a palpable connection with the reader. The themes explored in this collection are emotionally weighty, yet Jackson's skillful execution prevents the poems from becoming overly heavy or burdensome. Instead, she delicately weaves together moments that touch on the fragility of life, the bonds of family, and the inevitability of death. The poems explore the interconnectedness of these themes, highlighting the resilience that can arise from adversity. What sets Domestic Bodies apart is its ability to capture the essence of life's ongoing journey, even in moments of despair. While some poems may leave the reader with a sense of melancholy, there is an underlying thread of hope and resilience that runs throughout the collection. Jackson's ability to convey this sense of life's continuity, regardless of the challenges faced, is truly remarkable. In conclusion, Domestic Bodies is a captivating collection of poetry that invites readers to explore the physicality of existence through the eyes of a narrator disabled from birth. Jennifer Ruth Jackson's words provide an unfiltered look at the themes of cancer, family, death, disability, and resilience. While not all poems end on a traditionally happy note, the collection leaves the reader with a profound appreciation for the enduring spirit of life. Domestic Bodies is a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the depths of our shared human experience.

A fascinating book of poetry topics not often touched on.A look at disability through the art of poetry.#netgalley #domesticbodies

WHOA! I got an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley and chose to read it with no familiarity with the author or book. I was absolutely blown away. I am SO glad I got to read Domestic Bodies. Jennifer Ruth Jackson's poetry is outstanding and, without exaggeration, I was gasping out loud while reading. "Ritual at Water's Edge" "Play House" "The Bird at My Father's Funeral" and some mind-bogglingly stunning lines from "Removal" and "Diagnosis Preview" all stand out as exceptionally crafted and intensely succinct, and that's just in the first 25 pages. Her unique ability to create short, dense poems that vastly encapsulate worlds of such overwhelming experiences (illness, death, disability, grief) is awe-inspiring. This is truly a collection in every sense of the word: a cohesive treasure trove of poems. I cannot wait to read this again, and any future work from Jennifer Ruth Jackson.

Domestic bodies is a collection of poems about a variety of topics focusing mostly on disability, cancer and death. I found this collection so beautifully written despite not being a huge fan of poetry myself. A great book that requires some brain power to fully analyse the poems, as the metaphors and symbolism used in them is just so masterfully crafted. Jackson did a great job of writing about such tender topics.

A brave account of a life told in verse that touches on themes of disability, family, cancer, and death in a graceful and frank manner sans embellishment or veneer.

I loved reading this collection of poems because it drew me into the perspective of the author, and the pieces range from grief to love, to understanding, belonging and mobility and all in not a rosy way but a candid way that gets you to stop and think. They've been previously published in various publications and now in one place, it feels like a story coming home.
After reading it, I couldn't help but wonder how the author aptly settled on the book title.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

I loved reading this mainly because there were relatable themes thst I don't often find in poetry. Especially poetry around disability.

Domestic Bodies by Jennifer Ruth Jackson is an ambitious collection of prose that speaks to themes of disability and death, but also of resilience. Ms Jackson has deftly managed to marry the experiential with the collectively existential nature of these complex topics and, in so doing, leaves us with a sense of hope in the face of adversity. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. 4.5 stars

Many thanks to NetGalley and Querencia Press for an ARC of this title.