I do really like illustrations with poetry. I'm sure some think it's crass. I don't care. I like it. This poet is pithy, with simple words. I like that, although it can be risky. Can you reach, and shatter hearts, with simple? Sometimes.

The cup curves around my lips
As each day passes,
I've learned to accept your warmth.

I like this. It's simple, sure. But it's got something to it. I particularly liked Taraxacum.

I pretend the white speckles on my ceiling are stars.
Looking up, I am a weed in a bed of grass.

This collection feels like a poet themselves in chrysalis: forming, developing, growing. They are becoming.

I draw oaths on my skin -
I'd like to remember these days when
I don't want to disappear.

Generations, On Divorce, Say It, Broken Concrete and Us, were sparks of brilliance that really show where this poet is going. This is a good collection. The next will be even better.

Just finished reading 'Oaths' by F.S Yousaf, and I am utterly moved. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions unravelling through each poem, feeling every word written deep in the echoes of the heart. This collection is a beautiful tapestry of loss, growth, yearning, and profound questions.

The beauty of these poems lies in their ability to be interpreted in a way that speaks directly to the soul. The weightiness of some pieces prompted me to savour each one slowly, making this the kind of poetry collection I would cocoon myself in on the couch when I seek introspection into my past and pains endured.

Despite the deep introspection these poems evoke, prokoking the reader to reflect on their own past and hopes for the future, they fit neatly onto a single page, making it easy to read. But even on a single page, the words remain heavy. The inclusion of simple black and white drawings interspersed throughout the book beautifully complements the poems' simplicity and sharing a small amount of hope and beauty.

There's one poem on page 34 that continues to linger in my thoughts, and I can't help but wonder how many others it resonates with. I don't think it will be one I forget.

'Oaths' is a collection that captured my heart. Some words within will forever reside there."

I would like to send a massive thank you to Netgallery for allowing me to review this book. All words and opinions are entirely my own. And thank you to F.S Yousaf for this beautiful collection of poetry.

This is a beautiful collection of poetry. The authors writing is unique and inspiring. It made me feel things I haven’t felt in awhile. Made me think of my past and my childhood. It’s an incredible book.

Oaths is a beautiful collection of poems. They are written so cleanly, so tight and minimal, that several times I was taken off guard by the depths of its contents and left staring at the page trying to process the art I’d just read. Yousaf skillfully weaves topics of loneliness, identity, heartbreak, and hope with images of sprouts and sunlight and flowers. My favorite poems include In Solitude, Renaissance, When I Can’t Sleep, and I’m Grieving.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As is true with most poetry collections, I found some of F.S. Yousaf’s poems more engaging than others. This collection seems to be an exploration of grief, hopelessness, and relationships, both old and new. An intimate and raw collection depicting coming-of-age and finding one’s self.

Thank you to F.S. Yousaf, Andrews McMeel Publishing, & NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own.

"My body moves like a tree on a breezeless summer day."

Oaths is not the first book I've read by F.S. Yousaf; the other was Sincerely which I ended up not being able to get through. I think this work shows massive improvement by the author and I'm interested to see how the next one will turn out.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the chance to read and review this book.

This book captures what it is like to be a young person in this day and age. I think many young people could benifit the exisstentialist callings in these verses. Both hopeful and and sad, this book of poems encapsulates dread and rebirth.

I thought this poetry book was beautifully written. I was captured by every page and every word. The author uses phrases and imagery that brings their words to life.

Wow, I absolutely loved this ! I love reading poems but this book really hit home and had me thinking about my feelings of childhood. Some of my favorite poems from this are "I am the bearer", "Renaissance", " One of the same (?)", and "us". I read this book very quickly, only 1 hour of active reading time but I have thought about many of the poems hours after reading. I would absolutely recommend this book of poems. This review will also be posted on my goodreads account.