Included in a roundup on my newsletter, Crooked Reads:

The genius behind Mary Oliver's Drunk Substack (@MaryOliversDrunkCousin) delivers a witty and moving collection about big feelings and being a millennial woman, meant for people who don’t know yet that they even like poetry. Rush is so smart and her writing is snappy—I cackled my way through more than one poem about the patriarchy / being child-free / eating Doritos. But A Bit Much is also full of heart, and separated into different sections based on mood, which is a really beautiful concept.

https://crookedreads.substack.com/p/poetry-audiobooks

I am truly honored to get to read this book of poems. I'm admittedly not literary enough to be somebody who reads poems quite often. This book, however, captivated me. As a die hard millennial, I felt seen and heard by so many of these poems. It feels like the Rush truly reached into my brain and pulled out some of the best parts of me and put them on a page. It was special to read something that you relate too so much. I laughed, I cried more than once, and I certainly recommend this collection. I recommend that you commune this book a little bit at a time, because there are some truly profound nuggets in there that the reader should ruminate on. It was charming to hear the poems in the authors own voice as well. Audiobook format for poems wasn't something I felt that I would enjoy, but I know I will come back to this one frequently. Simply put, I loved it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions within this review are my own.

Refreshing, honest, thoughtful, relevant, feminist.
I consumed this work of poetry so fast that I went back over it a second time. This author’s voice was honest and thoughtful without the often cynical and rage-filled overtones I have seen in other female contemporary work recently.
I loved everything about it, and immediately shared the love on social media or read aloud to those nearby.

Definitely an example of modern poetry. I have enjoyed Lindsey Rush’s poetry for the most part. I adored listening to her read it. She did a great job making it just sound as conversational as if anyone was talking with her! This is the kind of book that would be good in both formats…physical or audio!
There were many of the poems that showed her hurt over Christianity and the church. And that makes me very sad for her. Of course it’s her prerogative to include this in her writing.
She is a talented writer/communicator.

**thank you to netgalley and Macmillan audio for a review copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

I've been anxiously awaiting "A Bit Much" to be released, and I couldn't love it more. I wound up also purchasing the physical copy.

Positively wonderful! The poems are funny/inspiring/heartfelt/real; and I love that it’s grouped into sections based on current/desired emotions!

I’ve been following Lyndsay’s social media account @maryoliversdrunkcousin for a while now so when I saw this collection, I immediately pre-ordered it! The title spoke to me because I’ve been told I’m “a bit much” most of my life. I don’t always fit into the status quo that makes us all feel oh so comfortable, and I’m getting better about owning - nay, celebrating! - this about myself. These poems were the confetti cannons for that celebration.

Thank you also to NetGalley for the early copy of the book!

Oh wow this book was "a bit much" I hate giving bad reviews but this one was very distasteful to me. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

This was absolutely fabulous! At times heartwarming, hilarious, empowering, and so brave. I will be buying this book when it comes out!

I loved everything about this book. I follow Lyndsay on the 'gram and her poetry always makes me smile. She makes it seem like effortless stream-of-consciousness writing, but it is SO much deeper than that. Thank you for humorously articulating what we know and feel, but can't always get the words out. Can't wait to see what is next for her!

What if your inner thoughts aren’t as crazy as you think they are? A Bit Much is an anthem to the thoughts that excite, break, uplift, and challenge you. A Bit Much is for the ones who are tired of fitting into boxes that have been purposely made smaller so we barely fit. It’s also for the ones who find joy in the most simple things.

I listened to this as an audiobook which I really enjoyed. It felt like having a conversation with a friend over brunch. This is also one I want to have on my shelf to highlight and tag so I can come back to the parts I need in different seasons.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Macmillan Audio for the free Arc for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I listened to this audiobook and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It’s hard to judge poetry as it’s almost like reading into someone’s soul but this collection was beautiful. It’s just what I needed to hear to refresh my thinking. It was funny, whitty and so charming. I was actually sad when it ended !! Great job

This book is a bit hard to categorize--sort of poetry, sort of rousing feminist anthem, sort of funny...and so much truth! I first listened to the audiobook (through NetGalley) of A BIT MUCH, by Lyndsay Rush. I'd never heard of her/her Instapoems (MaryOliversDrunkCousin), but I loved this funny, heartfelt collection. As soon as it came out, I bought print copies for myself, my daughter who proudly flies her "a bit much" flag, and my sister who hates her knees and needs a lot more encouragement to love herself and her body. I'm sure I'll be annoying friends and other family members by sending them all the poems I think they need to hear! :>D

My only quibble is with the remixes. For me, they feel more like the stuff that ended up cut from the originals. But overall, I feel like SO many women both need to hear this book's message and would also enjoy reading/listening to it!

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when diving into A Bit Much, but this audiobook was a wonderful surprise. You never quite know what you'll get with poetry, and this collection was perfect. The poems were relatable and deeply relevant, especially for a woman in her late twenties.
The cover itself is beautiful, but the content really shines. Lyndsay Rush's writing is witty and sharp, capturing those internal thoughts we've all had at least once (or at least, I hope so!). This was my first experience with her work, and I’m really glad I got to explore her poetry.
Rush strikes the perfect balance between humor and emotion. Her mix of raw, personal topics with clever wit makes this collection feel real and deeply human—exactly what I look for in poetry. One poem about growing old made me laugh out loud while also sparking reflection on my own life as I approach the end of my thirties—a decade I once thought was “so old.” Rush does a phenomenal job tackling complex issues like aging and the patriarchy, two topics that are so intertwined, and she bravely bears witness to both.
What makes this book stand out is its accessibility. Whether you're an expert well-versed in the world of poetry or someone who never imagined picking up a collection, A Bit Much has something for everyone. It's easy to understand while still thought-provoking—a difficult balance to strike, especially in poetry.
Rush’s humor never detracts from the emotional weight of her poems; in fact, it enhances it. This book is perfect for reading or listening to on the go, whether you’re waiting for a train, in the car, or just in the mood for something uplifting.
I highly recommend A Bit Much to all readers. It’s beautifully written, relatable, and guaranteed to leave you both laughing and reflecting.
I received this book as an ARC, but all my opinions and thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed this book of poetry on audio. My only complaint is I wish it was longer! Lyndsay Rush offers great insight and reminders to women who are often deemed "sensitive" or considered to be "a bit much". In this collection, she shares how her upbringing shaped her, but how she also found value and self-worth in learning things on her own. She didn't become a poet until a few years ago, and A Bit Much is a great launching piece as a debut.
Thanks, NetGalley for this book on audio.

I am a mad fiend for authors who narrate their own books. I had the pleasure of reading this book in Kindle form earlier and falling in love with it, and that made it even better when I got to revisit it in the author's voice. I loved hearing which words and ideas they emphasized more in speaking, the soaring and plummeting emotions, the quick, sharp wit, and no-nonsense, down-to-earth wisdom. I advise this audio copy for everyone.

Loved this book of poems very much. Narration was perfect and I was a bit worried, that the narration version would not be as good as print and they may not make sense but, it was perfect. This book would a great gift or a great book to read a poem or two here or there.

I listened to this book on my most recent road trip. I could have listened to it over and over again. I love the way she writes and narrates. I could relate with so much of this book. Even if you have never been told you are a bit much, as women you can relate.

If you're a human, put A Bit Much by Lyndsay Rush on your TBR!

This book of poetry is broken down into four different parts, separated into current or desired mood, allowing you to either boost your feel-good vibes or settle in and really feel those feels (but like in an "I got your back kinda way")!

I felt seen! I felt understood! I felt represented!

I was shocked that I wasn't the only one ever feeling these things!

My favourite poems?
-Share Plates (how I want to live my best life!)
-Like A Duck Eating Lunch (bottoms up!)
-Reassurances To Save For A Rainy Day (OMG I may print this poem out to funnel into my brain daily!)

Bonus points for the remixes!!!

(Clearly, I was vibing most with Part IV When Someone Telling You To Relax Actually Works!)

The audiobook? Rush read her own poetry, and it was pure magic!

This book made me smile, laugh, and nod my head along with it. What can I say? Read it!

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin and Macmillan Audio for the complimentary copies to read and review.

I’ll be honest. I never have the best luck with poetry collections. Poetry is just not my jam, and the poems generally go WAY over my head! Well, I’m happy to report that I FINALLY found a collection that worked for me. A BIT MUCH by Lyndsay Rush was such a delight to listen to. I listened to it during my walk yesterday morning, and was smiling and giggling the entire time. It’s clever, humorous, and extremely relatable. If you’re a woman over 30, you’ll definitely vibe with this collection of poems. Rush covers a plethora of topics like:

- Body image and positivity
- Fashion and beauty
- Diet and fitness culture
- Self care and improvement
- Negative self talk
- Religion and politics
- Social media, email, cellphones
- Womanhood and aging
- Motherhood and pregnancy
- Love and relationships
- The world after the pandemic

I especially love that she’s from Minnesota! Woo hoo! Kinda, sorta local to me! Most importantly, this collection sends out some great messages like speak your mind, be yourself, and it’s never too late to be who you want to be, or do something you want to do. Get out there and be a bit much!

If y'all love @maryoliversdrunkcousin's posts then imagine an entire BOOK of them! You are in for an absolute treat, my friend.

I also love that this is a book of poetry for people who don't know they love poetry, which is so relatable. I feel like I don't like poetry until I actually read it and then I love it.

Rush arranges the poems by theme, which is super helpful.

May I also whole-heartedly recommend the audiobook to you?? Hearing Lyndsay Rush read her own poems really does bring them to a whole 'nother level.

This book was fantastic and must-read for anyone that really does feel like they are too much.