I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Survival and Other Surprises is a collection of poetry exploring many themes experienced by the author such as; chronic illness/pain and the struggle it is to live with it especially I the world we live in today, becoming disabled during the covid19 pandemic, womanhood, the American dream, break-ups, healing, unloving those who hurt us, grief and loss.
The book is divided into 3 sections; Surviving you, Surviving me and Surviving as an act of rebellion. I found I connected mostly to the first section of the book out of the 3 sections but could feel the pain, rage and emotions seeping through the pages as I read many of these poems, even the ones I couldn't fully connect with.

I received an advanced reader copy of Survival & Other Surprises and want to thank NetGalley and Casper E. Falls for giving me the opportunity to read this collection of poetry in exchange for my honest review!

When I saw this poetry book, I immediately wanted to read it. As a person who struggles with chronic pain, I knew that this was made for someone like me. I did not expect, however, for this book to bring tears to my eyes while sitting in bed, staving off the pain I live with on a daily basis. Even the cover itself—a stuffed animal in a hospital gown with a mask—struck a chord deep inside me.

“I brought a spoon to a knife fight
now I’m out of spoons and it doesn’t feel right”
- pace your energy in the age of capitalism

This collection is a heavy and raw reflection of Falls' life. There is a thorough content warning at the beginning of the book, which I am extremely grateful for. Please make sure you read the CW and approach this book with care if needed.

It is obvious that Falls poured so much emotion and personal experience into this book, and I am so grateful that someone, somewhere, has had experiences like mine. His ability to connect so deeply with faer intended audience is something that many indie authors fail to do.

“what if I missed my chance
to check under the bed
what if my shadows hide
your silhouette
forever”
- children stories

This poetry is for the sick, the hurt, the queer community, and the healing. If you find yourself associating with any of these, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Survival & Other Surprises.
My personal favorite piece from this collection was furby. As a late ‘90s kid, a former Furby collector, and someone who also wonders if they’ve been turned into a Furby, I cannot tell you how fast this poem grabbed my heart and held on with all its might.

Once again, thank you to Casper E. Falls and NetGalley for allowing me to read this incredible ARC!

1. This book of poetry is, as most are, a memoir. It’s difficult to star review someone’s memoir, because this is the authors life.
2. Poetry and I do not vibe together. I have tried to get more into it, but I think it’s a lack of understanding or depth on my part.

That being said, I am ill equipped to judge the mechanics, but can say this was a heavy hitter in the current US we live in. Between disability, illness, and that gnawing scream inside all of us as we participate in the capitalist charade while trying to live in a world on fire, this is a deeply relatable work.

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I thought this book would be great for me as a chronically ill individual myself who doesn’t get exposed to many other experiences in real life and this was a great immersion. However, I didn’t expect it to have my eyes watering to the point of near tears feeling such a strong connection and representation to myself, despite having a different condition to the author. It’s a great warts and all depiction of chronically ill lives, exploring flares, being a spoonie, cog fog, mental illness, and the worth of disabled lives. There is also some other interesting topics such as ignored genocides, being misgendered, and capitalism making it more than just a book about disability and survival. Some of my personal favourites are Another Day, Furby, I Am Done Hating My Body, The Weight of the Fallen, My Disabled Body, Ariel's Goodbye, and Broken Branches.

Favourite Quote:
I want all of it to survive
even if the world declares
that every space the sick take
every pound they add
makes me less worthy
of life

I'd rather be alive
than a beautiful dead thing
worthy of it

I am not usually someone who reads poetry collections but when I saw this was written by someone who is both queer and chronically ill I had to check this out. I have always been sick since the day I was born so this collect really hit home for me. I am also a queer person and the way that effects my care is surprising and Falls really captured those feelings of despair and feeling like your body is not your body.
This book was also hopeful celebrating the highs of chronic illness and the little things that feel like amazing accomplishment.
This isn't a collection I think everyone will understand or relate to but it definitely one I think people should read. As for those of us that do relate this is like taking a breath of fresh air. Its like you finally feel seen. This is definitely a collection I will come back to again and again.

Great collection with strong messages. The language was engaging and beautiful without being too complicated or unaccessible to foreign audience such as myself. I found a lot of myself in the talk of mental illness and its struggles, yet felt a little lost in the sections that were more focused on the American experience.
This collection is very timely and raw, and is relevant now more than ever. I'm sure many would find their emotions and worries reflected in the author's words.

A unique voice with a collection that flows well and follows its intention. The prose is accessible and engaging. The progression tells a story. My favorite part was Survival as an Act of Rebellion. The poems stand in time as they reflect on life in the moment. Some thought provoking messages and great word choices make this collection enjoyable and timely.