Whiskey Words & a Shovel II

I love this book . Its shares true feelings that we go through from a day to day basis and it's fun to read because it's all quotes. I'm personally not a fan of reading books but this is perfect for me because I can relate to the quotes in the book and there is no long chapters which is a plus for me. I recommend this to someone who has been through ups and downs with relationships so I prove this book

So beautifully written. I didn't even want to ruin the pages by folding down the corners to save my place. There wasn't a single page that didn't hit home at least one point in time. A must read, over and over again.

From the minute I was introduced to his work I have been impressed with the depth of his writing. It has touched me and helped me find the inner courage to walk away from a relationship that needed to end. Really looking forward to the next and the next and the next from R.H. Sin

Perfect for the heartbroken. Perfect for people who in general feel unnapreciated, alone, empty. Its beautiful. Theres moments u will feel hurt and shocked on how real and relatable it is. You dont feel alone anymore. And then theres empowerment too. So perfect.

If you are a person who has gone through any rough patches in life, you will be able to relate to this book. I've been following R.H. Sin on Instagram since 2014, around the time I was going through a rough breakup. The Instagram account helped me through my rough days and once I found out there was going to be a book, I knew I had to buy it. Although it was a very quick read, I know it's a book I can keep going back to at different points in my life and it'll mean different things. I can't wait for the second one to come out!

My daughter loves this book. She keeps it on her and completed in one day. A lot of what's in here I've told her, but if she can read it over and over and get it that way it's fine by me. Great for young girls!

My 2nd book Iv read from r.h. Sin. I take my time reading the poems, sometimes even reading the same one multiple times. It's a relaxing read for me and helps with realizing that I'm not the only one. As a male reader I replace the "she" with "he" when I read and it still flows. It feels real for anyone that can relate and some of the poems will really hit you deep. Just ordered volume 3 of the series, but can see myself reading this book multiple times.

A good attempt, but I couldn't like it like I wanted to. Perhaps its because I recently re-read Nayyirah Waheed's Salt and it was impossible not to compare the depth and realness of them both (and perhaps that was unfair, she is in a class all her own)
This book just fell flat to me. Had a few good pieces, but overall it was very shallow and read more like the author parroting well known emotions and feelings, but nothing felt spot on. Few felt original. It felt like the author read some other authors who use this style and said "i can do that" and parroted things into a book. Maybe it was rushed. I don't know.
Perhaps this book will be good for someone who requires less depth and originality, but overall I just didnt feel it. And I REALLY wanted to... like REALLY wanted to... but it fell flat.

I love everything about both books, it has taught me what and what not to allow in my life at this point and even though I knew what to do this book reassure me I was on the right path, thank you R.H. Sin you have no idea how much I appreciate these two books volume 1 & 2

I had very high expectations when I ordered this book & honestly, they were met to perfection. The poetry is breathtaking. The books itself is astonishing. I cried a good amount of times just from how much the words touched me. I finished it within a couple hours & will be going back to read it in depth. I shared a few pictures of some of my favorite poems with a friend & she can't wait to grab her own copy. I simply adore this book. Thank you so much Sin, you nailed it! - Sam

This is a wonderful book. My 15 year old asked for this book and with all books I must read or skim it before she reads them. I must admit this is not a book I would readily buy for a 15 year old, there are some sexual content but then because I am a realist and not naive nor in denial. I figured why not. This book is deep and contains all the messages that I am teaching my young lady about boys, life and relationships. I have never been a prude nor am I raising one, so we both read, laugh and discuss. She said mom why when you are reading this book all I hear you say is umm hmm and tell her it's because I can relate.

Excellent! The context of this book is heart felt and the message is truly empowering. I can not wait to purchase his next publishing. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.... Amazingly talented man! Book is food for the soul.

too many of these so called modern poets can barely write more than four lines
they are immature statements of mooning teenage angst
all feeling sorry for themselves or whining about lost love
they should write to an agony aunt for these so called poems are just that
read Shakespeare, Simic, Bukowsky who know of life
and grow up and live life

I first read one of R.H. Sin's poems on the Instagram account of Rhonda Rousey & then started following him on IG. I read this book of poetry in a few hours & am already craving more. The words speak to me & I certainly hope there are more published soon. (dkshapley)

This book is phenomenal!! It is a positive poetry book that promotes strength and self love. I finished the book the day it arrived and it is something I will reread over and over. Can't wait for volume 2!!

First of all, I feel as if this book is extremely consumer based. It's as if the author googled "how to make aesthetic poetry while still maintaining my dignity and audience but making it seem like I care about my feelings". I did not connect at all to the point of view. Secondly, if you're going to write fragments, then at least organize your poems so they don't look like a second grader playing with kitchen magnets. Third of all, this is the most self-centered, heteronormative, and mysogynistic book. The author describes the women as if they live to serve him, and he treats them like sexual objects. The "storyline" is obviously about how the "love of his life" broke up with him because he moped around too much and spent too much time on his "masterpiece poetry" to maintain an actual relationship. Consequently, he despises every man she makes a relationship with, and every woman after her is "not enough" to please him because they "aren't her". Seriously, I could point out specific poems that are disgusting and give you a PowerPoint presentation explaining why they are incredibly wrong and how this mindset dates back to pre-women's rights' times. R. H. Sin, your mother would be disappointed in you if she read this book, and I hope you check yourself before trying to start any new relationships anytime soon.

At first, I thought this book was off to a good start but I was wrong. It was literally a man telling a woman who she should and should not be or become. I understand where this man is coming from, in this day in age, but it seemed as if he was writing this just to appeal to women and for women to buy his book and be like "awe, a man who finally gets us!" Every other poem I'd read, I'd turn to my boyfriend in utter confusion because so many of the 'poems' seemed like ramblings of a man who pretends that he understands women. I applaud him for trying, but overall I feel as if he wasn't writing for himself but for some feminist woman in his class that he wanted to go out with. I could be wrong, and I know this is overly negative, but I think the type on this book was way more than what this book really was. I didn't read the first one, so who knows, it may be better! But trust me, I read a lot of poetry and this was not a book I'd recommend to women, but to men for them to realize that they can't control a woman, but to let her be as she is. I'm happy to have more "reading" experience, but I'd only ever recommend this book to people below the age of 18, if not 16.

To be very honest, which is my only reason for writing a review, I waited a while after reading this book and hearing other people's thought on it before actually formally commenting. First off, I am not a fan of this book nor its style of poetry. I just believe that if you are going to deliver such short pieces, they should be more original and powerful. The fact that this is under the genre of poetry is a little hard to believe, but I guess it is a more contemporary style of purely writing your thoughts down much like journaling. This, I believe, is not a book for those actually invested in poetry as an art form, rather it may be for those who are more interested in the self help genre. I would not give this book 1 star simply because the author had enough courage to share his words with the world and to be critiqued for it.
Ultimately, to each is own, but personally I would not recommend this book to anyone searching for any type of intellectual or creative satisfaction in the form of poetry. Things that have been said over and over again, should not be stated so plainly as an original piece of work. However, as mentioned before, I believe the author may have found his niche with an audience who doesn't mind someone saying the exact thoughts that they have in their heads on a daily basis. It may keep some from feeling lonely, I admit.
I hope this review helps and not harms. It is meant for readers that are unsure of whether their money and time is better spent elsewhere.

I give this book 3 stars as a mid point, only. Understand, I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I realize my cup of poison may be your cup of tea.

The first few poems were quite enjoyable, but as I read page after page, they all blurred together. There were, for me, no ah-ha! moments, to me, all the poems sounded like all the other poems.

To be honest, it could be either the style, or the words. Do I recommend this book? Yes, with reservations. Read the sample, above, and if those poems touch you in a positive way, buy and read the book.

I would like to see more by r. h. Sin (including one which explains why his initials are lower case and his last name capped).

This isn't poetry. I'm not even sure how literate people consider it to be writing. It's a dumb guy on the internet trying to sell women cheap empowerment. It's trite and base and pointless. I don't know how these internet poets got the nerve to "publish" "books," but trash like this is a blight on culture.

My favorites: reminders; encouragement I; II, III; release…

Quite a diverse genre; love, hate, dislikes, divorce, etc.

As a retired crisis & school social worker I loved the + self-esteem builder ones.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. 156 very well written prose (poems) book. They were all very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; MakingConnections; Andrews McMeel Publishing; Autographed; paperback book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

**I picked this up through netgallery.**

I feel like I looked into someone's diary.

A lot of the poems didn't really feel like "poems", but more random journal entries scribbled here and there or inspirational quotes I often see floating around Facebook. That being said, I enjoyed them. This book has the feel of A Night Without Armor or Go Ask Alice. Strange, but interesting with an old style feel.

"the search." is one of my favorites. It packs quite a powerful punch in a few short lines. One line can sum it up well. "eyes that wander and lips that lie."

"silence, my friend." is another wonderful piece. Depression at it's finest.

The further I went into the book, the more interested I became. I could have easily been reading this over the authors shoulder, unseen. It feels that personal and emotional.

I often forget I'm reading words on a page and feel more as if I'm watching scenes play out in front of me.

Honestly, I'm wondering why I haven't heard of this author until now. I feel like I've been missing out on some big secret.

Borrowed it from a friend who loved it and wanted me to read it. I read it. It was awful. Put one of these "poems" next to a tumblr text post and you won't see the difference. In all seriousness: Poetry is an art; it needs to be respected and studied. This here has no literary language, no literary merit, no thought behind the diction or syntax, no regard for construction. Simply hitting ENTER after a few words doesn't equate it to poetry. Calling this poetry is disrespectful; it is not poetry. It is an impostor. It will not touch and imprint someone with its language, with its metaphor, with its meaning. It may brush the shoulders of its readers; just like a stranger may accidentally brush shoulders with someone else in a crowded place. A meaningless gesture, soon forgotten. Even the simplest poetry, take that of Williams Carlos Williams, requires focus. Demands concentration, demands craft and use of literary resources.

This is not poetry.

If you desire simple, concrete poetry that is still heavy with beauty and feeling see: Williams Carlos Williams, Louise Glück, Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Theodore Roethke, Anne Sexton, Elizabeth Bishop, Bashō, Ezra Pound + other imagists.

It humors me that critics who bash someone that comes out of the shadows with uncensored truth want to justify or rationalize their review since it doesn't follow Shakespeare or some other "poet" norm nor how whatever proper journalism is supposed to be. In real world today, all the media eg. TV, print, digital, etc is biased or prejudice to some degree by some outside influence and do it in a fake political correctness manner. Ivy league, no Ivy league or diploma of any sort for that matter, who cares. Society is so distant from the cold simple truth of life, anybody willing to voice anything against the norm is quickly condemned and bombarded with pure crap. Unless you are part of the proven 1% of "haves" in society then stop wasting the free air others breath and go investigate why there is still not true equality amongst everybody eg. race, gender, creed, etc. which the American Constitution was created to guarantee.

Kudos to the author to keep it short and simple so all, both poor and high society, can follow..

You probably bought this book because you liked Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. However, if you are expecting the same quality writing out of Whisky Words & A Shovel, you will be sorely disappointed. Here is why:

1. No thematic separation (poems are all jumbled together... on one page he's talking about how he's found new love, the next he's dissing his ex as if they're still together)
2. Repetitive (once you've read one poem, you've read them all)
3. Tries too hard to make "profound" analogies ("your love was like an ocean"... but does not describe how this is so)

Save yourself the time and try "The Princess Saves Herself In This One" instead... a much better recommendation if you enjoyed Milk and Honey.

Part two follows the same themes as the first, and much like any sequel, its good, but nowhere near as good as the first. A few of these poems felt like rehashed poems just twenty pages apart. Still, I found it a quick read, and relatable, so still worth the time to check it out.

In my opinion, the first book was a lot better. I feel as though the poems in this one were more repetitive, and slightly clichéd. Often times, poetry nowadays have become very similar in the messages they are trying to portray, and while I thought "Whiskey Words and a Shovel" was able to do so in a unique and emotional way, pt. 2 was very bland in comparison. It almost felt like a sell out, as if R. H. Sin was hopping on some sort of bandwagon. While self-acceptance and heartbreak can inspire beautiful pieces, "Whiskey Words and a Shovel: Volume 2" was very luke-warm.

A great exploration of the heartbreak brought about from disloyalty, abuse, and neglect. r.h. Sin takes their readers through a journey of female empowerment through the finding of self love and acceptance. A beautiful anthology of poems that wring out the heart and bare the soul.

3 1/2 stars

Reviewing Whiskey Words & a Shovel is a different task from all of my previous reviews. It’s a book of poetry and while I love poetry, both to read and write, I am frequently intimidated by the act of "critiquing" reviewing it (yes, I used to belong to a poetry workshop and did critiquing so that might have been a slip of the er keyboard).

These days my favorite poet is Mary Oliver and I buy or get on loan any offering of hers. Her poetry seems simple, but there is always that word or phrase that makes you jump as if you were about to be bitten by a snake. It’s simple, but deceptive. The reason why I mention this is because R.H. Sin’s poems are also simple and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. The wording is simple. The meaning is simple. They can be inspirational. They can dwell in angst. What they lack, that just separates them significantly from Mary Oliver’s poems, is that moment of “aha.”

For some reason as I was reading, I remembered a book of poetry I found by Rod McKuen who was evidently extremely popular in the late 60’s and early 70’s. His poems were very sincere. And, I guess I felt that way about this collection.

I feel that these are the kinds of poems you might read during a difficult relationship or after a break-up. You will relate to these poems then. There are some common truths here: you will be feeling bad a lot, awake, and he will be asleep. This is kind of heart-wrenching and I guess that this is what this book embodies for me. Many truths about relationships, whether they are good or bad. I guess I wish that there was something more, that elusive “aha” that gives it all sense. But maybe with relationships, most of it’s already been said, because we do dwell on it. Maybe instead of “ahas” we have straightforward.

from read closely

you miss the person you thought

he was

you’re in love with everything

he used to be

you hold on because your love

is unconditional

you’re up thinking about him

wanting his attention

maybe a text, a call, maybe you

just want to lay up and cuddle

but he’s always doing this

he’s rarely around and it hurts

that’s what keeps you up at

night

you’re hurting right now and

he’s probably asleep

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I bought this book hoping it would be poetry, but its really more like short inspirational quotes such as "you deserve better" which are really good reminders like other writers on instragram like rmdrake, mark anthony, beau tapin, etc. etc. etc. read them on instagram for free and save your money or better yet, write them yourself: you deserve better, baby.

Love love love this book of poetry. I had pre-ordered it and couldn't wait till I got it in the mail!!!! I love every page of it and they all ring home to me. Super excited that there is now a second volume out which I have just gotten as well.
I spent a lot of time underline things in here and highlighting them as well.
Also love that it is a smaller book that I can fit into my purse and bring along with me.

It's a book, so yeah, it read like a book should read. All the page numbers and words were included with the book. The words were arrange accordingly so that they made sense. I'd buy it again if I lost this one.

Reads so much like a "nice guy" and puts women on an unrealistic pedestal while also putting the responsibility on them to not deal with terrible men instead of putting it on terrible men who shouldn't be terrible. It's really disappointing because he uses a lot of my favorite words, but it just feels like misguided hurt spilling out on pages.

This is more like motivational quotes than poetry in my mind. The book is inspirational to a certain demographic I suppose. Most of the poems seem like things that I have seen before in motivational type books and it's cliche and unoriginal. Mainly I tried to order through the publisher's website and it was a disaster took forever to get the book and horrible customer service. If you do want to order and you might because obviously many like the book order through the store or another major retailer. It's just not my thing not to say the author doesn't have a mass appeal and that is impressive but to each their own. Give it a read if you like heartwarming type things but if you like real poetry there are plenty out there.

A great exploration of the heartbreak brought about from disloyalty, abuse, and neglect. r.h. Sin takes their readers through a journey of female empowerment through the finding of self love and acceptance. A beautiful anthology of poems that wring out the heart and bare the soul.

3 1/2 stars

Reviewing Whiskey Words & a Shovel is a different task from all of my previous reviews. It’s a book of poetry and while I love poetry, both to read and write, I am frequently intimidated by the act of "critiquing" reviewing it (yes, I used to belong to a poetry workshop and did critiquing so that might have been a slip of the er keyboard).

These days my favorite poet is Mary Oliver and I buy or get on loan any offering of hers. Her poetry seems simple, but there is always that word or phrase that makes you jump as if you were about to be bitten by a snake. It’s simple, but deceptive. The reason why I mention this is because R.H. Sin’s poems are also simple and I don’t mean that in a derogatory way. The wording is simple. The meaning is simple. They can be inspirational. They can dwell in angst. What they lack, that just separates them significantly from Mary Oliver’s poems, is that moment of “aha.”

For some reason as I was reading, I remembered a book of poetry I found by Rod McKuen who was evidently extremely popular in the late 60’s and early 70’s. His poems were very sincere. And, I guess I felt that way about this collection.

I feel that these are the kinds of poems you might read during a difficult relationship or after a break-up. You will relate to these poems then. There are some common truths here: you will be feeling bad a lot, awake, and he will be asleep. This is kind of heart-wrenching and I guess that this is what this book embodies for me. Many truths about relationships, whether they are good or bad. I guess I wish that there was something more, that elusive “aha” that gives it all sense. But maybe with relationships, most of it’s already been said, because we do dwell on it. Maybe instead of “ahas” we have straightforward.

from read closely

you miss the person you thought

he was

you’re in love with everything

he used to be

you hold on because your love

is unconditional

you’re up thinking about him

wanting his attention

maybe a text, a call, maybe you

just want to lay up and cuddle

but he’s always doing this

he’s rarely around and it hurts

that’s what keeps you up at

night

you’re hurting right now and

he’s probably asleep

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I bought this book hoping it would be poetry, but its really more like short inspirational quotes such as "you deserve better" which are really good reminders like other writers on instragram like rmdrake, mark anthony, beau tapin, etc. etc. etc. read them on instagram for free and save your money or better yet, write them yourself: you deserve better, baby.

Love love love this book of poetry. I had pre-ordered it and couldn't wait till I got it in the mail!!!! I love every page of it and they all ring home to me. Super excited that there is now a second volume out which I have just gotten as well.
I spent a lot of time underline things in here and highlighting them as well.
Also love that it is a smaller book that I can fit into my purse and bring along with me.

It's a book, so yeah, it read like a book should read. All the page numbers and words were included with the book. The words were arrange accordingly so that they made sense. I'd buy it again if I lost this one.

I received the book in the mail last night and I love it!! I am not finished with it yet I am about halfway through but R.H. Sin is an amazing poet!! I can relate so much to his poetry and the feelings are just so real and genuine you can feel the emotion jump off of the page. It is definitely worth it and I will be re-reading this book many many times!!

Reads so much like a "nice guy" and puts women on an unrealistic pedestal while also putting the responsibility on them to not deal with terrible men instead of putting it on terrible men who shouldn't be terrible. It's really disappointing because he uses a lot of my favorite words, but it just feels like misguided hurt spilling out on pages.

This is more like motivational quotes than poetry in my mind. The book is inspirational to a certain demographic I suppose. Most of the poems seem like things that I have seen before in motivational type books and it's cliche and unoriginal. Mainly I tried to order through the publisher's website and it was a disaster took forever to get the book and horrible customer service. If you do want to order and you might because obviously many like the book order through the store or another major retailer. It's just not my thing not to say the author doesn't have a mass appeal and that is impressive but to each their own. Give it a read if you like heartwarming type things but if you like real poetry there are plenty out there.

The "poems" could not harness more negative energy and be so dark. What is the author trying to accomplish by writing such dark things? The way you view life and circumstances is up to you; in my opinion, when you publish a "work of art" it should leave a positive mark on the world. This book left me wondering what the author is trying to accomplish? Bring people down and justify negative views and feelings?

I really love how easy to buy this book and it arrived earlier than expected to be delivered. the poetry book is very interesting and has a lot of inspirational quotes and you can relate on it! Everyone must read it!

I understand that poorly thought out words, or cliched lines copied from various tumblr websites is R.H Sin's writing style, but the only good thing about this book is its title, because it makes sense that Sin takes his words, down some whiskey, and use the shovel to bury the book deep beneath the ground.

I'm all for supporting African American poets, but after reading this that label didn't even matter! The gender or race of the poet didn't even matter. This is just simply phenomenal work! R. H. Sin DEFINITELY deserves more hype than he is receiving. Honestly can't wait for volume two. This definitely goes down as one of the greats.

One of the most real poetry books I've seen, so real so raw, has helped me heal in the strangest way. If you have ever felt these emotions then it will strike home and give some comfort. Love Love Love

Amazing book. Helps you get through tough times that you think you only experience alone but then you read this book and realize you aren't alone and you will get through it. Can't wait for the second one. Thank you for this amazing inspiring book. Couldn't get over a break up without you.

Anyone could write this really and I'm not sure if you would classify this as poetry or empty motivational quotes. It doesn't surprise me this is a best seller because our society is so dumbed down into thinking this is actual poetry. If you think Taylor Swift is is the epitome of talent then this is the book for you. It amazes me that people actually enjoy this she quote crap then again it doesn't our society is so dumb. There is plenty of blank space for the empty cotton minds that actually think this is good. Don't waste your money just buy some greeting cards. I bet this author has never been published in a literary journal because that would require actual talent to get into.