“Wondering when a 2nd volume is coming… Having followed Caleb’s political and human rights commentary online for years, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this. I’m not good at reviews of any kind, but I enjoyed this immensely. I think if you are a fan of Plath or Duras, you should check it out. Some favorites: Left out in the cold, As long as we live, Blip, A formation of Atoms.”

“Having struggled with depression myself, I found this book to be deeply inspiring and relatable. The prose is sharp, illustrating the pain that mental anguish inflicts. This is an important book, facing the society of today. I believe that the vulnerability of the author to submit this work to a population that needs it is exactly what we need for any real connection and healing to take place.”

“The journey this author has taken is expressed starkly, with emotions naked - hiding nothing. The courage it takes to share these intimate thoughts and feelings is enormous. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever struggled with mental or emotional health issues. Or for those who love someone who is lost in their own mental/emotional hell. My first thought when I began reading this amazing collection of poetry was “it’s not just me!” I am a fan for life. It isn’t an easy story to hear, but it is oh so very necessary. I highly recommend this book.”

“As a high school English teacher, I love finding poetry that can and will speak to my students. This book is totally relatable to so many young people today and the struggles they face. Caleb takes the reader through the trials of mental illness with an honest and transparent voice. Both heart-breaking and poignant, this book speaks for those who struggle with depression but don’t know how to articulate it. This will become a staple for readers in my classroom.”

“Caleb speaks the truth and he touches my very soul. I deal with Depression on a daily basis personally and professionally. As a former USAF Chaplain, his words speak to my heart and to the hearts of those whom I have walked along side of and to those who have lost the battle agains the darkness. Thank you Caleb, for speaking to my heart of darkness, light, and hope. This book of verse is so much more than a book of poetry! Everyone needs to read this and soak it in. You never know when you will meet someone in need of love and hope. Caleb’s words will help you to do that.”

“I'm not much of a poetry reader—of all the kinds of literature I love, I've always found poetry to be largely impenetrable—except when the poetry involves something that interests me. And because of various family members who suffer from mental illnesses, I picked up this book, and WOW, am I ever glad I did. Caleb Woods has written a searingly honest book about growing up gay in the South in a very Christian home, while describing the depression and anxiety he dealt with in such a painfully true way I felt like I was in his head for a lot of the book. This isn't a depressing read—he offers so much hope and love to those who stick by him throughout his life—but instead is a book that says, you want to know what it feels like to want to kill yourself every day, regardless of the shining sun and the singing birds? Here, I'll show you. This is a book that should be given to anyone who's been suicidal and wants to know they're not alone, but more importantly, to those people who have loved ones who have been through hell and want to know how to help. Woods is an incredible talent, and his writing was astounding. I began reading some of the poems one night before bed, and then picked it up one morning while I was waiting for my tea to steep. An hour later the tea was cold, I hadn't moved from my spot, and I felt like I'd run a marathon. That is the mark of truly brilliant writing.”

“Woods has written truly something special in that he had the courage to bare his own struggles so that his readers might connect with him and not feel alone. His prose teeters on the edge of hope, detailing the thin line between loss and triumph. Woods lets us the know that the mundane things of everyday can seem harder than they're supposed to, but that he's in it, with us, making it easier through his thoughtful words. 100% recommend this book for ANYONE.”

“I got this today and spent the afternoon reading every poem and then spent another hour or so processing. While reading, the same verse from the Tao kept coming to me, “Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is power.” This collection of poems is from a brilliant mind. It is raw and unapologetic. Caleb gives a voice to the dark consciousness that many who suffer from depression, anxiety, etc. only wish could be said. In the poems we see pain and disparity, fear and doubt. But like the petals of the padma opening we see a glimpse of healing and contentment; realization and being. There is no “happy ending” to this, nor does he offer any anecdote of wisdom. The brilliance in this work is the author himself. These poems represent a struggle with darkness and it ends with him. He is still with us and has much more to offer. Thank you, Caleb for this gift you’ve given to all of us. Now, what’s next?”

“I experienced the inner thoughts of a person suffering with mental illness and depression while reading this book. The author took me on a journey that nobody would want to experience in real life, but gave moments of hope and a happiness that made this reader believe that people can come back from the depths of despair to show a feeling of self-worth and self-love.”