Dive into the chaotic mind of a millennial mom in Shawna Kay Anderson's "How to Backwash: A Collection of Haiku." This provocative and darkly humorous collection of 111 haiku offers a raw, unflinching look at the absurdities of modern life. Juggling parenting, addiction, relationships, and mental health, Anderson's voice is both vulnerable and fiercely witty. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions – cringeworthy moments, unexpected laughter, and perhaps even a tightening of your anal sphincter – as you navigate the messy realities she lays bare with poetic precision. Anderson, a cashier, stand-up comedian, and published poet, delivers a memoir-esque experience through the concise power of haiku, leaving you both entertained and deeply unsettled.
Review How to Backwash
Let me tell you about "How to Backwash: A Collection of Haiku" by Shawna Kay Anderson – it’s a wild ride! The description hinted at darkness, and there's definitely a raw honesty there, a glimpse into the messy, complicated life of a millennial mom navigating the chaos of everyday existence. But honestly? I found the book utterly delightful. It's funny, relatable, and surprisingly poignant, all packed into those deceptively simple haiku.
I wasn't sure what to expect going in. Haiku, by their nature, are concise, almost minimalist. But Shawna manages to cram so much feeling, so much raw emotion, into those seventeen syllables. Each tiny poem is a snapshot, a quick, sharp jab of insight into the rollercoaster of her life – parenting struggles, relationship woes, mental health battles, the absurdity of it all. And she doesn't shy away from the tough stuff; the book tackles difficult subjects with a surprising lightness of touch. It’s bold, it's sometimes brutally honest, but it’s never preachy or self-indulgent.
What truly surprised me was the humor. It's not the kind of humor that's slapstick or forced; it's a deeply personal, darkly comedic humor that comes from a place of genuine experience. It's the kind of humor that makes you laugh out loud one minute and then pause to reflect on the underlying truth the next. You'll find yourself cringing, grinning, maybe even shedding a tear, all within the span of a few pages. There's a vulnerability in Shawna's writing that's incredibly endearing; she doesn't try to present a perfect image. Instead, she lays bare her imperfections, her anxieties, her triumphs, and her failures, and in doing so, she creates a connection with the reader that's both intimate and universally relatable.
The book is easy to read, almost effortless. You can easily devour the whole thing in a single sitting, but I found myself lingering over individual haiku, savoring the clever wordplay and the emotional resonance. Each one tells a tiny story, a microcosm of the larger narrative, leaving you wanting more. It's a testament to Shawna's skill as a writer that she can evoke such powerful emotions with such a limited form.
I wouldn't necessarily call it a "feel-good" book, but it's definitely a good book. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading it, prompting reflection and prompting laughter. It's a reminder that even in the midst of chaos and struggle, there's always room for humor, for self-awareness, and for finding beauty in the imperfect tapestry of life. If you're looking for something different, something raw, something honest, something funny, and something undeniably relatable, then you absolutely need to pick up "How to Backwash: A Collection of Haiku." You won't regret it. In fact, you might just find yourself wanting to buy a copy for all your friends. And the cover? Seriously dope.
Information
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.32 x 6 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 128
- Publication date: 2024
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