The strive for perfection is something that many people struggle with in their day-to-day routines. The media constantly hammers standards of what perfection supposedly is, and how it can be obtained. Many people have expressed how sickening the results of the media can be, but one woman, Christine Heppermann, has spoken against it in a very unique way. In her book Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty, Heppermann exposes the flaws of the media’s portrayal of perfection through fifty poems. She addresses many topics, including body image, self-harm, love, and more. The twist, however, is that the poems are written in the context of fairy tales. Additionally, each poem is accompanied by a captivating picture, which adds to the depth of Heppermann’s writing.

This book connected with me on many different levels, and I’m sure it will do the same for others. These brutal, heartbreaking, and occasionally humorous poems are very relatable, which makes them a thrill to read. Furthermore, although this book has some humor, it is quite dark. So, if you’re looking for something joyful and lighthearted, keep in mind that Poisoned Apples isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Still, it is a fantastic read if you want to experience an impactful piece of work. Heppermann’s book does not take much time to read, though, so I suggest to take it in slowly to get the full effect. Otherwise, it’s a great book if you want to read something that’s fast and memorable.

The main audience for this book is teenage girls, but I think people of various genders, ages, and interests can read it and receive pleasure from the poems. For poetry fans, fairy tale lovers, feminists, or anyone looking for a quick yet satisfying read, Poisoned Apples is definitely a great book to check out.