Official Review: In Case I Never Told You

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "In Case I Never Told You" by Ashleigh Peroney.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In Case I Never Told You by Ashleigh Peroney is a collection of poetry that bleeds emotion on every page. All poems in the book are a self-reflection of the author and are told in the first-person. The title of each chapter begins with "TO MY," followed by a person or emotion. For example, "TO THE GIRL LOOKING IN THE MIRROR" and "TO MY ANIXEITY." There are a few exceptions to this rule, but the majority of the titles are structured this way. Also, each poem begins with (and most times repeats) the same line; "In case I never told you." Finally, each poem ends with a blank page for the reader to have a chance to jot down some self-reflection of the passage.

The book was a delight to read, and you can feel the author's heart pour out on every page. Ashleigh was suffering from significant spats of depression and decided to put pen to paper with her thoughts. She wanted to share her experiences and emotions for a few reasons—one, as a method of self-therapy. Second, to be a light to others suffering the same afflictions. In my opinion, she has accomplished her goal.

I recently lost a friend to depression, and one title hit home and was rather emotional to read. The poem is titled "TO THE ONES WITH THOUGHTS OF ENDING IT ALL." This piece was chilling to read from the first verse, "In case I never told you, you're my biggest secret." Especially now, living through a pandemic, we need to keep a close eye on our friends and family. You never know how they are feeling inside.

What I liked most about this book was the raw emotion on every page. At times, it was like I was reading the author's diary. Then at other times, reading my own thoughts. Case in point, in the poem "TO MY LIE," the first words are "In case I never told you, I lied." The book is bone-chilling most of the time. Of course, in a good way.

What I did not like about the book was the inconsistency in punctuation. Primarily the lack of periods at the end of the last stanza in poems such as "TO MY CHOICE." The book was professionally edited, and I did not note any spelling or grammar errors, per se. To my initial thought, grammar in poetry is slightly loose. So I am not claiming this lack of periods to be an error, but they were distracting to me. I did some research to fact check myself on the rules of grammar in poetry; these can be reviewed at the following link. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/understa ... ri-samson/

In conclusion, I enjoyed the book and rate it 3 out of 4 stars. There are two reasons I did not give a four-star rating—one, the above mentioned random pieces that did not have a period at the end. Secondly, for the use of the brief vulgar language and adult content in the poem "TO MY 'IT WAS JUST ONE TIME.'" This chapter was obviously about a one-night stand that I believe limits the readership of the book. I would recommend this book to a mature audience, and to those who like poetry and raw emotion.

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In Case I Never Told You
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[Kirsi Cultrera]

Thanks for an informative review! I find the topic very interesting, but am not very much into poetry. If this was an ordinary biography I'd love to read it but I suppose I am leaving the poems to others...

[Chimdi_3]

Thanks for the detailed review.I like the fact that the poems were like a form of therapy to also help people going through things.

[Phelicia Gloria]

I love reading poems and this must be a great book for me though seems to emotional. Thanks for the great review.