Shame is an Ocean I Swim Across by Mary Lambert
Poetry | LGBTQ | Mental Health
Published by Feiwel & Friends
Released October 23rd, 2018
Goodreads | Amazon
Rating: 
Read via Audiobook
“I want to watch the fat lady win
I want her to stop apologizing for being fat
I wish I could say: Hey, perfect angel cutie pie:
You don’t owe anyone shit.
Stop apologizing for who you are.
Go eat a fucking sandwich and throw your scale away
Work out if you want to, lay on the couch if you want to
No one else lives in your body
You are enough, as you are, today”
I chose to listen to the audiobook for Mary Lambert’s Shame is an Ocean I Swim Across almost on a whim, and it touched me in a way that I was not expecting. Her words are expressive and passionate. I found myself identifying with Lambert’s words on such a deep level that I’m currently listening to it again. What started out as a collection of poetry I’d never heard of has become one of my favorite books and what I expect will become one of my top reads of 2020.
Mary Lambert is a poet, spoken word artist, musician, song-writer, and LGBTQ activist. Her work deals with difficult topics, such as rape, sexual abuse, trauma, bipolar disorder, and body image.
Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across made me feel a wide spectrum of emotions. Some of the poems brought tears to my eyes, and others made me feel proud of the struggles I’ve been through to become who I am. I identified personally with so many of these poems, particularly those about mental health (including bipolar disorder) and body image.
The audiobook version of Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across was gorgeously produced and I can’t recommend it enough. Lambert’s emotional and strong voice was placed over simple piano pieces, which served to heighten the emotional impact.
Mary Lambert’s collection is powerful, emotional, and intensely personal. It’s one that I will keep near me for years to come, especially when I’m feeling lonely in my experiences. There are a number of triggering topics in Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across, so be sure to check out the book’s Goodreads page if you’re worried about that before diving in.
Shame Is an Ocean I Swim Across was so beautiful and it’s hard to describe just how much I loved it. I’m looking forward to everything Lambert does, what with my new massive crush on her. I’ll leave you with this video of her song “Secrets,” because, again, Mary Lambert is amazing. I just don’t understand how it took me so long to learn of her!
Read Yourself Happy 
This sounds so powerful. I’ve never listened to a poetry audiobook – it must be lovely having the poet ‘performing’ their work to you. Especially with such emotional content it must have made your connection with the writer feel more personal.
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