Bread Sex Trees: Poetry

by Alix Klingenberg

Bread Sex Trees is a poetic invocation.
A call to the dreamers, the visionaries, the alchemists.

To those who live in rhythm with the seasons and the land, those who are healing, and for everyone who is reclaiming their creative power. It offers wisdom, beauty, and a road map to self-love that doesn’t bypass life’s inevitable challenges.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2023

Reviews

[vania ౨ৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was such an enjoyable read; I loved the poems, even though some were a bit unusual.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

I feel like some poetry resonates with you and others you read and it just hits in a different way, and for me this was one that caught me off guard and made me really think about other things. Some of the poems I just felt were so compelling to read and really hits you.

Some of these I didn't necessarily click with, but I do think that you can't *always* click with all of the poems.

Very insightful and the writing was beautiful.

[Sassy Sarah Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

This was not a terrible poetry collection, but I didn't care for it. Poetry is an expression of emotion and sometimes you connect with the way the poet expresses their emotions and heart. I did not connect with Alix Klingenberg. In fact, some of the poems were downright corny and uncomfortable to read. I think some will absolutely love and adore this collection. It, however, was not a hit for me.

[Nicholas Trandahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alix Klingenberg’s “Bread Sex Trees” was fortunately exactly what I expected, following her poetry and content on Instagram. Klingenberg’s poems are a vibe—redolent with flavors of nourishment, suffering, intimacy, hearth, and nature. Her lines aren’t densely layered in complexity and esoteric nuance, but are refreshing and relatable in their simplicity and authenticity. These poems are a mug of something warm and healing on a grey autumn day. Thank you, Alix Klingenberg for serving it up.

[Jess Kline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful collection of poetry describes expertly the duality of a life lived openly. It is both soft and unyielding; seeking and certain; unapologetic and regretful; magical and mundane. Alix’s longing can be felt in every page: to be authentic, understood, and accessible to anyone who is asking questions.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only read one poetry book this year, let it be this one.

[Akilesh Sridharan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year for me is all about embracing and cherishing different kinds of poetry collections in all their uniqueness, weirdness, and deepness, giving a wider perspective to look at and appreciate contemporary poets’ understanding of poems (and their modernness) as such.

Bread Sex Trees is an extraordinarily engaging collection of poems that resonate with modern-day as well as old-world sensibilities, with nature and human emotions playing a critical role in bringing out the subtle poetical nuances and building a solid foundation for healing poems.

These poems—more than a hundred of them—are so fresh and unique, both in their treatment and in their execution. The author has just expressed and poured out her feelings, no holds barred.

They are simple and structureless; no syntactic or grammar rules whatsoever are followed, yet they are filled with visual-enabled verses that ooze words, replicating the seasonal changes of each month of the year with great finesse and precision.

The author connects and works on the themes of sex, spirituality, philosophy, nature, love, loss, messed-up family systems, and queerness with such ease and spontaneity that one has to revisit each and every poem to understand the deeper meaning that is hidden in all its glory.

This poetry collection definitely adds to the bookshelf as one of my favourites of this year, hands down.

Poetry lovers should not miss this collection.

[Alyssa DC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bread Sex Trees

Bread Sex Trees is a poetry book by Alix Klingenberg. It is also the name of one the two introductory poems to the book, and an excellent choice, as the theme of the book follows the theme of the poem.

What I enjoyed about this book:
The layout: Follows the months of the year, similar to the way chapters give you some guidance. The poems, though having different themes and emotions, somehow compliment each other so well following the format, as it feels like you are following a journey.
The writing: The range of emotions evoked by the words, including pain, love, sadness, hope, and freedom. The format of individual poems changes, showing creativity and feeling natural and human.

Some favorites: Both/And, Things I Want to Hold, The Circle, Fall is for Writers.

I first discovered Alix on Instagram. Seeing authors on Instagram is just a small view of their art, and I’m so excited to see my favorite poets when they launch books. I look forward to seeing more of Alix’s work.

[Elizabeth Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading any page of Alix Klingenberg's poetry is like opening a little giftbox of truth.

This is a beautiful poetry collection. The language of the poetry is simple and straightforward yet the poems themselves are rich, complex, and so, so satisfying because of their powerful truths about complex and conflicting feelings. I definitely identified with the fierce female/feminist voice. Many of the poems tackle the intersection of motherhood and making art; maintaining one's individuality in romantic relationships; and ambivalence about what we take from our parents. Amid all the turmoil we humans cause each other, nature is a salve.

If you are a writer, woman, daughter, human, or nature lover, read these poems--you'll find something that speaks to you.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Alix's work via her Instagram account and was immediately taken by her ability to pull strands of nature and humanity into her verse. She's simultaneously vulnerable and fierce, sharing her self-doubts and her desires. She weaves the natural world into her poetry so effortlessly, and through her own self-identifying with it, helped me see it in myself in a new way. There's courage here, and wisdom. She speaks to all our senses, from the taste of warm bread and a lover's kiss, to the feel of our bare feet on the earth and the scent of lavender and sage. Bread Sex Trees connected me to something primal and long-dormant. I'm glad I found Alix's work and this book.

[Erica Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unabashedly candid poetry. It took a minute for it to grow on me, but by the end, I was in love. The poems really resonated with me.

There is a subtle progression in this book. The initial vibes have an underlying feel of sadness—dull and pervasive, like the dark grit and grime of a big city. But by the end of the book, there's an opening up, a lightness, a freedom that comes from accepting oneself, hopefulness.

A beautiful book about living a life true to oneself.

[Kristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

While the title seems eclectic, Bread Sex Trees captures how Klingenberg sees the world and what they hold dear, perfectly. This collection is about life and hope, particularly about finding hope and promise within ourselves, within those we care about, and in the little moments that occur in the vast world we experience daily.

Klingenberg's style fluctuates between confessional, affirmation, and rich long-form narrative poetry. The latter is certainly Klingenberg's strongest voice and most original, but I appreciate how Klingenberg uses second person address at times to hold the reader in their thoughts.

An enjoyable collection, easily savoured and easily related to.

[Phobean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend and mentor of mine taught me how to start my morning with more intention. One way, through poetry. My friend Alix’s poems have been my daily morning companion for three months -through the launch of my own debut novel. I’m thankful for the clarity and vision and acceptance and soft, loving welcome of this volume. I often found myself repeating, on occasion, the last three lines of the poem Bread | Sex | Trees: like bread, like sex, like trees.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alix Klingenberg’s poetry is so evocative — of outdoor scenes and places and indoor coziness. The need to be creative, and to express emotions and desires. Of her love for her family and friends. It’s rich and sumptuous and, at the same time, spare and elegant. This is a lovely collection that deserves to be widely read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Nadia Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alix Klingenberg's Bread Sex Trees might just be the best collection of poetry I've read in a long time. Thought provoking, full of imagery, and beautifully composed, I find myself coming back to it again and again. Alix is so talented and this book is a showcase of that talent - you will not want to put it down!

[Jane Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Alix's poetry! Each poem is beautifully and thoughtfully written. I find such a connection with her words, whether she is reflecting on self, surroundings, or the natural world. Reading this book was like talking to a confidant in whom one trusts enough to reveal their innermost self. Stunning!

[Erin Clements · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Central Avenue Publishing and Netgalley.
There were some poems in this collection that struck me and several that I didn't personally connect with, but ultimately I think that Alix Klingenberg is a skilled poet, just not necessarily the one for me -- as even the poems I enjoyed and connected with, I wouldn't rank among my favorites.

[mik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Klingenberg writes of “body gardens” and silence as adoration along with a love of fog. Refreshing and relatable simple and authentic poems. Like a hot bowl of your favorite soup on a cold night. LOVED the anti-modernity Wordsworth vibes in “TOO SOFT”. One of my favorite lines was about acorns and time: “And in treetops birds and squirrels dropped acorns to mark the passing of time.” p. 26

[J E R S O N · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the saddest contemporary collections of poems I have read so far. No doubt the writing style is what I would like to have if I wrote anything (omit laugh at never writing anything). It would be nice to listen to it as an audiobook.

[Karen Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book of poems, they speak to you and tell you so much. I have not yet finished the book as I am trying to make it last as long as possible (before starting it again).

[A. E. Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book of poetry by someone who has a wonderful sense of the natural world, seasons and the changes that arrive in our lives.

[Jarod Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharp, evocative poetry.

[Ashe Garlough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never want to put this book down. Flip to a random page daily and enjoy the beauty Alix spills onto the pages. It feels vulnerable, beautiful and true. ❤️

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished this and could not tell you of any standout poems. Plus, I fell asleep whilst reading, sooooo.

[Bea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unique and beautiful.

[Suzanne Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best poetry I read this year! Mesmerising, deep, spiritual, poetic and full of vibes. Especially love those monthly titled, those connected with the weather, nature, emotions and things happening around. Alix has a delicate voice, she write words that made you stop to think and feel, to reflect and lost in the moment. I highly recommend this especially if you love poetry!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is dangerous. In the way that women can be, when they are fully in their power. Untamed. Defying categorisation. It is silk and storms. Softness and rage. Grief and worship. A place to rest and find comfort, a place to come awake and charge into the world. Blending sensuality and innocence, the ancient and the here and now, Alix Klingenberg's poems are a meditation on feminine energy in all forms.

I love that the book contains a mishmash of styles. Some pages have just a few words on them, some poems spill over onto a second page, some have titles, some don't. It's full of contradictions and yet it's in harmony with itself - just like we all are, really.

This may seem strange, but I feel as if this book almost offers too much. It would have felt sharper if it wasn't 150 pages but maybe 100 instead. It's very generous to offer us all these gifts, and I did space out my reading over a couple of weeks, but I still felt like it at some point lost a little steam. Became a little too much the same, perhaps, too soft, perhaps, too many beautiful words without the sharpness of meaning. Though I did very much enjoy this tender and raw collection.

Alix is another one of my Substack finds that I am so happy about, and I am currently enrolled in her spring poetry writing circle which is such a warm, safe, creative, fun space. Would recommend.