Here are some interesting discussion topics for a reading group focused on Toxic Loves.

The Nature of Toxic Relationships 

• How does the collection portray toxic relationships in various forms (romantic, familial, etc.)?
• Discuss the recurring themes and imagery used to represent toxic love throughout the poems.

Symbolism and Metaphors 

• Analyse the use of natural elements (flowers, animals, weather) as metaphors for human emotions and experiences.
• Discuss the significance of the yew tree symbol that appears in several poems.

The Impact of Trauma 

• How do the poems explore the long-lasting effects of trauma on individuals?
• Discuss the ways in which the poet portrays the process of healing from traumatic experiences.

Gender Dynamics and Power 

• Examine the portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics in the collection.
• Discuss how the poems address societal expectations and pressures related to gender.

The Role of Memory and Time 

• How does the collection deal with the concept of memory, particularly in relation to traumatic experiences?
• Discuss the way time is portrayed in the poems and its relationship to healing and recovery.

Isolation and Loneliness 

• Analyse the themes of isolation and loneliness that run through many of the poems.
• Discuss how these themes relate to the broader concept of toxic relationships.

The Body as a Battleground 

• Examine the physical manifestations of emotional pain described in the poems.
• Discuss the relationship between physical and emotional experiences in the context of toxic love.

Nature vs. Nurture in Toxicity 

• How does the collection address the origins of toxic behaviour?
• Discuss the poem "Nemesis-Child" and its implications for the nature vs. nurture debate.

The Language of Violence 

• Analyse the use of violent imagery and language throughout the collection.
• Discuss how this contributes to the overall tone and message of the poems.

Survival and Resilience 

• How does the collection portray the process of surviving and overcoming toxic relationships?
• Discuss the transformation of the speaker's voice from victim to survivor in poems like "A Smile" and "Beauty".

The Cycle of Abuse 

• Examine how the collection portrays the cyclical nature of abuse and toxic behaviour.
• Discuss the intergenerational aspects of toxicity as seen in poems like "Ghost Breath".

The Role of Society 

• How do the poems address societal attitudes towards toxic relationships and abuse?
• Discuss the critique of social institutions in poems like "Lockdown, Skilled in Silence".

Healing and Self-Discovery 

• Analyse the journey of self-discovery and healing portrayed in the latter part of the collection.
• Discuss the significance of poems like "Back to School" and "Gift" in the context of recovery.

The Use of Form and Structure 

• Examine how the poet uses different poetic forms and structures to convey meaning.
• Discuss the effectiveness of free verse vs. more structured forms in expressing the themes of the collection.

Intersections with Gothic and Horror Genres 

• Analyse the elements of Gothic and horror literature present in the collection.
• Discuss how these elements contribute to the portrayal of toxic relationships and trauma.