“The poet has a real gift for juxtaposition, setting different language registers against one another, punning, and generally torquing up the language of the quotidian in interesting and unexpected ways… The leaps are adept, exciting, and often amusing, even, occasionally, breath-taking.”
– The Danforth Review

“We were gladdened to find an author whose depiction of working-class family life was both unsentimental and tender. We were also struck by the clarity with which the idiosyncrasies of her characters emerge. Her portraits of gay culture are dazzlingly understated, her dialogue is superb, and her knack for comic detail a delight. This book is intoxicating.”

“This is not a book about exceptional people living extraordinary lives. Instead, the story here – written in taut, focused prose – follows people whose lives are permeated with sadness, regret and the threat of financial ruin, ad who struggle to get through difficult days to the best of their abilities […] The Western Alienation Merit Badge is easy to read and to recommend to others – a short dive into an Alberta family’s life that leaves a lasting impression.”

– Alberta Views

“At first blush, this is a quirky, queer coming-of-age novel. In her stripped-down, everyday prose, Cullen details the small hurts and moments of silence that break Frankie’s heart when she refuses to hide her sexuality from her conservative family….The Western Alienation Merit Badge is a moving portrait of fathers and daughters, sisters, friendship and the mistakes we all make along the way.”

– Toronto Star