A bookmad girl never dies,
Amanda Lovelace
The Princess Saves Herself in This One
Amanda Lovelace had me at the title, The Princess Saves Herself in This One. And then again at the dedication. Then, once again with the warning about triggers in her poems. This princess right here has been working on saving herself and fortifying the castle, so I knew I would identify with this book of poetry. The title embodies empowerment and self sufficiency. I knew when I was this one on the bookshelf at Midtown Reader in Tallahassee, it would be coming home with me. After reading this book (twice) I can say the poetry also embodies empowerment and self sufficiency. But, the author also reminds one to open the castle door, ease up on the fortifications, and be open to the suprise of found love when not searching.
The book is divided into four sections: Princess, Damsel, Queen and You. Amanda is at one point or another all of the first three, and then speaks directly to the reader in the fourth section.
Princess
She is the Princess, stowed away in her tower (room) writing poems while the queen (her mother) drinks, and behaves as no mother should to a child. From an early age , words are the comfort and companion of this lonely sad child, and we are the better for this. One can only hope these words were of comfort to her as they are companion to the reader now.
Damsel
The poetess covers her teen years, as the Damsel, encountering sleepy eyed dragons (boys) who present the next threat to her heart. I’ve never read the heartbreak of teen love so aptly described in as succinct a manner. We all knew that dragon. Here she covers tumultuous territory and reminds of us how painful young love can be or was. Through this period we also grieve other losses with the writer and perhaps wonder if its acceptable to feel relieved on her behalf at other loss.
Queen
All hail the Queen! Amanda emerges from tragedy to claim her triumph over circumstances. Her strength shines through as she faces her demons and dragons and declares herself to be more powerful than they. This is where she saves herself, and in that saving allows for new love to be tried and trusted. As the pages turn, joy comes spilling out, as the author embraces the freedom enhanced by the security he offers. Her life, so strife with tragedy and ugliness, becomes something new. As she says, “….I went ahead and painted the sun back into the sky.”
You
You are the reader Amanda speaks to as she concludes. She claims her power and shares her wisdom with her readers. Polish your words and write your story she beseeches, and makes it feel entirely possible to do so.
Princess Saves Herself
After reading, what I know without a doubt is she has had some rough times. Really, really rough. The kind that will break a person. The trigger warning includes childhood abuse, sexual assault, self-harm, eating disorders, trauma, death, suicide, just to name some. These experiences are woven into the fabric of these poems and expose so much hurt. But don’t stop reading, because in the end The Princess Saves Herself in This One.
I love finding new poem books to read, It’s been a while since I found one that spoke to my heart, and by the review, it seems,s like I need to check this one out. I loved your review, it gave a real understanding of what the book is like, thanks!
I rarely read books. But book review is interesting. Some kind of attracts people towards the book.
I have ssadly fallen off the wagon with my book reading, but my girlfriend loves it. Certainly going to recommend this to her! Thanks!
Sounds interesting… Is free available online???
This is an interesting book, and I’m glad it is available locally. Thanks for the update!
I hardly read Poems but this one got me. Weldon, very nice review. I hope you will be available to review my soon to be lunched book
Lovely review. I’m always looking for interesting books to read over the summer!
Nothing like a good review of a book to add to your summer reading list!! Thanks for this post!
This sounds absolutely beautiful. Thank you for writing such a thoughtful and succinct review of the book. I love contemporary poetry and this sounds like one I need to track down!
looks intruiging and interesting to read during quiet time
Just added to my summer reads, thanks for sharing!
Loving your book reviews! Another great one. Thanks!
Quite intrigued by your review. I will have to read this one.
I need to buy this book! Thanks for review!
I’ve never read this book. Nice to see your honest review. I’ll have a look at this book soon, Thanks for this review!
I love reading novel books! I want to read that book hopefully soon thanks for sharing!
Seriously, what an awesome title for a book! I’m always looking for new things to read!
I love to learn about new books. I just wish I had more time to read.
Looks like a great book that I would enjoy reading!
Your reviews are great. This books sounds worth a read.
interesting review. i would definitely take a look into it. thanks for sharing
Sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks for the review.
Sounds like a very good read. Thanks for the review!
This book seems incredibly powerful. I appreciate the notice about trigger warnings, and I resonate with your review.
I love reading but never leave a review. I have wrritten an Ebook for Children.
I am so sure I would love reading this soon.