“more forgetting time. more midnight dances with yourself.” amanda lovelace, the bestselling & award-winning author of the “women are some kind of magic” poetry series, presents a new companion series, “you are your own fairy tale” the first installment, break your glass slippers, is about overcoming those who don’t see your worth, even if that person is sometimes yourself. in the epic tale … sometimes yourself. in the epic tale of your life, you are the most important character while everyone is but a forgotten footnote. even the prince.
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There were some interesting entries here, and I liked the idea of incorporating work from poet friends and contemporaries along the same themes. But ultimately, Lovelace isn’t breaking any new ground here, with either the subject matter or writing style/use of language. These types of books are becoming very repetitive and less creative.
Firstly, I’d like to thank NetGalley for giving me an ARC for an honest review!
“It has never been within your duty to be pretty”
Having read all of Amanda Lovelace’s books, I was excited to read this one. Being such a huge fan of fairytales I was looking forward to seeing how Amanda used this in her writing. I have to say Nikita Gill’s forward is brilliantly written and also the artwork is a beautiful addition as always to the writing!
“We don’t win till we’re all winning”
I still find it hard to consider Amanda’s writing poetry. I would say it is more like inspirational quotes and pieces of prose which I still enjoyed. I found the ‘fairy godmother says’ a little irritating after a while and was glad when I got to the next sections where it stopped.
“My value doesn’t go down when my weight goes up”
I love the girl power vibes throughout this book and how much Amanda supports women. Having put on 2 and 1/2 stone in two years (shock horror) the quote above really helped me to try and see myself in a better light. I can see how a lot of people will be able to relate to this book and how it can really help people. I liked the concept that we can be our own fairy godmother and our own prince. We are strong enough to do it for ourselves!
“I went from a single wildflower to a whole f* meadow”
I was glad to see some pieces that celebrated men rather than slating them throughout which shows Amanda’s growth. In truth there is always somebody out there that isn’t going to f* us over.
“Withholding forgiveness can be a form of self-care”
Another quote that will be forever in my mind. Sometimes you just need someone else to say it for you to truly believe it! Another good book from Amanda and I hope to read many more.
What I love about poetry is that you can read it quickly. You can read it slowly. But regardless of how you read it, it continues to haunt you long after you’ve finished reading it.
fairy godmother says:
despite what you have heard, being alone is not
this great tragedy everyone makes it out to be.
if nothing else, see it as an opportunity to
reintroduce yourself to yourself. to relearn who
you are today. to dream up all the people you
would like to be for every tomorrow to come.
above all, find the value that lies in becoming
your own best friend.
Amanda’s writing is haunting. Her wisdom is simple, and yet I can see where it can also be lifegiving to those who haven’t yet learned these things for themselves. And in her retelling of the Cinderella story, she both takes from the fairy tale and gives back to it its power. Also, the art is simply lovely.
I enjoyed a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.