Deep Down in my Soul

by Briana Manning

Deep Down in My Soul' takes the reader on a transformative journey of empowerment, healing, and introspection. With heartfelt poetic storytelling, Briana Manning, a queer Black Woman, offers an opportunity to see life through a different perspective. She has chosen to write about her life through the form of poetry. Some of her poems like Under the Healing Tree share profound "She is sure to call on the strength and wisdom of her ancestors as she plants herself in nature, soaking up all the energy and releasing what is no longer good for her spirit." Other poems like Mama Said divulge true stories of "Some davs she beat me so bad I thought she was trying to beat the pain out of herself." By book's end, it'll be evident to the reader that this poet's passion for healing, and honesty shines through.

205 pages, Paperback

Published April 7, 2023

Reviews

[QUEENIE CLEM · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Deep Down in My Soul" by Briana Manning invites readers into a deeply personal and transformative journey of empowerment, healing, and introspection. Through heartfelt poetic storytelling, Manning, a queer Black woman, offers a unique perspective on life and shares her experiences through the art form of poetry.

The collection features a range of poems that delve into profound themes, from the wisdom of ancestral strength in "Under the Healing Tree" to raw stories of trauma in "Mama Said." Manning's words resonate with authenticity and emotion, drawing readers into her world and touching on universal truths of resilience and self-discovery.

What stands out most in Manning's poetry is her unwavering passion for healing and honesty. Each poem reflects a deep commitment to personal growth and empowerment, making the reader feel both seen and understood. By the end of the book, it's clear that Manning's sincerity and courage shine through in every line.

While Manning's poetic voice is powerful and her storytelling compelling, there are occasional areas where the language could benefit from refinement to enhance clarity and flow. Additionally, including a trigger warning at the beginning of the book would be beneficial, given the sensitive nature of some of the themes explored.

Overall, "Deep Down in My Soul" is a poignant and inspiring collection that offers readers a chance to connect with their own emotions and experiences. Briana Manning's poetry is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-expression.

For anyone seeking poetry that speaks to the soul and celebrates the journey of healing, "Deep Down in My Soul" is a recommended read.

[Beth Odgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of Poems by the Poet Briana Manning showcases her artistic talent in every word, each poem rings with the truth of the poet's world and how she experiences elements of her life, through her art form. The poems felt personal and it was as if the author was expressing them to a friend it felt like an honor to be allowed to read an insight into the writer's life. She covered many important areas with her poems such as race, gender, sexuality, and disabilities, each area portraying an important message about important issues and discussions in today's society. Even if the reader does not share the same issues I would encourage them to read Briana Manning’s poems and see them discussed from her point of view, her passion for healing is evident in every word, so no matter who the reader is everyone can take something away from her words and carry them forward to help them navigate difficult moments in their own lives. The were particular poems in the book that I found to be especially moving and I hope that this author continues to create as the world needs more poets with a voice like hers.