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Living in Phases: A Poetry Collection
Leisly Ann Roman's Living in Phases , a bilingual debut poetry collection, highlights, or rather normalizes, the ups and the downs, the phases, we all go through in this lifetime. Pain and joy. Love and loss. Grief and strength. Doubt and pride. We live in polarities, we exist in countless phases. Embedded with themes ranging from mental health and cultural expectations, to healing and personal growth, and through the lens of the ever-changing phases of the moon, Roman invites you on a poetic exploration as she reflects upon her own past and current phases, and all that has been learned, or unlearned, as a result.
- GenresPoetry
146 pages, Paperback
Published June 27, 2023
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 21, 2024
"Living in Phases" by Leisly Ann Roman is a captivating poetry collection that delves into the highs and lows of managing well-being, navigating womanhood as a woman of color, and experiencing the spectrum of self-discovery and love. From the moment I opened the book, Roman’s words leapt off the page and resonated deeply within me.
The first part of the collection addresses mental health, including OCD, with striking clarity. Roman masterfully depicts the ways intrusive thoughts permeate the mind and offers guidance on navigating the heavy emotions that accompany them. As I continued reading, I was impressed by how seamlessly she wove together themes of joy and sorrow, grief and resilience.
Having had the privilege of getting to know Roman both as an author and a person, I can attest to her kind, friendly, and compassionate nature. Her personal journey of growth and self-understanding shines through in her work, emphasizing the importance of taking steps to become the best versions of ourselves.
Reading this collection felt like revisiting my own journey through the incredible words of another. It was comforting to realize that there are other women out there experiencing similar mental health challenges and finding their own paths to self-discovery.
The first part of the collection addresses mental health, including OCD, with striking clarity. Roman masterfully depicts the ways intrusive thoughts permeate the mind and offers guidance on navigating the heavy emotions that accompany them. As I continued reading, I was impressed by how seamlessly she wove together themes of joy and sorrow, grief and resilience.
Having had the privilege of getting to know Roman both as an author and a person, I can attest to her kind, friendly, and compassionate nature. Her personal journey of growth and self-understanding shines through in her work, emphasizing the importance of taking steps to become the best versions of ourselves.
Reading this collection felt like revisiting my own journey through the incredible words of another. It was comforting to realize that there are other women out there experiencing similar mental health challenges and finding their own paths to self-discovery.
May 18, 2024
Leisly's debut collection is stunning, do yourself a favour and order it immediately! Living in Phases is bursting with real, raw emotion. As someone who struggles with mental health, it is cathartic and healing and deeply resonating. I've bookmarked sooo many pieces to come back to on the days that I need to feel seen, or just need a pick-me-up. You can feel Leisly's emotions pouring out from each, incredibly written piece. What a true talent!
December 4, 2023
"Living in Phases" is a remarkable bilingual book that delves deep into the author's personal struggles with mental health issues and physical ailments, beautifully depicted through poetic verses. With a blend of English and Spanish, the author skillfully expresses her journey, unveiling the challenges she faces in embracing her true self while grappling with her health problems.
Throughout the book, the author's words resonate with authenticity as she bravely opens up about her struggles. Her poetry serves as a poignant reflection of the rollercoaster of emotions she experiences, capturing the essence of her inner battles. The raw vulnerability in her verses allows readers to connect with her on a profound level, fostering empathy and understanding.
What sets "Living in Phases" apart is the author's resilience and hope, which shine through in her verses like a beacon of light. She skillfully intertwines her struggles with her unwavering determination to overcome them, offering a glimmer of hope to those who may be facing similar challenges. The transformative nature of her poetry is akin to a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, symbolizing her growth and resilience.
In conclusion, "Living in Phases" is a must-read for anyone seeking solace, understanding, and inspiration. Through her masterful poetry, the author beautifully encapsulates the complexities of mental health struggles while instilling a sense of hope and resilience. This book is a testament to the transformative power of self-expression and serves as a beacon of light for those navigating their own personal journeys.
June 13, 2023
Leisly has the incredible gift of being able to enter our souls, seeing what lays there and etching it onto a page. She dives into the minds, hearts and souls of those fighting against their own minds, and puts those struggles into beautifully crafted words. But through her words there’s hope, and healing.
I fell in love with this book from the very first page, and could not put it down until the very end. Her insightful, personal preface, dedications, and the gratitudes stole my heart. I love how she shares her life, and herself in the most delicate, beautiful narratives (as well as through her poetry). It’s so heartwarming to read, and a gorgeous reflection of the kind of person she is.
Her poems are filled with so much raw emotion and vulnerability, and are crafted in words that I can only describe as accessible yet so, so powerful. The way she incorporates Spanish into her pieces is such a refreshing, thoughtful way of incorporating her culture into this work of art. It honestly feels like you are reading her diary, or even your own.
There are so many poems every reader can relate to. And not just relate to, but feel seen by. Anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health absolutely must read this book. I love this collection, and I can’t recommend it enough ♥️ 5/5 stars!
I fell in love with this book from the very first page, and could not put it down until the very end. Her insightful, personal preface, dedications, and the gratitudes stole my heart. I love how she shares her life, and herself in the most delicate, beautiful narratives (as well as through her poetry). It’s so heartwarming to read, and a gorgeous reflection of the kind of person she is.
Her poems are filled with so much raw emotion and vulnerability, and are crafted in words that I can only describe as accessible yet so, so powerful. The way she incorporates Spanish into her pieces is such a refreshing, thoughtful way of incorporating her culture into this work of art. It honestly feels like you are reading her diary, or even your own.
There are so many poems every reader can relate to. And not just relate to, but feel seen by. Anyone who has ever struggled with their mental health absolutely must read this book. I love this collection, and I can’t recommend it enough ♥️ 5/5 stars!
November 15, 2023
This is as lovely a book as the writer is a person.
The poems are deeply personal and excellently written. While hyper specific to the intricate struggles she's gone through, I found the words stirring up the same emotions in me. I found myself relating so much to the inner fears and pains that many of the poems talked about, that it made reading them hard to do. But with each poem, it releases every pain point and the words get lighter with every page. You get to follow the same healing that she went through and watch the burdens lift, until the very end of the book, where the succeeding poems are like a relieving balm. The personal sentimentality that the bilingual poems brought when talking about the people that mean the most to her were so touching, with the letters to her mom and dad starting and closing the book. I loved the amount of care poured into the pages and could tell that each word carried the weight of her heart.
The poems are deeply personal and excellently written. While hyper specific to the intricate struggles she's gone through, I found the words stirring up the same emotions in me. I found myself relating so much to the inner fears and pains that many of the poems talked about, that it made reading them hard to do. But with each poem, it releases every pain point and the words get lighter with every page. You get to follow the same healing that she went through and watch the burdens lift, until the very end of the book, where the succeeding poems are like a relieving balm. The personal sentimentality that the bilingual poems brought when talking about the people that mean the most to her were so touching, with the letters to her mom and dad starting and closing the book. I loved the amount of care poured into the pages and could tell that each word carried the weight of her heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2024
Thought provoking bilingual poetry that contains themes like mental/emotional health, body dismorphia, inspiration and the normalities of being multicultural.
I love poetry collections because it can be read in any order and you can decide to be divinely guided to open to a random page and the message you find always resonates. The same goes for Living In Phases, I found myself intuitively shuffling between the book to read the pages I was called to. I was never disappointed by what I read. From the smallest of the poems, to the longest, there was always so much reflection and empathy that I sat with afterwards.
Thank you Leisly Ann for this beautiful collection of words. This gift was surprisingly healing. ❤️🩹✨
I love poetry collections because it can be read in any order and you can decide to be divinely guided to open to a random page and the message you find always resonates. The same goes for Living In Phases, I found myself intuitively shuffling between the book to read the pages I was called to. I was never disappointed by what I read. From the smallest of the poems, to the longest, there was always so much reflection and empathy that I sat with afterwards.
Thank you Leisly Ann for this beautiful collection of words. This gift was surprisingly healing. ❤️🩹✨
September 28, 2024
“Living in Phases” is a really great collection of poetry! I love how deep, insightful, and raw Leisly’s words were. You can tell she poured her heart and soul into this book that touches on mental health struggles such as OCD, healing, and all of life’s phases.
April 3, 2024
4.5 rounded down (don't hate meeee)
MY GIRLLLLLL
I've been following Leisly on Instagram for a hot minute now from my own poetry insta (@ramblingsofayoungadult) and BY GOD Leisly always blows me away with her writing.
This collection is no different!!!!! I have so many tabbed pieces!!!! I had to put it down like 3 times because of the heavy content but the topics were all so beautifully and tastefully mentioned in some of her pieces.
Now, its 4.5 ⭐️ because poetry is subjective and sometimes pieces aren't someone's cup of tea and yes there were some pieces I wasn't the biggest fan of but the number of pieces I LOVED very much outweighed those.
I will probably be picking this up again and again to reread my fave tabbed pieces though...or when i need a lil punch in the gut...or maybe when I need a little cry...
MY GIRLLLLLL
I've been following Leisly on Instagram for a hot minute now from my own poetry insta (@ramblingsofayoungadult) and BY GOD Leisly always blows me away with her writing.
This collection is no different!!!!! I have so many tabbed pieces!!!! I had to put it down like 3 times because of the heavy content but the topics were all so beautifully and tastefully mentioned in some of her pieces.
Now, its 4.5 ⭐️ because poetry is subjective and sometimes pieces aren't someone's cup of tea and yes there were some pieces I wasn't the biggest fan of but the number of pieces I LOVED very much outweighed those.
I will probably be picking this up again and again to reread my fave tabbed pieces though...or when i need a lil punch in the gut...or maybe when I need a little cry...
May 20, 2024
A raw, honest, beautiful & self-reflective collection that guides the reader through the emotive landscape we call life. I especially resonated with the way Roman discussed mental health, self-doubt and anxiety - you could feel the ups and downs of life in her words. Can't wait to see more of this writer's work!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews