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The Year I Was Everything
Lexi Bruner's second collection of poetry and prose, The Year I Was Everything , follows the author on her journey as she strives to understand the wonders of this world and what it means to be human within it. The collection explores the unbearable weight of being an artist, as well as what it means to be lost, and ultimately found. Inspired by the elements and the ways nature manifests in humans themselves, The Year I Was Everything brings readers along on an exploration of Water, Earth, Fire, and Air, before finally arriving at Human .
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2023
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Bruner
2 books4 followersLexi Bruner is an author and poet based in Austin, TX. When she’s not exploring themes of identity, culture, and power in her writing, you can find Lexi working with a nonprofit organization centered around equitable feedback practices, “hiking” around town, kickboxing, reading, or baking up a storm for her home bakery business. The Year I Was Everything is Lexi’s second publication, following her debut poetry collection journey back to Me.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 26, 2023
I really enjoyed my first experience of poetry. Some of the poems really spoke to me and made me reflect a lot on my life.
I particularly enjoyed:
Lost And Free
How To Build Your Village
Magic Stems From Happiness Too
I particularly enjoyed:
Lost And Free
How To Build Your Village
Magic Stems From Happiness Too
August 12, 2023
PT
Acho que nunca me tinha apaixonado por um livro de poesia como aconteceu com este! Identifiquei-me tanto com tantos dos poemas que foram escritos.
Neste livro podem ler poemas sobre os principais elementos: água, fogo, terra, ar e, por fim, poemas sobre nós, humanos.
Houve momentos que tive de parar e refletir sobre o que estava a ler porque realmente a maneira como a escritora coloca os seus sentimentos nestes poemas é forte, mas extraordinária.
Embora seja um livro pequeno e que até se possa ler rápido por serem poemas, acho que o objetivo do livro não é esse. O objetivo é ler com calma, refletir sobre o que acabamos de ler, ver se nos identificamos com aquele poema e perceber o mesmo.
Leiam e apreciem estes poemas!
ENG
I don't think I've ever fallen in love with a poetry book like this one! I identified so much with so many of the poems that were written.
In this book you can read poems about the main elements: water, fire, earth, air and, finally, poems about us, humans.
There were moments when I had to stop and reflect on what I was reading because the way in which the writer puts her feelings into these poems is really strong and extraordinary.
Although it is a small book and it can even be read quickly because they are poems, I think that is not the purpose of the book. The objective is to read calmly, reflect on what we have just read, see if we can identify with that poem and realize the same.
Read and enjoy these poems!
Acho que nunca me tinha apaixonado por um livro de poesia como aconteceu com este! Identifiquei-me tanto com tantos dos poemas que foram escritos.
Neste livro podem ler poemas sobre os principais elementos: água, fogo, terra, ar e, por fim, poemas sobre nós, humanos.
Houve momentos que tive de parar e refletir sobre o que estava a ler porque realmente a maneira como a escritora coloca os seus sentimentos nestes poemas é forte, mas extraordinária.
Embora seja um livro pequeno e que até se possa ler rápido por serem poemas, acho que o objetivo do livro não é esse. O objetivo é ler com calma, refletir sobre o que acabamos de ler, ver se nos identificamos com aquele poema e perceber o mesmo.
Leiam e apreciem estes poemas!
ENG
I don't think I've ever fallen in love with a poetry book like this one! I identified so much with so many of the poems that were written.
In this book you can read poems about the main elements: water, fire, earth, air and, finally, poems about us, humans.
There were moments when I had to stop and reflect on what I was reading because the way in which the writer puts her feelings into these poems is really strong and extraordinary.
Although it is a small book and it can even be read quickly because they are poems, I think that is not the purpose of the book. The objective is to read calmly, reflect on what we have just read, see if we can identify with that poem and realize the same.
Read and enjoy these poems!
June 17, 2023
Thank you to the author for gifting me with an eARC of this poetry collection in exchange for an honest review!
This Poetry collection focuses on finding yourself while exploring the many wonders and hardships life has to offer.
First off the bat, I really liked the format of the poems. Having the title at the very end of the poem gave the title more impact as I had already reflected upon the poem while reading it and in some cases it helped me to better understand the poem if I didn’t quite understand its meaning.
Also really appreciate the drawings in this! So stunning! However, I do wish I got to see them in full colour instead of greyscale, but beautiful nonetheless.
I can’t lie and say I loved every poem in this collection. That’s just not how poetry works. You take what resonates, and leave the rest. And on that note, I did find some gems sprinkled in between the poems that didn’t spark anything for me.
A lot of the poems revolved around relationships and heartache, and although we can all relate to that in some way, some of these poems rang too personal which made it difficult for me to connect it to any feelings, struggles or experiences I’ve had in life. The ones that didn’t go into any situational specifics and just focused on the impact and feeling hit me deeply.
The further I got into the book, the more I could relate to the poems, or understand their bigger meaning. Bruner does a great job of putting emotions to societal issues, making us care.
Poems I liked and why:
Current-alt title: Friend Breakup:
It resonated. It is something I have felt many times over the years.
How to build your village:
I love the note with the rain and looking for the ones that stay in the rain with you, because I’m the type of person who runs out into the rain to enjoy its beauty, and sharing that beauty with someone else is such a special moment.
This Nothing you Give:
It was raw and I could understand it on a deeper level.
“But you look at me and see
nothing but a well to reflect back your own needs
rather than the universe that resides within me.”
This Poetry collection focuses on finding yourself while exploring the many wonders and hardships life has to offer.
First off the bat, I really liked the format of the poems. Having the title at the very end of the poem gave the title more impact as I had already reflected upon the poem while reading it and in some cases it helped me to better understand the poem if I didn’t quite understand its meaning.
Also really appreciate the drawings in this! So stunning! However, I do wish I got to see them in full colour instead of greyscale, but beautiful nonetheless.
I can’t lie and say I loved every poem in this collection. That’s just not how poetry works. You take what resonates, and leave the rest. And on that note, I did find some gems sprinkled in between the poems that didn’t spark anything for me.
A lot of the poems revolved around relationships and heartache, and although we can all relate to that in some way, some of these poems rang too personal which made it difficult for me to connect it to any feelings, struggles or experiences I’ve had in life. The ones that didn’t go into any situational specifics and just focused on the impact and feeling hit me deeply.
The further I got into the book, the more I could relate to the poems, or understand their bigger meaning. Bruner does a great job of putting emotions to societal issues, making us care.
Poems I liked and why:
Current-alt title: Friend Breakup:
It resonated. It is something I have felt many times over the years.
How to build your village:
I love the note with the rain and looking for the ones that stay in the rain with you, because I’m the type of person who runs out into the rain to enjoy its beauty, and sharing that beauty with someone else is such a special moment.
This Nothing you Give:
It was raw and I could understand it on a deeper level.
“But you look at me and see
nothing but a well to reflect back your own needs
rather than the universe that resides within me.”
June 11, 2023
A fresh and inspiring poetry collection by an author and poet I will definitely keep reading.
The Year I Was Everything is divided into four sections representing the elements: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. The fifth section is called Human. There's lovely art at the beginning of each section and the formatting in this book is so nice. It feels professional to the point I was surprised it's an indie book. I also spotted absolutely NO typos, it's so well-edited.
The book is about the process of creativity, what it takes out of you, and why we need to keep creating anyway. As a writer and poet myself, I found myself highlighting a lot of passages because I could relate to them so strongly. Take for example:
To sell my art
is to sell my soul,
but that has to be okay.
When your writing is so personal, it does feel sort of exploitative of yourself to put it out into the world. It's like publishing a diary or something. But what else are you going to do with it when you feel like you need to share it?
Here's a poem from the very end of the book in the "Human" section that I really liked:
And here I've managed to
focus so intently on
who I could be
that I've missed the magic of
who I've become.
I love the idea of celebrating where you are and how far you've come. It's easy to just look to the future and always want more. Of course it's good to dream. But I find myself losing track of just how far I've come and how impressed my past self would be with my life these days. I think this poem is a great reminder of that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this poetry collection and will be reading Lexi Bruner's first collection as well. And I can't wait to see what she writes next. This collection deserves a place on your shelf.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
The Year I Was Everything is divided into four sections representing the elements: Earth, Air, Water, and Fire. The fifth section is called Human. There's lovely art at the beginning of each section and the formatting in this book is so nice. It feels professional to the point I was surprised it's an indie book. I also spotted absolutely NO typos, it's so well-edited.
The book is about the process of creativity, what it takes out of you, and why we need to keep creating anyway. As a writer and poet myself, I found myself highlighting a lot of passages because I could relate to them so strongly. Take for example:
To sell my art
is to sell my soul,
but that has to be okay.
When your writing is so personal, it does feel sort of exploitative of yourself to put it out into the world. It's like publishing a diary or something. But what else are you going to do with it when you feel like you need to share it?
Here's a poem from the very end of the book in the "Human" section that I really liked:
And here I've managed to
focus so intently on
who I could be
that I've missed the magic of
who I've become.
I love the idea of celebrating where you are and how far you've come. It's easy to just look to the future and always want more. Of course it's good to dream. But I find myself losing track of just how far I've come and how impressed my past self would be with my life these days. I think this poem is a great reminder of that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this poetry collection and will be reading Lexi Bruner's first collection as well. And I can't wait to see what she writes next. This collection deserves a place on your shelf.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
June 30, 2023
I am really enjoying this book of poetry. The themes of the book focus on self-exploration, and the author does a great job of writing pieces with multiple layers. I really enjoyed the emotions that some of the poems brought out of me. 'Lost and Free,' which is one of many favorites, seems like a mantra, if anything, and made have an "I Know That's Right!" moment. Some poems stood out in this book, and I recommend that anyone interested in modern poetry try this. Now some advice: I think poetry is like a well-aged scotch. You should take it slow and appreciate it. I'm taking my time with this book and will probably read it multiple times as things that may not have stood out on the first couple of reads may stand out due to new experiences and over time.
Overall I recommend the book and truly enjoyed the book. Thanks to the author for the early ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Overall I recommend the book and truly enjoyed the book. Thanks to the author for the early ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 29, 2023
I definitely had high hopes going into this book as I loved Lexi's last poetry collection, journey back to Me, and let me tell you it did not disappoint!
This book is split into five parts. Water, Earth, Fire, Air and Human. Each segment follows the author as she explores the elements of this world and what it means to be a human within it.
One thing I love about Lexi's writing is how she is able to encompass her words with magic, and make them spread like a wildfire. There was not one moment during this book that I wasn't entirely engrossed. Honestly I had goosebumps through the entire read.
If you are a fan of Amanda Lovelace, K.Y. Robinson or Rupi Kaur, you should definitely pick up this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
This book is split into five parts. Water, Earth, Fire, Air and Human. Each segment follows the author as she explores the elements of this world and what it means to be a human within it.
One thing I love about Lexi's writing is how she is able to encompass her words with magic, and make them spread like a wildfire. There was not one moment during this book that I wasn't entirely engrossed. Honestly I had goosebumps through the entire read.
If you are a fan of Amanda Lovelace, K.Y. Robinson or Rupi Kaur, you should definitely pick up this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
June 29, 2023
🌸 Book Review 🌸
After having loved her first book of poetry, I was so excited to start The Year I Was Everything.
Her poetry is simple yet poignant. It's raw, but beautiful. It's smart and sassy.
#TYIWE did not disappoint. She uses the elements of Water, Earth, Fire and Air to describe the significance of being Human.
There was a strong sense of purification and healing in this one that I really loved.
Long story short, I'm a fan.
After having loved her first book of poetry, I was so excited to start The Year I Was Everything.
Her poetry is simple yet poignant. It's raw, but beautiful. It's smart and sassy.
#TYIWE did not disappoint. She uses the elements of Water, Earth, Fire and Air to describe the significance of being Human.
There was a strong sense of purification and healing in this one that I really loved.
Long story short, I'm a fan.
July 19, 2023
#bookreview
Stunningly beautiful inside and out! This collection of poetry explores the themes of friendship, love, the human condition and finding ones true self in sections relating to the elements of fire, earth, air, water and human. Thought provoking and resonant, these are not but simple poems, but a true testament to the commonality we share as human beings.
Special thanks to the author for this copy!
Stunningly beautiful inside and out! This collection of poetry explores the themes of friendship, love, the human condition and finding ones true self in sections relating to the elements of fire, earth, air, water and human. Thought provoking and resonant, these are not but simple poems, but a true testament to the commonality we share as human beings.
Special thanks to the author for this copy!
June 3, 2023
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an incredible collection of poems. I loved how it was broken up into sections, and the art in the book was beautiful. Some of my favorite poems include Faery-Land, On Friends As Soulmates, and Softness. These poems raw, real, and emotional. They make you sit back and think. Highly recommend.
This was an incredible collection of poems. I loved how it was broken up into sections, and the art in the book was beautiful. Some of my favorite poems include Faery-Land, On Friends As Soulmates, and Softness. These poems raw, real, and emotional. They make you sit back and think. Highly recommend.
June 30, 2023
wow. i missed reading poetry this touching and this relatable. i found myself in these pages, as an artist, as a woman, as a human. i’m so grateful i got to read this as an arc, specially because i think i was meant to hear these powerful and beautifully written poems, i needed these words to help me gather the strength to chase my own dreams.
June 25, 2023
I loved going along with Lexi’s journey of self-exploration and discovery. As someone who tries to be mindful of my own constant evolution and accepting and loving all the experiences that make me uniquely me – the good, the bad, and everything in between - I really enjoyed this collection.
June 30, 2023
Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews: “The Year I Was Everything" by Lexi Bruner
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
“The Year I Was Everything” was a powerful, poetic read! Through magical realism, or the incorporating of physical or symbolic magic in a real world or cultural setting, and the perfect execution of elemental allegories and metaphors, Lexi Bruner discusses the joys and struggles that come with what defines her as both a woman and a poet. Through her poetry, she discusses this topic through the juxtaposition of expectations of society vs true self identification. In other words, Burner discusses her experiences and views on fair-weather relationships that try to put limitations and expectations on her vs what truly defines her, how she doesn’t need an excuse or validation from others to embrace her inner magic, her inner power. The poetry and messages behind them truly spoke to me and I highly recommend not missing out on this collection of poems when it hits online shelves on June 30, 2023!
- Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.
“The Year I Was Everything” was a powerful, poetic read! Through magical realism, or the incorporating of physical or symbolic magic in a real world or cultural setting, and the perfect execution of elemental allegories and metaphors, Lexi Bruner discusses the joys and struggles that come with what defines her as both a woman and a poet. Through her poetry, she discusses this topic through the juxtaposition of expectations of society vs true self identification. In other words, Burner discusses her experiences and views on fair-weather relationships that try to put limitations and expectations on her vs what truly defines her, how she doesn’t need an excuse or validation from others to embrace her inner magic, her inner power. The poetry and messages behind them truly spoke to me and I highly recommend not missing out on this collection of poems when it hits online shelves on June 30, 2023!
- Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 1, 2023
The Year I Was Everything is so beautifully written. From the person who doesn't read a lot of poetry, this book captivated me. And the artwork is stunning. Also the concept of dividing the book into four elements before reaching the human part is amazing. There were a lot of poems that I related to as well.
Some of my favorite ones are:
• Water II
• Peace
• Aurora Borealis
• Escape
• Music, Revisited
Some of my favorite ones are:
• Water II
• Peace
• Aurora Borealis
• Escape
• Music, Revisited
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews