Wallflowers

by Haley Valenta

Wallflowers is a collection of poetry covering subjects such as life, relationships, and mental health. This is the second collection of poetry published by the author.

Genres: Poetry

40 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2023

Reviews

[Diana Reburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very grateful to Haley for sending me the manuscript of this book and trust me with the deepest parts of her soul. Most of these poems were not fully relatable to me, but I could still feel the emotion behind them. I will definitely check out her other work, as soon as I get the chance!

also: unexpected (but not unwelcome) Taylor Swift mention <3

~~~~~~

my favorite poems:

"I should have given you a proper burial,
a ceremonial send off before letting you go,
allowed you to decompose in a rectangular hole in the backyard
like a diseased, deceased pet.
I could make treks
from my bedroom to the patch
of rustled up dirt by the fence
to remember you.
Under the veil of pretense
you couldn’t see my feigned tears.
But you were recycled trash,
thrown away in brown grocery bags
half-heartedly
and maybe there’s more beauty in that.
I hope you were made into something new.

And maybe,
hopefully,
I’m writing on the pulp of you."

"I am 16, 22, 26
Three points in time
And I’m wondering if a bug covered in candle wax can stay alive
Or rather, for how long
Is it instantaneous death or the length of your average Paramore song?
Maybe that’s why I feel perpetually 22
Walking corpse
Heaven-sent youth
Continually confused for 16"

[May Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Wallflowers’ by Haley Valenta is an intimate, impactful read that leaves a sting with each page.

I was so excited to dig into this collection, purely based off the cover, itself. I love the floral design and feel as though it fits the book beautifully! Then, to pour yourself into the poetry inside, you finish each poem with a new perspective or find yourself feeling exactly how the author feels through every syllable.

A few of my personal favorite poems from this collection are “Ignore Everything” and “Rivers”. I saw myself in the reflections of these pieces. I loved the honesty, the raw emotions, and the personality that’s brought out, not only in these poems, but throughout the entire read! 💗

I look forward to reading more work from Haley!

[Isabella Gerborg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not the most avid poetry reader but when it came to Haley's writing, the way the words flowed and the unique similes/metaphors that were used added a personal flair that I adored! Wallflowers was filled with raw but relatable emotions that made me feel like I had a true connection to the book. Plus, the prose was easy to understand and I wasn't sitting there trying to piece together what the words meant. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an insightful and beautiful work of poetry!

[Theresa Radley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the rawness and authenticity of every poem. I felt welcomed into Haley’s mind and she shared some of deepest secrets and moments of vulnerability. I cried. I felt hopeful. I found peace in some of my own healing.

Haley, I applaud your bravery. I see you. I hear you. Thank you for sharing your story.

My favorites are “Goodbye,” “Ignore Everything,” “Social Anxiety Disorder,” “Stand Still,” and “Letting Go.”

[saintlysickgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry collection captures the raw, bittersweet reality of recovering from depression—filled with moments of pain, hope, and quiet healing. As a Catholic, I also appreciated the faith woven throughout. A beautifully honest read.

[K.E. Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but Powerful

This is the first of Valenta's works that I've picked up and I'm so glad I did. So much is packed into each poem. Wallflowers was my favorite and I resonated with that one the most.

[Katrina Thornley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry written as though the poet is having a conversation with the reader. Superb! Raw and real. Would definitely recommend

[Katherine Zumpano · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poems in Wallflowers are conversational, like you’re talking to a friend, but so vulnerable. It takes bravery to be so real and raw.