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A Love Letter to Those Who Left Me Behind
A Love Letter to Those Who Left Me Behind is a full length poetry collection focusing on all types of relationships and friendships we encounter throughout our lives. Ultimately, these pieces explore what it costs to chase those that leave.
- GenresPoetry
120 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2024
3 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 24, 2024
I found this author on Threads and downloaded the book. New author for me. But I am glad I gave this collection a chance tbh.
There are a couple of things that weirded me out. The poetry titles did not fit the poem sometimes and the structure of some of the poems was irregular.
But I ended up enjoying the entire collection because of how honestly it was written. The author shared some of her darkest moments and I could relate to quite a lot of this book. It was refreshing to meet a poet who is not afraid to show their vulnerable side.
If you enjoy poetry and want to read something that you can relate to, I definitely recommend this book. It felt like a direct hug from the author. I will look forward to more books from Rachel :)
There are a couple of things that weirded me out. The poetry titles did not fit the poem sometimes and the structure of some of the poems was irregular.
But I ended up enjoying the entire collection because of how honestly it was written. The author shared some of her darkest moments and I could relate to quite a lot of this book. It was refreshing to meet a poet who is not afraid to show their vulnerable side.
If you enjoy poetry and want to read something that you can relate to, I definitely recommend this book. It felt like a direct hug from the author. I will look forward to more books from Rachel :)
March 19, 2024
A love letter to those who left me behind ─ ARC review
★ ★ ★ ★ 4/5
I absolutely love poetry and thank god i got this book… BUTTTTTT Do not ask me what I’ve became after reading this BOOK!! I was kept saving every single poem… as i had really tough time with friendship(s) and I feel really insecure about myself so this book was EVERYTHING to me! some poems were even more relatable… reading this book felt like Rachel was looking into me, writing about me. I don’t know what to write about this it was everything!! Words cannot describe how beautifully this was written this was perfect thing to ever exist!! It was like I’m reading my own diary without even writing it by myself
Thank you so much @rachellabergeauthor for the ARC I’m so grateful for you letting me read this book in advance <3
★ ★ ★ ★ 4/5
I absolutely love poetry and thank god i got this book… BUTTTTTT Do not ask me what I’ve became after reading this BOOK!! I was kept saving every single poem… as i had really tough time with friendship(s) and I feel really insecure about myself so this book was EVERYTHING to me! some poems were even more relatable… reading this book felt like Rachel was looking into me, writing about me. I don’t know what to write about this it was everything!! Words cannot describe how beautifully this was written this was perfect thing to ever exist!! It was like I’m reading my own diary without even writing it by myself
Thank you so much @rachellabergeauthor for the ARC I’m so grateful for you letting me read this book in advance <3
May 20, 2024
i haven’t read a poetry book in so long and i really enjoyed this book, the illustrations are amazing and some of these poems are really deep, i was underlining every page, and thought that of them were so relatable. thank you for the author for sending me a physical copy along with other goodies! 🫶🏽
March 18, 2024
Okay, wow.
Let me start off by saying that:
1. I don't read poetry.
2. I absolutely loved this.
Rachel wrote this so beautifully that I even found myself getting emotional and I never thought I'd feel that way about poetry. She tells a beautiful story of what we think love is, hurt and pain, real love, self love, and healing.
There were so many stories where I truly felt like I related to and connected with regardless of how similar or different our experiences in life may be.
I found myself wanting to just keep turning the pages to see what story she had to tell next.
I won't even begin to say that I know anything about poetry, but I know I enjoyed this.
"love yourself
to make up for
for every
you're too much
you're not enough"
Ooh, girl, you got me feeling all the feels (especially with that one ^ ) and so I thank you <3 This felt very therapeutic and I feel refreshed.
Thank you so so much to Rachel LaBerge for the ARC copy!
Let me start off by saying that:
1. I don't read poetry.
2. I absolutely loved this.
Rachel wrote this so beautifully that I even found myself getting emotional and I never thought I'd feel that way about poetry. She tells a beautiful story of what we think love is, hurt and pain, real love, self love, and healing.
There were so many stories where I truly felt like I related to and connected with regardless of how similar or different our experiences in life may be.
I found myself wanting to just keep turning the pages to see what story she had to tell next.
I won't even begin to say that I know anything about poetry, but I know I enjoyed this.
"love yourself
to make up for
for every
you're too much
you're not enough"
Ooh, girl, you got me feeling all the feels (especially with that one ^ ) and so I thank you <3 This felt very therapeutic and I feel refreshed.
Thank you so so much to Rachel LaBerge for the ARC copy!
April 25, 2024
DID I READ THIS BOOK OR DID THIS BOOK READ ME!?
A stunning collection of poetry, I identified with so many of the poems in this book and it felt so good to be seen. To know that i’m not the only one with past relationship (friendship) trauma. and also affirming that even though people left me behind, they created space for others who will love me the way i deserve 🫶🏼 soo good!
A stunning collection of poetry, I identified with so many of the poems in this book and it felt so good to be seen. To know that i’m not the only one with past relationship (friendship) trauma. and also affirming that even though people left me behind, they created space for others who will love me the way i deserve 🫶🏼 soo good!
April 3, 2024
This is a gorgeous poetry collection by Rachel LaBerge!
Rachel’s novel 𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 is one of my favorite reads so far this year! I am not a poetry lover or reader, but when I saw she was releasing this collection I thought I would give it a try - and I’m so glad I did!
𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿
𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆
𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵
𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I was highlighting something in every poem as I was reading. As someone who grew up struggling with confidence, self-worth, poor body image, and wanting to fit in and be loved by others (and let’s be honest, I still struggle with these things), this collection spoke to my soul. I burst out crying at the end because this took me on a 𝓳𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝔂 of feelings I’ve had thoughout my life - as a young child, to teenager, to college student, to newly married young adult, and now as a mother.
I still love music, but when I was younger I was obsessed with many artists and it was a huge part of my identity. I would look up lyrics to songs that I related to and it helped me process things going on in my life at the time. Reading these poems felt a lot like that - the author wrote them with her own personal meaning, but the reader can interpret and take their own meaning from these poems from the lens of their life experiences.
Even if you aren’t a poetry reader, I would highly recommend you check out this collection!
Rachel’s novel 𝗔 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿 is one of my favorite reads so far this year! I am not a poetry lover or reader, but when I saw she was releasing this collection I thought I would give it a try - and I’m so glad I did!
𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿
𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆
𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵
𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I was highlighting something in every poem as I was reading. As someone who grew up struggling with confidence, self-worth, poor body image, and wanting to fit in and be loved by others (and let’s be honest, I still struggle with these things), this collection spoke to my soul. I burst out crying at the end because this took me on a 𝓳𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓷𝓮𝔂 of feelings I’ve had thoughout my life - as a young child, to teenager, to college student, to newly married young adult, and now as a mother.
I still love music, but when I was younger I was obsessed with many artists and it was a huge part of my identity. I would look up lyrics to songs that I related to and it helped me process things going on in my life at the time. Reading these poems felt a lot like that - the author wrote them with her own personal meaning, but the reader can interpret and take their own meaning from these poems from the lens of their life experiences.
Even if you aren’t a poetry reader, I would highly recommend you check out this collection!
April 24, 2024
A beautiful collection of poems that had me alllll in my feels. I felt seen and heard, and i feel like i healed along the way. A quick and short read but worth every moment. This is one I’ll pick up time and time again. ❤️🔥
April 29, 2024
I needed this today
April 26, 2024
“you left but i’m the one who succeeded”
idk how Rachel did it, but she somehow looked inside my head and wrote a book about what she found. this collection of poetry is vulnerable and real and full of heartache and hope alike.
idk how Rachel did it, but she somehow looked inside my head and wrote a book about what she found. this collection of poetry is vulnerable and real and full of heartache and hope alike.
Read
May 4, 2024I absolutely love poetry. So when I saw Rachel was releasing hers, I couldn’t wait for it! Started and finished in 30 mins, like 30 mins ago lol I swear every page has a highlight 🤦🏽♀️😆 I loved everything! 🫶🏽
This collection did not disappoint. I couldn’t relate to a bit of it but you gotta love and respect when a writer can take you to another part of yourself to allow you to understand and open your mind to something you’re not familiar with. This left me clutching at my heart page by page. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and literally writing your heart out. I know it wasn’t easy but you just gifted something special to every single person who reads it. You gifted them the feeling of being heard, understood, and feeling loved. The title alone sounds like a person who is almost if not already fully healed. I felt the HEA or light at the end of the tunnel at the end. This was simply beautiful. This collection is truly a hug to those:
-who ever felt or been left behind
-who have had difficulties in any/all types of relationships
-who needs to see a new healthy perspective on their emotions regarding another who hurt them
🤍Here’s to the bones
“If you asked my bones they’d say you’ve been here all along from start to finish”
This collection did not disappoint. I couldn’t relate to a bit of it but you gotta love and respect when a writer can take you to another part of yourself to allow you to understand and open your mind to something you’re not familiar with. This left me clutching at my heart page by page. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and literally writing your heart out. I know it wasn’t easy but you just gifted something special to every single person who reads it. You gifted them the feeling of being heard, understood, and feeling loved. The title alone sounds like a person who is almost if not already fully healed. I felt the HEA or light at the end of the tunnel at the end. This was simply beautiful. This collection is truly a hug to those:
-who ever felt or been left behind
-who have had difficulties in any/all types of relationships
-who needs to see a new healthy perspective on their emotions regarding another who hurt them
🤍Here’s to the bones
“If you asked my bones they’d say you’ve been here all along from start to finish”
March 18, 2024
Oh, my heart. My soul! This poetry collection altered my brain chemistry. I cried big, fat tears, and it felt like therapy in a way - healing.
Poetry isn't something I typically gravitate towards mostly because I don't know how to properly read it but when Rachel said this collection is for all levels of poetry readers, she meant it. I read this pretty quickly and so many of these beautiful poems resonated with me, covering both past and present romantic relationships, friendships, and (based on my own interpretation) parent-child relationship (or lack thereof).
For anyone who has experienced being left behind in any way, shape, or form, I'm sending you so much love. I highly recommend picking this up and finding some solace in the pages of this collection. ❤️
Thank you, @rachellabergeauthor, so very much for your vulnerability. I can't imagine how nerve-racking it must feel sharing something this near and dear to your heart and soul. But I just know deep down that so many people are going to relate to one, if not all, of these beautifully written poems. And thank you for this arc in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
Poetry isn't something I typically gravitate towards mostly because I don't know how to properly read it but when Rachel said this collection is for all levels of poetry readers, she meant it. I read this pretty quickly and so many of these beautiful poems resonated with me, covering both past and present romantic relationships, friendships, and (based on my own interpretation) parent-child relationship (or lack thereof).
For anyone who has experienced being left behind in any way, shape, or form, I'm sending you so much love. I highly recommend picking this up and finding some solace in the pages of this collection. ❤️
Thank you, @rachellabergeauthor, so very much for your vulnerability. I can't imagine how nerve-racking it must feel sharing something this near and dear to your heart and soul. But I just know deep down that so many people are going to relate to one, if not all, of these beautifully written poems. And thank you for this arc in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
April 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
“I love you for not loving me, the way I needed because other people do”
I didn’t expect this book to pull so many emotions. This is a poetry collection with a story of first love, heartbreak, friendship, real love, and self love. So many poems were so relatable to something I’ve experienced and it created that nostalgia feeling. I wanted to keep turning the pages until the very end.
I don’t pick up poetry often, but I truly enjoyed this one. The poems flowed naturally page to page and it was easy to keep up.
If you like:
✨ Relatable poems
💖 Heartbreak
✨ Vulnerable
💖 Self love and growth
Then I highly recommend this book!
“You taste like cotton candy sugary and sweet and sound like my favorite song holding my hand in the front seat”
“I love you for not loving me, the way I needed because other people do”
I didn’t expect this book to pull so many emotions. This is a poetry collection with a story of first love, heartbreak, friendship, real love, and self love. So many poems were so relatable to something I’ve experienced and it created that nostalgia feeling. I wanted to keep turning the pages until the very end.
I don’t pick up poetry often, but I truly enjoyed this one. The poems flowed naturally page to page and it was easy to keep up.
If you like:
✨ Relatable poems
💖 Heartbreak
✨ Vulnerable
💖 Self love and growth
Then I highly recommend this book!
“You taste like cotton candy sugary and sweet and sound like my favorite song holding my hand in the front seat”
March 30, 2024
i have never felt so seen!!
i have absolutely never felt so seen before especially in a collection of poems. normally, i don’t get the poems or they feel like they were for me to understand & interpret. however, this felt like it was written from my soul.
rachel takes you on a journey of love. platonic love. friendship love. romantic love. self love. literally you feel like you are reading your own (in my case) or someone’s deepest inner dialogue. i felt my biggest insecurities be acknowledged & then for it to be wrapped up in such self love & self growth was incredible.
i could probably go on & on about this book, & i do have so many highlights & bookmarked pages; however, i think you should give it a try. who knows?? you might feel just as seen as i do.
i have absolutely never felt so seen before especially in a collection of poems. normally, i don’t get the poems or they feel like they were for me to understand & interpret. however, this felt like it was written from my soul.
rachel takes you on a journey of love. platonic love. friendship love. romantic love. self love. literally you feel like you are reading your own (in my case) or someone’s deepest inner dialogue. i felt my biggest insecurities be acknowledged & then for it to be wrapped up in such self love & self growth was incredible.
i could probably go on & on about this book, & i do have so many highlights & bookmarked pages; however, i think you should give it a try. who knows?? you might feel just as seen as i do.
April 11, 2024
This was one of the MOST BEAUTIFUL things I’ve read recently. I’m not a poetry girl normally, but I thought I’d dip my toe in for the month of April and this did not disappoint. I may be entering my poetry era :).
May 3, 2024
Rachel Laberge was already an auto-but author for me after A lodge Affair, but this collection of poetry really solidified that for me. It was so emotional and beautiful. It genuinely felt like she picked emotions out of my heart that I could have never put into words. Five stars isn’t enough
March 26, 2024
4.5⭐️ My heart. This book of poetry was so well written. It’ll pull at your heartstrings and get your emotions going for sure. Fantastic job, Rachel. I will be recommending this to everyone to read.
March 30, 2024
I loved this book because I have actually lived it. It was hard to read but I made it through. This is the perfect book to read about those that left you. I loved the ending because the author is so right. This book is like a supportive person you never really had, just to tell you its ok.
I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
September 3, 2025
the way i would just pop up while reading with the absolute urge to highlight some sentences…
March 18, 2024
Rachel LaBerge was kind enough to provide me an ARC of this collection of poems.
I do not claim to know anything about poetry but I do want to read more this year. I am glad I was able to start with this collection because I was able to relate to so many emotions and experiences expressed throughout it.
From platonic to romantic love; from heartbreak to finding safety, most humans will be able to connect in some way with this.
As soon as it is available, you should pick this collection up
I do not claim to know anything about poetry but I do want to read more this year. I am glad I was able to start with this collection because I was able to relate to so many emotions and experiences expressed throughout it.
From platonic to romantic love; from heartbreak to finding safety, most humans will be able to connect in some way with this.
As soon as it is available, you should pick this collection up
March 26, 2024
4.5⭐️
"I love you for; not loving me, the way I needed; because other people do"
"A Love Letter to Those Who Left Me Behind" - a title brimming with introspection and opportunity, giving us insight into the loss, grief, and self acceptance in this collection. LaBerge did a fantastic job interweaving complex feelings and life experiences into each poem, making them unique yet easy to connect with. Although Rachel is a friend/acquaintance of mine through the tried and true 'bookstagram,' I leave all biases behind when I say that this collection was gutturally complex and real. The poems weren't created with the intention to outshine each other, but instead to interconnect with the collection itself, providing a unified product as a whole. These poems felt realistic, without fighting to feel overly traumatic or shocking. They enter the soul smoothly and with immediate resonance, making this collection feel homely and warm no matter how varied or nuanced each poem is. All I have left to say is that this collection was beautifully written and produced, and I can't recommend it enough (even if you aren't an avid poetry consumer).
I also want to give special recognition to the poem "finally I love you for leaving." I have never felt my own feelings and experiences be portrayed so specifically in a piece of art. This poem will stick with me forever.
"I love you for; not loving me, the way I needed; because other people do"
"A Love Letter to Those Who Left Me Behind" - a title brimming with introspection and opportunity, giving us insight into the loss, grief, and self acceptance in this collection. LaBerge did a fantastic job interweaving complex feelings and life experiences into each poem, making them unique yet easy to connect with. Although Rachel is a friend/acquaintance of mine through the tried and true 'bookstagram,' I leave all biases behind when I say that this collection was gutturally complex and real. The poems weren't created with the intention to outshine each other, but instead to interconnect with the collection itself, providing a unified product as a whole. These poems felt realistic, without fighting to feel overly traumatic or shocking. They enter the soul smoothly and with immediate resonance, making this collection feel homely and warm no matter how varied or nuanced each poem is. All I have left to say is that this collection was beautifully written and produced, and I can't recommend it enough (even if you aren't an avid poetry consumer).
I also want to give special recognition to the poem "finally I love you for leaving." I have never felt my own feelings and experiences be portrayed so specifically in a piece of art. This poem will stick with me forever.
March 19, 2024
I didn’t expect to cry while reading this. Covering romantic, platonic, and relationships with ourselves, there was peace and pain from the past and present. In life, we cross paths with many people, but the one person that stays is yourself. Learning to persevere through tumultuous circumstances was one of the hardest things I ever did; it made me question, ridicule, and eventually love myself more.
Poetry is beautiful, and I admire everyone who writes it. It expresses the most heinous and wonderful things; Rachel did a fantastic job capturing life with love and without it. Even if you’re not a huge poetry fan, this fast-paced collection deserves to be read!
Thank you SunnyBabePR & Rachel Laberge for sending a digital copy!
Poetry is beautiful, and I admire everyone who writes it. It expresses the most heinous and wonderful things; Rachel did a fantastic job capturing life with love and without it. Even if you’re not a huge poetry fan, this fast-paced collection deserves to be read!
Thank you SunnyBabePR & Rachel Laberge for sending a digital copy!
October 15, 2025
Brb while I go cry a river🥲
When I started seeing Rachel post about her new poetry collection, I new I needed to read it.
This collection felt like an embrace to my soul. It spoke the words I never thought I could say myself. It unlocked memories that I thought were lost forever. It spoke soft encouragements to the most broken parts of me.
A Love Letter To Those Who Left Me Behind is for anyone who has experienced trauma, who has ever felt grief or loss. For those of us who have been left behind with broken promises and broken hearts.
✨TW: this book covers topics of trauma, loss, grief, abandonment, and low self-esteem.
When I started seeing Rachel post about her new poetry collection, I new I needed to read it.
This collection felt like an embrace to my soul. It spoke the words I never thought I could say myself. It unlocked memories that I thought were lost forever. It spoke soft encouragements to the most broken parts of me.
A Love Letter To Those Who Left Me Behind is for anyone who has experienced trauma, who has ever felt grief or loss. For those of us who have been left behind with broken promises and broken hearts.
✨TW: this book covers topics of trauma, loss, grief, abandonment, and low self-esteem.
March 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I read Rachel’s book A Lodge Affair and loved it so i was so excited to see what she could do with a poetry book. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me and I had a hard time connecting to it. I think I just couldn’t really relate to what she’s been through and I should’ve gone into it without any expectations. When I read poetry books I usually expect it to pack a huge gut punch so that was my fault. I am really proud of Rachel though for putting this book out and I will continue to check out everything she does!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read Rachel’s book A Lodge Affair and loved it so i was so excited to see what she could do with a poetry book. Unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me and I had a hard time connecting to it. I think I just couldn’t really relate to what she’s been through and I should’ve gone into it without any expectations. When I read poetry books I usually expect it to pack a huge gut punch so that was my fault. I am really proud of Rachel though for putting this book out and I will continue to check out everything she does!
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2024
After having just written a poetry collection myself and working on the second, it was a beautiful experience to read someone else’s work of poetry. I’ve always loved poetry, and I think what I love most about it is being able to feel what the poet felt writing these words in such short form, in such a short but impactful amount of time.
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of “a love letter to those who left me behind” and it’s heartbreakingly beautiful and relatable. From personal experience, I’ve consistently felt not good enough by nearly everyone in my life I’ve crossed paths with, and this collection of poetry is a reminder that it is their loss, not yours. As long as you know your self-worth and love yourself, those who left you behind, in retrospect, are tiny pieces of matter that no longer matter—a blessing in disguise.
“quit folding your corners
rounding out the quirks
the sharpness is unique, your own
those asking for less volume
weaker opinions, a muted stance
these are people you have
clearly outgrown”
Taking note from my own poetry book “the dark nights of the soul,” Rachel flawlessly executed her lifelong dark nights and compiled a book of poetry that is a must-read for everyone, especially those who have a deep appreciation for raw poetry, in any walk of life.
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC of “a love letter to those who left me behind” and it’s heartbreakingly beautiful and relatable. From personal experience, I’ve consistently felt not good enough by nearly everyone in my life I’ve crossed paths with, and this collection of poetry is a reminder that it is their loss, not yours. As long as you know your self-worth and love yourself, those who left you behind, in retrospect, are tiny pieces of matter that no longer matter—a blessing in disguise.
“quit folding your corners
rounding out the quirks
the sharpness is unique, your own
those asking for less volume
weaker opinions, a muted stance
these are people you have
clearly outgrown”
Taking note from my own poetry book “the dark nights of the soul,” Rachel flawlessly executed her lifelong dark nights and compiled a book of poetry that is a must-read for everyone, especially those who have a deep appreciation for raw poetry, in any walk of life.
April 2, 2024
Thanks so much to the author for the gifted advanced digital copy of this one 💖.
✨What it is about: A full-length poetry collection focusing on all types of relationships and friendships we encounter throughout our lives. The poems explore the cost of chasing those who leave.✨
💭 My thoughts:
I haven’t read poetry in a long time, and just before the new year, I picked up a few books with intention to read some, but got distracted by other genres. However, as soon as I saw the title of this poetry collection I knew I wanted to read it, and was so grateful to receive the arc to enjoy right away.
So many of these poems resonated with me, and I’m sure will resonate with many people, as their range encompass multiple kinds of relationships, not just romantic ones. At some points it’s almost as if I saw my younger self in the pages of this book, quite clearly. So many of the poems brought back so many things, and my thoughts then, felt validated now.
It’s a very fast read, like most poetry books are, and the progression of the poems as you read through felt organic and natural, something quite refreshing to see. Very well done.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🥰 Relatable reads
🥰 Heartfelt poetry
🥰 Emotional reads
🥰 Seeing personal growth in writing
🥰 Honest and vulnerable thoughts
✨What it is about: A full-length poetry collection focusing on all types of relationships and friendships we encounter throughout our lives. The poems explore the cost of chasing those who leave.✨
💭 My thoughts:
I haven’t read poetry in a long time, and just before the new year, I picked up a few books with intention to read some, but got distracted by other genres. However, as soon as I saw the title of this poetry collection I knew I wanted to read it, and was so grateful to receive the arc to enjoy right away.
So many of these poems resonated with me, and I’m sure will resonate with many people, as their range encompass multiple kinds of relationships, not just romantic ones. At some points it’s almost as if I saw my younger self in the pages of this book, quite clearly. So many of the poems brought back so many things, and my thoughts then, felt validated now.
It’s a very fast read, like most poetry books are, and the progression of the poems as you read through felt organic and natural, something quite refreshing to see. Very well done.
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read if you like:
🥰 Relatable reads
🥰 Heartfelt poetry
🥰 Emotional reads
🥰 Seeing personal growth in writing
🥰 Honest and vulnerable thoughts
March 18, 2024
I absolutely love poetry. How amazing is it that the same words read by so many different people can evoke a different emotional response. People navigating their way through all of lives many obstacles can all find something to glean from the way someone describes a feeling. Rachel has done exactly this. I felt like she was looking inside of my brain and my heart and saying - I see you. You're safe.
And honestly screw anyone who doesn't find the value in you and leaves, they were never your people to begin with, if you don't believe me listen to Rachel's pages and pages of poems validating you just as you are.
This book of poems is the work of someone that has been in the trenches and lived to tell the nitty-gritty tale, proving that the people meant to destroy her never succeeded.
I found myself screenshotting poem after poem to reflect on in future moments and I cannot thank Rachel enough for somehow putting feelings I've felt for decades into words, because long story short, those people didn't destroy me either and there is a comradery in that shared human experience.
Reference to my fav poems: coexisting, torture by design, feathers and flames, over-sharing, and tumultuous waters.
And honestly screw anyone who doesn't find the value in you and leaves, they were never your people to begin with, if you don't believe me listen to Rachel's pages and pages of poems validating you just as you are.
This book of poems is the work of someone that has been in the trenches and lived to tell the nitty-gritty tale, proving that the people meant to destroy her never succeeded.
I found myself screenshotting poem after poem to reflect on in future moments and I cannot thank Rachel enough for somehow putting feelings I've felt for decades into words, because long story short, those people didn't destroy me either and there is a comradery in that shared human experience.
Reference to my fav poems: coexisting, torture by design, feathers and flames, over-sharing, and tumultuous waters.
March 28, 2024
Good, but ultimately, not for me.
Pros: the sections are well laid out, short read, took me back to similar situations in my own life, the artwork was very cute!
Cons: the choices of punctuation was a little distracting, some of the poems seemed to fit better in other sections
Thoughts Overall:
Poetry is tough. Even more than with novels, I feel like you either vibe with it, or you don't. lt's not for everyone and that's okay!! The author did a good.job, even if it wasn't particularly for me. For a first poetry collection, it was good and I hope to see more from Rachel in the future. The.poems brought up similar times in my own life, creating an avenue for reflection, which I appreciate.
Caption from my Instagram review:
I had the pleasure of reviewing the ARC for the debut poetry collection "a love letter to those who left me behind" by Rachel Laberge. While it ultimately wasn't for me, personally, it was an enjoyable read and I'm proud of her for doing something so scary. Poetry is often much more deeply personal than novels, baring the writer's soul in a way that novels do not because of the inability to hide behind characters. Fantastic job, Rachel! I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
Pros: the sections are well laid out, short read, took me back to similar situations in my own life, the artwork was very cute!
Cons: the choices of punctuation was a little distracting, some of the poems seemed to fit better in other sections
Thoughts Overall:
Poetry is tough. Even more than with novels, I feel like you either vibe with it, or you don't. lt's not for everyone and that's okay!! The author did a good.job, even if it wasn't particularly for me. For a first poetry collection, it was good and I hope to see more from Rachel in the future. The.poems brought up similar times in my own life, creating an avenue for reflection, which I appreciate.
Caption from my Instagram review:
I had the pleasure of reviewing the ARC for the debut poetry collection "a love letter to those who left me behind" by Rachel Laberge. While it ultimately wasn't for me, personally, it was an enjoyable read and I'm proud of her for doing something so scary. Poetry is often much more deeply personal than novels, baring the writer's soul in a way that novels do not because of the inability to hide behind characters. Fantastic job, Rachel! I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!
March 18, 2024
With this collection, Rachel walked me through memories and relationships of my past. (Did she read my diary?) Revisiting those feels different each time, but Part 5 related most to where I am currently at and it was liberating to read. There were lines that made me stop and reread their beauty several times.
This collection explores platonic friendships, romantic relationships, and our relationship with ourselves. It’s presented in a way that I believe is accessible to people no matter their relationship, or lack thereof, with poetry.
One of my favorite things about poetry is the shared experiences and seeing that others have made it through too. I think experiences that often feel isolating are more common than we believe in the moment and there is so much power in being understood.
In a collection, it is unlikely that every poem will speak to your soul. But there were many in this collection that spoke to mine and I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy.
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This collection explores platonic friendships, romantic relationships, and our relationship with ourselves. It’s presented in a way that I believe is accessible to people no matter their relationship, or lack thereof, with poetry.
One of my favorite things about poetry is the shared experiences and seeing that others have made it through too. I think experiences that often feel isolating are more common than we believe in the moment and there is so much power in being understood.
In a collection, it is unlikely that every poem will speak to your soul. But there were many in this collection that spoke to mine and I immediately pre-ordered a physical copy.
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 27, 2024
I don't usually read poetry, but I must admit that since I saw this collection of poems, it caught my attention, and it truly didn't disappoint me. It came to me when I needed it the most. In many of these poems, I could feel completely identified, for many reasons, but the main one is that I haven't been feeling completely well lately, and reading these poems lifted my spirits because I know I'm not the only one going through this. Rachel, by writing this poetry collection to make others feel identified, seeks comfort in words. It's beautifully written; it conveys the feeling, especially the comfort that one needs in some moments. I invite you to read them if you need some words of encouragement, especially on those days when you feel down. I couldn't stop reading it; I immersed myself in the beautiful words and the letters of these poems.
April 6, 2024
A Love Letter To Those Who Left Me Behind
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review:
I’m not a big poetry reader at all but when Rachel mentioned that she was coming out with this book I knew I wanted to give it a chance. And wow were the poems so relatable. It had me reminiscing on some good and bad memories of my past and also reflecting on my current life. I loved the different parts she speaks on in each chapter. This is the perfect poetry collection for everyone. It has something for relationships, friendships, self love, healing, and growth. I enjoyed so many of the poems and I definitely saved a lot of them so I can read them when I need a chance to reflect or a pick me up.
Thank You Rachel LaBerge for sending me this ARC for an honest review. Truly an enjoyable read! Do yourself a favor and purchase this collection.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review:
I’m not a big poetry reader at all but when Rachel mentioned that she was coming out with this book I knew I wanted to give it a chance. And wow were the poems so relatable. It had me reminiscing on some good and bad memories of my past and also reflecting on my current life. I loved the different parts she speaks on in each chapter. This is the perfect poetry collection for everyone. It has something for relationships, friendships, self love, healing, and growth. I enjoyed so many of the poems and I definitely saved a lot of them so I can read them when I need a chance to reflect or a pick me up.
Thank You Rachel LaBerge for sending me this ARC for an honest review. Truly an enjoyable read! Do yourself a favor and purchase this collection.
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