She Followed the Moon Back to Herself

by Amanda Lovelace

USA TODAY Bestselling AuthorThe tenth poetry collection from Amanda Lovelace deviates from the path of fairy tales and myths, instead bringing readers face to face with the person behind the poems that have made her beloved.

From bestselling poetess Amanda Lovelace comes she followed the moon back to herself , an autobiographical standalone poetry collection that follows a woman who—through heartbreak, bottles of rosé, and the general messiness of life—felt like she completely lost who she was. Each bitesize poem shines a light on where she’s been and how she’s managed to overcome it all, offering a dose of hope and moondust to all who join her on the journey back to herself.An authentic, relatable collection that is a must-read for fans of Amanda Lovelace’s work and all interested in modern poetry.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Feminism, LGBT, Adult, Contemporary, Queer

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2024

About the author

Amanda Lovelace is a bestselling American poet who rose to fame through her poetry posted to Tumblr and Instagram. She is the author of the women are some kind of magic series, including the Goodreads Choice Award-winning the princess saves herself in this one and women are some kind of magic.

Reviews

[Živa · Rating 1 out of 5]

1⭐
- i think she might be a scorpio

[mjk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had trouble with this review because the content of this little book comes from the heart of this author and her challenges with mental health and body image. It feels uncomfortable to assign a star rating to this because of that, but these poems just aren't good.

Since Rupi Kaur's "Milk and Honey", the rise of "Instagram poetry" has encouraged poets and authors to put short poems in a beautifully bound book to be posted for people to caption "in my self-acceptance era"! (legit the title of one of the poems)

These poems lack any sort of depth. And although the issues that the author writes about in these poems are almost universal experiences for her readers and followers, they feel so surface level which is the opposite of what poetry NEEDS to be. Cutesy metaphors and quippy titles are not enough to make this book any more than a 1 star read for me.

[Katie ᥫ᭡. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I just ADORE Amanda Lovelace, she never disappoints with her authenticity. I so appreciate her ability to emulate and articulate real life human struggles. This collection feels like a chat with a dear friend, reminding you of your own power and beauty. Amanda’s poems inspire and uplift, making you feel seen and understood. 💖 Her words are simple yet profound, lessons of pain, resilience, and triumph. This book is a heartfelt reminder that we all have the strength within us to save ourselves. Absolutely loved it!

I am obsessed with the cover and all the PINK! I can't wait to purchase a physical copy - so beautiful!

Thank you to NetGalley, Andrews McMeel Publishing, & the author for my ARC!

[Tree ✶.˚⟡ ࣪ ⋆ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This reads


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In 2010
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[Jenny ✧ Sick, Sad, Lit · Rating 1 out of 5]

I used to love Amanda Lovelace. In 2017 when I was going through some incredibly tough times, Amanda's poetry brought me solace and made me feel less alone. I read volume after volume, always preferring it over the more "mainstream" Rupi Kaur. So when I saw Amanda Lovelace had a new collection coming out and it was available to request on Netgalley, I was thrilled.

I hadn't read any of Amanda's work for a few years and I was hoping to experience more of the same fondness and comfort in her words. What I failed to take into account I guess is the passage of time and how my own tastes have matured. It's been seven years since Amanda's debut work and yet 'she followed the moon back to herself' follows the exact same formulas and shows a rather alarming lack of sophistication and development on Lovelace's part.

I was unfortunately taken aback by the immature and frankly, juvenile style of writing. For a poet now in her thirties, I had hoped to see some semblance of evolution from her early days but this collection read like some angsty teenage Tumblr post circa 2007. Half the book was a wallpaper-style repeat graphic so the actual collection took me about 15 minutes to read. It was shallow and lazy and I sadly believe that it's work like this that gives poetry a bad name and is why many poets struggle to be taken seriously.

I'm disappointed to have to give such a harsh review but I honestly hoped for much much more than this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Andrew McMeel Publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

She Followed the Moon Back to Herself is a stand-alone poetry book by Amanda Lovelace and really resonated with me. The poems are heartfelt and relatable and left me feeling like Amanda had looked into my soul. This is quite an uplifting collection that makes you feel seen and also makes you reflect on life and situations. I really want a physical copy of this book so I can tab it and pick it up whenever I need to to give myself a boost or encouragement. If you like poems that make you feel seen, empowered, or make you feel like you're having a sit down with an old friend, this is definitely one you need to pick up.

[isabella · Rating 2 out of 5]

love the art in this book but oh my god im so sorry this is poetry for people who've just learnt what a metaphor is

[Imogene Dacanay · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange of my HONEST review.

Amanda Lovelace is one of the poets who made me start reading poems. It's been years since I last read a poetry collection, and reading her new piece made me love poetry once again. I forgot how one line can stir deep-sitted feelings within.

Must be a coincidence, but the content of this collection is exactly what I need right now. It's about finally learning how to accept and love oneself. Her poems are uplifting, encouraging, and it shows understanding in a deeper level. I can read this collection anytime, every time that I need something for boosting. It's so beautifully-written, so powerful, yet brutally honest, to the point that I can relate to each and every word.

Simple words. Complicated feelings. But it was direct, and it definitely hit the right spots

[Steph ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Not my favourite collections but I liked it nonetheless.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A good collection of poems but none of them really stood out for me.

[Adhima Ratnaningtyas · Rating 1 out of 5]

i blame
rupi kaur
for turning poetry
into whatever
this is
and guys
i think
the author
-she’s a scorpio

[Miss✧Pickypants ᓚᘏᗢ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book is poetry of inner dialogues, strength and resilience.
the book is well designed, aesthetic, with pink and luna moths.
the book is approachable, readable, a good gateway to poetry.
and reaching the end of each poem, i am rewarded with it's title.
-dare i say i enjoyed the titles as much as, if not more than the poem

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow! This was bad!

Amanda Lovelace seems to think her Instagram captions are worthy of being a volume of poetry. Sadly, she is wrong.

[Bea (beansbookshelves) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

This might be Lovelace's best work so far, I'm truly mesmerised by it. She never disappoints. I'm so glad the author decided to write and publish this poetry collection.

These poems felt incredibly relatable. Her words are simple, yet deep and full of meaning and emotion. I'll read anything she writes.

Rating: 5/5 stars.

[Literature with Lindsey 📚✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ADORE a well done poetry book. This one was full of feminism, self love, and body positivity. It was very easy to read and a bingeable book! I finished it in one sitting and really enjoyed it. Definitely can’t wait to check out more from this author!! 4/5⭐️

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

For the first time I have rated Amanda Lovelace’s poetry collection higher than 3 stars. I adore this book as it centers of self-love and embracing your flaws. It uplifts you to be more confident with yourself and never letting others mock you.

Simple yet impactful.

[Eliza Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

After so many books I really thought her writing would've matured, but alas, it felt like I was reading poems from an earlier book

[Emma Birtles · Rating 2 out of 5]

This felt like reading a teenage girls diary entries.
I can see there was supposed to be heavy self-empowerment and rediscovery but it read to me as a narcissistic pity party 😵‍💫.

I’ve really enjoyed her previous collections so I’m not sure why this read so different.

Two stars because I liked two poems….

[Leonie · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75 stars.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a HUGE fan of Amanda Lovelace from her very first collection of poetry and it's been wonderful following her on her journey of self-acceptance and love in this tenth book of deeply personal poems. Some resonated more than others for me but all are beautiful and heartfelt and contain nuggets of truth any reader should be able to ingest and celebrate in their own lives. The illustrations in the book are fabulous and I was sad to see this book end. Another must buy for me that I will go back to again and again over the years. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and the author for sharing her most vulnerable truths with her readers yet again. HIGHLY recommended, especially for fans of poets like Rupi Kaur.

[Abby Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read anything this author publishes, it’s always spectacular and this one was a quick read but so inspiring and warm to read

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. I literally don't care if this is tumblr poetry or not lol. This isn't my favorite title from Lovelace, but I enjoyed it all the same.

[Final✘Girl✘Magick · Rating 4 out of 5]

"she still doesn't believe in god.   she certainly believes in her goddesses, though.   when she’s done worshipping them, they give her a gentle yet fierce reminder to get on her knees & worship herself too.   —she must say that no god has ever made her feel this empowered."

I discovered this book while strolling through the book section at Target as one does. I instantly fell in love with the cover and the title. I knew this book needed to be in my life. Not everybody is going to relate to this. The poems talk about abuse, addiction, depression, losing yourself, your friends and finding yourself all over again. There is lesbian and witchcraft representation. Honey, I love it. I love that this book is being sold at the local store. Not only this but her other books as well that talk about Witchcraft and the Pagan path. Finally! We need the Goddess back. I'm so sick of being forced into religions that don't feel right. Let's explore other ways, too. Let's teach people what REAL witchcraft and Paganism is. I promise you've been taught wrong about it if you grew up religious. ANYWAYS.

Not only was I captivated by and gravited towards these poems with deep understanding and relating, I discovered I also have the Authors Oracle cards and I had no idea! I only discovered that fun little bit after I read her poems and searched her on Instagram. Which BTW, I completely, whole heartedly recommend that deck as well. Its called Believe In Your Own Magic oracle deck. Its beautiful. This magickal lady has flicked my witchy bean. I love her.

"the forest is her church.   the sea is her salvation.   neither   have ever tried to convince her that   she’s inherently incomplete or sinful or less-than.   —wholly." 

[brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m buying this the second it comes out damn

and not only that, but this just made me want to read all of her poetry and call her my favorite poet off of one collection i fear

[Seli · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly I couldn't find the connection with this book, as I had with her previous ones.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like this was written for me.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“One day, you aren’t going to be so worried about the things you are right now. Though it may be hard to see, everything will eventually work out for the best. Though you may feel utterly lost, you must remember that you have never been so lost that you couldn’t find yourself again.” - Signed, your future self

Just a lovely collection of thoughts and a beautiful message of strength and perseverance in achieving your dreams. 🌙

[Zolexi Alfonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love a good poetry book and this did not disappoint!!! thank you to amanda & netgalley for the arc <333

i love poetry that can make me feel things and make me think and i think this book really brought this

[Merve Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book to read on a full moon - 🌕 I had this book on my TBR for a minute now and when I saw on the shelves I got one for me and one for my roommate had a feeling we both would love it and this book definitely will be a thing I gift often to my girlfriends . So healing and so empowering and very unique .

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think if you like their other poetry collections you’ll like this one as well.