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In My Twenties
Twenties, a decade filled with failure, achievements, evolving personalities disguised as an extrovert ready to take over the world but, she slid in her bed and draped the blanket over her head, and let her sleep take over the very night. The contradicting emotions that never settle into one and her imposter syndrome taking over her life- Twenties can be harsh and cruel, especially in a deep patriarchal society where her voice is loud, but she becomes the object of their banters. When the world turns into a black hole and sucks the light out of her, she is left with her dimmed soul, a reminder of who she was. How can her frailties be her strength? The darkness that seeped into her mind, now resides within her. But the pages turn because she heals. Yes, she heals within darkness.
97 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2025
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 14, 2026
This is a short poetry collection about hitting your twenties, and although I'm not quite there yet, this was kindly sent to me by the author to review.
Don't be fooled by its shortness though, because Barlina definitely packs a punch. This is deeply personal, about the reality of letting go of the child inside and trying to welcome the adult you'll become. Your twenties are like your middle-of-the-road years; you're young but holding onto all these expectations and responsibilities. Like you don't know if you are doing too little or too much.
It's about finding the balance between healing your inner child and finding space for the future you. Some of the verses embody the sense of breaking down, of feeling like vultures are circling you. Like someone playing with your pain. But some talk about hope and rainbows and lights at the end of the tunnel. I loved how the author weaved metaphors for darkness and light, relating what it's like to be a human who has big emotions.
I also absolutely loved the illustrations in the book; they represented each poem perfectly.
Thank you to the author for the copy.
Don't be fooled by its shortness though, because Barlina definitely packs a punch. This is deeply personal, about the reality of letting go of the child inside and trying to welcome the adult you'll become. Your twenties are like your middle-of-the-road years; you're young but holding onto all these expectations and responsibilities. Like you don't know if you are doing too little or too much.
It's about finding the balance between healing your inner child and finding space for the future you. Some of the verses embody the sense of breaking down, of feeling like vultures are circling you. Like someone playing with your pain. But some talk about hope and rainbows and lights at the end of the tunnel. I loved how the author weaved metaphors for darkness and light, relating what it's like to be a human who has big emotions.
I also absolutely loved the illustrations in the book; they represented each poem perfectly.
Thank you to the author for the copy.
January 25, 2026
A Quiet, Honest Companion for Your Twenties
In My Twenties feels like reading someone’s unfiltered thoughts at a time when life feels loud and confusing. It captures that strange phase where you’re expected to have everything figured out, yet you’re still learning how to sit with your emotions.
The poems move through innocence, grief, anger, loneliness, and healing in a way that feels very real. Some pieces feel heavy and confronting, while others feel soft and reflective — like pauses that let you breathe. What I appreciated most is how the book doesn’t try to sugarcoat pain or turn it into something poetic just for the sake of it. The emotions are allowed to exist as they are.
This collection doesn’t give answers, but it offers understanding. It feels validating, especially if you’re navigating self-doubt, exhaustion, or the pressure of growing up. There’s a quiet sense of hope woven through the pages — not loud or dramatic, but gentle and steady.
A relatable, raw, and comforting read for anyone who has ever felt lost in their twenties or is learning how to heal while moving forward.
Highly recommended.
In My Twenties feels like reading someone’s unfiltered thoughts at a time when life feels loud and confusing. It captures that strange phase where you’re expected to have everything figured out, yet you’re still learning how to sit with your emotions.
The poems move through innocence, grief, anger, loneliness, and healing in a way that feels very real. Some pieces feel heavy and confronting, while others feel soft and reflective — like pauses that let you breathe. What I appreciated most is how the book doesn’t try to sugarcoat pain or turn it into something poetic just for the sake of it. The emotions are allowed to exist as they are.
This collection doesn’t give answers, but it offers understanding. It feels validating, especially if you’re navigating self-doubt, exhaustion, or the pressure of growing up. There’s a quiet sense of hope woven through the pages — not loud or dramatic, but gentle and steady.
A relatable, raw, and comforting read for anyone who has ever felt lost in their twenties or is learning how to heal while moving forward.
Highly recommended.
January 8, 2026
“In the end, HOPE saves a 20-year-old girl”
• Have you ever seen life through the eyes 20 year old girl?
• Have you ever asked your little girl what going on in your mind?
• Have you ever gave a 20 year old girl a chance to explain herself, show her real-self?
Well! If your answer is ‘NO’ then this poetry book is for you. It might be a start to understand a girl and how much she suffers or thinks or carries burden of life upon her head.
I love authors writing and every word in this book. The lines were so good that it keeps me up all night thinking.
• Have you ever seen life through the eyes 20 year old girl?
• Have you ever asked your little girl what going on in your mind?
• Have you ever gave a 20 year old girl a chance to explain herself, show her real-self?
Well! If your answer is ‘NO’ then this poetry book is for you. It might be a start to understand a girl and how much she suffers or thinks or carries burden of life upon her head.
I love authors writing and every word in this book. The lines were so good that it keeps me up all night thinking.
January 3, 2026
In My Twenties is a deeply personal poetry collection that explores grief, rage, identity, and healing through a woman’s perspective. Structured into sections—Reminisce, Grief, Rage, Death, and Heal—it traces the emotional confusion of young adulthood with honesty and restraint. The poems are intimate, reflective, and quietly powerful, offering recognition rather than easy comfort.
January 18, 2026
I loved this. It felt so relatable and the poems are beautifully written. The author did a great job. Also it's a compilation of small poems so it is very easy to read and simple to understand. I loved this 💗
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews