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Neon Soul: A Collection of Poetry and Prose
In short, powerful verses, Alexandra Elle shares a hard-won message of hope.
Alexandra Elle writes frankly about her experience as a young, single mother while she celebrates her triumph over adversity and promotes resilience and self-care in her readers. This book of all-new poems from the beloved author of Words From A Wanderer and Love In My Language is a quotable companion on the road to healing.
Alexandra Elle writes frankly about her experience as a young, single mother while she celebrates her triumph over adversity and promotes resilience and self-care in her readers. This book of all-new poems from the beloved author of Words From A Wanderer and Love In My Language is a quotable companion on the road to healing.
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2017
110 people are currently reading
2410 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Elle
25 books1,023 followersAlexandra Elle is a writer and creative living in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband and daughter. In her pre-teen years, writing came into her life by way of therapy and the exploration of healing. Many years later, Alex's voice and words are being shared poetically in the form of self-love and self-care. Her passion for storytelling, poetry, and narrative writing are infused with life lessons, self-celebration, and building community through reading, writing, and language.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
February 27, 2017
Truly a celebration of wholeness and the good health that is gained by wisdom, knowledge and contentment. “Neon Soul: A Collection of Poetry and Prose” is the third book written by Alexandra Elle. Elle’s books: “Love In My Language” (2014) and “Words From A Wanderer” (2013) were well received, she lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and daughter.
Although Elle’s husband and daughter are mentioned slightly in passing, she fondly recalls her Nana in “hands”. Nana, who combed her “thick cottony hair”with gentle loving kindness, framing a “mountain of hair”—part. grease. brush. braid. Otherwise, a dark incident that likely occurred in her childhood is only hinted, and not detailed. Elle writes in her introduction, that the dark windows and doors related to pain and suffering, and traumatic experience, weren't allowed to find a “resting place” within her spirit. It is true that excessively thinking about negative life experiences may be linked to depression. Elle certainly rise’s with strength and firm resolve above all negativity. The focus of this magnificent volume is about enrichment and nourishment of the female spirit.
With titled poems: “boundaries” is the voice of wisdom and self-acceptance. - “self-forgiveness” asks if “you” can forgive yourself for what you didn’t do? -“all” some will love your art, others will not. Both dynamics represent the balance of light and dark. So many of the poems express the importance of keeping an open mind and heart, the value of self-love, self-discovery and the necessity of self-care. None of these works are about the selfishness that magnifies self-absorption and the lack of compassion for others.
These poems are often like receiving soothing support and encouraging advice from a dear friend. Most of the poems are shorter free verse, a few lines of observation. - “linger” is simply about the impossibility of unloving someone. - “past life” is of the creation of future poetry, “they give hope to the hopeless/and warmth to frigid hearts/too scared to love again/past lives remind us that what/we don’t want is behind us/and what we do is within reach.” – “roar” is another poem of strength: “unhappiness is loud/and it can shatter every/bit of silence that gets/in the way/if you let it.” – “mosaic” very short, but equally powerful: “make art with/the mess from your heart/on the floor.” Elle has included several writing prompts to inspire creativity; the line drawings and illustrations are also an added bonus of this wonderful book! ~ With appreciation and a huge thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley for the DRC for the purpose of review.
Although Elle’s husband and daughter are mentioned slightly in passing, she fondly recalls her Nana in “hands”. Nana, who combed her “thick cottony hair”with gentle loving kindness, framing a “mountain of hair”—part. grease. brush. braid. Otherwise, a dark incident that likely occurred in her childhood is only hinted, and not detailed. Elle writes in her introduction, that the dark windows and doors related to pain and suffering, and traumatic experience, weren't allowed to find a “resting place” within her spirit. It is true that excessively thinking about negative life experiences may be linked to depression. Elle certainly rise’s with strength and firm resolve above all negativity. The focus of this magnificent volume is about enrichment and nourishment of the female spirit.
With titled poems: “boundaries” is the voice of wisdom and self-acceptance. - “self-forgiveness” asks if “you” can forgive yourself for what you didn’t do? -“all” some will love your art, others will not. Both dynamics represent the balance of light and dark. So many of the poems express the importance of keeping an open mind and heart, the value of self-love, self-discovery and the necessity of self-care. None of these works are about the selfishness that magnifies self-absorption and the lack of compassion for others.
These poems are often like receiving soothing support and encouraging advice from a dear friend. Most of the poems are shorter free verse, a few lines of observation. - “linger” is simply about the impossibility of unloving someone. - “past life” is of the creation of future poetry, “they give hope to the hopeless/and warmth to frigid hearts/too scared to love again/past lives remind us that what/we don’t want is behind us/and what we do is within reach.” – “roar” is another poem of strength: “unhappiness is loud/and it can shatter every/bit of silence that gets/in the way/if you let it.” – “mosaic” very short, but equally powerful: “make art with/the mess from your heart/on the floor.” Elle has included several writing prompts to inspire creativity; the line drawings and illustrations are also an added bonus of this wonderful book! ~ With appreciation and a huge thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley for the DRC for the purpose of review.
June 13, 2017
I am SO GLAD I bought this on a whim. Definitely one of my new favorites
June 15, 2017
Incredibly affirming. This book found me at a very specific time where I was not feeling so great about myself, and it really got me to shunt a lot of my anger and frustration to the side and focus on how to improve things, to find value in my opinions and love myself. The poetry is occasionally a little repetitive, but it always made me feel better.
March 13, 2017
I fell in love with Elle's writing after reading, Words from a Wanderer. Neon Soul is equally as beautiful. Her poetry is deepening as she grows as a writer, wife, and mother. One of my favorite poems from Neon Soul is 'enjoy':
don't forget to stop
and see and listen
and love. because
one day this will
all be gone and so
will we.
don't forget to stop
and see and listen
and love. because
one day this will
all be gone and so
will we.
November 4, 2018
This was a easy read very short book that mainly consists of poetry and some prose but all Alexandra Elle’s poems were very calming and beautiful.
Re-read: 4.5 (Y did I give it only four last time??) I REALLY liked it! Inspiring and amazing! Who could give this 1-3 stars! So sad. Short & easy read! Loved it! <333 (So many hearts!) My favorite poem might be: Reminisent Of. When I think of love poems this is what comes to mind.
Re-read: 4.5 (Y did I give it only four last time??) I REALLY liked it! Inspiring and amazing! Who could give this 1-3 stars! So sad. Short & easy read! Loved it! <333 (So many hearts!) My favorite poem might be: Reminisent Of. When I think of love poems this is what comes to mind.
August 29, 2017
New favorite poetry collection. I wanted to tab every single page.
March 20, 2017
Free copy provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review
Rating
I am giving Neon Soul a solid five out of five stars.
Genre
Neon Soul is a poetry book written about hope, recovery, self love and self worth.
About the Book
Description from GoodReads
“Alexandra Elle writes frankly about her experience as a young, single mother while she celebrates her triumph over adversity and promotes resilience and self-care in her readers. This book of all-new poems from the beloved author of Words From A Wanderer and Love In My Language is a quotable companion on the road to healing.”
Publication
Neon Souls hits the shelves on the 21st of March, 2017. Reviewed on the 20th of March, 2017.
Why did I choose this book to read?
I chose this book to read as I found it in the ‘read now’ poetry section on Netgalley. I have been told to read this poet a few times before and I thought this would be the perfect time to settle down and read one of her books, whilst trying to help make their newest publication succeed.
Pricing
This book is price at $16.99 on Netgalley
What did I think of it?
Whilst I was reading this, at only 30 pages into the beautiful expanse of Elle’s poems, I could feel a part of myself healing. Recently, I went through a bad break up, and this has really helped me put things into perspective with my own life. I’ve managed to clear up parts of my own life, and fix what I needed to fix. It warms my heart to have been able to do this through this book, and I owe Elle a massive thank you.
This was a stunning piece of poetry; I read it all cover to cover in one sitting, and I have fallen in love with this. I love the little illustrations on some pages in the book. I love Elle’s control over the English language. As a poet myself, finding the little poem prompts at the end of the book was a wonderful little surprise as well, and I will definitely be using these prompts within my own writing.
This was an absolutely stunning read and I’ve already recommended it to my partners and my best friend. Everyone needs to read this book.
Did I have any qualms with it?
I had no qualms whatsoever with this book, it amazed me.
Would I recommend it and who to?
I would definitely recommend this everyone that sees my review. I would recommend this book to lovers and haters of poetry alike. I’d recommend this to anyone going through a break up, a bout of self doubt, depression, bouts of self hatred. This book has taught me so much in just the hour it took me to read, and I recommend this to everyone and anyone.
Overall opinion
I have no words to explain how much I love this book. It’s taken a hold of my heart and it made my feel so much better about myself. I’ve learned so much about myself and discovered so much about myself and this is just stunning. I am definitely reading this a bunch more times over the 55 days I have it on my Adobe reader. Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this stunning book. I can’t promote this book enough.
Rating
I am giving Neon Soul a solid five out of five stars.
Genre
Neon Soul is a poetry book written about hope, recovery, self love and self worth.
About the Book
Description from GoodReads
“Alexandra Elle writes frankly about her experience as a young, single mother while she celebrates her triumph over adversity and promotes resilience and self-care in her readers. This book of all-new poems from the beloved author of Words From A Wanderer and Love In My Language is a quotable companion on the road to healing.”
Publication
Neon Souls hits the shelves on the 21st of March, 2017. Reviewed on the 20th of March, 2017.
Why did I choose this book to read?
I chose this book to read as I found it in the ‘read now’ poetry section on Netgalley. I have been told to read this poet a few times before and I thought this would be the perfect time to settle down and read one of her books, whilst trying to help make their newest publication succeed.
Pricing
This book is price at $16.99 on Netgalley
What did I think of it?
Whilst I was reading this, at only 30 pages into the beautiful expanse of Elle’s poems, I could feel a part of myself healing. Recently, I went through a bad break up, and this has really helped me put things into perspective with my own life. I’ve managed to clear up parts of my own life, and fix what I needed to fix. It warms my heart to have been able to do this through this book, and I owe Elle a massive thank you.
This was a stunning piece of poetry; I read it all cover to cover in one sitting, and I have fallen in love with this. I love the little illustrations on some pages in the book. I love Elle’s control over the English language. As a poet myself, finding the little poem prompts at the end of the book was a wonderful little surprise as well, and I will definitely be using these prompts within my own writing.
This was an absolutely stunning read and I’ve already recommended it to my partners and my best friend. Everyone needs to read this book.
Did I have any qualms with it?
I had no qualms whatsoever with this book, it amazed me.
Would I recommend it and who to?
I would definitely recommend this everyone that sees my review. I would recommend this book to lovers and haters of poetry alike. I’d recommend this to anyone going through a break up, a bout of self doubt, depression, bouts of self hatred. This book has taught me so much in just the hour it took me to read, and I recommend this to everyone and anyone.
Overall opinion
I have no words to explain how much I love this book. It’s taken a hold of my heart and it made my feel so much better about myself. I’ve learned so much about myself and discovered so much about myself and this is just stunning. I am definitely reading this a bunch more times over the 55 days I have it on my Adobe reader. Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read this stunning book. I can’t promote this book enough.
July 27, 2019
Honestly, i have to say that this book found me in the perfect time.
It’s a book of prose and poetry that holds and delivers the perfect healing message, it was like getting advise from a friend- just embracing self care, being whole within yourself and healthy love.
There might have been a few poems that felt kind of repetitive but overall a very good book.
3.5/ 5 stars!
It’s a book of prose and poetry that holds and delivers the perfect healing message, it was like getting advise from a friend- just embracing self care, being whole within yourself and healthy love.
There might have been a few poems that felt kind of repetitive but overall a very good book.
3.5/ 5 stars!
February 9, 2017
I loved the overall message presented in this collection of poetry; however, I'm not sure if I'm a huge fan of this style. Enjoyable and emotive, but not something that I think will stay with me long after reading.
July 9, 2017
I'm so confused. Everyone who's read this book loved it and yet I really can't find anything in there for me. It's like I read it and forgot about it that same minute. It was also very repetitive and almost too straightforward.
Just did nothing to me, personally.
Just did nothing to me, personally.
September 12, 2017
I am very happy to come across this book while browsing the internet. I read this knowing nothing at all. And I was actually surprised and amazed by this book because the poems that i usually read are about pain and suffering. Neon Soul however is the opposite. It is full of poems that gives you hope and reminds you that it is not the end.
I love how the poems were written. The words used were simple and easy to understand and I appreciate it because English is not my native language.
here are some of the poems from the book
Reading this is such a healing experience. I hope everyone will read this.
I love how the poems were written. The words used were simple and easy to understand and I appreciate it because English is not my native language.
here are some of the poems from the book
Fine
the worst lie i have ever told myself―
and there have been many―is i am fine,
as if it were a sin to admit that i wasn’t.
as if the sea would rise above me and absorb
into the clouds to replace the tears that i wasn’t
honest enough to shed.
i’m fine left gaping holes in my neon soul and
enabled men to come and go freely as they wished.
i’m fine left me lonely and unwell―
until one day i decided to tell the truth.
Through the Pain
be brave enough
to love yourself
even when it hurts.
Reading this is such a healing experience. I hope everyone will read this.
February 15, 2017
** I obtained a copy of this book via NetGalley for an honest review
In her forward for this collection, Alexandra Elle explains, "Truthfully, sometimes I worry that I can't grab onto my colors because I'm not broken anymore. There's a lingering fear that being whole threatens my creative voice." This collection is an exploration of whether being whole, in fact, improves her life and voice, rather than diminishes it.
In my view, poetry should deal with abstract topics through concrete means. There were a few great poems with a few great lines that actually did this. One of my favorites was in "sixteen-year-old self," where, when talking about love, the speaker says, "love does not require/you to misplace your map or directions/or identity--/it is not permission to lose your way home." I loved lines and poems like this because, while I am not a huge fan of any sort of love poetry, it presented love in a unique way and let us view love through the very real and relatable sensory feelings of maps and being lost. If all of her poems had been like this, Neon Soul would have easily been at least four stars.
Unfortunately, they were not. Out of 143 pages of poetry, I liked about 30, and was okay with a few more. At the risk of seeming insensitive, the rest seemed like angsty-teenage Facebook posts. To me, a poet's job is to take a feeling we've experienced, and put it into words we never had to describe that feeling, so that when you read it, you kind of go, "YES! That is what I was feeling, but I never knew how to describe it until now." That doesn't happen often in this collection.
At one point, a page is dedicated to a poem where the entire poem is just, "there will be many--/or maybe a few.../who won't ever love you./ and then there will be one/who will." That was the entire poem. And I just wanted to shout "I KNOW THAT!! Explain it to me with words and images I wouldn't see or use myself!" The only way I know how to describe it is to say that I can't start asking questions about the stars until I have seen the night. You can't expect me to go along on an emotional exploration of love until you give me a sensory explanation of it. Because most of the poems were like this, I couldn't really get into it, and couldn't bring myself to give this book higher than 2 stars.
The end of this book had several poetry prompts, so if you are looking for your very first book to get you into reading or writing poetry, I could understand choosing this one. But if you're someone who is already acquainted with the poetry genre, I would probably give this one a pass.
In her forward for this collection, Alexandra Elle explains, "Truthfully, sometimes I worry that I can't grab onto my colors because I'm not broken anymore. There's a lingering fear that being whole threatens my creative voice." This collection is an exploration of whether being whole, in fact, improves her life and voice, rather than diminishes it.
In my view, poetry should deal with abstract topics through concrete means. There were a few great poems with a few great lines that actually did this. One of my favorites was in "sixteen-year-old self," where, when talking about love, the speaker says, "love does not require/you to misplace your map or directions/or identity--/it is not permission to lose your way home." I loved lines and poems like this because, while I am not a huge fan of any sort of love poetry, it presented love in a unique way and let us view love through the very real and relatable sensory feelings of maps and being lost. If all of her poems had been like this, Neon Soul would have easily been at least four stars.
Unfortunately, they were not. Out of 143 pages of poetry, I liked about 30, and was okay with a few more. At the risk of seeming insensitive, the rest seemed like angsty-teenage Facebook posts. To me, a poet's job is to take a feeling we've experienced, and put it into words we never had to describe that feeling, so that when you read it, you kind of go, "YES! That is what I was feeling, but I never knew how to describe it until now." That doesn't happen often in this collection.
At one point, a page is dedicated to a poem where the entire poem is just, "there will be many--/or maybe a few.../who won't ever love you./ and then there will be one/who will." That was the entire poem. And I just wanted to shout "I KNOW THAT!! Explain it to me with words and images I wouldn't see or use myself!" The only way I know how to describe it is to say that I can't start asking questions about the stars until I have seen the night. You can't expect me to go along on an emotional exploration of love until you give me a sensory explanation of it. Because most of the poems were like this, I couldn't really get into it, and couldn't bring myself to give this book higher than 2 stars.
The end of this book had several poetry prompts, so if you are looking for your very first book to get you into reading or writing poetry, I could understand choosing this one. But if you're someone who is already acquainted with the poetry genre, I would probably give this one a pass.
June 30, 2020
Eentje om te koesteren!
Prachtige, helende woorden.
There are bits of you
that you’ll never get back,
and that is what will make you whole.
Prachtige, helende woorden.
There are bits of you
that you’ll never get back,
and that is what will make you whole.
September 23, 2017
!!! https://africanbookaddict.com/2017/09...
It's inspiring to see Alex Elle's growth in 'Neon Soul.' From this collection, it's clear she's content and comfortable in her skin. These poems center around the joys of being whole and comfortable with oneself. The poems are laden with gentle, uplifting affirmations and tools for living intentionally and forgiving oneself, as well as understanding and nurturing all aspects of yourself. There are a few glimpses of her immense love for her daughter and husband in the collection, which was very cute! One of the poems speaks on the unfortunate miscarriage she had a while back - and the simplicity of that poem speaks volumes on the polarizing feelings we women of color sometimes have about our bodies. Overall, I love this collection because Alex Elle seems to be writing from a place of fulfillment, which is refreshing from the myriad of poetry collections out there that are from a place of hurt and healing. Deun Ivory's illustrations were icing on the cake!
Fave poems -
it feels good to feel whole. to not live in
pieces or in fear.
it feels nice to belong to myself. to be
enthralled with the
endless possibilities to find who i am. we are
often too confused
about what parts of us deserve to stay in our
loud and vibrant lives,
but why is that? when all of the mess can
make a magnificent
masterpiece.
(pg. 114)
________________
will you ever forgive yourself
for what you didn't do?
who you didn't love or
let love you?
will you ever be soft
enough on yourself
to be free?
(pg. 29)
It's inspiring to see Alex Elle's growth in 'Neon Soul.' From this collection, it's clear she's content and comfortable in her skin. These poems center around the joys of being whole and comfortable with oneself. The poems are laden with gentle, uplifting affirmations and tools for living intentionally and forgiving oneself, as well as understanding and nurturing all aspects of yourself. There are a few glimpses of her immense love for her daughter and husband in the collection, which was very cute! One of the poems speaks on the unfortunate miscarriage she had a while back - and the simplicity of that poem speaks volumes on the polarizing feelings we women of color sometimes have about our bodies. Overall, I love this collection because Alex Elle seems to be writing from a place of fulfillment, which is refreshing from the myriad of poetry collections out there that are from a place of hurt and healing. Deun Ivory's illustrations were icing on the cake!
Fave poems -
it feels good to feel whole. to not live in
pieces or in fear.
it feels nice to belong to myself. to be
enthralled with the
endless possibilities to find who i am. we are
often too confused
about what parts of us deserve to stay in our
loud and vibrant lives,
but why is that? when all of the mess can
make a magnificent
masterpiece.
(pg. 114)
________________
will you ever forgive yourself
for what you didn't do?
who you didn't love or
let love you?
will you ever be soft
enough on yourself
to be free?
(pg. 29)
December 29, 2024
“if it feels forced,
free it.”
This is a reflective, heartfelt collection that touches on themes of self-love, healing, and personal growth. Elle's writing is accessible and relatable, which makes it an easy read for anyone seeking emotional connection through poetry and prose. The simplicity of her words creates a calming effect, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy uplifting, introspective poetry.
However, while I appreciated the honesty in her work, I found that some of the poems leaned toward the repetitive side. At times, the themes of self-worth and inner strength felt a bit too familiar, as though they were touching on the same ideas over and over without offering much new insight. That said, there were still moments of depth and beauty that I could really connect with, and some of the prose pieces stood out as particularly poignant.
While Neon Soul didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as I had hoped, I can understand why many readers resonate with Elle’s words. The collection would likely be uplifting for those in need of comfort or encouragement, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the level of originality or exploration I typically look for in poetry. Still, for readers seeking a gentle and accessible journey through personal reflection, this is a solid choice!
free it.”
This is a reflective, heartfelt collection that touches on themes of self-love, healing, and personal growth. Elle's writing is accessible and relatable, which makes it an easy read for anyone seeking emotional connection through poetry and prose. The simplicity of her words creates a calming effect, making it a great choice for readers who enjoy uplifting, introspective poetry.
However, while I appreciated the honesty in her work, I found that some of the poems leaned toward the repetitive side. At times, the themes of self-worth and inner strength felt a bit too familiar, as though they were touching on the same ideas over and over without offering much new insight. That said, there were still moments of depth and beauty that I could really connect with, and some of the prose pieces stood out as particularly poignant.
While Neon Soul didn’t have the same emotional impact on me as I had hoped, I can understand why many readers resonate with Elle’s words. The collection would likely be uplifting for those in need of comfort or encouragement, but for me, it didn’t quite hit the level of originality or exploration I typically look for in poetry. Still, for readers seeking a gentle and accessible journey through personal reflection, this is a solid choice!
March 22, 2017
This book is full of inspiring and healing small poems and quotes. If you want to read a book that is uplifting and help heal your soul this is a quick read and full of hope. Alexandra Elle, focuses more on how to better your soul, your self and the people around you; her advice is built on strong wisdom and a strong character. She seems all-encompassing and full of energy that can shine bright to a tired, weary soul. I would recommend reading this book and having it as part of your collection. I especially loved the poem "fill" which I can connect to. She tells you to never forget yourself along the process of giving. Filled with adorable illustrations and great lines, this poetry book will keep you turning the page.
July 1, 2018
The best poetry book I’ve read so far, I liked the messages in this one so much better than the last two I’ve read. This was still written in a way that I have trouble considering “poetry” but I did really like the messages inside.
August 19, 2017
I may not always be the easiest
woman to love.
but I love hard enough
to collapse the sky.
woman to love.
but I love hard enough
to collapse the sky.
March 14, 2018
This has become one of my absolute favourite poetry collections!
It made me both teary, happy and whole.
I feel so encouraged!
Very happy I picked this up and I highly recommend it to everyone!
It made me both teary, happy and whole.
I feel so encouraged!
Very happy I picked this up and I highly recommend it to everyone!
March 7, 2022
i read this in like 20 minutes sooo here we go. i have no bad feelings toward this book but i do have a few things to say. nothing in this collection really stood out to me, it felt quite repetitive and honestly i think the entire book could have been compiled into one longer poem. when i say longer i mean about a page because most of the poems in this book are less than a few lines. this collection would have benefited from some longer and more developed poems, instead of extremely short no brainers that felt more like prompts than poetry. not to say this is a bad collection at all! just not for me i think
January 6, 2020
3.5/5 stars. I just finished the ebook of this in two sittings and it was beautiful. I’d love to rate it 4 or 5 stars I just didn’t enjoy the longer poems. I’m a sucker for short ones. Anyways. If you love deep heartbreakingly truthful poetry, then this book is for you.
November 30, 2017
The first thing that pulled me towards this book was the author. Alexandra Elle is an author I just so happen to be familiar with. The book Words from a Wanderer was a small collection of poetry and notes I found very therapeutic to read. That was all the way back in 2016. Now jumping forward to a few days ago when I found this book in the bookstore, I didn't really know what Alexandra Elle was going to have in store for me this time.
Right off the bat I found the cover of this book very beautiful. It was simple but soft and easily my eyes were drawn to it. Once diving into the pages I was pulled into a world of healing. It was as if walking outside right after a storm. The skies start clearing and you start to pick up what the disaster left behind. The best way I can describe it is like relearning how to be happy again after a lot of pain. The book was motivational and moving. It reminded me to keep positive and be thankful for what I have had all along.
Poetry like this collection is constantly reminding me that the best work is the kind that has you looking at your own life in a new light. Plus the best work doesn't have to be birthed from pain. It can just as easily be birthed from love and growth. I hope this book brings a beautiful neon light in many lives just as it did mine.
Right off the bat I found the cover of this book very beautiful. It was simple but soft and easily my eyes were drawn to it. Once diving into the pages I was pulled into a world of healing. It was as if walking outside right after a storm. The skies start clearing and you start to pick up what the disaster left behind. The best way I can describe it is like relearning how to be happy again after a lot of pain. The book was motivational and moving. It reminded me to keep positive and be thankful for what I have had all along.
Poetry like this collection is constantly reminding me that the best work is the kind that has you looking at your own life in a new light. Plus the best work doesn't have to be birthed from pain. It can just as easily be birthed from love and growth. I hope this book brings a beautiful neon light in many lives just as it did mine.
July 14, 2018
** 4.5 ‘neon light’ stars **
passage
“there’s no need to circumnavigate
the journey at hand or ahead.
the growth, the change, the path.
the wings, the twists, the turns.
you will always find a way home.”
daring
“to write means to be honest,
to expose your deepest truth
and passion and fear.
you don’t have to make
sense. spill your soul
anyway.”
grip
“trust yourself enough to
let go when you feel
your hands unfold.”
victim
“be honest, they say.
tell us what happened
that day.
tell us who took your
soul and cut out your
tongue.
did you look while
they snatch the best
parts of you?
did you like it?
you must’ve.
please, tell us why
you let them.”
“Write out your soul.” - I love that Alexandra Elle includes poem prompts at the end of Neon Soul!
passage
“there’s no need to circumnavigate
the journey at hand or ahead.
the growth, the change, the path.
the wings, the twists, the turns.
you will always find a way home.”
daring
“to write means to be honest,
to expose your deepest truth
and passion and fear.
you don’t have to make
sense. spill your soul
anyway.”
grip
“trust yourself enough to
let go when you feel
your hands unfold.”
victim
“be honest, they say.
tell us what happened
that day.
tell us who took your
soul and cut out your
tongue.
did you look while
they snatch the best
parts of you?
did you like it?
you must’ve.
please, tell us why
you let them.”
“Write out your soul.” - I love that Alexandra Elle includes poem prompts at the end of Neon Soul!
January 23, 2022
Who taught you to unlove
yourself the way you did
so perfectly?
This poetry book is about self-love, self-discovery, self-healing, and even about love itself. I just feel most of the pages are so relatable to me, it was great to re-read and re-read some lines and feel the impact. I have my own favourite, memorable parts.
They don't have to come back.
And you don't have to answer
when they want to.
I haven't read that many poetry/poem and prose books, probably around 5 at this point, but i can tell you this is my fave for now, it's easy to digest and enjoy this one. I like that it's not too random inside,(unlike other books i've read before) i think basically most of it stayed true to the theme : discovering or keeping your neon soul.
the best part of not knowing
is learning how to get there
and getting lost along the way
yourself the way you did
so perfectly?
This poetry book is about self-love, self-discovery, self-healing, and even about love itself. I just feel most of the pages are so relatable to me, it was great to re-read and re-read some lines and feel the impact. I have my own favourite, memorable parts.
They don't have to come back.
And you don't have to answer
when they want to.
I haven't read that many poetry/poem and prose books, probably around 5 at this point, but i can tell you this is my fave for now, it's easy to digest and enjoy this one. I like that it's not too random inside,(unlike other books i've read before) i think basically most of it stayed true to the theme : discovering or keeping your neon soul.
the best part of not knowing
is learning how to get there
and getting lost along the way
May 27, 2019
will you ever forgive yourself
for what you didn't do?
who you didn't love or
let love you?
will you ever be soft
enough on yourself
to be free?
This was a half hour read the other night listening to the rain on the roof and cuddling into flannelette sheets. The perfect way to read poetry unless you have a fire and a view of the weather through a rain drenched window. Let me just romanticise my reading a little.
The themes of this collection are self love and forgiveness. Settling with the past and embracing the present. There's a repetitive motive of God that was slightly off-putting for me but also an image of a grandmother doing a grandchild hair that was very emotive.
The poetry prompts at the end are an interesting and welcome touch.
for what you didn't do?
who you didn't love or
let love you?
will you ever be soft
enough on yourself
to be free?
This was a half hour read the other night listening to the rain on the roof and cuddling into flannelette sheets. The perfect way to read poetry unless you have a fire and a view of the weather through a rain drenched window. Let me just romanticise my reading a little.
The themes of this collection are self love and forgiveness. Settling with the past and embracing the present. There's a repetitive motive of God that was slightly off-putting for me but also an image of a grandmother doing a grandchild hair that was very emotive.
The poetry prompts at the end are an interesting and welcome touch.
October 14, 2018
I’ve owned this collection for a while now, and for some reason every time I thought about reading it, I didn’t. I’m not sure why. I picked it up today, and again, I’m not sure why. My only guess is that I was drawn to it exactly at the time that I needed it most.
This collection is beautiful and sad and hopeful all at once, and has given me a lot to think about over the next little while.
Alexandra Elle is a light.
This collection is beautiful and sad and hopeful all at once, and has given me a lot to think about over the next little while.
Alexandra Elle is a light.
February 4, 2018
I needed such a light read and modern poetry seems to be that for me. I never thought I would get into poetry but I did. I seriously need some recommendations for other modern poetry books but I loved this so much. I’m so glad this was recommended to me when I have previously asked for modern poetry recommendations. JUST READ THIS BOOK ALREADY.
DAYUMMM.
DAYUMMM.
August 29, 2018
This book has been so helpful in my journey of healing and recovering from the the everyday stress of life, heartbreak and just simply getting older and falling into the mundane. I think the words of Alexandra Elle have been very insightful and continue to enlighten thousands of people. I can't wait to see what she writes next! You HAVE to read her words of wisdom and live by them. xoxo
February 16, 2020
“lava hisses from my soul like ash and neon” — alexandra elle
💜💛💜💛💜💛
this poetry and prose book was like honey melting from alex’s lips and it sewed my wounds together for a bit to teach me the healing and process works. at the end of this book, she offers poetry prompts to help you express your inner writer. i will post mine maybe tonight or this week. i recommend this. five stars.
💜💛💜💛💜💛
this poetry and prose book was like honey melting from alex’s lips and it sewed my wounds together for a bit to teach me the healing and process works. at the end of this book, she offers poetry prompts to help you express your inner writer. i will post mine maybe tonight or this week. i recommend this. five stars.
January 4, 2025
As far as poetry goes for me, 3 stars is high. I just did not connect with what felt like a lot of the poems. The ones I did though are escape, impossible, whole, mess, impossible, the unlearning, joy, uprising, fine, healing, and student. Also the introduction was what sold me on reading it in the first place.
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