What do you think?
Rate this book
A Heart Made of Tissue Paper
"It seems
my heart is
made of tissue paper;
I wish
the world would
handle it more delicately."
—Richelle E. Goodrich
A collection of original poetry by American novelist, poet, & illustrator, Richelle E. Goodrich.
Each chapter in this book touches on a specific emotional experience that affects the human heart within a lifetime. For example, the first chapter, titled TO LOVE, includes twelve poems that express aspects of love. Another chapter, titled TO LOATHE, includes poetry touching on life’s harsher challenges. The literary works in this book were written in a variety of poetic styles including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and cinquains. A Heart Made of Tissue Paper is a treasury of hard-earned joys and sorrows survived.
my heart is
made of tissue paper;
I wish
the world would
handle it more delicately."
—Richelle E. Goodrich
A collection of original poetry by American novelist, poet, & illustrator, Richelle E. Goodrich.
Each chapter in this book touches on a specific emotional experience that affects the human heart within a lifetime. For example, the first chapter, titled TO LOVE, includes twelve poems that express aspects of love. Another chapter, titled TO LOATHE, includes poetry touching on life’s harsher challenges. The literary works in this book were written in a variety of poetic styles including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and cinquains. A Heart Made of Tissue Paper is a treasury of hard-earned joys and sorrows survived.
159 pages, Paperback
Published August 14, 2023
9 people want to read
About the author
Richelle E. Goodrich
17 books282 followersOfficial Website: https://www.RichelleGoodrich.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoo...
Poetry: https://allpoetry.com/R._E._Goodrich
Over the past decade, author Richelle E. Goodrich has built an unusually diverse and steadily increasing body of work that spans fantasy, poetry, inspirational writing, and dark fiction. Her career began in 2012 with the launch of The Harrowbethian Saga, a six-book sci-fi fantasy series that occupied her creative efforts for seven years. By 2019, she completed the saga with Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon’s Soul, marking a major milestone and establishing her as a committed world-builder with an eye for myth, emotional depth, and imaginative adventure. Yet even as she constructed this sprawling fictional universe, Goodrich simultaneously pursued other avenues of storytelling, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for creative multitasking.
Alongside her fantasy novels, Goodrich became well known for her collections of poetry, motivational reflections, and quotable wisdom. Starting with Smile Anyway in 2014, she developed a signature style centered on daily inspiration—a format she revisited repeatedly with books like Making Wishes (2015), Slaying Dragons (2017), Being Bold (2020), and Hope Evermore (2024). These works blend short verse, reflective commentary, and encouraging thoughts that readers apply to everyday life. Many of her quotes have found their way into classrooms, anthologies, brand campaigns, and television, helping her reach an audience far larger than the average independent author typically enjoys.
In the late 2010s, Goodrich’s creative range widened even further. She released standalone works such as Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher, a dramatic and emotionally charged novel, and Secrets of a Noble Keykeeper, a fantasy tale with a distinctly dreamlike atmosphere. These books showcase her ability to shift tone—from tender to suspenseful, from whimsical to intense—without sacrificing clarity or sincerity. They also emphasize a defining characteristic of her writing: the blending of emotional resonance with imaginative storytelling.
After concluding her major fantasy saga, Goodrich’s later work leaned increasingly toward introspection and lyrical expression. The 2020s saw the publication of The Tarishe Curse (2022), a dark, paranormal novel, followed by A Heart Made of Tissue Paper (2023), a collection of intimate poetry that explores emotional fragility, longing, and human vulnerability. In 2024 she released Hope Evermore, another daily-inspiration volume that weaves together spirituality, encouragement, and poetic insight. These recent works highlight her evolving voice—one that has grown more reflective, philosophical, and concentrated on universal human experiences.
Collectively, the past decade reflects a period of impressive productivity and artistic expansion. Goodrich has not only released a steady stream of books—across multiple genres and formats—but has grown a widespread presence through her well-circulated quotations and inspirational writing. Whether crafting epic fantasy, heartfelt poetry, or uplifting daily reflections, she demonstrates a persistent drive to create, express, and connect. Her work invites readers into worlds both fantastical and familiar, while her quotes inspire countless individuals in everyday life.
Richelle E. Goodrich delivers a rare blend of imagination, versatility, and personal authenticity. Her writing moves comfortably between the epic and the intimate, the adventurous and the contemplative. Few authors manage to cultivate such a diverse and consistent catalog within a single decade, and fewer still do so while also contributing art, poetry, and motivational writing that resonate far beyond their books.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichelleEGoo...
Poetry: https://allpoetry.com/R._E._Goodrich
Over the past decade, author Richelle E. Goodrich has built an unusually diverse and steadily increasing body of work that spans fantasy, poetry, inspirational writing, and dark fiction. Her career began in 2012 with the launch of The Harrowbethian Saga, a six-book sci-fi fantasy series that occupied her creative efforts for seven years. By 2019, she completed the saga with Eena, The Companionship of the Dragon’s Soul, marking a major milestone and establishing her as a committed world-builder with an eye for myth, emotional depth, and imaginative adventure. Yet even as she constructed this sprawling fictional universe, Goodrich simultaneously pursued other avenues of storytelling, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for creative multitasking.
Alongside her fantasy novels, Goodrich became well known for her collections of poetry, motivational reflections, and quotable wisdom. Starting with Smile Anyway in 2014, she developed a signature style centered on daily inspiration—a format she revisited repeatedly with books like Making Wishes (2015), Slaying Dragons (2017), Being Bold (2020), and Hope Evermore (2024). These works blend short verse, reflective commentary, and encouraging thoughts that readers apply to everyday life. Many of her quotes have found their way into classrooms, anthologies, brand campaigns, and television, helping her reach an audience far larger than the average independent author typically enjoys.
In the late 2010s, Goodrich’s creative range widened even further. She released standalone works such as Dandelions: The Disappearance of Annabelle Fancher, a dramatic and emotionally charged novel, and Secrets of a Noble Keykeeper, a fantasy tale with a distinctly dreamlike atmosphere. These books showcase her ability to shift tone—from tender to suspenseful, from whimsical to intense—without sacrificing clarity or sincerity. They also emphasize a defining characteristic of her writing: the blending of emotional resonance with imaginative storytelling.
After concluding her major fantasy saga, Goodrich’s later work leaned increasingly toward introspection and lyrical expression. The 2020s saw the publication of The Tarishe Curse (2022), a dark, paranormal novel, followed by A Heart Made of Tissue Paper (2023), a collection of intimate poetry that explores emotional fragility, longing, and human vulnerability. In 2024 she released Hope Evermore, another daily-inspiration volume that weaves together spirituality, encouragement, and poetic insight. These recent works highlight her evolving voice—one that has grown more reflective, philosophical, and concentrated on universal human experiences.
Collectively, the past decade reflects a period of impressive productivity and artistic expansion. Goodrich has not only released a steady stream of books—across multiple genres and formats—but has grown a widespread presence through her well-circulated quotations and inspirational writing. Whether crafting epic fantasy, heartfelt poetry, or uplifting daily reflections, she demonstrates a persistent drive to create, express, and connect. Her work invites readers into worlds both fantastical and familiar, while her quotes inspire countless individuals in everyday life.
Richelle E. Goodrich delivers a rare blend of imagination, versatility, and personal authenticity. Her writing moves comfortably between the epic and the intimate, the adventurous and the contemplative. Few authors manage to cultivate such a diverse and consistent catalog within a single decade, and fewer still do so while also contributing art, poetry, and motivational writing that resonate far beyond their books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 7, 2023
Relationships? Hard work! Richelle E. Goodrich clearly understands this! This poetry, unless my perception is way off, is presented from both female and male perspectives. It’s impossible not to recognize everyone you’ve ever known in this poetry, including yourself!
Lest I was unclear, this was great writing! This is going to my daughter, who loves and writes poetry, next. She’s going to love it!
Lest I was unclear, this was great writing! This is going to my daughter, who loves and writes poetry, next. She’s going to love it!
October 20, 2023
clever and insightful
I have recently discovered how much I love poetry. These poems made me laugh, cry, and think more deeply about my life. I loved them!
I have recently discovered how much I love poetry. These poems made me laugh, cry, and think more deeply about my life. I loved them!
November 10, 2023
I received this book for free via LibraryThing
I'd like to begin this review with the first poem I took a liking to:
"I Love Me"
It reminds me of how thankful I am to wake up knowing that my body is still functioning and that I'm able to do things without any assistance. I have eyes that can still see, ears that can still hear, and limbs that can still move and perform all sorts of tasks. This poem speaks volumes!
"This Is Love"
This poem describes my current relationship. I see things that my partner does that let me know he loves me. At times, I look for him to say "I love you" but his actions are louder. We can say so easily that we love someone but there has to be action behind those words.
"Valentine"
A poem that sets an example of how to show gratitude and appreciate every moment. My favorite line in this one is 'You count your blessings all.'
"For Ragged Tatters"
This is the type of poem you would dedicate to a sh*tty ex! It actually made me laugh.
"Loathsome Lousy Lies"
Have you ever done so much for the one you love and knew you had done right by them but they somehow found a way to say you did the opposite? Yeah, this is that poem.
"Excuses"
When I read this poem, it made me think of how much people don't take accountability. It's truly sickening that there are people in the world who actually think that doing wrong is right! Like intentionally hurting others and living with that is almost criminal to me.
"It Is Hard Not To"
That feeling when you want so badly to be in your feelings and not do something morally right.
I'd like to begin this review with the first poem I took a liking to:
"I Love Me"
It reminds me of how thankful I am to wake up knowing that my body is still functioning and that I'm able to do things without any assistance. I have eyes that can still see, ears that can still hear, and limbs that can still move and perform all sorts of tasks. This poem speaks volumes!
"This Is Love"
This poem describes my current relationship. I see things that my partner does that let me know he loves me. At times, I look for him to say "I love you" but his actions are louder. We can say so easily that we love someone but there has to be action behind those words.
"Valentine"
A poem that sets an example of how to show gratitude and appreciate every moment. My favorite line in this one is 'You count your blessings all.'
"For Ragged Tatters"
This is the type of poem you would dedicate to a sh*tty ex! It actually made me laugh.
"Loathsome Lousy Lies"
Have you ever done so much for the one you love and knew you had done right by them but they somehow found a way to say you did the opposite? Yeah, this is that poem.
"Excuses"
When I read this poem, it made me think of how much people don't take accountability. It's truly sickening that there are people in the world who actually think that doing wrong is right! Like intentionally hurting others and living with that is almost criminal to me.
"It Is Hard Not To"
That feeling when you want so badly to be in your feelings and not do something morally right.
October 29, 2023
Thank you to Library Thing for this review copy!
This is a poetry collection centered around human experiences: to love, to loathe, to laugh, to lament, to labor, to laze, and to live. While I enjoyed several of the poems, the collection overall was not my cup of tea. Keep in mind, though, that I majored in English in college and took a TON of poetry classes so I might be a little bit too picky when it comes to poetry. Some of the poems in this book that I enjoyed include: "In Love With You," "The Room in Which Stories Live," "Unfitting Laughter," "Mistakes," and "Go Work for It."
If you're looking for an approachable collection of poetry, this would be a great choice!
This is a poetry collection centered around human experiences: to love, to loathe, to laugh, to lament, to labor, to laze, and to live. While I enjoyed several of the poems, the collection overall was not my cup of tea. Keep in mind, though, that I majored in English in college and took a TON of poetry classes so I might be a little bit too picky when it comes to poetry. Some of the poems in this book that I enjoyed include: "In Love With You," "The Room in Which Stories Live," "Unfitting Laughter," "Mistakes," and "Go Work for It."
If you're looking for an approachable collection of poetry, this would be a great choice!
November 6, 2023
**This book was provided to me as an Early Reviewer**
Goodrich's collection offers a great variety of poetry formats. Each section explores a specific category of human experience, all heavily tied into emotional responses. While the writing style is not my personal favorite (preference and nothing more), these poems are still well done for the right audience. I found I was particularly drawn to excerpts where Goodrich utilizes lists; her rhythm comes through beautifully in these. The standout poems for me in this collection are: "Excuses," "I Hate It," "Despair," "Laborious," and "The Bucket List."
Goodrich's collection offers a great variety of poetry formats. Each section explores a specific category of human experience, all heavily tied into emotional responses. While the writing style is not my personal favorite (preference and nothing more), these poems are still well done for the right audience. I found I was particularly drawn to excerpts where Goodrich utilizes lists; her rhythm comes through beautifully in these. The standout poems for me in this collection are: "Excuses," "I Hate It," "Despair," "Laborious," and "The Bucket List."
August 18, 2023
There are 86 original poems in this book, 84 of them arranged by chapters. Every chapter is devoted to one heartfelt emotion or emotional truth. Some of the poetry is light and whimsical; it will make you smile and maybe even laugh. Other poems delve deeper into the darker trials attached to hard feelings. All of the poetry was written to be relatable on some level. Of course, based on individual age and experience, verses will touch one person's heart more effectively than another's. There are illustrations included in this book that correspond to the poems preceding them. I love how each drawing includes a heart (or multiple hearts) within the picture. It keeps nicely with the book's theme of the delicate yet resilient nature of the human heart.
October 3, 2023
A Heart Made of Tissue Paper is a collection of beautifully written poems separated by chapters, each highlighting specific emotions. These poems are emotional and relatable - many hitting very close to home. Goodrich is inspiring, and has made me want to pick up my pen again and write something of my own. The illustrations are super cute, too! If you're interested in poetry, please check this book out!
September 24, 2024
Richelle Goodrich's poetry book "A Heart Made of Tissue Paper" is full of personal and emotional poems that the author uses to showcase her life, struggles, relationships, and feelings. Although at times the pieces felt cliche and some lacked in good wording, Goodrich wrote what her heart told her too, and this is a nice little book that feels like a memoir.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews