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Amid Thirsty Vines
Themes of self-discovery, tending the garden of the soul, and nurturing yourself into blossom, Amid Thirsty Vines by Instagram poetry star Alfa is the collection you need to feel the power of the beautiful flowers within you, and to find the love you deserve. This volume belongs in the collection of every modern poetry fan.
- GenresPoetry
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2018
10 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Alfa Holden
14 books309 followersAlfa is a writer of poetic thoughts. She holds degrees in English Literature as well as Radiologic Sciences.
From a wide-planked porch in Kentucky, Alfa is most likely indulging in ice tea while painting a furniture piece some fabulous shade of turquoise, or crafting something extraordinary out of vintage buttons and brooches.
From a wide-planked porch in Kentucky, Alfa is most likely indulging in ice tea while painting a furniture piece some fabulous shade of turquoise, or crafting something extraordinary out of vintage buttons and brooches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 20, 2019
I've given up trying to find something I like about this writers poetry. It's all the same. The same verses rehashed over and over with the same themes as every other self-proclaimed "poet" you'd find on tumblr/insta. Obviously a lot of fans who keep her ratings up for each book; kudos to her for that.
nice cover though
nice cover though
May 13, 2020
3.5 stars
November 6, 2018
Alfa's latest poetry book, Amid Thirsty Vines, takes us down a path slightly different than the ones in other books. While no less moving and meaningful, we see a bit more hope and light and promise in these lines. This book is about growth and finding yourself, about moving above and beyond all the pain and heartache that weighs on us. But, in no way are these pieces any less powerful or stirring. In fact, in showing us her blooming side, I admire her courage even more.
The book is broken into three sections. In Greenhouse, we see shade mixed with light. Throughout this section, there is the back and forth. The light and the dark. One of my favorite pieces in this book is titled "Prison Sentence," and it fits perfectly in the first few pages. It is about that battle we have with ourselves (and with love) - do we stay or do we let go? Which will do us more harm?
In Growing, there is realization. The light bulb (or sunlight) that illuminates all those truths we tried to secret away. There is intention and promise and lessons that so badly needed to be learned. The most important lesson is expertly explained in "Tending Your Own Garden." Ultimately, we must accept that we will only flourish if given the right nutrients. And, most of the time, only we have access to those.
In Thriving, Alfa rises like the warrior her words betray her to be. She blooms. She radiates. She tosses aside those old thoughts and lets a peek of light in. In "The Ones" she acknowledges the beauty in imperfection, the flaws that make us all the more fascinating because there is a story in each and every one.
This book shows that even the darkest stories can have silver linings. It reminds us that beneath all the shadows, love still lingers. But, most importantly, it tells us that love will find us and wrap us up, and we will survive amid thirsty vines.
The book is broken into three sections. In Greenhouse, we see shade mixed with light. Throughout this section, there is the back and forth. The light and the dark. One of my favorite pieces in this book is titled "Prison Sentence," and it fits perfectly in the first few pages. It is about that battle we have with ourselves (and with love) - do we stay or do we let go? Which will do us more harm?
In Growing, there is realization. The light bulb (or sunlight) that illuminates all those truths we tried to secret away. There is intention and promise and lessons that so badly needed to be learned. The most important lesson is expertly explained in "Tending Your Own Garden." Ultimately, we must accept that we will only flourish if given the right nutrients. And, most of the time, only we have access to those.
In Thriving, Alfa rises like the warrior her words betray her to be. She blooms. She radiates. She tosses aside those old thoughts and lets a peek of light in. In "The Ones" she acknowledges the beauty in imperfection, the flaws that make us all the more fascinating because there is a story in each and every one.
This book shows that even the darkest stories can have silver linings. It reminds us that beneath all the shadows, love still lingers. But, most importantly, it tells us that love will find us and wrap us up, and we will survive amid thirsty vines.
July 25, 2019
The way Alfa evokes emotion through the description of her words is nothing short of amazing and beautiful to read. Her book Amid Thirsty Vines is one about love and regrowth, it inspired me and had me mesmerized from start to finish.
July 5, 2020
This was the very first book I read by Alfa Holden. I will be reading all of her books.
Such a simple way of saying very important heartfelt things that we all experience throughout our lives.
Such a simple way of saying very important heartfelt things that we all experience throughout our lives.
Read
October 16, 2018Another book that I'll read over and over again ❤ You know how to emote exactly how my heart feels!! You're the best!
February 3, 2019
Besides being a physically beautiful book inside and out, this had some really breathtaking pieces. There were a few poems that I had to reread because they were so elegant and well put.
I didn't rate this any higher than three because that level of quality was not maintained all the way through. Some of the pieces felt random, such as the one where the author just explains to us that she likes to hum. Okay...? These weird ones kept popping up and made the volume feel disjointed. It was separated into three parts but none of the pieces seemed to share any specific theme. Also, so many random uses of italics, not to mention commas where they don't belong.
Don't get me wrong though, this was still a solid, enjoyable read with some really great poems. It just needed a bit more pruning is all.
I didn't rate this any higher than three because that level of quality was not maintained all the way through. Some of the pieces felt random, such as the one where the author just explains to us that she likes to hum. Okay...? These weird ones kept popping up and made the volume feel disjointed. It was separated into three parts but none of the pieces seemed to share any specific theme. Also, so many random uses of italics, not to mention commas where they don't belong.
Don't get me wrong though, this was still a solid, enjoyable read with some really great poems. It just needed a bit more pruning is all.
April 25, 2022
Is this the height of contemporary poetry? If so, I'm worried about where the genre is going. Separating the author's thoughts and feelings from this work, the poems themselves read more like rambles and Tumblr-esque writing than actual poems. So many well-liked authors of modern poetry write like this, and it's very disappointing to see. Flowery writing is used poorly and makes little to no sense, so what's the point in using it at all? Poems have structure to them and provide mental images that are easy to grasp and understand. Amid Thirsty Vines, like all other contemporary poetry books I've read, seems more akin to a wannabe inspirational Tumblr blog than anything else.
August 29, 2021
There were a few standout poems in this collection, but overall it was very flat. The metaphors and themes were heavy handed and repeated without reaching new depths or perspectives. Most of the poems read as trite self-help or preachy advice without even the benefit of artful or creative framing.
December 4, 2018
Wow. This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you.
January 7, 2019
An amazing journey of heartache and healing, self-loath and self-acceptance. The book will wrap you up in a hug and make you feel home amid its thirsty vines.
May 14, 2019
I love Alfa's poetry! It speaks to my soul on so many levels!
May 21, 2025
I have a system where if at least 10 or 12 poems in a collection touch me or move me in a special way then I will read more of this authors works again in the future. eleven of these poems managed to do that from this collection.
This was my first try with Alfa's work. While it didn't all hit with me, enough of it did that I enjoyed this collection. I will have to try another collection of her work again sometime soon.
Unfortunately though, the artwork contained within was too small and lacking. That would probably be my biggest criticism of this book.
This was my first try with Alfa's work. While it didn't all hit with me, enough of it did that I enjoyed this collection. I will have to try another collection of her work again sometime soon.
Unfortunately though, the artwork contained within was too small and lacking. That would probably be my biggest criticism of this book.
May 12, 2019
I was drawn to "Amid Thirsty Vines" because of the earthiness and feel of the cover! Alfa's words speak to my soul as her understanding of life's complexities draws parallels to moments in mine. I loved the break down of chapters: Greenhouse, Growing, and Thriving. We are like the flowers she clearly loves, going through phases and stages in our lives! I could not put the book down! Loved every word!!!
October 2, 2020
I am glad I read this book.
It gave me inspiration I was looking for.
Alfa wrote beautiful and it was as if the meaning was right there I didn't have to dissect it.
I know some don't care for this poetry and don't think it's good. However, I do believe someone who has had experience with love loss, aniexty, being unloved or bullied, depression etc will find peace and inspiration in her words.
I look forward to reading more by this author as her words are helping me.
It gave me inspiration I was looking for.
Alfa wrote beautiful and it was as if the meaning was right there I didn't have to dissect it.
I know some don't care for this poetry and don't think it's good. However, I do believe someone who has had experience with love loss, aniexty, being unloved or bullied, depression etc will find peace and inspiration in her words.
I look forward to reading more by this author as her words are helping me.
October 31, 2023
This isn't normally my style of book. Poetry ease the theme for the bookclub I'm in this month. I picked up this book of poetry because it appeared that it would be inspirational and full of hope. It was an easy to read book with many poems that provided positive advice, hope and inspiration. Many spoke of finding peace and happiness and letting go of the things you can't control. It was an enjoyable read.
November 2, 2018
This was so amazing and I had so many favorites from this that I can't even list them all... I have so many post it notes of just personal favorites, special meaning..
Thank you so much for making this book Alfa. This has helped me so much and I will definitely read this over and over again for the sake of myself and an amazing book.
Thank you so much for making this book Alfa. This has helped me so much and I will definitely read this over and over again for the sake of myself and an amazing book.
July 29, 2019
"She has transformed
from forgotten,
into unforgettable.
And she will not apologize
for living her life with intention."
-Unforgettable, Amid Thirsty Vines - Alfa
Oh this book, and the way that it spoke to my heart. AMAZING. Uplifting. Beautiful. A book that reminds you of the growing that's still to come and reaching out for a bigger life, for more....
from forgotten,
into unforgettable.
And she will not apologize
for living her life with intention."
-Unforgettable, Amid Thirsty Vines - Alfa
Oh this book, and the way that it spoke to my heart. AMAZING. Uplifting. Beautiful. A book that reminds you of the growing that's still to come and reaching out for a bigger life, for more....
February 24, 2019
This is a beautiful poetry book that has a theme around nature. In this book there are poems about heartbreak, moving on, and tending to your heart and soul. This book is a nice light read that will make you think and reflect. Many of the poems touched me on a personal level.
December 26, 2021
It took me forever to get through this book. This is the 3rd poetry book that I’ve read by Alfa and I feel like I can truly say she’s not good. Her books either barely hit the target or miss by a long shot. Alfa is not a poet that I would recommend at this point.
3.5⭐️
3.5⭐️
March 5, 2022
This book allows us to dive into our self worth and makes us question everything and everyone in our lives. Well at least for me it did. It reminded me that even though right now I may be broken if I focus inward I can restore all the broken and damaged pieces and find myself again!
December 23, 2018
3.5 stars.
December 26, 2018
This book made me want to draw flowers and that is certainly a nice feeling.
March 18, 2019
This collection started on such I high regard. The third/last section was a little too preachy/new age for my taste though. Just a personal preference. Over-all, a good time :)
July 20, 2019
Found a few typos and a lot of repetition!
‘Abandoned Breath’ seems to be my favourite one of Alfa’s so far
‘Abandoned Breath’ seems to be my favourite one of Alfa’s so far
August 20, 2019
Amid Thirsty Vines is Poetry Perfection.....
December 23, 2019
I adore her poetry! I can now say she is one of my favorite poets!
January 15, 2020
I thought it was very good and it has some really good poems in it.
May 14, 2020
This collection of poems is well worth the read. Some poems felt out of place, but I loved it nonetheless!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews