I'm Rising: Determined. Confident. Powerful.

by Michelle G. Stradford

Take back your Power, your Glorious, and Rise!

“I'm Rising: Determined. Confident. Powerful.” takes the reader on an emotive journey of empowerment through life’s countless triumphs and tribulations.

Above all else, it inspires one to tap into their infinite potential so they can overcome any obstacle that appears on their unique path. Through heartfelt storytelling, alliterative diction, and soul-awakening themes, this empathic poetess instills each reader with an unwavering sense of perseverance, courage, and compassion.

This uplifting book is more than a mere collection of poetic musings, it serves as a powerful tool of self-love and personal transformation that belongs on every fierce soul’s bookshelf—or better yet, on their nightstand for their daily dose of inspiration each time they rise.

The collection offers poems for women and men urging us to stretch and grow to our fullest potential. The empowering prose offers encouraging words with a call to action to harness our self-confidence to achieve the goals we were destined to shatter.

Genres: Poetry

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 3, 2019

About the author

Michelle G. Stradford is the best-selling author of inspirational and uplifting poetry and affirmation books, such as I'm Rising, Self Love Notes, and Rise Unstoppable, all of which have been honored with various awards for best poetry collections. Her contemporary free verse style makes her work relatable and connects with her readers in a powerfully inspiring way. Michelle strives to make use of her writing and experiences to build a platform that helps women and girls take ownership of their power to get through difficulties and fulfill their dreams.

As an architect, she has had the opportunity to travel the world, explore different cultures, and connect with people from various backgrounds. To share how she views life, she likes to combine words with art and photography to tell stories that can stir emotions or make others relate to her work. She loves both performing arts and visual arts, so taking in shows or visiting art galleries with family and friends is something she enjoys immensely.

Reviews

[Jess]

A couple things in here (that I mostly shared on Instagram) really spoke to the life I am trying to build for myself in this new post-cancer (still cancer? Hard to know what to call this) life.

[BookishStitcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful collection of self-affirming poetry.

[Elisa Speranza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and life-affirming

Michelle Stradford has done it again. “I’m Rising” is fierce and fresh, with inspiration for everyone. Friendship, love, pain, heartache, achievement, resilience, triumph—all part of the rich tapestry of this collection of poems. She is a She-nado!

[KBeautiful1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first time hearing about this author and I am so happy that I stumbled upon her on Amazon.

So I am starting to get more into audiobooks. Now I buy them from Apple Books because I am not interested in doing a monthly subscription for Audible. And with that being said, let's move on to the review.

The narrator Milan Dancy was perfect in reading this book because it is about self-love, healing, rising above, trials and tribulations of life, and transformation. Everything that we have experienced whether you've told someone or you've never told anyone, chances are your story is within the poetic pages of this book. Poetry is so beautiful, it is literally a separate language all unto itself. So the fact that I not only was drawn to it but purchased in audio instead of paperback. It was so delightful and personal to read.

I look forward to finding more books like this in this genre by black and brown authors.

Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this

Love this book!
Empowering females with words. I can’t wait to buy this for my daughter and nieces.
I will look to this book on the days I need a little extra help lifting my spirit.

[Rick Hardesty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful soul healing book. The book is divided into three chapters. The first one dealing with the pain and the destructive power of hurtful events in our lives. The second chapter deals with changing as a person in spite of our sufferings. The final chapter she pens the joy of victory in the aftermath of these trials. The first chapter was my favorite. Michelle Stradford uses vivid and graphic language to bring the reader to see a clear word pictures to describe the depth of despair in the worst of suffering. I'm proud of her for bravely dealing with the subject of suffering that even those close to us do not want to hear. My favorite poem in the book however, is "Mission Me" found in the last chapter. This poem summarises the whole experience of trials, changing, and overcomming. Well Done!!!

[Marlana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won this e book on Goodreads. It was very empowering. If you are struggling with self-doubt or low self-esteem, these words will help you build yourself up and remind you that you are worth it.

[NoBeatenPath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of poetry that packs a punch. A mix of short and longer works, reading it I could easily imagine the author standing on the stage performing these poems, declaiming her words to a cheering audience.

Insightful, uplifting and sometimes sad, many of these works touched me. I particularly liked two short poems 'Second Chances' and 'You-volution'. Even if poetry is not usually your 'thing', I strongly recommend finding a copy of this work and spending some time with the words of Michelle G Stradford.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate (Kate Reads a Book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of poetry would offer a lot for someone who is looking for words of self-affirmation and determination in the face of adversity. I did connect with some of the poems and appreciated the author's confidence and honesty. However, the collection as a whole is overwhelmingly positive and upbeat almost to the point of being annoying. The poems seem redundant after a while.

I also did not like that there were multiple typos in the book. It could have used further editing. The drawings were unnecessary and didn't add anything to the collection.

[Shannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uncomfortable positivity

The author is a beautiful writer. My problem was more with her tone. When the sun jest matter includes racism, domestic violence, emotional abuse, etc. I don’t find it necessarily useful to make each poem an affirmation. It’s ok to be mad as hell that unfair and truly abhorrent events have befallen you. Making the poetry all about positivity left a saccharine aftertaste in my mouth.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't quite what I was expecting, however, there were many poems in this volume that I really felt hit home. I felt as though I had accidentally stumbled into the author's journal as she delves into her emotional pain, strength, and power of perseverance to bring you a collection of prose that is just... REAL. They're about human nature and all that that may entail.

Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Kimberlie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

I enjoyed the uplifting messages in the different themes of the pieces. I could not personally relate to every idea presented, but the ones that resonates with me really did work. Anything I did not connect with I found myself rooting for those who did share the experience s on the page. I would recommend this work to every one especially now when the whole world could use some light and encouragement.

[Kim Bonnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd say 3.75 stars if I could.

Many of the poems were powerfully uplifting, and the interspersed artwork was quite lovely.

However, the collection could have used a good editor as there were some typos, and many of the poems seemed trite and overly saccharine in their positivity. Also, this may be just a personal preference, but it absolutely irked me that the titles were at the end of the poems. It felt like getting in the car and never knowing where you're going until you arrive -- very disorienting.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5…3.7? stars

I did enjoy this book and some poems, particularly the ones about abuse, I loved. I was slightly perturbed by a few spelling errors but I’m a Virgo, so it’s to be expected. Overall, I feel like this book wasn’t necessarily for me but I love the message and know that it will speak to many people.

[Jenny A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found some of the poems very inspiring and I could resonate with them. I thought her poems were written well for the most part just a large portion of them I didn’t connect with. I think it was a good read for someone who’s looking for some uplifting poems. I wish I was able to give it a 3.5 rating.

[Fatma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have loved every minute of reading the poems in this book. even more so, I loved my timing of picking this book up to read.

It's such a boost to begin the new year and the new decade with a light heart and a fresh start. <3

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. So Many emotions in this story! The first chapter was epic! Amazing job! definitely a must read!

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful
Some of the poems here are a bit tumultuous
hardships and experience are seen driving the author throughout the pages
Overall, just a thoughtful reminder to love yourself and give everything you have to be who you want

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be reading this book for the rest of my days. At 47 currently, I still have not come into my own mind, my own wind and fire. I’m working through hit after hit, gluing pieces together yet again. This book is a part of that journey. CM

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Won this book on Goodreads). Beautiful and empowering are the two words I can describe the poems with.

[Daniele Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! And I fell in love with the Author! Every poem was relatable and real and deep. I can feel all her writhing pain and joy. I look forward to her next book.

[Siobhan Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

"Don’t fret when your first choice isn’t granted Second chances can be your best path to achieve greatness... "

Beautiful words and images...

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5, I rarely read poetry but loved this, I will certainly go back thru it to re-read

[Erica Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

juxtaposed.

[Ami J. J. Sanghvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and loved the art.

[NovinaLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this collection of poetry. The author inspires readers to be true to themselves and reach their full potential with confidence.

[Josh Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This self-love poetry book is a kind reminder to always have in mind the fluorescent fire that’s permanently inside us, ready to ignite. “I AM MY SUPERPOWER” was my fave quote.

[nicole march · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intreging

Deep and Intreging. At times more metaphorical that I could comfortably follow but I tried because it was, well, Intreging.

[☆diya☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

just not good

[Christie Vest · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved it. still pick it up and read from time to time for relaxing.