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ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words
A transformation of eighteen-plus years in the eyes of an emotional being from age fourteen to now.
We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? This is not a book or message about finding myself or how to help others find themselves. This is a collection of time. A collection of growth on how to gain the courage to share when no one asks. We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? Why do we camouflage to seek acceptance and validation or rebel in an effort to prove a point? Many get stuck, lost, and numb. At least I did. I had to ask myself the deeper questions that I love to ask others. I had to do the work because no one else was asking. By the end, I had answers. If you read this, I hope you find the answers you’re looking for, too.
“I stopped writing when I was eighteen. Literally stopped. . . .
I was always in the place between giving up and pushing on.”
We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? This is not a book or message about finding myself or how to help others find themselves. This is a collection of time. A collection of growth on how to gain the courage to share when no one asks. We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? Why do we camouflage to seek acceptance and validation or rebel in an effort to prove a point? Many get stuck, lost, and numb. At least I did. I had to ask myself the deeper questions that I love to ask others. I had to do the work because no one else was asking. By the end, I had answers. If you read this, I hope you find the answers you’re looking for, too.
“I stopped writing when I was eighteen. Literally stopped. . . .
I was always in the place between giving up and pushing on.”
106 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2020
About the author
Amanda Baker
411 books11 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 18, 2020
I simply adore this lovely gathering and collection of poems from an amazing poet through the coarse of her life growing up from fourteen on. Truely beautiful, imaginative and raw. Loved how she wrote a little about herself and how she came to come back to writing and finally became published. It's nice to see someone gain their confidence back and realize their true potential and tallents. I could relate with many of them poems, I was a teen when I first heard eminem as well. It's not just poems either...there's photography and lyrics that are divine as well! My favorites of all categories include "To the Tune of Eminem", "Not a Dream", "Vivid Dreams", and "Tarot Fied". However, I found them all quite enjoyable! Great gift for any poetry fans or whoever needs some motivation to succeed.
September 14, 2020
ASK is poetic look at the author's journey through her life. Writing poems seemed to be a therapeutic outlet for the author as she shuffled through her teens, young adulthood, and on into her 30's. These poems show real emotion and depth. Most readers will be able to identify with some of the feeling, thoughts expressed in this book of poetry. Poetry is not one of my typical go-to reads but I enjoyed reading this book. I hope the author continues to express her feelings and thoughts through wonderful, poetic art.
June 25, 2020
I absolutely loved Amanda's poems. They are deep rooted, and they made me pause and reflect upon my life, and came across so many memories that intersected upon those lines. There are a couple that are my favorite: Perceived Problems, Butterfly Bandit, Dial-up Internet, Pikesville, Deck of cards.
April 18, 2021
Raw and beautiful
These raw and beautiful lyrics chronicle the growth of a girl into a woman. Even in the absence of poems during A portion of her life tells a part of the story. I believe this Author is very talented, and I believe we can all relate to her work.
These raw and beautiful lyrics chronicle the growth of a girl into a woman. Even in the absence of poems during A portion of her life tells a part of the story. I believe this Author is very talented, and I believe we can all relate to her work.
January 20, 2021
I enjoyed Ask: A Collection of Poetry by Amanda Baker. It made me want to pick up the poet pen again.
January 2, 2021
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: ASK
Subtitle: Race to the Second Apocalypse (Time Travelers Book 3)
Author: Amanda Baker
Genre: Poetry
Part of a series?
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
I don’t read a lot of poetry, but this was a nice little book of easy to read poems. Although I must admit I worried about the young poet, the poems felt honest and heartfelt. So much so, I wondered if the poet was self-harming or even suicidal at times and wanted to jump into the book to put my arms around her. No one should have to suffer those feelings.
What I liked about the book:
I liked the book in its entirety. My favourite poem was entitled “Dance Wheel”. A guy in a wheelchair with a great voice. A young dancer. And the poem ends:
***
Just as she finished, he said, “That was great.”
But all he saw was a smile on her face
So then he asked, “Why don’t you talk?”
And on paper she wrote
“Why don’t you walk?”
***
I just love how the author shows how some disabilities might be obvious and some are hidden. Neither disability makes the person any less of a person, but there you are.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I already mentioned the poem above.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There were none.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I don’t know if the author means to publish any other books but these poems were great.
What books could this be compared to and why?
As I don’t read a lot of poetry, I can’t really comment on that.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children Maybe older children
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like poetry, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
A transformation of eighteen-plus years in the eyes of an emotional being from age fourteen to now.
We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? This is not a book or message about finding myself or how to help others find themselves. This is a collection of time. A collection of growth on how to gain the courage to share when no one asks. We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? Why do we camouflage to seek acceptance and validation or rebel in an effort to prove a point? Many get stuck, lost, and numb. At least I did. I had to ask myself the deeper questions that I love to ask others. I had to do the work because no one else was asking. By the end, I had answers. If you read this, I hope you find the answers you’re looking for, too.
“I stopped writing when I was eighteen. Literally stopped. . . .
I was always in the place between giving up and pushing on.”
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: ASK
Subtitle: Race to the Second Apocalypse (Time Travelers Book 3)
Author: Amanda Baker
Genre: Poetry
Part of a series?
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
I don’t read a lot of poetry, but this was a nice little book of easy to read poems. Although I must admit I worried about the young poet, the poems felt honest and heartfelt. So much so, I wondered if the poet was self-harming or even suicidal at times and wanted to jump into the book to put my arms around her. No one should have to suffer those feelings.
What I liked about the book:
I liked the book in its entirety. My favourite poem was entitled “Dance Wheel”. A guy in a wheelchair with a great voice. A young dancer. And the poem ends:
***
Just as she finished, he said, “That was great.”
But all he saw was a smile on her face
So then he asked, “Why don’t you talk?”
And on paper she wrote
“Why don’t you walk?”
***
I just love how the author shows how some disabilities might be obvious and some are hidden. Neither disability makes the person any less of a person, but there you are.
What I didn’t like about the book:
There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about the book.
My favourite bits in the book:
I already mentioned the poem above.
My least favourite bits in the book:
There were none.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
I don’t know if the author means to publish any other books but these poems were great.
What books could this be compared to and why?
As I don’t read a lot of poetry, I can’t really comment on that.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:
Children Maybe older children
Young Adult Yes
Adult Yes
If you like poetry, this book may be the book for you.
Book Description by Author:
A transformation of eighteen-plus years in the eyes of an emotional being from age fourteen to now.
We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? This is not a book or message about finding myself or how to help others find themselves. This is a collection of time. A collection of growth on how to gain the courage to share when no one asks. We can be anyone we want, so why do we often choose to be mirror images of those around us? Why do we camouflage to seek acceptance and validation or rebel in an effort to prove a point? Many get stuck, lost, and numb. At least I did. I had to ask myself the deeper questions that I love to ask others. I had to do the work because no one else was asking. By the end, I had answers. If you read this, I hope you find the answers you’re looking for, too.
“I stopped writing when I was eighteen. Literally stopped. . . .
I was always in the place between giving up and pushing on.”
About the Author:
April 1, 2021
ASK has a fascinating concept. Amanda Baker has published poems (and song lyrics) she wrote starting at age fourteen and continuing up through her early thirties. This is an autobiography, but one that doesn’t include details of travel or family or friends. Instead it shows the author’s inner thoughts. In the end it is a very unique and interesting picture of a person.
Here is the first stanza of a reaction to a relationship that didn't work out when Amanda was fourteen. The work is entitled “Maybe.”
Maybe I’m not in your dreams, but you’re in mine
Maybe I’m not good enough, but I’ll be fine
Maybe you’re just scared you’ll fall in love again
Maybe that is why we can no longer be friends
Here is the first stanza of a poem about love Amanda wrote at age thirty-two. It is entitled “End With Love Reprise.”
This love sees the broken
The withered
The uncertain
This love accepts that space you’re in
I was there too
And that is how I am able to love
It is clear there is a greater sophistication in the work of the woman compared to the work of the teenager, but the search for understanding and meaning in relationships remains the same.
At age twenty-seven, Amanda wrote “Who To Be,” a search for her own identity. Here are the first two stanzas.
Slowly. You can’t hear me.
Softly. Speaking lines
Cautiously.
Parallel to scattered feet
Confused. Sparking mixtures.
Aloof. To signals that just
Prelude
To the next chapter of our youth.
These words show the conscious effort the author is still making to find herself.
Amanda Baker’s work is both personal and brave. I recommend ASK to anyone who enjoys learning the thoughts of a girl as she grows into a woman.
Here is the first stanza of a reaction to a relationship that didn't work out when Amanda was fourteen. The work is entitled “Maybe.”
Maybe I’m not in your dreams, but you’re in mine
Maybe I’m not good enough, but I’ll be fine
Maybe you’re just scared you’ll fall in love again
Maybe that is why we can no longer be friends
Here is the first stanza of a poem about love Amanda wrote at age thirty-two. It is entitled “End With Love Reprise.”
This love sees the broken
The withered
The uncertain
This love accepts that space you’re in
I was there too
And that is how I am able to love
It is clear there is a greater sophistication in the work of the woman compared to the work of the teenager, but the search for understanding and meaning in relationships remains the same.
At age twenty-seven, Amanda wrote “Who To Be,” a search for her own identity. Here are the first two stanzas.
Slowly. You can’t hear me.
Softly. Speaking lines
Cautiously.
Parallel to scattered feet
Confused. Sparking mixtures.
Aloof. To signals that just
Prelude
To the next chapter of our youth.
These words show the conscious effort the author is still making to find herself.
Amanda Baker’s work is both personal and brave. I recommend ASK to anyone who enjoys learning the thoughts of a girl as she grows into a woman.
March 11, 2021
I've read every page, but I won't be done with this collection for a long time
Each of these poems would've been lovely, provocative standalone art. Strung together in the rolling, building, eye-opening narrative that is this book, they detail an emotional journey laced with mysterious themes. Bookended by the candid, inspiring prologue and epilogue, they become the pieces of a human with a message to share. It isn't often one gets to sample works from all different times in an artist's life, and even rarer in chronological order. To be able to watch and feel as a relatable, expressive human being push through, process, and progress through life in this form was such a gift.
From a young age, my father went through bout after bout of cancer and eventually we lost him when I was eleven. I didn't want to burden my grieving family members with my own grief, so I turned to writing as my coping mechanism, starting with poems and lyrics and then falling into whole alternate universes where I could put myself in the shoes of a powerful adventurer and leave my own world behind.
In this, I could identify with the writer's journey, and I knew how each of these poems was a shard of a much bigger life, a window into what was going on. And in closing, I offer my greatest compliment: this writing often made me set down the book so I too could write. To me, the best art is the art that inspires more art. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing. I came away from these stanzas feeling like I gained an understanding friend.
Each of these poems would've been lovely, provocative standalone art. Strung together in the rolling, building, eye-opening narrative that is this book, they detail an emotional journey laced with mysterious themes. Bookended by the candid, inspiring prologue and epilogue, they become the pieces of a human with a message to share. It isn't often one gets to sample works from all different times in an artist's life, and even rarer in chronological order. To be able to watch and feel as a relatable, expressive human being push through, process, and progress through life in this form was such a gift.
From a young age, my father went through bout after bout of cancer and eventually we lost him when I was eleven. I didn't want to burden my grieving family members with my own grief, so I turned to writing as my coping mechanism, starting with poems and lyrics and then falling into whole alternate universes where I could put myself in the shoes of a powerful adventurer and leave my own world behind.
In this, I could identify with the writer's journey, and I knew how each of these poems was a shard of a much bigger life, a window into what was going on. And in closing, I offer my greatest compliment: this writing often made me set down the book so I too could write. To me, the best art is the art that inspires more art. Thank you, Amanda, for sharing. I came away from these stanzas feeling like I gained an understanding friend.
October 6, 2020
ASK: A Collection of Poetry, Lyrics, and Words
Amanda Baker
Highly recommended for those who love living poetry in life.
ASK is a wonderful book of collection of poems which are subtle and thought-provoking. This book empathetically explores the world around poet Amanda with lots of compassion, love and tenderness.
ASK is the expression of self-discovery through words crafted by reflecting deep inside to ponder instead of mirroring others or trying to be someone else. Poetry, Lyrics and words in this book displays the courage of a girl seeking help with herself instead of camouflaging behind the mask. Ask helps you find the answer to what you are looking from your point of view.
I personally liked Amanda’s poem MAYBE where a 14-year-old girl expresses herself with these lines ‘maybe I am not in your dream but you are mine, maybe I am not good enough but I will be fine! WOW, it's straight from the tender heart.
Amanda Baker's book is highly recommended for those who love living poetry in life.
Amanda Baker
Highly recommended for those who love living poetry in life.
ASK is a wonderful book of collection of poems which are subtle and thought-provoking. This book empathetically explores the world around poet Amanda with lots of compassion, love and tenderness.
ASK is the expression of self-discovery through words crafted by reflecting deep inside to ponder instead of mirroring others or trying to be someone else. Poetry, Lyrics and words in this book displays the courage of a girl seeking help with herself instead of camouflaging behind the mask. Ask helps you find the answer to what you are looking from your point of view.
I personally liked Amanda’s poem MAYBE where a 14-year-old girl expresses herself with these lines ‘maybe I am not in your dream but you are mine, maybe I am not good enough but I will be fine! WOW, it's straight from the tender heart.
Amanda Baker's book is highly recommended for those who love living poetry in life.
June 13, 2020
Didn’t want it to end... ready for next collection!
I read and reread this book. I’ve found myself looking back at specific poems for certain lines that sparked a lot of thought. I enjoy Amanda’s style and believe everyone should read this to gain some understanding of others’ minds. We all have individual thoughts and expressions, but we’re together in our uniqueness. This book is a beautiful expression of humanity and thought that I will be buying for each teen and young adult in my life I’m personally invested in seeing succeed and realize they aren’t alone. Well written and felt like I was sitting next to her talking to me as I read. Read and enjoy. Reflect, and most of all: Ask.
I read and reread this book. I’ve found myself looking back at specific poems for certain lines that sparked a lot of thought. I enjoy Amanda’s style and believe everyone should read this to gain some understanding of others’ minds. We all have individual thoughts and expressions, but we’re together in our uniqueness. This book is a beautiful expression of humanity and thought that I will be buying for each teen and young adult in my life I’m personally invested in seeing succeed and realize they aren’t alone. Well written and felt like I was sitting next to her talking to me as I read. Read and enjoy. Reflect, and most of all: Ask.
October 28, 2020
This collection was gifted to me - through a magical set of moments. I devoured the book in a single night. I reread the book the next day. And later in the week. Each time I did, I noticed more of the details and different pieces resonated with me. I think this collection does a wonderful job of encouraging you to grow with it. Because it is organized by what was written when you go on such a journey between the first page and the last. I also noticed on one of my read-throughs, that if you stop somewhere along the way - it really does ruin that experience. The voice in each piece comes out so clearly and honestly - reading this is such a delight.
December 18, 2020
I Grew With Her
So many of the author’s poems and songs spoke to me. I had a different growing up than her, but her words and images immersed me in those times with her. I enjoyed the “revisits” especially as they showed the growth between the author from teenager to woman. I like the way “Bed and Breakfast” made me think about being present in the moment. I enjoyed how “Depression Flu” (both parts) explained mental illness in a way to make them easier to understand. Many poems and songs were soul stretching and wrenching due to the trauma they portray. These may trigger some, but felt cleansing and true. Many felt “suicidal” in an authentic way that conveyed the emotions graphically.
So many of the author’s poems and songs spoke to me. I had a different growing up than her, but her words and images immersed me in those times with her. I enjoyed the “revisits” especially as they showed the growth between the author from teenager to woman. I like the way “Bed and Breakfast” made me think about being present in the moment. I enjoyed how “Depression Flu” (both parts) explained mental illness in a way to make them easier to understand. Many poems and songs were soul stretching and wrenching due to the trauma they portray. These may trigger some, but felt cleansing and true. Many felt “suicidal” in an authentic way that conveyed the emotions graphically.
August 21, 2020
We all need an outlet to cope with our emotions and daily struggles. Amanda, the author, founds hers through poetry. There was one poem in "ASK" that touched me the most, made my eyes water, and my stomach drop. It was "Fog." Certain lines hit home...HARD. Poetry should move you in some fashion. You should feel what the poet is feeling. With "Ask," I sure did. You're a strong person, Amanda, Thank you for sharing your life with us.
August 30, 2020
Poetry is something that was hard for me to get used to reading. But this book was lovely, and an amazing read. Took me no time at all to read. After reading all of these they had a deep meaning, and truly inspiring. This author is amazing with her poetry writing skills. What amazing skill in writing and each poem was fantastic. All had a unique message for each poem. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
November 13, 2020
Amanda opens up her vulnerable teen self, mining her journal for poetry gold. In her introduction, she writes 'I love that it’s okay to not be okay.' The poems are organized in chronological order. As she grows, she moves from Immortality and Robots to Fog and Indecision. She doesn't write during her university years but then her post-college self demonstrates an enormous maturity. I'm not a poetry expert but in my view, Amanda's achieved something special: she evokes emotion...she transforms!
May 11, 2021
I am in total awe. The author shares her written poems starting at the age of 14. Her writing is absolutely astonishing. I am so happy I picked up this book it has made my day. My favorite poem is "Deck of cards" Wow just wow. How on earth can a 16 year old write this good!! I am blown away and impressed. Pick this book up you will too will be in such awe. Thank you social media for helping me meet this incredible human being and writer.
August 23, 2020
Very thought inspiring
This book of poems and lyrics really make you look deep within yourself and gives you the freedom for the words to resonate with things within your own life and your own life experiences. Would love to read more from this author if she ever decides to release another compilation.
This book of poems and lyrics really make you look deep within yourself and gives you the freedom for the words to resonate with things within your own life and your own life experiences. Would love to read more from this author if she ever decides to release another compilation.
October 11, 2020
This book is a collection of poem, lyrics and words by the author from her early years to adulthood. Reading these separate articles, I saw a bit of myself in the author. Like her, I experienced joy, sadness, frustration, triumph. If you're looking for something simple, honest and poignant, look no further.
October 17, 2020
ASK is a creative and emotional journey through a large chunk of the author’s life. How was within its pages are a mixture of beautiful words, raw emotion, photos and brutal honesty that makes you root for her. The author’s ability to turn thoughts and feelings into words so articulately and poetically jumps off the pages. Can’t wait to read more of Amanda’s stuff!
March 31, 2021
Thought provoking
Following Amanda's poetry and thoughts through her teen years to adulthood was both amusing and enlightening but above all very honest. She struck many chords with me in lots of the poems, he style of writing matured and changed as you would expect and becoming a mother brought another dimension to her words.
Following Amanda's poetry and thoughts through her teen years to adulthood was both amusing and enlightening but above all very honest. She struck many chords with me in lots of the poems, he style of writing matured and changed as you would expect and becoming a mother brought another dimension to her words.
July 13, 2020
Beautiful collection- Profoundly thought provoking book chattering a life through poems and words. Honest and unique. I loved this book and you will too.This would be a great gift, I would definitely recommend.
August 19, 2020
Thought provoking
As I was reading the book, it was almost as if she wrote some of the feelings and situations that I have been through . I recommend this book especially if you feel lonely and down. Pick up your copy today!
As I was reading the book, it was almost as if she wrote some of the feelings and situations that I have been through . I recommend this book especially if you feel lonely and down. Pick up your copy today!
September 21, 2020
What a superb compilation of poetry, each word chosen with ultimate care, the message written between the lines poignant and perceptive. I thoroughly enjoyed this work, the prose leaving me deep in thought yet eager to keep turning the pages. A talented writer and one I wholeheartedly recommend
November 19, 2020
What a lovely set of poems and lyrics. The words flow easy and they have a perfect rhythm. I was able to relate to many of the poems. I liked the development of the topics too, going from teenage to student to adult. Very enjoyable and sometimes thought provoking and a little sad too.
April 4, 2021
Beautiful
This is a beautiful peice od writing. Thought provoking and incredible talent lies within the pages and leaves you with a few that hit home and stays with you for a long time.
This is a beautiful peice od writing. Thought provoking and incredible talent lies within the pages and leaves you with a few that hit home and stays with you for a long time.
August 3, 2020
A journey of transformation from a teenage self to her early 30s self written in a form of poems and song lyrics. An easy fun read that surely anyone can relate as they mature in life.
August 26, 2020
Wonderful collection of poetry! Some are so relatable. Highly recommend it.
September 9, 2020
Very emotive!
I loved these poems! I found a lot of them to be very moving and I enjoyed the style of writing they were written in. Why original yet relatable.
I loved these poems! I found a lot of them to be very moving and I enjoyed the style of writing they were written in. Why original yet relatable.
September 20, 2020
I absolutely loved the poetry in this book. Very unique telling beautiful stories through the ages. Very thought provoking. Highly recommended.
November 15, 2020
Interesting book
This is an interesting book that I had read, every poem made me think. I enjoy this book and I will love to work with this author one day.
This is an interesting book that I had read, every poem made me think. I enjoy this book and I will love to work with this author one day.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews