Afterglow Effect

by Alecia Gabrielle

"Afterglow Effect," Alecia Gabrielle's debut collection of poetry, includes poems of transparent journeys through the profound experiences of early childhood and aching heartbreak which often accompanies adolescence. Flooded with detailed pieces that are sure to ignite emotion inside of readers, the poems inside of "Afterglow Effect" highlight what it means to feel unwanted and discouraged while exuding emphasis on resilience in the glowing days to come.

130 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2020

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read poetry as often as I should. Alecia Gabrielle’s collection, Afterglow Effect, makes this literary fiction lover want to read poetry all the time. Such a fantastic testament to both the beauty and horror of growing up in the South or just growing up in general; to love, longing and heartache in NY; to living with hard memories, protecting your soul and to seeking acceptance and accepting yourself. I was particularly struck by “Bubblegum and Bullets,” and will forever be in awe of the images prose like “empty Coca-Cola cans, poorly stitched seams of my mother’s work uniforms” have permanently etched in my mind.

[Noelle Darilek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written in three parts, Afterglow Effect is a true full circle journey of growing up and finding yourself, from the darkest times, to the iridescent ones, and everything in between. The collection comes in hot, grabbing your attention from the very start with a poem that quickly pulls you in and sets the tone for the rest of the book.

Each powerful feeling and emotion is expressed using incredible imagery and descriptive diction. You really get a clear sense of how the poet feels with each hand-picked word, which comes together to tell the intricate story of a specific moment or feeling. Each poem cuts deep, hits a nerve, or leaves you with a particular lingering feeling.

The second section was my favorite, as I’m a sucker for romantic poetry. Some of my favorite poems include, “Day in 1989,” “Collision for two,” “NJ stoop,” and “You’re gone but I am not.” Overall, this wise and insightful collection of poems is meant to be read again and again. The last section brings the collection full circle and leaves you with powerful and uplifting words you can always carry with you.

[Jo Bahdo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you are reading a book that gets you totally sucked into the pages and you want to slow down for it to last longer but also you need to keep reading? That’s how I felt with this.

It has blown my mind how gracefully pain has been written. “Shapes” is my favorite. Each word keeps echoing in my soul now, especially those last lines. I’ll keep carrying them with me. Swipe to read.

Did you experience a series of traumas in a non functional family? Then, I think this is definitely for you the same way it’s been for me. The pages of this collection opened up some scars but it didn’t hurt, the poetry, the choice of words has been healing at the same time. It’s not the only topic, Alecia Gabrielle words cover much more, but it’s what came through the most for me.

I could recommend you this book in so many different ways but I’ll just say: get it, read it, and read it again.

P.s.: Alecia Gabrielle, yes, you are a hell of woman.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed by this collection of poetry. Fans of Alecia Gabrielle on Instagram will recognize her beautiful imagery that breathes life into every poem and attention to detail that leaves you hanging on to every word. Every poem is powerful and moving- this collection is a fast favorite that I will be returning to time and time again. For anyone in the midst of healing, anyone who thinks growth is impossible, this collection is for you.

Alecia weaves together a narrative of scars, hurt, and the healing, light that is possible. By the end of the collection, you feel light, uplifted. Every poem was beautiful and contributed to the overarching narrative. This collection thrives in vulnerability and shines light on difficulties that are not often discussed. I couldn't recommend the Afterglow Effect enough!

[J.S. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Afterglow Effect' is so well written. Alecia, the author, uses incredible imagery in each of her poems. From short pieces to long prose, this book is filled with intricately weaved pieces about love, loss, growing up, and many more delicate topics we face as humans. Alecia pours her heart into every poem written in this book, and it clearly shows. I look forward to reading more of her work!

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent poetry collection. Each poem was beautifully written and heartfelt. This collection covered a wide variety of topics and although some were more serious, it was written in such a way that was very moving and I think many people would find them to be relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s writing and storytelling and found this to be a very engaging read.

[Sonja Ringo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored every page of this collection.. what a journey! Alecia's metaphors, imagery, and command of the English language is powerful. I felt myself living inside each and every poem so wholly and completely. Her poetry makes me feel seen and understood in a profound way - I highly recommend this book!

[Samantha J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. Touches on so many topics and invokes a range of emotions all in one sitting. Can't recommend enough. Beautifully written.

[Karaline Alessia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, heartfelt poems. Truly an amazing poet of our generation.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! this one took a lot for me to digest. It is so beautifully written and intricate i found myself pausing to process and ponder every other poem. The attention to detail is breath taking.

The topic of hurt and healing is beautifully represented by this collection. This book made me both have a lot of feelings and made me feel lighter.

Some of my favourite poems include: 'Sleep and Coffee', 'Names Fade', and 'When the Walls Talk Back, I Cringe'

[jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

a beautiful, moving collection!
some of my favorite pieces:

bubblegum and bullets
secret cat in hell
future what?
the lady before
find me soon
fresh(wo)man
shameful disguise