The Heart Map: A Collection of Poetry & Prose

by J.S. Brown

“The Heart Map” is a journey that begins with both raw and sensitive topics including the trauma of abuse, the consequences of addiction and the pain of mental illness.

The second part of this book includes honest and vulnerable themes relating to the triumphs (and hardships) of womanhood, the freedom of sexuality, the highs and lows associated with self-love and the joy in the journey of discovering who you are.

The final part of this book ends the journey with topics like the beauty of healing, the pain of growth, the long road we walk to acceptance and the heart-wrenching need we all feel for reassurance throughout our lifetime.

J. S. Brown reveals another side of her artistic abilities in her most ambitious book yet, with over 100 hand-drawn illustrations alongside many of the poems. The evocative images help guide the reader through the journey that is “The Heart Map.”

202 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[Alecia Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Heart Map" by J.S. Brown offers a compassionate guide through the labyrinth of internal struggles, mental health battles, and the pursuit of love. With a collection of poems that resonate with a message of solidarity and understanding, Brown's work serves as a beacon of hope for readers navigating life's challenges. While the themes may lean more towards surface level narratives/imagery, the simplicity of the verses ensures accessibility, making it an ideal starting point for those new to poetry. Noteworthy lines like "knives for tongues" from the poem Flower Brain offer glimpses into the author's skill in encapsulating complex emotions within succinct phrases, while the poem "To the Woman I Admire" beautifully captures the journey towards finding the equilibrium of womanhood. "The Heart Map" is a tender reminder that amidst the tumultuous journey of existence, one is never truly alone.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Heart Map is the second book I've read from J. S. Brown. I think it's my favorite so far. There's quite a wide variety of themes and formats in these poems. Overall, this book focus on growth, but I love how the poet uses different metaphors and analogies to convey her ideas. One of the poems that I'll take with me is called "Homeland" and the line, "Rain steals and replenishes." So simple and impactful.

[Gabe Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a personal friend of this author it was hard to be objective about this work but I can't help but make a comment about how amazing the fluidity and creativeness of this authors work is. The Heart Map was as captivating. I've never been much a fan of poetry but this collection of books has been so refreshing to my senses I can't go back. 10/10.