Melancholy & Cinnamon: A Journey Through Mental Hell

by Gabrielle G.

"Depression" is a word we still don't dare to say out loud. As if it was contagious and shameful. In this book, I tried to depict the ups and downs from the darkest time of my life but also the surge of hope and healing I went through until I finally could say out loud that I wasn't okay." Gabrielle G.

This collection of poems is a must-read for those who need to feel understood on their journey through mental hell and the perfect book for those supporting someone who struggles with anxiety and depression.

" Gabrielle G. has a magical way of translating the things we all go through and rendering it accessible. Her poetry is thought-provoking and vulnerable. This is a treat to read. " Amazon Canada Review

For anyone who loves the poetry of Michaela Angemeer, Najwa Zebian, Alexandra Vasiliu, Pandora Owl, Nikita Gill, or Rupi Kaur.

" What is the meaning of love
But to become at peace with oneself? "
Finally by Gabrielle G.

Genres: Poetry

168 pages, Paperback

Published October 24, 2021

About the author

Real - Raw - Authentic.
Because life is not always easy.

Gabrielle G.'s writing is driven by pure emotion and will leave you out of breath, yearning for more, while at the same time wiping away tears.

She will do anything for a hot cup of tea, still celebrates her half-birthdays, and feels everyone has an inner temptuous voice.

Born in France and having lived in Switzerland, Gabrielle currently resides in Montreal with her family, and an extremely moody cat.

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Reviews

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve read poetry that resonated with me in the way this book did. The exploration of the many complex feelings associated with mental health and the related struggles was very poignant. I found myself connecting with the author on a deep level.

The poems range in length and topic but each offer a different experience. Some of my favorites include ‘In the Moment’, ‘Motherhood”, ‘Breakdown’, ‘Encore’, and ‘Sunshine and Rainbow’ to name a few. I found myself on a journey that was completely relatable to my own and I loved that the experience was raw and real- vulnerable … yet strong.

I am completely motivated to re-establish my own connection to poetry. This book was such a great reminder of the healing power of words and the cathartic feeling one can obtain in the process.

Complementary copy received and voluntarily reviewed.

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really hits home for me. I have been struggling with mental illness since the age of 24. I have gotten better over the years but it's a dumb cycle that most mental illness patients go through. This author is no different from any of us. She just journyes through it like the rest of us and puts on on paper. This book is a must read if you want to know what we all go through. To me this is a therapy book and it works for me.

I have received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review

[Bozena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry book is a real, raw and authentic journey of the author's way though her mental health issues and her long way from the deep depression that she processes through her poems.

"When will they notice…
My smile hides my demons
And their grip on my feelings.
When will they notice…
I don’t like to be alone
But can’t figure out, my own way home.
When will they notice…
My whispers are screams
And nothing is like it really seems. When will they notice…
My pain daily grows
And coats my mind like fresh snow. When will they notice...
I’m not who I’m supposed to be
But all I do, is flee..."

I think it is also a book that could help many people with the same "problems" to see that they are not alone in their condition.

"It’s when you get tired of acting When the smile and mask fall
That your healing can finally begin."

"It takes a lot of courage to say out loud
Things you’ve been whispering to yourself  
So know that whatever you feel, I’m proud
Of you for voicing all the pain you withheld."

It is a moving and sometimes heartbreaking book that can be very emotional for someone, who have come into contact with similar conditions (whether by themselves, family members or friends), but also give you a deeper understanding or perspective of the state of mind of those affected.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 🌟
Review to come!

[Stela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry book talks with brutal honesty about what mental hell means. It's so raw and painful, especially for those who struggled with mental problems or those who had someone close battling to escape that hell.
Gabrielle has her unique way of writing, she makes you feel through her words everything she had to fight against in this painful journey. It is a sad journey, but nevertheless a journey that brings hope.
Never give up!

[Athena D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

This collection of poetry by Gabrielle G. evoked so many emotions when I read it. Whether you suffer with mental illness, know someone who does or if you don't, these poems will give you a glimpse of the thoughts and feelings of their inner turmoil. Melancholy & Cinnamon: A journey through mental hell by Gabrielle G. is an EPIC read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!

[leo ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️'s

[Brooke Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many ‘selfs’ in this book that are displayed perfectly—self-worth, self-esteem, self-care, self-harm, and more. Of course, there’s a positive and negative to everything.

Gabrielle does a fantastic job of showing what both sides of those ‘selfs’ look like. Dealing with mental health issues myself, like so many others do, I found many pieces of myself in her poems. Her poem, ‘No Regrets’, is the exact thing I’ve wrestled myself with, thinking—almost being ashamed—that I went through a period of my life where I considered suicide and looking back, I don’t regret it. As this book explores, our darkest parts are just as impactful as our brightest parts.

As far as Gabrielle’s poetry style, I’m a HUGE fan! There’s so much imagery in her wording and some of the shorter poems I can only compare to Hydrus (who I’m a huge fan of too). The content of this book is a bit on the darker side of things, but it’s all a part of a mental journey I think everyone has or will go through at some part of their lives.

I’m in love with the aesthetic, sectioning, poetry style, and all the themes Gabrielle has shared in Melancholy & Cinnamon! It’s a wonderful and powerful book!

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➳ Rate: 4,5 / 5 stars

Not only is this book stunning inside and out (the formatting is splendid), its contents are beautiful, powerful and important.

This book was just the thing I needed to read. I had a few dark days this week and this book helped me get out of that darkness, it gave me hope and it made me feel understood and not so alone.

If you’re battling with your mental health or just feeling unworthy or self-doubt, I recommend picking up this book. I think it might help you a little, like it did me.

This was my first time reading Gabrielle’s poetry and I really enjoyed it. The poems were beautiful, deep and lyrical. I flew through this book.

➳ Physical copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.

➳ Order at: Amazon US

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[Summerlynn83_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t read poetry, I don’t review poetry.”These are the words I had running through my head when I opened this book. I do however adore Gabrielle G and every single one of her real and raw stories. I always devour her words and am left wanting more. This collection of poems was no different. When I came across certain pieces I found myself replaying the words in my head, rereading the words and making notes throughout. While reading several of these poems I felt seen, I felt understood. For once I didn’t feel alone. I read through this collection twice and once again I’m left wanting more because I could feel Gabrielle’s hard fought journey through depression and heartache and into healing and self love. It was almost like she was holding my hand and guiding me along the way.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is writing through her depression. Lots of suicidal ideation. So, firstly, it is something to read such open expression from someone experiencing those thoughts.
I love the formatting of her poetry. Ironically, I was gifting a friend a book of poetry that I love called "Pep Talk Poetry." The covers of the two books are extremely similar. The formatting of the poems inside are extremely similar. This book, the author is going through "mental hell" and in the other book the author is peppy and high on self love. I like the juxtaposition given the similar appearance of their books and poems.
I'm glad I read this.

[KristieReadsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so incredibly beautiful, heart wrenching and touching. Thank you for letting us into your journey, Gabrielle.

I highly recommend this book.

I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.

[Ronan!¡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5