Talking to the Wild: The bedtime stories we never knew we needed.

by Becky Hemsley

A collection of poetry by Becky Hemsley which takes us on a journey from the universe right back to ourselves.

This book was prompted by a spoken word reading on social media which resonated with so many and is inspired by them too.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

125 pages, Hardcover

Published October 17, 2021

Reviews

[Sally Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could have a million more stars to rate this book of poems. It somehow managed to put all the pain I'm been feeling into beautiful words. It will be a book I return to often. It will stay on my coffee table next to my favourite chair not to be shelved. I bought a second copy as a gift for my sister and she adores it too.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read !!! This is beautiful ! Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. This is pure medicine.

[Ian Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read, but hanky required

I bought the hard copy for a lady friend for Christmas and after skipping through the stories decided to purchase the Kindle edition for myself.
What can I say, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. The poems or stories, because that's what they are, so true to life and I defy any one to read and not end up with tears trickling down their cheeks.
I'm just coming up to 76 years old ( birthday tomorrow) and live on my own, it's New years day so I've got time to sit and enjoy, laugh and cry.
Thank you Becky for your lovely true to life poems / stories, that I can just dip into when I feel the need.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

These poems were lovely. They rhymed nicely, had feeling, and were quite beautifully written. My only complaint was that they were very formulaic. They all followed the exact same rhyming scheme. It would have been nice to have just a little variety in the forms of the poems.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry that hits upon some key themes about being human in our time without being preachy or too philosophical. I enjoyed the poems and felt I didn’t have to dwell on them to understand them, yet at the same time rereading them brought out even more depth.

[Abby Finnegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these poems so much. Every one of them struck a chord with me. I found myself smiling while reading this. I can't wait to read these to my daughters.

[Kayla Randolph]

[Trigger Warning: Discussion of Suicide]

My initial review for this collection was going to be subpar: It’s hard for a collection of strictly rhyming poems not to feel repetitive, the book didn’t have page numbers, and I wasn’t a fan of how it was thematically organized.

That all being said, something funny happened today as I finished Part Four. I came upon a poem called “Thirteen.” It’s written to reassure the 13-year-old version of the speaker of both life’s ups and downs. Do you know what else happened today? I was out in the sunshine playing fetch with my dog, and I said to myself “This is one of those moments that makes me glad I didn’t kill myself when I was 13.” I don’t know whether I believe in coincidences too much or not at all, but reading that poem today felt too meaningful to ignore.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful collection of poems that connect nature and the human existence.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, moving poems.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw & loved the Breathe poem from this book on social media and loved it so when I needed a poetry book for my 2023 reading challenge I purchased this. I took my time with the book but overall really enjoyed it.

Using this for the 2023 BYL Reading Challenge prompt: Of nature poetry

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author knows exactly how to capture feelings and turn them into something so deep, beautiful and truly wonderful, I really am in awe of her and the beautiful words she’s written; here’s one of my favourites:

Patchwork

Your life is like a quilt
And everybody weaves their share
Some weave huge great tapestries
Whilst some weave tiny squares

There are squares that bring you laughter
And some that bring you tears
And some are stitched and sewn by those
Who are no longer here

In places there are threads
Of people choosing not to stay
And sometimes when you touch these threads
It brings back all the pain

But all the parts that hurt you
Have slowly taught you how
To weave your contribution
Into the blanket you have now

For every tiny thread
That tells of joy and pain and fun
Has stitched a quilt together
Of the person you’ve become

So I know there’s squares that comfort you
And squares you dislike
But without them you wouldn’t have
The patchwork of your life

I whole heartedly recommend reading this book. 🥰🥰🥰

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not remember how I found out about this book but I found it so so good. Becky Hemsley comes across as someone who has had a sad at times life, a messy life. I really like how she divided the poems into the four sections. I think there is something there for everyone.

I especially love the poem - 'breathe' - it is something that affects all of us at sometime. And what an easy way calm the world around us.

I have so many friends I can recommend this to - and will give a copy to one special who really needs it now. I only read one section at a time - gave me so much to think about and I hope she keeps writing.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge poetry reader but a snippet from this book caught my attention. This is a nice collection of poems about life. The ins, the outs, the good, the bad. About finding peace and forgiveness. Of loving nature, the people around you, and most importantly yourself. The author hopes her words bring comfort if you are in need. She also list sources for help at the end of the book should you need to seek out someone to talk to for any number of reasons.

[Margaret Gregg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some thought-provoking poems that you can grasp without having to reread to get in-depth. A lovely read before going to sleep. My favourite was The River. A great idea to put links to support at the end. I actually read half the book then went to the end to read more about the author and her background before going back in.

[Nancy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poems that arent' always poems. A nice collection by a young writer. The struggles, fears, gifts, observations, visions, hopes and goals of youth are well-represented here. She has a good voice. These deserve to be read one-at-a-time. Since I'm much older and have dealt with these ideas and experiences, I was a bit bored...

[Christy Bayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't bought the book yet, but I have read many poems from it. I absolutely love it, the poems are so relatable. A lot of nature inspired poetry also which I love. I have recommended it to everyone and soon I will buy the book so I can read it cover to cover

[linds · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked a couple of the poems, but the majority of them fell apart within the last stanzas. The book was organized franticly, and each poem seemed unwittingly clumped together to be part of a section. I do wish I liked it more…

[Ren Morton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It doesn’t take a month to read, but I read a little bit at a time. A refreshing and honest book of poetry that focuses on human contradictions, our despair and search for hope with a dash of meaning. Some very lovely lines to memorize and hold close.

[Peter Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Easy to read, common language, catchy and flowy. Poetry for everyone.

Majority of the poems have the same rhyme scheme and rhythm which I'd like to see more variety... but they were all so good so I have to give it 5* anyway

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not normally read poetry but i LOVED everyone of these poems. Definitely written for women and each one spoke to me. Just wonderful.

[natty Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I. Love. This. Book💙💙💙

[Charito Biermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book! You‘ll never get tired of reading it. It has a place on my coffee table and I gave my sister a copy as a gift. I just bought the next book: „What the wild replied“.

[Mary Jo Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

These "bedtime stories" are not just for bedtime -- but for any time you need a little extra dose of self-care. Repeat as needed.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of poems about ourselves, our places in the world. Full of heart and soul. Best read slowly in order to savor each and every one.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will stay on my bedside table. So beautiful

[Meghan Wirtner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection

[Karin Haggerty Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book of poetry from my mom for my birthday! Just beautiful! I enjoyed every poem. My favorite was Breathe…but The Storyteller a close second.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely collection of poems is a beautiful exploration of finding self and loving others

[Bliss R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way that Becky Hemsley writes is captivating and these poems are really nice to read. My favourite is "Breathe" and this is a wonderful book to dip in and out of.

[Alicia K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathe is perfect