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The Words Left Unspoken
“An open heart can never be broken.”
This collection of poetry is dedicated to those who have ever felt broken by love, loss, and the uncertainty of self-discovery; this collection is the remedy with which to heal.
Allie Michelle, author of bestselling books The Rose That Blooms in the Night and Explorations of a Cosmic Soul , brings us The Words Left Unspoken , yet another gorgeous collection of poetry. Broken into two sections––“breaking” and “becoming” ––this book is dedicated to the journey of surrendering to self. Much like her two previously published books, meaningful illustrations, each with their own message, and Michelle’s undeniable wisdom appear on every page. The Words Left Unspoken teaches us to respect our struggles as we do our successes, and to let our experiences––whether good or bad––sculpt our souls.
This collection of poetry is dedicated to those who have ever felt broken by love, loss, and the uncertainty of self-discovery; this collection is the remedy with which to heal.
Allie Michelle, author of bestselling books The Rose That Blooms in the Night and Explorations of a Cosmic Soul , brings us The Words Left Unspoken , yet another gorgeous collection of poetry. Broken into two sections––“breaking” and “becoming” ––this book is dedicated to the journey of surrendering to self. Much like her two previously published books, meaningful illustrations, each with their own message, and Michelle’s undeniable wisdom appear on every page. The Words Left Unspoken teaches us to respect our struggles as we do our successes, and to let our experiences––whether good or bad––sculpt our souls.
- GenresPoetry
184 pages, Paperback
Published January 10, 2023
46 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 3, 2023
I loved this book. This poetry is so hard. So hurtful. So true. So painful. So beautiful. It hurts. But you feel good about ir. It’s so raw. So beautiful. It’s amazing! Totally changed my life 😩. Everyone needs to read these words. And to write your own words left unspoken
I receive an ARC of this book and my review is honest and not bias.
I receive an ARC of this book and my review is honest and not bias.
January 8, 2023
“Your life is the greatest poem you will ever write”
wow just wow. this is incredibly beautiful and heart-warming. I thought that this book was just going to be poems filled with sadness and despair but it is so much more - they are uplifting, inspiring and human. I really enjoyed reading them and all of the artworks are stunning.
wow just wow. this is incredibly beautiful and heart-warming. I thought that this book was just going to be poems filled with sadness and despair but it is so much more - they are uplifting, inspiring and human. I really enjoyed reading them and all of the artworks are stunning.
May 19, 2024
Good book, interesting
November 13, 2022
This was my first poetry book that I’ve read in a while but I really enjoyed it. I love poetry books that have little doodles throughout it also, they really add to it. I really felt seen while reading this because I really did relate to a lot of them, which isn’t a bad thing. I like relating to the books I read… sometimes. This time, I did enjoy it a lot.
July 8, 2024
2.5/5 Stars.
December 15, 2022
2/5 Stars
I didn't enjoy this poetry collection much today either. There were a few poems I thought were enjoyable, but many of them just didn't hit home with me. There was a good mix of poetry lengths, which were nice because I always enjoy shorter pages and chapters to help me get through a few extra pages in a reading session.
*Edit: forgot to add the disclaimer that I got an arc of this from NetGalley but this is still my honest opinion :)
I didn't enjoy this poetry collection much today either. There were a few poems I thought were enjoyable, but many of them just didn't hit home with me. There was a good mix of poetry lengths, which were nice because I always enjoy shorter pages and chapters to help me get through a few extra pages in a reading session.
*Edit: forgot to add the disclaimer that I got an arc of this from NetGalley but this is still my honest opinion :)
February 7, 2023
Allie Michelle found words I often feel but cannot place. "If you are to risk anything, then let it be the risk of being yourself." While I struggle with poetry, I find it's beautiful and complicated and yet also ugly and simple. There are also some images and art within her pages, and it's absolutely stunning. Sometimes you don't need words to connect to someone else.
March 11, 2023
Wasn’t sure how I felt at first BUT it left me with Thoughts. I’d reread it.
December 31, 2023
One of the best poetry books I’ve ever read. It’s all so deep and beautiful and challenging.
August 10, 2023
July 2023 review:
Wasn't for me.
I don't know if it was because of the font that was chosen, but the words couldn't keep my attention, and I struggle to really comprehend what I was reading.
I loved that some of her longer work had punctuation. I only wish all of her work had it, though, because once again, I struggled to keep up with what she was trying to get across.
I found her multi page promps difficult as well. I would get to the next page and was never sure if it was a continuation to the previous page or not.
There was only a handful of promps I actually liked.
Over all, would not re read.
Wasn't for me.
I don't know if it was because of the font that was chosen, but the words couldn't keep my attention, and I struggle to really comprehend what I was reading.
I loved that some of her longer work had punctuation. I only wish all of her work had it, though, because once again, I struggled to keep up with what she was trying to get across.
I found her multi page promps difficult as well. I would get to the next page and was never sure if it was a continuation to the previous page or not.
There was only a handful of promps I actually liked.
Over all, would not re read.
September 13, 2023
these poems have single handedly shifted my perspecgive on life (yes i say this about every book i read and i will never stop). this was just so beautoful and raw and real.
March 1, 2025
YouTube Review: https://youtu.be/aCyYISc81vI?si=Z_wkS...
YouTube mention: https://youtu.be/oKyLA-sC1m4?si=AjM58...
2024 Recap: https://youtu.be/U8RbL_vNL7A?si=gPa0H...
YouTube mention: https://youtu.be/oKyLA-sC1m4?si=AjM58...
2024 Recap: https://youtu.be/U8RbL_vNL7A?si=gPa0H...
January 24, 2023
"The moon smiled and shined a bit brighter, 'For the ones who remember to look up.'" (p. 89) - how beautiful is that?!
I was moved by this book. Allie MICHELLE is a truly gifted lyricist. She forms sentences that, I can't say it any other way, really took my breath away - so pure and so deep. She says so much with so very few words, with words that are so strong they break through every layer. That really is impressive!
"trust is not built by never wronging another, but by how we atone for our wrongdoings. trust is the willingness to show up, not when things are going smoothly, but in the difficult times that we are barely able to hold ourselves upright and say 'i will catch you. i will always catch you.'" - p. 35
I find it difficult to give an overall rating for the book because there are poems in it that would have deserved far more than five stars, while others "just weren't for me" without me wanting to rate them as 'not (so) good' because of that.
But the book as a whole had an incredible impact on me -
... it made me think and rethink a lot ("death makes all of life sacred" - p. 37 or "the further we run, the bigger the shadows chasing us seem" - p. 41 or "How many lives had to be lived for you to even be born" - p. 78 or "this is what it means to die before you die - kill the characters you pretend to be my dear - die before you die" - p. 126),
... the book made me howl and dance through my appartment with delight ("The truth is, if we knew the whole story behind everyone's actions, we would see why they are the way they are" - p. 44)
... and at times it touched me at a deep emotional level without any warning ("you slipped into my heart through the back door and that place is normally so guarded simply opened as though my heart recognised you as a part of itself" - p. 7 or "and see how far you can run" - p. 80 ).
I like MICHELLE's romanticised and valuing view of the "dark" sides, the shadows and demons of one's own personality, there is something pure, something very simple and clear about following her thoughts and seeing the magic of being human in it, and thereby also moving away completely from the socially felt striving for so-called excellence. Also in the context of relationships a very beautiful perspective, which I think requires a lot of consideration, but also courage and strength: "but still, i show him, i show him so he knows that when i look like i've swallowed the sun with my smile, who is waiting in the shadows" - p. 105 or "anyone can stand in your light but few will brave dancing with your darkness" (p. 5) or "yet the one who embraces their own beast will never balk from the chaos of another" (p. 13) - uff.
She describes in such an honest way the raw and deep way of being in a love relationship that has liberated itself from all the burdens we put on ourselves and each other without noticing - it's so beautiful how she captures that in words: "she doesn't act untouchable but boldly shows how deeply everything touches her - it may feel like you're missing several layers of skin because you have finally let your sensitivity in - so the next time you want to turn away from a part of you, a part of her, a part of him, instead lean in" (p. 132) and "'She hasn't been the same woman at all.' Maybe that's what makes love last - to dance on the ashes of who we once were instead of holding each other hostage to the person we knew" (p. 153).
In all, MICHELLE stands for releasing feelings, for letting go of expectations (of others and oneself - "Can you have the confidence to be nothing in a world that demands you to be everything" - p. 158), for pure and uncompromising honesty with oneself and others, for finding and keeping oneself - a kind of self-loyalty, for throwing oneself into the course of life - with passion and faith and without thinking that one knows better what is good for oneself. MICHELLE stands for the beauty of life ("did you notice?" - p. 117 and "There are flowers blooming that need our attention" - p. 139) - the bottom line, for living life as it is ("'when will you realize you were meant to be the paintbrush not the painter?' and so i surrendered my body into Love's hands and let Her use me" - p. 59 or "by resisting nothing you will experience everything [...] because a wondrous heart knows the path is wherever they step" - p. 68 or "What if it's all perfect?" - p. 99)
And I have never read a more beautiful definition about love: p. 88
Thank you for these wonderful poems!
I was moved by this book. Allie MICHELLE is a truly gifted lyricist. She forms sentences that, I can't say it any other way, really took my breath away - so pure and so deep. She says so much with so very few words, with words that are so strong they break through every layer. That really is impressive!
"trust is not built by never wronging another, but by how we atone for our wrongdoings. trust is the willingness to show up, not when things are going smoothly, but in the difficult times that we are barely able to hold ourselves upright and say 'i will catch you. i will always catch you.'" - p. 35
I find it difficult to give an overall rating for the book because there are poems in it that would have deserved far more than five stars, while others "just weren't for me" without me wanting to rate them as 'not (so) good' because of that.
But the book as a whole had an incredible impact on me -
... it made me think and rethink a lot ("death makes all of life sacred" - p. 37 or "the further we run, the bigger the shadows chasing us seem" - p. 41 or "How many lives had to be lived for you to even be born" - p. 78 or "this is what it means to die before you die - kill the characters you pretend to be my dear - die before you die" - p. 126),
... the book made me howl and dance through my appartment with delight ("The truth is, if we knew the whole story behind everyone's actions, we would see why they are the way they are" - p. 44)
... and at times it touched me at a deep emotional level without any warning ("you slipped into my heart through the back door and that place is normally so guarded simply opened as though my heart recognised you as a part of itself" - p. 7 or "and see how far you can run" - p. 80 ).
I like MICHELLE's romanticised and valuing view of the "dark" sides, the shadows and demons of one's own personality, there is something pure, something very simple and clear about following her thoughts and seeing the magic of being human in it, and thereby also moving away completely from the socially felt striving for so-called excellence. Also in the context of relationships a very beautiful perspective, which I think requires a lot of consideration, but also courage and strength: "but still, i show him, i show him so he knows that when i look like i've swallowed the sun with my smile, who is waiting in the shadows" - p. 105 or "anyone can stand in your light but few will brave dancing with your darkness" (p. 5) or "yet the one who embraces their own beast will never balk from the chaos of another" (p. 13) - uff.
She describes in such an honest way the raw and deep way of being in a love relationship that has liberated itself from all the burdens we put on ourselves and each other without noticing - it's so beautiful how she captures that in words: "she doesn't act untouchable but boldly shows how deeply everything touches her - it may feel like you're missing several layers of skin because you have finally let your sensitivity in - so the next time you want to turn away from a part of you, a part of her, a part of him, instead lean in" (p. 132) and "'She hasn't been the same woman at all.' Maybe that's what makes love last - to dance on the ashes of who we once were instead of holding each other hostage to the person we knew" (p. 153).
In all, MICHELLE stands for releasing feelings, for letting go of expectations (of others and oneself - "Can you have the confidence to be nothing in a world that demands you to be everything" - p. 158), for pure and uncompromising honesty with oneself and others, for finding and keeping oneself - a kind of self-loyalty, for throwing oneself into the course of life - with passion and faith and without thinking that one knows better what is good for oneself. MICHELLE stands for the beauty of life ("did you notice?" - p. 117 and "There are flowers blooming that need our attention" - p. 139) - the bottom line, for living life as it is ("'when will you realize you were meant to be the paintbrush not the painter?' and so i surrendered my body into Love's hands and let Her use me" - p. 59 or "by resisting nothing you will experience everything [...] because a wondrous heart knows the path is wherever they step" - p. 68 or "What if it's all perfect?" - p. 99)
And I have never read a more beautiful definition about love: p. 88
Thank you for these wonderful poems!
November 14, 2022
2/5 stars!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I recommend this book for poetry readers who wants to read longer poetry and not the micro-poetry that's popular these days. Personally, I didn't felt anything while reading the poems and I was very disconnected with the emotions that I, as a reader, should have while reading these poems. I feel like the author is good with writing the words, but lacked in the incorporation of feelings in the poems. I can't really describe it, but all throughout my reading experience, I was constantly bothered by something lacking and then at the halfway point I realized that I am bored and the poems didn't elicit any reactions from me or even tug at my heartstrings.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I recommend this book for poetry readers who wants to read longer poetry and not the micro-poetry that's popular these days. Personally, I didn't felt anything while reading the poems and I was very disconnected with the emotions that I, as a reader, should have while reading these poems. I feel like the author is good with writing the words, but lacked in the incorporation of feelings in the poems. I can't really describe it, but all throughout my reading experience, I was constantly bothered by something lacking and then at the halfway point I realized that I am bored and the poems didn't elicit any reactions from me or even tug at my heartstrings.
November 25, 2024
The golden handcuff
The golden handcuff is when something is so comfortable, so nice and familiar, that it becomes difficult to leave. Yet that very sense of security becomes a shackle that keeps us from stepping forward and stretching our spirit. We pretend not to know. We stay past the expiration date. That relationship we kind of think is right, that job we kind of like working, that place we kind of like living. Until suddenly, we're "kind of" living our lives. Our hearts are not built to beat halfway. To break the golden handcuff is terrifying It feels like our life is turning upside down and we're suddenly thrust into the unknown. Yet why else are we here, other than to Wholeheartedly participate with he mystery as it unfolds? Any edirection is an act of grace. Whether we suffer or surrender is entirely up to us. So, what is your golden handcuff?
The golden handcuff is when something is so comfortable, so nice and familiar, that it becomes difficult to leave. Yet that very sense of security becomes a shackle that keeps us from stepping forward and stretching our spirit. We pretend not to know. We stay past the expiration date. That relationship we kind of think is right, that job we kind of like working, that place we kind of like living. Until suddenly, we're "kind of" living our lives. Our hearts are not built to beat halfway. To break the golden handcuff is terrifying It feels like our life is turning upside down and we're suddenly thrust into the unknown. Yet why else are we here, other than to Wholeheartedly participate with he mystery as it unfolds? Any edirection is an act of grace. Whether we suffer or surrender is entirely up to us. So, what is your golden handcuff?
December 31, 2022
When I saw this collection available, I was thrilled to be approved. The cover is beautiful, and I was intrigued by the established focus of the book.
I enjoyed this collection.
The Words Left Unspoken is a quick read full of several moments of insight about love, relationships, and individuality. The accompanying illustrations are delightful, and I loved how they matched the tone of many of the poems. While some were more successful than others, this is a solid collection for anyone looking for accessible micro poetry covering larger themes.
3.5 rounded up.
Big thanks to Andrews McMeel for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.
I enjoyed this collection.
The Words Left Unspoken is a quick read full of several moments of insight about love, relationships, and individuality. The accompanying illustrations are delightful, and I loved how they matched the tone of many of the poems. While some were more successful than others, this is a solid collection for anyone looking for accessible micro poetry covering larger themes.
3.5 rounded up.
Big thanks to Andrews McMeel for providing an eARC in exchange for honest review consideration.
January 12, 2023
Thankyou to Allie Michelle and Netgalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
I LOVE poetry so much. I felt so many emotions while reading this book, i felt that this book was raw, painful but also truthful.
The words that Allie put onto paper were simply beautiful.
The illustrations in this book are so beautiful and some of them are breath-taking.
This book made me question myself and how I see myself and my need to re-evaluate my life.
Thankyou so much for this ARC.
Only negative that I can report at this time is that I am disappointed that I was not able to get this book on my kindle and had to read it on my phone.
5/5 stars.
I LOVE poetry so much. I felt so many emotions while reading this book, i felt that this book was raw, painful but also truthful.
The words that Allie put onto paper were simply beautiful.
The illustrations in this book are so beautiful and some of them are breath-taking.
This book made me question myself and how I see myself and my need to re-evaluate my life.
Thankyou so much for this ARC.
Only negative that I can report at this time is that I am disappointed that I was not able to get this book on my kindle and had to read it on my phone.
5/5 stars.
November 29, 2022
Received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you're here for longer thought-out poetry you've come to the right place. You won't find much quick or easy in this one. It tells stories of the emotions almost everyone in the world has felt at a certain time in their life.
It wants you to connect with a part of yourself that is usually hard to grab a hold of. Your feelings are your own but somehow shared with so many. I think it's a fantastic addition to any bookshelf, especially for those days when you need reassurance that those around you simply can't give.
If you're here for longer thought-out poetry you've come to the right place. You won't find much quick or easy in this one. It tells stories of the emotions almost everyone in the world has felt at a certain time in their life.
It wants you to connect with a part of yourself that is usually hard to grab a hold of. Your feelings are your own but somehow shared with so many. I think it's a fantastic addition to any bookshelf, especially for those days when you need reassurance that those around you simply can't give.
January 9, 2023
Allie Michelle wrote herself that “our gifts aren’t ours to keep/they are ours to give away.” She has definitely passed on her gift through a poetic medium for the world to read.
Her poetry offers so many opportunities for self reflection. There were many times I found myself deep in thought, connecting with certain lines or poems. The timing of the opportunity to read “The Words Left Unspoken” could not have come at a better time for me as I reflect on my life choices, the direction I want to go in, and what my thoughts are on life and love.
Her poetry offers so many opportunities for self reflection. There were many times I found myself deep in thought, connecting with certain lines or poems. The timing of the opportunity to read “The Words Left Unspoken” could not have come at a better time for me as I reflect on my life choices, the direction I want to go in, and what my thoughts are on life and love.
January 14, 2023
The first time I opened this magical collection of words and my eyes found its first poem, I sobbed. It hit me in a way I had not yet given permission to myself for the heartbreak and grief that I had experienced this past year. This book far surpasses her typical work of the past that danced through life and held my hand but this one feels like teeth that found meat and suddenly I am no longer alone in my pain. Thank you Dear Allie Michelle for giving me a place to land.
Read
September 16, 2023I don't think I liked it as much as her other book; The Rose That Blooms in the Night, which touched me far more than this one did.
Still, quite a few of the poems really managed to strike a chord with me and it was overall, a fast paced read that could at times be thought-provoking.
3.5/ 5★'s
Still, quite a few of the poems really managed to strike a chord with me and it was overall, a fast paced read that could at times be thought-provoking.
3.5/ 5★'s
September 23, 2023
I took my time on this gem. Savouring its pages and lines over the months that followed since I first picked it up.
Simply put, even though it deserves so much more, it made me feel alive and connected to the truth of what it means to feel and be alive. It spoke my heart in more ways I have felt understood, even by myself sometimes. For that it has gotten a place within my heart where linear things cease to exist and that what is eternal is my resting place.
Simply put, even though it deserves so much more, it made me feel alive and connected to the truth of what it means to feel and be alive. It spoke my heart in more ways I have felt understood, even by myself sometimes. For that it has gotten a place within my heart where linear things cease to exist and that what is eternal is my resting place.
November 6, 2022
"anyone can stand in your light
But few will brave Dancing with your darkness"
I loved so many of these! This has so many inspirational poems inside. And the pictures were lovely and really pulled it all together. I really think this book will be a favourite for many people.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
But few will brave Dancing with your darkness"
I loved so many of these! This has so many inspirational poems inside. And the pictures were lovely and really pulled it all together. I really think this book will be a favourite for many people.
I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
November 23, 2022
The Words Left Unspoken by Allie Michelle is a deep and bittersweet collection of poems that caused me to reflect on the last few years of love and loss I have experienced. The illustrations and unique formatting of the poetry creates movement and makes it feel like the words have a life of their own. This collection is a wonderful addition to the poems that I keep coming back to.
January 5, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Don’t get me wrong, I did really enjoy a few of the poems in this book, but it didn’t take long for the whole thing to feel a little preachy. On top of that, eventually I was just bored and wanted to get it over with.
Don’t get me wrong, I did really enjoy a few of the poems in this book, but it didn’t take long for the whole thing to feel a little preachy. On top of that, eventually I was just bored and wanted to get it over with.
October 27, 2023
This is my second book I’ve read by Allie. It was really good and had a few consistent metaphors and lines she would use in different poems to kind of get her point/view across. Not quite as good as the first collection I read by her, but this novel was broken down into three parts and they all went along really well or could be read separately depending on what you needed to get out of it.
January 30, 2023
Loved this! My first time reading a poetry book in completion. Absolutely loved it. So many of Allie's words made me feel so deeply, relating to my own experiences. It was incredible to see her read some of her poems live in LA. A beautiful read!
March 25, 2025
This book was honestly oddly specific when it came to speaking about certain situations and mindsets I was dealing with and didn’t know how to express, which makes the title so much more relevant to the poems.
January 5, 2023
Lyrically beautiful, brutally honest, and a wonderful journey in the inner workings of the author.
March 19, 2023
Loved every part of it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews