Monarch

by Alexandra Vincent

In her first collection of poetry, Alexandra Vincent explores the deep desires of finding connection and belonging as life moves chapter to chapter. And then navigating through the trials and tribulations of finding and losing oneself. These poems are vulnerable yet profoundly relatable, despairing yet hopeful in the pursuit of clarity. They capture what it feels like to be young and naïve, and a follower in fear of leading oneself. Chasing the light deep within, the poems in Monarch encompass the strength of a soul changing and growing. Alex guides us through the journey of body, mind, and soul, bestowing the art of guiding oneself.



These poems are a reflection of how the body, mind, and soul are affected through life's adventures. We all begin and end the same, though our journey is vastly different. Through broken connections and eerie solitude, Alex takes us through the highs and lows of being a human being. Transforming the mindset and path to self-love leads us to an inspirational ending of soul growth.

Genres: Poetry

100 pages, Paperback

Published June 21, 2022

About the author

Hi there!

I'm Alex, a poet, writer, and newly self-published author!

I consider myself a mental health poet as I often write pieces involving, healing, self-love, personal growth, and more.

Check out my debut poetry collection, Monarch, below! It's available in paperback and ebook.

Come join my instagram community! @alexandra.j.vincent

Reviews

[Katie Rodante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monarch is such a beautiful poetry collection in every way. Vincent's writing is immersive and vulnerable, her words personal to her own experience yet relatable to readers who have dealt with feelings of not fitting in or not staying true to themselves.

Aside from the poetry, I fell in love with the formatting and artwork contained within this book-the florals, the butterflies, the transformation that occurs throughout the collection's sections: Body, Mind, and Soul.

Many of the poems are unnamed so it's hard to list favorites here, but I will say that I had many. Monarch was an enjoyable collection from start to finish, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Erika Conley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry book is beautifully written and the words and pieces hold a lot of meaning. The poetry is categorized into mind, body, and soul to show growth of the individual over time. It is metaphorical, deep, and best of all heartfelt and inspiring. I would recommend this to anyone who feels lost or wants heartfelt pieces to read.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is filled with poems that really speak to the heart. You can feel the author’s pain, feelings, and vulnerability throughout. The poems were touching making me read them more than once, and the more I read, the more I pulled out different meanings. The use of literary devices such as rhymes and metaphors makes the reading more enjoyable and leaves the words fluttering in your mind a little longer. To me, this book takes you on a journey from a girl starting off as a caterpillar unaware of the true potential she holds. To then fearful within her cocoon isolated/unnoticed, but slowly growing and mending– to finally becoming her own monarch with wings she carries painted and decorated by her. An enjoyable read!

[Deveree Extein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this poetry collection!! well written and hit close to home. loved the vulnerability and self love themes!! the illustrations were beautiful!!

[Sabina Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely collection of poetry that explores themes of the body, mind, and soul through raw and impactful poems. I love the use of metaphor and rhyme, too. The book also has a beautiful aesthetic which adds to the overall experience. Can't wait to read more from this author!

[Edith Konneh · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Monarch” is a beautifully written book. As someone who loves butterflies I connected to this book in a deep way. Some poems served as reminders of the things I have been through and some reminded me of the growth that is to come. Alex used nature metaphors beautifully to talk about the things of life. Each poem displays life as a journey where we experience things in our 3 areas of life: body, mind, and soul.The last few pages felt like the end of a cycle but also the beginning of a whole new journey . Life is all about going through multiple phases and cycles. But there is transformation in each like the monarch.

[Michaela Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The picture I paint with my words will be vastly different for each person.
And that's the true beauty of poetry."

Sectioned into parts, Vincent's book is poetry from her exploration of "finding connection & belonging (Ref: back cover)." Upon seeing the cover & flipping through, the book can quickly be found beautiful. The watercolor art, flowers, & hues of pink & beige will treat your eyes all throughout your journey of reading.
Vincent's poetry is simple to understand, yet flows with beauty & meaning. "Prayer Wall" on page seven - in particular - hits with a strong force, ending in a passionate verse of begging God to grant a wish.

Overall strong writing published by Vincent & I'm eager to see what's next
for this incredibly bright mind.

[Riley Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful poems.

[Jen Woodrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexandra's poetry collection was beyond beautiful! Her poems focus on the themes of body, mind, and soul, which means they dive into the human experience in such a raw and real way.

I loved the moments when I had to sit with a poem because of how much I connected with Alex's words. She has such a gift for using prose and metaphors to describe emotional experiences with honestly and vulnerability.

My favorite part was the art inside the book. Gorgeous paintings of flowers and butterflies decorated the pages, and I just had to pause to admire them.

Alexandra, I'm so thankful that you shared such real pieces of your soul and life experiences with the world. Many of your poems speak truths that people will relate to while reading.

It was a beautiful collection, and I know I'll be looking back at these poems in the future ♥️

[Destiny Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautifully done collection of poetry. The poems are dreamy and the subjects are relatable, and the book itself is gorgeous, with ultra-feminine artwork and an easy to read layout. I’ve read it twice now and I know it’s one I’ll read again.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin with, the illustrations in this collection are stunning! Alexandra is a lovely writer!! She is amazing with words and makes you feel! I found myself relating to every poem. That's a true talent. “Prayer Wall” was one of my favorites. Along with, “A Journey to Bestow.” The last poem “Monarch” bought me so much solace, and it was the perfect ending to an even more perfect collection. Alexandra amazed me with her fantastic wordplay. Her work has left me in awe and I can't wait to read more from her!! 100/10

[Jessa Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a butterfly lover, I was really excited to read this poetry book... and it did not disappoint! Monarch took me on a journey of what felt like self discovery and self acceptance. I think this book would be great for anyone wanting a vulnerable perspective for a look into self and how we fit in this world.

one of my favorite things about this book is the creative line placements. it is reminiscent of my favorite poet e.e.cummings, and how the poems can be read in many ways. Alexandra did a great job with infusing heavy emotions like that of sadness with an air of resilience. she uses powerful descriptors of nature and animals with a playful air and use of rhyming; and accompanied with the poems are beautiful and delicate images of plants and butterflies.

I had many different poems speak intimately to me, but I think my favorite was on page 26, starting with: how could they want me?

[K.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The poetry collection Monarch by Alexandra Vincent is beautifully written and filled with so much emotion. Every page is packed with thought-provoking imagery and vivid descriptions and each poem has a unique story to tell. I found myself captivated by the experiences of the author, expressed throughout the collection. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a powerful and heartfelt read!!

[Leisly Roman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful debut collection! Alexandra writes in a way that make her words feel so familiar. The vulnerability in her pieces is truly admirable, & the simplicity with which she writes about difficult or unpleasant topics is really nice. The pieces in this book are very resonating, & the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. A quick, lovely, very validating read x

[Mehran Hashemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetry collection is such a brilliant book! The author writes so beautifully and delicately, enjoyed reading every page!
Highly recommended.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book.