Life: Poems to help navigate life’s many twists & turns

by Donna Ashworth

FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF I WISH I KNEW

For those looking for inspiration, peace and acceptance on the bumpy road that is life, Donna Ashworth's poems give insight into the enigmas of ageing, body image, family and the rapidly changing world around us.

For every twist, turn and roadblock the journey has to offer, this collection provides relief to busy minds and dares us to live with a reckless abundance of joy.

Readers are embracing Life

- 'One of today's best poets.' ***** NetGalley

- 'Donna's writing conveys so beautifully what it is to be human' ***** Amazon

- 'Each time I read a poem and decide that is my favourite I turn the page and find another beautifully written, eloquent piece that resonates, comforts, and that makes you stop and reflect.' ***** Amazon

- 'They are wonderful books to dip in and out of when you need inspiration, some advice, a hug, a friendly word.' ***** Amazon

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Audiobook

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Kathy Wakeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking and empowering. Particularly the ones about body image

[Vaiva Paulauskaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I come back once more to the same simple truths in life that I want to have engraved into my soul. It seems too cliche to even write about these truths, yet somehow, in the middle of spinning and participating in this rollercoaster of a life, we sometimes decide to jump out of our seats and then get surprised when we hit the floor. We want to stop life because it gets too much, when we could simply relax into it and enjoy the changing view. There’s a lot of these really beautiful truths showcased in here.

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice life affirming poetry collection ideal for dipping in and out of when you need a little boost.

[Gemma L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gorgeous. This an inspiring and uplifting collection of poetry. Donna has a way with words that resonates deeply with you. I just loved this and would urge anyone to read it.

[travelsalongmybookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book, along with 2 others Love and Loss as a poetry collection and have reviewed them together so this review will appear duplicated for the other 2 books

LOVE, LIFE, LOSS

Today I’m reviewing a poetry collection by Donna Ashworth. Three books Love, Life and Loss. I’ve been dipping in and out of these for the last week and I have to say I’ve loved them all. Love is full of words to remind us of the love in our lives, where it can be found, that it is powerful and so so important. Life covers just that, beginnings, endings, age, all sorts really and it’s been wonderful to sit at the end of the day and read one of these, they bring a sense of peace on the hamster wheel that is Life. Loss was a harder read for me and I have not yet read all of this collection. There are poems for loss in all its forms, I have particularly found solace in ‘There will always be loss’, simple words that speak loud and at the right time are always good.

I will share a little spark of joy for me from Love:

Frosting

Love can arrive
wearing many a disguise
but never
does it look
like and expensive gift
or a romantic weekend
for two.

That’s just frosting.

You’re far more likely
to find real love
in a cup of tea
made just for you
exactly the way you like it.

This this is my love, wrapped up in a cup of tea, you know who you are.

Thank you Donna Ashworth for your words, powerful, truthful and long lasting.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Donna Ashworth's poetry. It is poignant, encouraging, relevant, personal, lauds self-kindness, self-acceptance, self-care, and praises the innate power of womanhood. She reminds us all of the power of confidence, of unity, of the importance of periodically putting aside our tasks to observe and enjoy the moment. That our greatest joys will not come in our accomplishments, or from how we look, but from making and enjoying memories with those we love. That the quickest path to lifting our spirits is to look out for others and lighten someone else's burdens. I also love that she gives visibility to those who may feel that nobody notices their hard work, or the difficult times they are enduring by saying "I see you." "I see you.". Sometimes the three words we most need to hear.

My thanks to Black and White Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Laura Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, uplifting… these oft-used words aren’t enough to describe the depth of feeling and understanding these poems provide. I feel incredibly lucky to have received an advance review copy of this book by one of my favourite poets.

It feels like she truly understands me; I particularly connected with the poem ‘The Interrupt’ as this describes me perfectly, and now I know why I do it! The poems contain such insight and clarity; they are so deep yet so readable. ‘There is no waiting room’ is so full of truth.

The general theme is how perfect we are already - don’t change; embrace ourselves and realise how powerful we are. A timeless message from one of today’s best poets.

‘Protect that precious light of yours
you only get one’

With thanks to Netgalley and Black & White Publishing for this advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

[the_nerd_cafephile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bonnier UK Audio, and the author, for the ALC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This uplifting beautiful collection tells you to live, to age gracefully, to embrace the changes and to LIVE. I think the most beautiful part of this poetry set was the ones that dealt with ageing where the poet says again and again I want to age, I need to age and I deserve to age, because I have earned. I was so touched by this part as ageing being one of the biggest taboos of life, especially for women. We are taught how to hide the signs of ageing, to try and look young as much as we can. This perspective has helped me look at how I view ageing and how I have begun to accept each passing day as a blessing and not a curse

The beauty of poetry as audiobooks for me is that the author reads it, the artist expressing the art which makes it an experience! A worthy and beautiful experience!

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed despite the fact I would probably label myself as a non lover of poetry etc, I actually found some within this book that loved, adored in fact. Recommend reading this book whether you are a lover of poetry or not. A great introduction to poetry, a great taster selection of different types of poetry too.
Some are what I would describe as paragraphs of advice more than what I myself would have catergorised as poetry but I enjoyed some of those just as much as some of the more tradition style that I expect of poetry.
Very thoughtful, thought provoking, some wistful, other straight to the point and more plain speaking I think theres something for everyone in this book.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Donna's poetry originally on Facebook. People have begun to share her poetry like crazy. For good reason.

I liked this book. My mother LOVED this book. It is written for women (as I believe all of her books are). She touches upon many topics that tend to get overlooked or that we need to talk about. And she words it wonderfully.

I gave four stars because of the rhyming poetry--and it isn't because it rhymed. I actually love rhyming poems, but hers felt disjointed at times and didn't keep a rhythm. It brought me out of the poems.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't love this one as much as I loved the other two but I still really enjoyed it and I've become a huge fan of Donna Ashworth's writing!

She writes so passionately and really makes me believe what I am reading! I would definitely recommend any of her books but my favourite would have to be 'Love' and 'Loss'!

[Sarah Macjones · Rating 3 out of 5]

great book that I feel like is geared towards middle aged women so it was kinda hard to connect with specific things in the poems but the poetry itself was alright. def inspirational/self-help vibes which I don’t super love in poetry but there was some stuff I did really like!

[Tracey Blackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this to begin with and considered buying, as one to keep, having only borrowed it from my library. It really became irritating when every other poem said the words "my friend". Totally put me off reading any of Ashworths other books tbh incase they are the same.

[Rebecca E Mentzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring life lessons in simple poetry. I've already shared two of these poems with just the people I thought needed them, as I did. I read this cover to cover and now will keep it at my bedside to read more randomly. A sweet gift from a good friend. Thank you!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I often struggle with poetry. I sometimes feel like I just don't get it. But this book? Wow! These poems spoke to me. I couldn't believe how much of myself I saw in each new poem. Very uplifting. Very powerful. Will definitely be reading more from this author.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A phenomenal book of poetry -- the day I read some of the poems, they were so meaningful to my current life! My 1st book by this author and I will be reading many more. Each poem is filled with heartfelt, meaningful words!

[Sara Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gem of a book. Life's short and many of these resonate with me at this time ♡

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book of all kinds of poems, but encouraging, affirming, and full of good advice. I couldn't put it down.

[Sofia Lathbury · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Kacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and a good read. I think this was more geared to an older audience than I am, however the message was still very beautiful. Thoroughly enjoyed

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of Donna’s books that you’ll just dip into and something will strike a chord. Some lines in her poems just stick with you throughout the day. Lovely collection.

[Jennie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt a little too white, suburban/ mainstream for me…maybe trite is the word. There are certainly good reminders and ideas…but just too direct and not really the style of poetry I find interesting.

[Siobhan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful 💜

[Blanche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Library book Like all the other books by Donna Ashworth this is a solid 5. I always look forward to the next one 👍

[Mary Ellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book of easy, engaging, profound poetry for women. Must read, must own - you will go back to reread.

[Kathy D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I fell in love with Wild Hope and bought three more collections. This one speaks more to us crones, so it’s worth a read if you’re into that! Happy holidays!

[Tracey Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I will return to again and again....

[Brenda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! Totally inspiring!!!!! Be you! She encourages this and ir is so true. I will put ir wheee I can re-read it often !

[Jen Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly magical author who has such a way with words. This is the 2nd book I’ve read by her and I’m looking forward to reading more

[Clare Sturgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this immediately! What an amazing writer. So insightful and thought provoking