Softening Time: Collected Poems

by Elena Brower, Yung Pueblo (Foreword)

From beloved yogi, teacher, and artist Elena Brower comes the writer’s debut collection of a lyrical exploration of grief, self-compassion, and learning from the past to navigate life’s challenges with grace.

Softening Time is both autobiography and self-help, poetry and inspiration. Drawing on events in her own life, particularly her experiences as a mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Brower writes poignantly on themes of love, loss, healing, and rebirth.
 
Punctuating her work with themed quotations from a wide variety of celebrated writers and thinkers, Brower guides the reader along an intimate journey of both deepening and “softening” self-awareness. 

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Audiobook

176 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2023

Reviews

[Carson Faircloth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying to figure out how to get my thoughts down without sounding like an insensitive asshole, and at this point I just don't think that's possible.

Continuing my Let's Get Into Poetry era, I thought Softening Time might be a much-needed reprieve from the nightmare of milk and honey. And it was. It definitely was! But it was also sort of wildly confusing? Every few pages I'd find myself thinking, oh interesting, I don't really know what's happening but it feels vaguely depressing. And now my mood is all whack for no reason. If I'm going to feel like shit, I'd at least like to be able to explain why.

If I had to pinpoint a more concrete reason as to why this collection didn't resonate for me, it's probably because it wasn't meant for me. And I'm not saying that to be cute or judgmental. The content literally was not for me, with themes heavily influenced by:

- Motherhood (I am not a mother).
- Coping with the loss of a parent (both my parents are alive and well and I fucking pray it stays that way for a very long time, if the universe is listening).
- Maybe not so platonic friendships (all my friendships thus far are solidly platonic, no grey areas). I actually don't know if I'm interpreting this correctly or if I just made this up as I was reading, but it certainly felt that way. I don't know. I'm confused.

Maybe I just don't have the Poetry Eye yet! Or maybe it's a "I have no experience with any of these things" situation. So if any of the above themes resonate with you, this will probably be exactly your jam.

Still patiently awaiting the day I find a poetry collection I love.

[Dorothy Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

It's quite an atmospheric life story lyric, but unfortunately it falls into the same mistake as most of these volumes: it uses predictable narratives and language, so that by the end it becomes monotonous and boring, despite a few nice-sounding lines or thoughts. Still, it's still quite an enjoyable collection, standing out among many unpretentious insta-poetry poets.

#NetGalley

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this short collection of poetry! The audiobook was perfect since it was read by the author and that always feels more genuine with artistic books. The poems move through the journey of life in a way and stay mainly positive, looking on the bright side of your story. I really connected with some of the idea she puts into the world, mainly if you’ve seen and been through a lot in your life but are still able to treat people and the world with kindness. If you like inspirational poetry, check this book out!

[Amanda]

An enjoyable collection of poems, words, quotes. Brower has a way, an almost whimsical way with her words. The collection was put together nicely. On the inside and dear thirty one year old self were favorites of mine. Her writing style had me envisioning her sitting down on a farm and putting thoughts to paper while imagining little girls, fae, trials and tribulations of life, hardships and growing up. I'd give it a 3.5. While I enjoyed the collection and think that the writing was superior to most others of like that I've read, by the end of the collection it was a bit repetitive. Still would recommend this to other poetry lovers.

[Jennifer C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks so much to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Libro.fm for the gifted advanced audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions are entirely my own. { partner } My reviews can also be found on Instagram @Tackling_TBR and on my blog at tacklingtbr.home.blog

This collection of thoughts and poems was really beautifully written. The author's words feel heartfelt and vulnerable while still keeping a light and almost whimsical quality to them, which made it a really enjoyable read.

I listened to this book in it's audio format, and I loved listening to the author reading it. Her voice conveyed so much emotion, and it really felt like this was the way that this collection is supposed to be experienced.

Overall I would recommend this collection to my friends and fellow readers, especially if they are looking for short collections to dip their toe into the genre. I think that the best way to read to this book would be listening to it while taking a nature walk, or sitting in a window enjoying sunshine or rainy weather - spending time somewhere where you can clear your mind while you listen and just enjoy the view.

[Hilarry · Rating 4 out of 5]

“ righteousness softens:
darkness to clear light again
hearing myself becoming
my dearest friend”.

Softening Time: A collection of poems by Elena Brower on audiobook is a relaxing yet thought provoking meditative style poetry to listen to.
I enjoyed this collection of poems, some on audiobook can be listened to while relaxing. Others for reflection. The author shares intimate and heartbreaking details though some of her poems as well. Delivered in that “Softening Time” soothing pace as she reflects on her grief. I also like how these poems seemed to share the different types of grief as well, not just loss.

[Kaitlyn (ktxx22) Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

You can feel the authors voice and emotion in these poems. I can see the care that was given to her loved ones, but I didn’t love this. It feels pretentious and like the author is wanting to emulate the poets she references throughout. The difference being those authors are largely BIPOC and are writing from a completely different socioeconomic and cultural background that root their work in collected history of trauma and resilience. This feels like a rich white lady who’s had the privilege to do a lot of drugs and survive a wild life and is now someone who is sober (bravo not downplaying this success whatsoever) and a life coach/yoga instructor. I don’t like it. Gives me a grimy feeling.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I would describe the general feeling of this collection of poetry as gently sad. And also, as it progressed, I found it a bit bland. It had some interesting moments, especially early on, but then it started to feel more like stream of consciousness than poetry and I struggled to maintain interest.

The author did a good job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Elena Brower, Andrews McMeel Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Katrisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this volume of poetry. Her explorations of relationships of different kinds (mother/child/friend/lover) struck chords in me. I liked her poems exploring grief and also the balm of nature. I enjoyed the reading by the author - I think that is the best way to experience poetry - but I also look forward to getting a print version of this book because I also like to have the visual experience of poetry.
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[sweet orange books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it my favorite poetry collection ever? Maybe. Possibly. Yes.

This collection is about love, about friendship, about softening your eyes, listening, living life with kindness. I listened to it while walking in nature and it was just the perfect time and place. I will start again from the start and listen to it again in the coming days. This collection has such a soothing effect on me.

Audiobook ARC provided by Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, so beautifully read by the author Elena Brower.

[Carolyn Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Softening Time - Collected Poems” by Elena Brower, narrated by the author. Again, this is me trying to get into poetry and this short selection was actually beautifully written and with aspects that I could relate to: mother, daughter, love , loss etc . Slated for release on 19th June 2023. Thanks to @talismanonpender @librofm @andrewsmcmeel for the #ALC #ARC

[Craig Jorgensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This poetry collection written by Elena Brower and Yung Pueblo is so inspiring. The way that each word on page made me feel was so satisfying. Every page was crafted beautifully. I love the way that every poem is something to relate to. This is such a heartfelt collection of poetry. I recommend this highly.

[Ashley Khader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Elena Brower for writing these words and then also being the narrator of this audiobook so we could hear them read as she intended them to be read. She took us through so many private, personal moments. While I couldn’t relate to all of it, that isn’t really the point. Poetry is personal and she gave us a piece of her soul in these words.

Some of my favorites were:

-One Thought at a Time
-Older
-Evolution
- and my favorite was Kitchen Prayer.

[Marti (Letstalkaboutbooksbaybee) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Randomly picked this audiobook up through Libro’s ALC program, and it was a good listen. I always like when poetry is read by the author so you can hear what they intend their poems to sound like.

[Livvy Barnett · Rating 3 out of 5]

some resonated with me; some confused me...i love elena brower but this collection of her work did not quite live up to the likes of yung pueblo (who set a high bar by changing my life through his words). pleasant to read but seemed all over the place, at times.

[Laura Jannink · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like Elena's podcast and her journal to write in. This poetry collection has a few poems (especially the longer ones) that I enjoy reading, but most don't leave much of an impression. In addition, expressions such as "colorless color" and "gateless gate" are just not my style.

[Rhiannon Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice small collection. I would generally recommend this to older, female readers.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by the author!
Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and Libro.fm for my ALC!

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful, lyrical, but somehow predictable in its word choices. I received a complimentary audiobook from the publisher via libro.fm.

[Avani ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

listened to this on libro.fm, it was powerful and good to listen and read about.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could really relate to a lot of the emotions and messages of growth in this book. I listened to this in audiobook format and it was beautifully read!

[Marissa Mariano · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sad and deep. A lot different from what I was expecting but very real and well written. Some of it went a little over my head

[Christina Valastro · Rating 4 out of 5]

In preparation for Elena's new book, I re-read Softening Time and listened to the audio along with it and it was so much more meaningful hearing her speak her words 💗

[enchantingprose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is poetry I def expect a yogi to put out. Derivative and and honestly nothing I haven’t heard in the yoga community. There is nepotism going on here right ?

[Katrisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated this volume of poetry. Her explorations of relationships of different kinds (mother/child/friend/lover) struck chords in me. I liked her poems exploring grief and also the balm of nature. I enjoyed the reading by the author - I think that is the best way to experience poetry - but I also look forward to getting a print version of this book because I also like to have the visual experience of poetry.
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5