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jenniferrobin826's review against another edition
2.0
I read this one slowly as each chapter is part memoir, part meditation. I think I needed it to chose - the memoir parts seemed too surface level to me though I am sure the full stories are much more in depth. I suppose that was the point of the structure but it didn’t work for me. I picked this up because the author, Alex Elle, co-hosts one of my favorite podcasts: This Morning Walk, which I highly recommend.
abudschalow's review against another edition
4.0
Probably because of where I am in my life's journey and also because of who I am, I really enjoyed reading this book. Ms. Elle shares openly and almost like each chapter is it's own poem about her very real and very human emotions. I would not call this a self-help book, but maybe a companion or guide or partner if you're looking for one while on your own journey of accepting yourself and other humans as beautiful and imperfect.
ndmooree's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to the author's audiobook, her voice is so sweet and mellow from her Hey Girl podcast like you must hear her voiceover on this one. The book felt like a love letter to herself, for herself, that coincidentally was relatable to every reader in some sort of manner.
thelaurelwreathcrowned's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
I found the read to be more of an introduction to healing and unpacking trauma, and thus the title maybe a bit misleading. I would have benefited more from the book had I read it a few years ago
liv_erick1103's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
3.5
bees_blessed's review against another edition
5.0
Every page of this book held healing and the key to self-reflection. Be warned that you have to be ready and in a space where you can handle self-reflection, forgiveness, and self-love. If you are in that space, grab a journal, pen and a several cups of tea.
I had this book in January but I’m thankful I just picked it up recently, as I was ready and in a space to really soak in Alex Elle’s lessons. Her writing sometimes made me wonder if she knew me or if I had written it myself because many of her experiences and pain were similar to my own. To know that someone else has walked through your painful experiences is healing in itself by knowing you weren’t the only one and that someone else made it.
I highly recommend this book, if you’re ready for it.
I had this book in January but I’m thankful I just picked it up recently, as I was ready and in a space to really soak in Alex Elle’s lessons. Her writing sometimes made me wonder if she knew me or if I had written it myself because many of her experiences and pain were similar to my own. To know that someone else has walked through your painful experiences is healing in itself by knowing you weren’t the only one and that someone else made it.
I highly recommend this book, if you’re ready for it.
iampotassium's review against another edition
4.0
Another book that I read for the Well Read Black Girl festival.
So first of all. This book is friggin beautiful. Like physically. The cover/inside is sooooo pretty. I just want to pet it.
And now onto the content. It’s unique: part memoir, part self-help, part mediation, etc.
At first I had trouble engaging with Alex as the narrator. Not sure why. Maybe too self-helpy? She seemed less vulnerable?
But that definitely changed over time and I found myself really enjoying her own experiences paired with good reminders for me — practice compassion and empathy instead of comparisons, reminding yourself “I see you,” etc.
Probably a book to sip and enjoy slowly, but I really wanted to have it finished before her talk in the morning. I’m excited to go back and peruse the reminders at the end of each chapter that are written like little poems.
From a memoir-construction perspective, it’s interesting too. Her choice to use the second person in the last chapter was AMAZING. :)
So first of all. This book is friggin beautiful. Like physically. The cover/inside is sooooo pretty. I just want to pet it.
And now onto the content. It’s unique: part memoir, part self-help, part mediation, etc.
At first I had trouble engaging with Alex as the narrator. Not sure why. Maybe too self-helpy? She seemed less vulnerable?
But that definitely changed over time and I found myself really enjoying her own experiences paired with good reminders for me — practice compassion and empathy instead of comparisons, reminding yourself “I see you,” etc.
Probably a book to sip and enjoy slowly, but I really wanted to have it finished before her talk in the morning. I’m excited to go back and peruse the reminders at the end of each chapter that are written like little poems.
From a memoir-construction perspective, it’s interesting too. Her choice to use the second person in the last chapter was AMAZING. :)
stephbails's review against another edition
2.0
I wish I could rate between 2 and 3 stars. I was disappointed by this one, and I really love Alexandra Elle’s other work. Neon Soul is one of my go-to reads. This felt like the SparkNotes version of Neon Soul, providing background information on the poems, rather than offering something new. Perhaps a good read for those who haven’t read Neon Soul?
tracijay7's review against another edition
4.0
I first learned about Alex Elle through her Instagram quote posts. Her words were uplifting, affirming and insightful. They made me want to read more from her. Her book, “After the Rain,” reveals the backstory on how she gained her wisdom.
Elle shares the abuse she suffered as a child and her struggles as a single teenage mom. Her storytelling feels deeply vulnerable and honest. She has done a lot of healing work and comes out on the other side with medicine for others. I enjoyed the quick read.
I, however, would have liked for her to explore more the historical connections of slavery and black motherhood. She spends a great deal of time talking about how her relationship with her mother shaped her life but without any historic context on black women living under a system of oppression. Her complex relationship with her mother was reframed and the abuse forgiven. I wonder if that would do harm to other abuse survivors.
Elle shares the abuse she suffered as a child and her struggles as a single teenage mom. Her storytelling feels deeply vulnerable and honest. She has done a lot of healing work and comes out on the other side with medicine for others. I enjoyed the quick read.
I, however, would have liked for her to explore more the historical connections of slavery and black motherhood. She spends a great deal of time talking about how her relationship with her mother shaped her life but without any historic context on black women living under a system of oppression. Her complex relationship with her mother was reframed and the abuse forgiven. I wonder if that would do harm to other abuse survivors.