The Princess Saves Herself in this One by Amanda Lovelace | Rating: ★★★★★

The Princess Saves Herself in this One is a triumph in modern poetry and I'm not just saying this because I've followed Amanda for years on her Tumblr and admired her blog from afar. I'm saying this because it's the first thought that comes to mind when reading this. If ever there were a release this year worthy of hype, it's this one.

It came to me during a reading slump and brought me from it. Actually, I can't stress how important this collection is to me because reading it was something truly magical and didn't just pull me out of a reading slump.

(I regret not having purchased a physical copy of it but am privileged nonetheless in the fact that I was able to read it. And can't wait to get my hands on the newly revised edition that is to be published around my birthday.)

Ultimately, words can't do this one justice; much like my feelings toward Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur, there is this tone of honesty to it that feels beyond personal.  

Sometimes it's overwhelming in the best ways possible.

Let me lay it all out for you guys: the Princess Saves Herself in this One shines because Amanda's writing shines in a way that is captivating and intimate. Her words leave you feeling, feeling, feeling. At every turn, every line in every poem from every section, you're left with a buzz.

There is a special quality to her prose that is deeply moving and it touches part of your heart in ways that many authors can't accomplish in full length novels let alone a modest collection of poetry. What is even more striking is the way each section (it is divided into multiple parts) of the poems improves and builds and draws you in--you can't not feel.

I'm serious. I'll say it again. Every pause, every line, leaves some sort of mark on you and when you close it you think: "This poem, man, this poem." and you'll walk away having many favourites. Countless favourites. There isn't a dull end to this book: everything outshines the rest and it's just... wow.

When someone asks me why it has gone and attached itself so clearly to me, why it has become so dear to me, on why I am constantly recommending it, I say:

Much like life, there are so many layers to Amanda's thoughts and words. So many ways it defines itself. It's complex. It's full of soul. It's honest. It's raw. It's real. It's growing up. It's loss and love.

(Before I get to repeating myself with the "it's", I have to add one more thing: it's... everything. It's everything because it faces these truths and more.)

The thing about poetry is, sometimes you see yourself between the lines. Connect with the authors thoughts. You feel, you feel, you feel. The Princess Saves Herself in this One is that collection and so much more. It reminds me why I read and write poetry.

If you haven't read this one, you need to.