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

Original review here. Slightly revised from its original form in honor of the newly published version, now featuring more new poems. This is pretty much the same review only it tackles a bit more without spoiling the new works published. A copy of this novel was provided through NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

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. No matter what someone says--this is poetry and this breathes life to Amanda's words.

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. Now, my second time reading it and exploring the newer additions, I can say even further that Amanda Lovelace is a talent in her own league and someone to look out for.

(I regret not having purchased a physical copy of its first edition but I am privileged nonetheless in the fact that I was able to read it then and now.)

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. Nearly every page lifted my spirits or connected with me on some level because it's so real and intimate. It gives you the chills as you flip each page and honestly? I love it. 

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. I swore I could feel my skin tingling in joy and heartbreak, every emotion brought a new sensation to my mind and I find it impossible to describe.

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.

Don't let anyone's reviews influence you on it, though, because this experience is something that is uniquely your own. It makes me sad to see some people are calling this "fake poetry" or "just Tumblr poetry"--just because you dislike the prose, doesn't mean it's an invalid release. You're just being petty and nitpicking something irrelevant to your life--it's okay not to like it, but don't be an asshole just because you're bitter.

The Princess Saves Herself in this One is full of soul and a beautiful prose that will just keep your mind turning. Just as good--actually, better--as its original form, Amanda Lovelace proves she is here to stay and offers a voice to so many of us.