She blooms by the Snow

*I was sent a free copy of this book by the author for an honest review* She blooms by the snow is the debut poetry collection by Rachel Lay describing how it felt to grow up in an emotionally and physically abusive household. Divided into three sections, The Little Girl, La vie en Rose, and Awakening, it's a short read that still manages to pack an emotional punch. "You used to tell me, if i don't follow the arrows you carved, Or the cobbled paths everyone crafted, My life will be doomed; Like a tapestry unwinding from a loom But when I peek over the wall of lies, and turn a blind eye on your advice, Why am I able to solely rise, Like how the phoenix tear the skies?" Rachel Lay's style of writing is unique in that it combines the modern style of poetry with more classic styles we're used to. Stunning metaphors are interwoven in all the pieces yet the structure of the poem is more modern than some might be used to. My personal favorite in the collection is Parent's Day. There's always something so vulnerable about poetry. Poetry collections unlikely novels are usually autobiographical, and indeed the pieces felt very personal to the poet. It allowed me to understand the pain of growing up in such a household better, and I found myself rooting for the person inking the stanzas as their story unfolded. I also love how the book explored that when one doesn't get the love they rightfully need from their parents, they can start to look for it somewhere else -- like in unsupportive siblings, or maybe a lying partner. I do feel like a more thorough proofreading pass would have polished the book even more, yet that didn't personally lessen my enjoyment of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves poetry, wants to read about this topic, or anyone who had an abusive home and perhaps wants to feel understood. The poet said at the beginning that she hoped writing those poems down would help her heal, and I genuinely hope it did. "For I have proved you wrong That violence is never a recipe To awaken the wisdom in one's soul."

This book is a masterpiece in itself. I feel every written word on an extremely deep level, and it brings me comfort knowing that I’m not alone in this fight. SBBTS is filled with raw emotions, shaped so beautifully, that will truly touch your heart. Also, Rachel is a lovely human being with a beautiful soul. Her words will make you feel things you’ve never felt before, things you’re too familiar with, and things you thought you’ve already forgotten. And she gave all of them life in this book. I highly recommend SBBTS! 🤍

I love it. She described the feeling of growing in a strict (abusive) household perfectly. I can relate to the poems and somehow I feel braver, knowing that I'm not alone in this journey. Yet, I also feel sad because mistreatment is still seen as "normal" in Asian families. I'm glad the Author decided to speak up and share her experience and emotions.