Soft Thorns

The poems don’t rhyme at any point, so for me that detracts from the beauty, but I do understand that — while prose is not my cup of tea — it does work for many people. The content itself was deep and many times heartbreaking, but definitely would be cathartic for anyone who lived through these problems. I do hope the author reaches a point of healing as best as she is able.

in time
even the sharpest thorns
will become soft.


What a beautifully written poetry collection, with gorgeous drawings too! I haven’t read a poetry collection in possibly ever, and this was a great glimpse at the modern poetry we’re getting from great minds today.

I thought the book was beautifully constructed, and the last part (Heal) was my favorite. The heartbreak parts were occasionally truly hard to read, but I am grateful to the author for including them as they really made me feel something.

I’d be interested in reading more from this author, and I don’t think she gives herself enough credit when she says (in the introduction) that she cannot write fiction. I would LOVE to see a poetic piece of fiction from her… maybe a novel told in verse?

All in all, a beautiful, heartbreaking read that I would love to have on my shelf as well. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC copy.

Would recommend for: I’ve only glimpsed at Rupi Kaur’s writing in bookstores, but I have a feeling you might enjoy this if you like her poetry!

Bittersweet and wonderful poetry, very of the moment. Would firmly recommend to fans of Rupi Kaur, Alexandra Elle and Angela Carter.

Bridgett is an amazing girl I followed on instagram many years ago when I found her beautiful poetry on there. With moving poetry about an array of topics from beauty, life, love, pain, eating disorders, abuse, depression and more. They're all serious but moving and beautifully written poetry worthy of a read by anyone whom has been affected recently or in the past by any of the discussed topics. She perfectly captures imagery of a romantic relationship and all the up and down sides of it you can go through.



I never knew that Bridgette suffered with chronic pain, as do I and found myself relating to her voice so much in certain poems for sure.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

Soft Thorns
by Bridgett Devoue


Andrews McMeel Publishing

Poetry
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018



I am reviewing a copy of Soft Thorns through Andrews McMeel publishing and the netgalley:


This collection of poetry deals with everything from love to heartbreak to life’s struggles. The poems in this collection deal with painful topics such as struggling with anorexia to surviving sexual assault! This collection reminds us in a beautiful way that it is in our darkest times that we grow the most.


In Soft Thorns Bridgett Devoue gives us a raw look into the difficulties as well as the joys in our lives.


I give Soft Thorns five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Even the sharpest thorns will become soft. Devoue's voice is filled with sadness as she talks about the suffering she endured from disorders, abuse, and heartbreak. The messages she writes are haunting and coax out so much sadness and anger from the readers. At the beginning, she writes about rape and self-harm with so much trauma that leaves readers feeling shaken and raw. The book as a whole felt like a story written in verse. I felt like I was viewing parts of her life and the feelings that she dealt with. Although the book possesses so much sadness, it ends off with hope and empowerment, trying to encourage women to be brave and to value themselves. More importantly, to realize that broken hearts are still beautiful.

"roses are proof that
you can protect yourself
while remaining soft"

Well, I've only read a handful of poetry books so I'm not 100% sure how to evaluate this one, but I will say, that I really liked Devoue's intention and overall message. She thanks the people in her life who knocked her down and made her stronger and the resiliency she clearly shows is lovely. Anyone looking for words to help cope with personal devastation might turn to this small volume for some solace. Because of the subject and the illustrations, it will surely be compared to Rupi Kaur but I don't think it's beneficial to say that one did it better because each of these voices matter.

This book is a book of many different poems. While some of them are better than others I really enjoyed
most of them because they dealt with a lot of strong and powerful messages. And while each poem was
different they fit together to form one large story of the poets life. They showed the highs and lows of the poets
life and there is a bit about assault and rape that might not be for everyone in the middle. The best part about this
for me was the fact that while the poems all fit together to tell the story of her being but they were all different,
some happy some sad and they didn't rhyme so you really got to experience them how you saw, not how they were told to you. I loved the authors use of metaphors and description it wasn't over done so you lost her messages it was just enough to give it that beautiful touch. I loved it and can't find a single thing I would change about this book. The author gave you love poems heartbreak poems and everything in between. I loved how all the poems seemed to pack a punch and were very powerful even though some of them were very short, like only a few lines. If you like poetry books that this is one that you mustn't miss.

Soft Thorns is yet another "instagram" poetry book that I've fallen in love with. Perhaps I just prefer the brief yet deep poetry, but something about this style has been resonating with me as of late. This book is published (or republished, as I think it was self-published before) by the same company responsible for Rupi Kaur, Courtney Peppernell, Amanda Lovelace, and r.h. Sin, so you can rest assured that this poetry is of the same caliber. 

Soft Thorns is broken up into 5 sections: Bleed, Love, Scar, Learn, and Heal. While I normally suggest just cracking open poetry books to a random page and going for it, I feel that this one really tells a story if you read it in order, as opposed to other collections that just have poems arranged randomly. 

Her poetry touches on some difficult subjects, such as sexual assault, heartbreak, but it also deals with love and moving on from difficult times. Like I said, it really tells a story if you read it from start to finish.

Given that it's a collection of poetry, it's pretty easy to get through this book quickly. Of course, read it the way you'd like to, whether that be in small sections or all at once, in order or randomly. There are occasional hand drawn images throughout it, usually of hands, roses, or bodies. They aren't detailed, but they add to the collection. 

As for the poetry itself, I enjoyed many of them, but some of them fell a bit flat for me. While I usually love brief, powerful lines, many of the very short poems didn't really make me feel anything. While they contribute to the overall story that Devoue is telling through the poetry, I just think that they could have been written better. Some of the poems were a bit cliche as well, just rewording classic sayings. 

All in all, I did enjoy this poetry collection, even if some of the poems were a bit lackluster. Fans of "Instagram poets" such as Rupi Kaur and Amanda Lovelace will probably enjoy this collection. 

*I recieved an e-arc of this book via Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts are my own.*

The soft thorns is a collection of short stories dealing mainly with love and heartbreak, but also with rape, sexism and coping in this messy ugly world as a woman.

I really liked author’s My letter to you at the beginning of the book. It was very personal and made me feel like she was right there, sitting next to me reading her poetry. The book is divided into five sections: bleed, love, scar, learn and heal. My favourite was the heal part. It made me feel sure about myself and proud of being a woman.

once learned
that being pretty
was not a talent
i got my power back

Overall, I think the book is ideal for people going through breakup and not being ok. I think that it would really help me if I was in that stage of my life. Now I didn’t really connected to those poems, but I really liked the ones about love and dealing with sexism. I wish there were more of them, but this wasn’t that kind of book. The poems could be longer, many times there were three or four in a row which could easily be one put together instead.

i lost love with you
but found love within me

Soft Thorns brings a gripping story of heartbreak, pain, and healing to the reader. I found that the beautiful thing about this book is that every line drips with passionate writing. I was consumed by every word from beginning to end of the book and didn't stop reading until I finished it all in one go.

Emotions fly all across the pages of the book and I truly did not regret diving into Soft Thorns. I loved how the tone of the poetry was so conversational as if the author was sitting in front of me and talking to me, reciting the poems. I also adored the illustrations, they were on point.

The only thing I would recommend would be that it would be wonderful to see some longer poems, perhaps in the next book the author writes! I usually write shorter poems as well but for collections of poetry books, I think it may be nice to have a few longer poems.

"beauty is a curse the rose knows well

always picked first you never get a chance to grow"

This book of poetry is heartfelt and heavy. Bridgett Devoue shares her feelings and observations amidst love's trials. This book tells her story from the start of love to the end, and how she picked herself up time and time again, growing in strength and self worth.

These poems are very gritty and descriptive in parts, which, although not to my particular taste, means they are deeply effecting and shoot straight to the heart. I would recommend this to people who are interested in modern poetry, especially women who have gone through similarly difficult times with break-up, assault and the every day battle with self worth.

Thank you Net Galley for the chance to read this book.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
"It's sad to think we'll never make magic again, the world didn't know what it was in for."
Bridgett Devoue is a marvelous poet.
Her words just fly off the page and feel so beautiful and haunting that it's hard to even think straight by the end of it.
I love her writing style and how the publisher formatted the book into sections and added illustrations to some of them was enriching to see, as I haven't seen a lot of that in poetry books.
They're so captivating and meaningful, and so relatable. It's everything I want in poetry and more
"You fell in love with my fire, so why are you trying to put out my flame?"

I was hooked by this collection as soon as I read the second poem.

Bridgett Devoue’s collection of poetry in Soft Thorns is like an ocean: deep and dark, with each wave overwhelming you with sadness, happiness, and everything in between.

As can be common with short, simplistic poetry, there were a few poems that felt repetitive, but nothing that took away from the overall value of the writing. That said, if short, simplistic poems, which have become overwhelmingly popular recently, are not your cup of tea, this is not the book for you.

Dealing with some graphic situations, this collection would be suitable for more mature audiences. The strength it must have taken for the author to put her experiences into words is admirable, and something that we can only hope other individuals find strength in.

The ups and downs, particularly in love, found in Soft Thorns are relatable and honest. The love, despair, and anger are cycles that every person can imagine or remember for themselves.

hank you Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked soft thorns. Bridgett Devoue explores heartbreak, abuse, healing and women empowerment. Her poems are unbridled, frank and powerful. It was enlightening and something I would reread if I'm in the mood for an edgy and fast-paced poetry collection. If you love Rupi Kaur's milk and honey, you might enjoy this book.

My favorite poems in this collection are:

sometimes
we fall in love with ideas
not people

------------------------
you've already fallen
in love with my angels
so how could you ever
love my demons?

------------------------
do not get comfortable
in your storyline

you have more power
than you know

I liked the book but still feel there's something that isn't there which I don't know what it is. Hmm, but i still like this one. highly recommend it.

Wow, this book is Powerful.
I’m not usually a poetry-reader, even if I like it sometimes. When the author says that she is better writing in poems, I thought I was more a “prose” person. But I cannot deny that this book is very good. I felt everything. I felt the damages, the bad things, the assaults, the anger, the loneliness. I felt everything. So, I think that less words can work as much as lot of phrases, sometimes.

I liked every section of the book. This is one of my first poetry book and I’m glad I find a well written and deeply interesting story. We are human, we are like roses with thorns, but we can also be gentle and positive about ourselves.

This book talks about a lot of subjects: assault, abuse, anorexia, mental health, broken hearts, self confidence and self esteem. The most powerful theme is Self care, I think. This part was so important in my eyes and I cannot stop thinking about it. Love is the biggest them, also: not only love for someone else, but love for ourselves. A very important topic.

Every line can be meaningful to someone, in every time of their life people can find inspiration and new power to embrace their worlds and built something better.

So, I recommend this book because it’s powerful, relatable, truth and has beautiful but simple images (which I liked a lot).

5 stars!
This poetry book was spectacular. Beautiful writing and the message behind this is very powerful. I love this book so much.
Thanks to Netgalley for this e-arc in exchange of my honest review

This was my first ever poetry read! And I've decided that poetry is a bit of a compromise between a short story, and a song. I liked it, not in the same way that I love to get immersed into a deep read, but I liked it. I honestly believed myself too shallow to enjoy poetry, to be honest, but I was determined to give it a go before writing it off.

bridgett devoue explores sexual abuse, heartbreak, female aesthetic and empowerment; broken down into five chapters, bleed, love, scar, learn and heal. Soft Thorns is a collection of raw poems each exposing her vulnerabilities and strengths.

"only you can make
yourself a victim"

In Devoue's personal note to the reader at the beginning of the book, she states that, "I had developed chronic pain that no doctors could diagnose, putting my work life and hopes of achieving my dreams on hold," which immediately gave me a connection with this author. This helped me relate to her words further; and riveted me into being more open minded with my previous reluctance of poetry.

"you are always healing
so don't wait to start living"

The illustrations were minimalistic, yet gorgeous, they portrayed feelings where words could have failed. The simplistic style was all that was needed to ensure that the reader understood the author's feelings.

Although what the author (or would she be classed as a poet?) had experienced first hand, I hadn't actually experienced myself, I could still relate to her words, and apply most poem's to my own life. I felt every transition of emotion with each passing page, and I found it cathartic.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful compendium that is unfortunately a little too mature for my students but perfect for me. I thought the writer succinctly illustrated so many emotions and I loved every second of this ride.

Soft Thorns is the experiences of a woman who has been low and broken hearted. Her words are not angry and destructive reflecting her hurt and deep loss but healing and inspiring to ease your own pain.
Wisdom is not gained in books but through living and falling in love is like jumping from high altitude hoping you’ll find a soft landing or a parachute along the way.
Words can empower and strengthen especially when spoken by someone who has been in the pit of despair and knows the darkest of times. This author not only opens her heart through sharing her thoughts she bears her soul.
Aside from following my heart the hardest thing I have done is walk the Pennine Way. Only a fool would venture onto those hills without a guide or maps.
In Soft Thorns we have someone who has made the journey from broken to healed; found a means to survive and is full of belief. Where others may be full of bitterness Bridgett Devoue has a mind that has found the safe ground and a heart filled with hope and love.
As married man with two beautiful grown up daughters I marvel at my ignorance of a woman’s psyche. I have highlighted so may sound bites from these profound poems and spoken thoughts. If I re-read these words I sure another bunch of wisdom will be chosen.
“I never knew a better sound than my name on your lips.”
“you’re having sex while I’m making love.”
“we choose to stay numb because we think it keeps us safe
but the most dangerous thing we can do is to forget how to feel.”
Powerful stuff, freely shared and available in part through social media or bound together like a life saving parachute or raft in this wonderful book.

Author Bridgett Devoue created poems that touch us with the real emotions and intense conflicts of the heart. Sometimes we need a reminder of specific experiences, and she gives us no choice but to respond to the realness and intensity that goes with the topic. I felt many emotions and had a different way of seeing things, thanks to the way each subject is expressed. I loved it

Soft Thorns is a beautifully stunning book. I read it in a day and I freaking loved it. I though it was so well constructed and so well-thought. My favorite part is definitely the last one (Heal) since it made me feel kind of optimistic. The hardest and the most powerful at the same time, part was the Heartbreak one. 

The meanings of pain, love, sadness, happiness, heartbreak were there and I felt them. I got the chills while reading this poetry collection. 

The fact that the author chose to share some personal situations and her hurting because of disorders, abuse and heartbreak, is truly amazing. Her poems left me shaken. They were raw but in such an extrordinary way. 

_________________________________
FAVORITE POEMS
“once learned
that being pretty
was not a talent
i got my power back”
“beauty is a curse the rose knows well
always picked first you never get a chance to grow”
_________________________________

From this book, I am keeping everything. The heartbreak, the pain, the bleeding, all the bad things. But most importantly the healing. The hope and the empowerment. The encouragment it gives to women especially young ones. And how even the broken hearts are beautiful.

This is perfect for fans of Rupi Kaur's work. It reminded me so much of Milk & Honey, but Soft Thorns had its own unforettable beauty. You won't be able to put it down.

Soft Thorns is a debut poetry collection in 5 chapters: bleed, love, scar, learn, heal.
I found most poems powerful and touching.
The poetess shares a lot of her experience and I think we can feel everything she feels. It was very relatable at times and I found myself tearing up.
I flew through this book, always wanting to know what came next.
I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author.

I liked this book a lot! It is similar to modern poetry books, yes, but honestly it didn't bother me because each writer has to tell his/her story and this one was beautifully executed. I enjoyed the artwork! Mostly the roses, but also the female figures. The book is divided in sections and each one is better than the one before. I read it in two hours, since I started relating my experiences with those of the writer and it was cathartic, I could say.

All in all, I would recommend it to anyone, since issues of love, heartbreak, "self", sexism, depression resonate within all of us, if you don't mind my generalization.

Soft Thorns by Bridgett Devoue is a poetry collection focusing on themes such as love, heartbreak, oppression, sexual assault and sexism. Broken into sections - bleed, love, scar, learn, heal - Devoue’s poetry is unbridled and powerful. Devoue does wonders exploring the journey from broken to healed, particularly that of a woman living in today’s patriarchal society.
Although at times I found the pacing and the length of the poems to be lacking, the overall story that Devoue tells is breathtaking. It is a story all about being a woman and being strong despite everything that the world throws at you. Each poem packs a powerful punch, leaving behind a feeling that tells you that you aren’t alone in your struggles in this world.
As someone who truly enjoys poetry and almost obsessively reads it, I highly recommend this book. If you enjoyed the works of Rupi Kaur, Amanda Lovelace or Trista Mateer, you will most likely enjoy Soft Thorns. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to read it again and again!

Soft Thorns is Bridgett Devoue’s first poetry collection and is about heartbreak, freedom, oppression, sexual assault, sexism, hope and humanity. Soft Thorns is divided into 5 chapters: bleed, love, scar, learn and heal.

maybe we fall
in love with sad eyes
because we see our souls
reflected in them

When I started reading My letter to you, so the first few pages, I was already so interested and amazed because I could already feel Bridgett Devoue’s emotions.

scars may fade
but they last forever

Soft Thorns was such a beautiful poetry collection. I finished it in one sitting, it was just that good. I really liked Bridgett Devoue’s writing style and the way she displayed her poems together with some beautiful illustrations. Too bad that these poems didn’t have titles because then my ‘favourite poems’ list would be never-ending!

i gave you a home in my heart
and when you left
you forever took a
part of me with you

Soft Thorns is definitely one of my favourite poetry collections and I cannot wait to read more written by Bridgett Devoue!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an earc for an honest review.

Soft Thorns by Bridgett Devoue is sets of poems that takes us the reader through a journey of a women’s life. As she deals with sexual assault and trauma from it. She also deals with love found and lost.

There was a few that I connected with but not many but there was also a few more I liked that talked about fire within and a flame.

This book has a lot of poems in free verse.

Before this, I had never read a full book written in free verse, however, not that I have, I can’t wait to read more.

The way each poem is built is beautiful and the book’s structure, although expected, was well thought out.

When it comes to the poems, there’s one for everyne. There are some cute ones about love, others about coping with abuse, and more.

To be honest, this book broke my heart and put it back together, I can’t wait to read more stuff like this.

Rating: 4 stars


————–

Little reviewer’s note:

A few weeks after reading this book, I realized that some of these poems are a lot like Rupi Kaur’s. No one in their right minds would try to publish a book with so many books so similar to the ones in a book that wona Goodreads Choice Award. Don’t get me wrond, Devoue didn’t copy all of her poems, which is even sadder because her original poetry is pretty good, she didn’t need to copy anyone.