Book Review: "The Princess Saves Herself In This One"

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Bookshops have this whimsical, intriguing aura, don't you think? There is something about mountains of book shelves, the varied colors of the book covers, and the feeling that you are about to venture into someone else's story that makes them magical. With the skyrocketing popularity of e-books, it seems like these places of wonder are disappearing left, right, and center!

It breaks my heart, everyone.

Although I love audio books, and won't say no to my Kindle, I have strong feelings about tangible, paperback stories. They're nostalgic, almost sentimental. They make the experience of learning and exploring and diving into worlds of ink that much more real.

The other day, Dad and I visited Barnes and Noble. We were simply browsing after an eye doctor appointment, and I hadn't expected to find anything. This was rather foolish of me, as it is impossible to go to a book store and not find something. First, I discovered the Harry Potter LEGO Mini-figures by the door. Oooooh, are you guys as obsessed with those as I am? It's so exciting to see which LEGO character you will get when you open the packet. Well, it's exciting until you get Cedric Diggory's figure for the fifth time in a row. Anyway. Apart from crazy cool LEGO Mini-figures, I found a phenomenal new book in the poetry section: The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace. The title alone had me hooked; it sounded like an amazing feminist meets fairy tale book of poetry. Feminism? Fairy tales? Poetry? All of my favorite things!

I didn't even read the first page before purchasing the book. I just plopped it down in front of the tired, coffee-drinking cashier and rushed home to read.

Oh my goodness, everybody. As I read the life story of the incredible Amanda Lovelace, a lot of things ran through my head. A lot of feelings thumped through my heart.

The Princess Saves Herself In This One is brutally honest. The kind of brutal that stings at first, but results in empathy, and, ultimately, a beautiful connection through words. Mrs. Lovelace discusses her life as an abuse survivor, as someone who has been through destructive relationships with others and herself. She is open about her struggles with body image and eating disorders, bullying, grief, and everything in between. This author has been through more than any human being should ever have to go through, and yet, the book is not centered around sorrow and struggle. Instead, The Princess Saves Herself In This One proves that, no matter what life throws at us, there is a way out. Lovelace emphasizes that everyone is worthy of being alive, of being loved, and of being happy. And above all, she shows the reader that they do not need a hero or a knight in shining armor to save the day. Every single person on this planet has the ability to love themselves and come to their own rescue. The Princess Saves Herself In This One powerfully depicts that despite life's tragedies, beauty is always there. Joy is always there. Self-healing is always, always possible.

Poetry novels can be quick reads, and this wonderful piece is no exception. But when and if you read Lovelace's masterpiece ( and I highly recommend that you do), try to slow down. Drink in every word, taste every bitter and happy memory, and truly be in the present. You don't want to breeze through this one. It's deep. And the closer you look, the more profound the words, and the experiences behind them, are.

No matter who you are, or where you are, I recommend The Princess Saves Herself In This One by Amanda Lovelace if you are looking for a high dosage of empowerment and inspiration. When you finally put the book back down onto your coffee table, stand up, stretch, and brew yet another cup of tea, you'll feel worthy of the world. You will feel something that is true and gorgeous, and an emotion you should experience without any apologies: self-acceptance. Strength. The thrill of possibility.

So go, my friends. Get off of this blog post! Get off of your screens! Dash over to the library or the book shop, get yourself this book, and be inspired. You won't regret it - I promise.


"once upon
a time,
the princess
rose from the ashes
her dragon lovers
made of her
&
crowned
herself
the
mother-f***ing

queen of herself.

how's that for a happily ever after?"

- Amanda Lovelace

Live fiercely, unapologetically, and with an abundance of love. Talk to you next time, everybody.
- Maya

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash, Photo by Hello I'm Nik on Unsplash,
Photo by Alex Loup on Unsplash, Photo by Guilherme Stecanella on Unsplash,
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash, Photo by Joshua Earle on Unsplash

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