It Starts Like This: a collection of poetry Paperback – December 17, 2016

I read this over a month ago and had been postponing reviewing because I wanted just the right words to describe how much I loved this book! It was a true experience to read Shelby's work, and by that I mean I was engrossed in it. I wasn't able to focus on anything but her words, which are powerful, rhythmic, and beautiful. She is amazing with metaphors. I was blown away by this collection, truly. The only thing I wanted more of were pages-- I can't wait to read more of her work!

This is one of those books where you find yourself baffled to discover this is the author's first poetry and not her tenth because the poems are all so good. I'm not the person to highlight or mark notes, but there are so many good lines I couldn't help myself. The long poems especially paint such a vivid picture, you wish there was more.

As you all know, I’ve been incorporating poetry books into my TBR, this is one I hadn’t planned on reading in my TBR. But Shelby Leigh is just so interactive on Twitter, I just wanted to read her debut and review it for her.I really enjoyed reading her poems. My favorite thing about her writing is that she has some longer poems with some substance in them. That isn’t something I’ve found in poetry collections lately.When reviewing poetry collections, I really enjoy sharing with you all some of my favorite poems from the book so that you all can see exactly what spoke to me and what I loved!Here are some of those poems:“Keepsakesif you lend me your heartI vow to not break itI’ll keep it safe within mineso no one can take itand if ever you are lostwith nowhere to roamreach for my handand I’ll guide you home”I thought this poem was beautifully worded and wanted to share it with y’all.” Fears… butI fear youmost of allfor how quicklyyou became a strangerwhen onceyou were my closestfriend”I think this happens to all of us. So I definitely knew the feeling behind this and it really spoke to me.“The DaggerI thought I knew you better than anyonebut even I could not see your swordplunging straight into my heart andnow I am paranoidthat he will hurt me like you didI have lost the ability to open my armsfor someone else to hold becauseevery time I doI await another daggerto break the scar that has finally healed”OMG the truth behind this poem right here. It puts into words everything I cannot. Thank you for this Shelby, thank you.There were so many beautiful pieces in this collection, you would seriously be missing out if you didn’t read it.

Shelby soaks us in her light, her healing, her self- discovery, her heart, her hurt, her passions and everything real and tangible. I felt like some of the pieces were ready to settle into my home. I am ever so thankful for a sweet collection of raw and lovely poems. Even in the hurt and loss, there was still strength and faith in her words. Exceedingly beautiful.

Shelby did an amazing job taking me on this journey with her. Her words are so real and let me in tears! I can relate so many words in this collection and the journey of heartbreak and minipulation that many put on us with delicate hearts. I have so many favorites but the main one that struck out for me is " we all fall down" where it says : " I was easy to love and so you loved me and wherever you walked I was sure to follow ; and you knew that all too well because you walked straight for a cliff and stopped at the edge. " I'll stop there I'm sure you know the ending of that.. but that's the true epitome of someone taking advantage of our weaknesses because we love so deeply. And that's exactly how I felt with my last relationship.. I can go on for days just buy the book!! lol you'll thank me later :)

A mix of “oohs”, “aahs”, & “damns”... That’s essentially what I kept saying throughout this whole book. (Clarification: I say “damn” in this particular context to mean “that hits deep/it’s written so well/holy crap I can’t believe he or she wrote that”—aka a good thing.)I absolutely LOVE Shelby’s style of poetry! Everything about this book is just so “soft”! Whether it’s a sad, happy, or aesthetically pleasing effect, there’s a tenderness in her words/poems that soothes my SOUL.At the time I decided to pick up this book, I really needed to read a poem like “Passion”. Struggling with the fear & panic of potentially losing my passion for writing, that last stanza really got me. An incredible reminder for all poets, writers, & dreamers.This is certainly a book I’m honored to have on my bookshelf!

This poetic collection was filled with simple, yet beautiful pieces. The kind that you find yourself relating to, without even realizing it. The author has a lovely way with words. An enjoyable read that makes you think, from start to finish.

It's hard to put into words how much I liked this collection.The author writes with sincerity, giving us a book of very honest poetry that covers a variety of emotions and experiences. There are lovely poems, there are sharp and jagged ones, there are ones that sparkle, there are heartbreaking ones, and there are quiet ones that stuck with me days after I had read them. One of the things I particularly enjoyed was the way the poems are arranged in the collection; when read altogether, they tell a story. The poems lead the reader into the excitement of love, through the hurt and darkness of heartbreak and loss, and on to hope. There is healing as life--and the poetry here--continues.It's clear that Shelby Leigh is gifted poet who has worked hard to refine her skill. I highly recommend this book, and hope that we'll see more of her work published in the future!

very lovely book to have!nice quote and phrase in it

Satisfait

Das Buch und die Gedichte sind so berührend! Ich habe seltenst Gänsehaut, aber bei Shelby hatte ich öfters eine! Sehr gelungen!

This collection of poems started and ended so beautifully.“It starts like this” has an alluring style of writing, that takes the reader on a journey. The poems reminded me of snapshots in a photo album, the important chapters of a life, but not the whole story. It left me wanting to read more, and I cannot wait to see what Shelby Leigh releases next!I will be taking this book wherever I go, and reading it when I have minutes to spare.

I love it! The book is really good! I hope that shelby leigh id going to write another one like this!