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It Starts Like This: a collection of poetry
A powerful poetry and prose collection about the journey through love, loss, healing, and hope. This book is for anyone who loves deeply, has bad days, and searches for happiness in the world around them. It is for those who have been hurt and have the scars to prove they're still alive.
- GenresPoetryNonfiction
68 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2016
94 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
Shelby Leigh
15 books258 followersShelby Leigh is a mental health poet writing about self-love, insecurities, anxiety, relationships and more. Her third poetry book, girl made of glass, released a #1 bestseller in women's poetry in 2023. Her longest collection yet, the book uncovers how our past - past relationships, memories, and ourselves - can haunt us.
Her second poetry book, changing with the tides, is a #1 amazon bestseller, originally released in 2019. The new edition was released by Gallery Books in July 2022.
In addition to writing, Shelby runs an online poetry community with workshops and edits poetry books.
Connect with her on Instagram and TikTok @shelbyleighpoetry, Twitter @shelbyleighpoet, and on her website www.shelbyleigh.co.
Her second poetry book, changing with the tides, is a #1 amazon bestseller, originally released in 2019. The new edition was released by Gallery Books in July 2022.
In addition to writing, Shelby runs an online poetry community with workshops and edits poetry books.
Connect with her on Instagram and TikTok @shelbyleighpoetry, Twitter @shelbyleighpoet, and on her website www.shelbyleigh.co.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
January 4, 2017
5 stars, although I may be slightly biased... (I wrote it).
January 6, 2017
It was a nice quick read, and I really enjoyed a few of the chapters, but I did find the majority of it to be quite simple.
February 5, 2017
This was a solid work of poetry, and apparently it's the authors first one. Well done! These poems were overall emotional and clearly full of heart, yet easy to read. The words were relatable and told a definitive story/narrative of a roller coaster of a journey, but one that easily resounds in readers' own hearts.
I will say that the same imagery was repeated often in these poems. The same metaphors of ink and muse for writing were used so often. That might have been to give the whole body a common theme, I don't know. Also read another review of this that said that some of the poems seemed more polished than others, and I would agree with that statement.
The ones I connected with the most were: "Mirror, Mirror," "Books," "Seawater," "Mold," "Passion," and "A Reminder."
I would highly recommend this poetry book to everyone!
I will say that the same imagery was repeated often in these poems. The same metaphors of ink and muse for writing were used so often. That might have been to give the whole body a common theme, I don't know. Also read another review of this that said that some of the poems seemed more polished than others, and I would agree with that statement.
The ones I connected with the most were: "Mirror, Mirror," "Books," "Seawater," "Mold," "Passion," and "A Reminder."
I would highly recommend this poetry book to everyone!
January 8, 2017
I liked this super short book of poetry, but I didn't love it. I really enjoyed the emotions conveyed in the poems, but there are just a couple of poems I didn't care for at all. I also wish there were MORE poems. My favorite poem from this book would be "Bones." Overall this is a good book of poetry and I enjoyed it, but it wasn't a life changer for me and lately that's how I've been wanting my poetry to be.
January 7, 2017
- quick read
- different poetry styles all rolled into one
- emotional writing
- some poems were more polished than others, but still good
- different poetry styles all rolled into one
- emotional writing
- some poems were more polished than others, but still good
March 7, 2017
Different style of poetry I usually read, but I enjoyed it a lot! Terrific debut !
March 21, 2017
you can find my full review with poems by clicking here
This is Shelby Leigh’s debut collection of poems. She started off by posting a poem every day in 2015. This collection has all her favorite poems.
I really liked this collection, Shelby has a mix of long poems and short poems too. So we see her craft in different types of poems. Since this is a collection we see different emotions conveyed through each poem. In some poems she talks about love, loss, healing, and hurt.
I feel like a lot of people can relate to this collection if they ever experienced someone hurting them.
Definitely a strong debut for the author, I would love to read more by her.
This is Shelby Leigh’s debut collection of poems. She started off by posting a poem every day in 2015. This collection has all her favorite poems.
I really liked this collection, Shelby has a mix of long poems and short poems too. So we see her craft in different types of poems. Since this is a collection we see different emotions conveyed through each poem. In some poems she talks about love, loss, healing, and hurt.
I feel like a lot of people can relate to this collection if they ever experienced someone hurting them.
Definitely a strong debut for the author, I would love to read more by her.
December 30, 2020
A masterful debut
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.
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.
February 15, 2022
"𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥
𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯
𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴"
𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯
𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘴"
January 11, 2023
Coming in at a little under seventy pages, this is a touching set of the authors favourite early poetry pieces. It focuses on issues around love, loss, relationships and self esteem. I enjoyed them all, and found about ten that particularly moved me and spoke to me on a very personal level.
As a now committed fan, I sincerely look forward to this authors next release.
As a now committed fan, I sincerely look forward to this authors next release.
June 21, 2017
This short and quick-read poetry collection is what I have been looking for these past few weeks.
It's full of emotion, so raw, so powerful. One that I'm so lucky I did not dare to miss. Every single word connect to me, slapping me hard on the face. I felt in love, heartbroken, lost, and found.
Words aren't enough to describe how astounding this piece of art is.
It's full of emotion, so raw, so powerful. One that I'm so lucky I did not dare to miss. Every single word connect to me, slapping me hard on the face. I felt in love, heartbroken, lost, and found.
Words aren't enough to describe how astounding this piece of art is.
December 31, 2018
It was cute, some poems stood out more than others but if you’re looking for a quick one and have time to kill, then this is perfect! I flew through this in like under a half hour!
May 10, 2020
3.5 stars
I really liked a great deal of the poems there i found them so emotional and some parts were so touchy but one negative comment is that the repetition of the ideas but other than that Well done.
I really liked a great deal of the poems there i found them so emotional and some parts were so touchy but one negative comment is that the repetition of the ideas but other than that Well done.
January 4, 2025
A quick read of memorable and relatable poems!
January 24, 2024
Man, do I love this girl poetry!
January 6, 2017
This was a pleasant read with a mixed bag of poems. I liked the introductory chapter, but it set up an idea of what was to come, but didn't follow through with my expectations. Nevertheless, the poems are beautifully written, and the author's love of the written word shines through.
I can't relate to the love poems, although there are some great lines in them. Once that theme ended, others began and there were a range of subjects from self-perception, loss of a loved one, the love of words and books.
So four stars because I enjoyed the read, but some poems I just couldn't connect to. But I appreciate them, and can tell that they were written from the heart. They tell a story.
I can't relate to the love poems, although there are some great lines in them. Once that theme ended, others began and there were a range of subjects from self-perception, loss of a loved one, the love of words and books.
So four stars because I enjoyed the read, but some poems I just couldn't connect to. But I appreciate them, and can tell that they were written from the heart. They tell a story.
April 2, 2018
Thoughtful, often intense poetry.
'It Starts Like This' is a collection of thoughtful and often intense poetry that explores love, loss, anger, and the unrelenting ache of loneliness and of grief. It's a collection which is highly relatable for anyone who has experienced the breakdown of a relationship or been let down by someone they trusted.
The poetry and expression are accessible and easily understood, and Leigh's imagery is often quite stark and raw, but that is where her strengths as a poet lie.
That being said, this is a book that is probably even better when picked up occasionally and read over time, instead of in two longer sittings, as I found that some of the imagery and ideas were repeated from time to time, albeit in different ways and in varied expression.
Even among the poems that didn't appeal as much to me personally, there are some incredibly powerful lines that forced me to stop and contemplate their truth and the magnificent way in which they were written. It should not be considered a criticism, though, that some poems appealed less than others: poetry is perhaps the most intensely personal and subjective form of writing, and what speaks strongly to one reader will merely whisper to another.
Leigh has penned some beautiful poems here, my favourites being 'Scrapes' and 'Fears'.
'It Starts Like This' is a collection of thoughtful and often intense poetry that explores love, loss, anger, and the unrelenting ache of loneliness and of grief. It's a collection which is highly relatable for anyone who has experienced the breakdown of a relationship or been let down by someone they trusted.
The poetry and expression are accessible and easily understood, and Leigh's imagery is often quite stark and raw, but that is where her strengths as a poet lie.
That being said, this is a book that is probably even better when picked up occasionally and read over time, instead of in two longer sittings, as I found that some of the imagery and ideas were repeated from time to time, albeit in different ways and in varied expression.
Even among the poems that didn't appeal as much to me personally, there are some incredibly powerful lines that forced me to stop and contemplate their truth and the magnificent way in which they were written. It should not be considered a criticism, though, that some poems appealed less than others: poetry is perhaps the most intensely personal and subjective form of writing, and what speaks strongly to one reader will merely whisper to another.
Leigh has penned some beautiful poems here, my favourites being 'Scrapes' and 'Fears'.
February 5, 2018
My only qualm with this collection is its brevity. The poetry's simplicity lent itself to the clarity of its themes, and the whole book was beautiful because of it. I can see why Shelby chose each piece as a favorite. They all fit and floated together, but were each different enough in their tone to bring emotions up and then down and then up again with every turn of the page. The rhythm of the book never once faltered. This is a relatable, beautiful book of poetry that's left me wanting more.
April 2, 2018
"tomorrow I'll wake up happy and if not tomorrow then maybe the next day or maybe it will take me a week or a month but I'll get there"
I liked this book a lot. Shelby Leigh such a talented writer can't wait for her nest works.
I liked this book a lot. Shelby Leigh such a talented writer can't wait for her nest works.
March 21, 2017
Short, sweet and beautiful poems. I loved a few chapters and that the poems were longer than most. Some poems were more polished than others, but all round a simply beautiful book of poetry.
April 8, 2022
⭐4,5⭐ loved it
September 7, 2017
" we live in a world where people aren’t people until they fit your perfect mold "
This was the first poetry collection I've completed entirely because it was the first poetry collection I ever owned.
"It starts like this" leads us through a relationship, the breakup and the healing process due to that.
This book has amazing poems as well as not so good ones, but I think that on any other poetry collection there are both too.
My favourite poem is called "A Reminder" and I also really liked the first one and the last one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm rating it with 3.5 stars.
This was the first poetry collection I've completed entirely because it was the first poetry collection I ever owned.
"It starts like this" leads us through a relationship, the breakup and the healing process due to that.
This book has amazing poems as well as not so good ones, but I think that on any other poetry collection there are both too.
My favourite poem is called "A Reminder" and I also really liked the first one and the last one.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm rating it with 3.5 stars.
April 24, 2020
Love this collection of poetry and how relatable it was. Beautifully written.
January 7, 2017
This year I want to read more poetry, so starting the year off with this book is a nice start.
My opinion on the poems varies quite a bit, some of them I loved, others felt a bit cliche, but generally I'm really positive about this collection. I especially liked the poems about writing and books, but I also liked some others. Glad I read this :)
My opinion on the poems varies quite a bit, some of them I loved, others felt a bit cliche, but generally I'm really positive about this collection. I especially liked the poems about writing and books, but I also liked some others. Glad I read this :)
September 8, 2017
Lovely
A lovely, honest collection, packed with real passion and emotion. A few of the poems have especially moved me. Warm, colorful language. It occurred to me that I liked the shortest ones best. I think the author sounds great when the poems are straight forward, in the simplest form.
A lovely, honest collection, packed with real passion and emotion. A few of the poems have especially moved me. Warm, colorful language. It occurred to me that I liked the shortest ones best. I think the author sounds great when the poems are straight forward, in the simplest form.
January 11, 2018
It always takes me a long time to get through poetry books for the simple fact that I have to be in the mood for it. For me, poetry is more than a novel. I can easily connect to a story, but with poetry, I have to dig deep within myself to feel something.
It Starts Like This would have been the perfect poetry collection when I was heartbroken and searching for something more out of life. It would have helped me when I needed it and I believe this collection could easily help anyone who currently going through something hard in regards to love or searching for themselves.
One poem the resonates with me is, Mirror, Mirror:
"I saw her once
in a reflection
the one that used to be me
I barely recognized her
with eyes full of life
and a smile that grazed
her cheeks
when did I stop
loving her
the one that used to be me
a mirage in the mirror
reaching out
with soft fingertips
and a spirit so carefree
and just like that she
disappears
a tangible memory
of what I used to be
before I stopped loving myself
and my smile faded
and I never set myself free"
I have to say this is one of my favorites (and I have many that I bookmarked on my kindle) because it reminds me of when I was going through the toughest and only heartbreak and how I lost any type of love for myself. It reminds me of my past that I appreciate because without losing myself I wouldn't have found myself... That's what this poetry collection did for me.
It Starts Like This is for those who lost a love and is searching for a way back to themselves. It's beautiful.
Review also posted at Little Pieces of Books
It Starts Like This would have been the perfect poetry collection when I was heartbroken and searching for something more out of life. It would have helped me when I needed it and I believe this collection could easily help anyone who currently going through something hard in regards to love or searching for themselves.
One poem the resonates with me is, Mirror, Mirror:
"I saw her once
in a reflection
the one that used to be me
I barely recognized her
with eyes full of life
and a smile that grazed
her cheeks
when did I stop
loving her
the one that used to be me
a mirage in the mirror
reaching out
with soft fingertips
and a spirit so carefree
and just like that she
disappears
a tangible memory
of what I used to be
before I stopped loving myself
and my smile faded
and I never set myself free"
I have to say this is one of my favorites (and I have many that I bookmarked on my kindle) because it reminds me of when I was going through the toughest and only heartbreak and how I lost any type of love for myself. It reminds me of my past that I appreciate because without losing myself I wouldn't have found myself... That's what this poetry collection did for me.
It Starts Like This is for those who lost a love and is searching for a way back to themselves. It's beautiful.
Review also posted at Little Pieces of Books
May 4, 2018
Very disappointed, despite "rave Tumblr reviews." I doubt these Tumblr fans have any knowledge about poetics and literature. Just what's trending on a reblogged post, or meme.
This book is a case of self-indulgent, boring confessionalist poetry; marred with "I's" and "you's." Nothing special or memorable. This author is absolutely ordinary.
For example:
Swearing
"I swear
with every kiss
you leave words on my tongue
and every time you break away
I breathe a poem
into my lungs"
LOL. I don't see or feel any beauty in this writing. Throughout the book, there doesn't seem to be any love of words-- no extraordinary metaphor, syntax, enjambment, allusions, or vocabulary. I could go on. And they're so short! Not one memory truly expounded upon. Such a shame. Now, as a fan of Nayyirah Waheed (because Rupi Kaur is a hack), I understand the beauty behind powerful, short and concise lines or poems as a whole. Yet, these poems lack power, resonance, truth! Therefore, the length of poems within this book are quite lacking.
If I'm being honest, the book is a cheap collection of diary entries. This author writes mediocre poetry for a mediocre audience. She has a lot more to learn and should grow exponentially before publishing another book. Sorry, not sorry, I just don't understand the accolades. Has anyone actually criticized this author? Critiqued her work? Has she ever criticized herself?
Endless praise from tumblr followers or clueless hacks on blogs does not equate to being a good writer. Keep trying, Shelby. You can only go up from here.
This book is a case of self-indulgent, boring confessionalist poetry; marred with "I's" and "you's." Nothing special or memorable. This author is absolutely ordinary.
For example:
Swearing
"I swear
with every kiss
you leave words on my tongue
and every time you break away
I breathe a poem
into my lungs"
LOL. I don't see or feel any beauty in this writing. Throughout the book, there doesn't seem to be any love of words-- no extraordinary metaphor, syntax, enjambment, allusions, or vocabulary. I could go on. And they're so short! Not one memory truly expounded upon. Such a shame. Now, as a fan of Nayyirah Waheed (because Rupi Kaur is a hack), I understand the beauty behind powerful, short and concise lines or poems as a whole. Yet, these poems lack power, resonance, truth! Therefore, the length of poems within this book are quite lacking.
If I'm being honest, the book is a cheap collection of diary entries. This author writes mediocre poetry for a mediocre audience. She has a lot more to learn and should grow exponentially before publishing another book. Sorry, not sorry, I just don't understand the accolades. Has anyone actually criticized this author? Critiqued her work? Has she ever criticized herself?
Endless praise from tumblr followers or clueless hacks on blogs does not equate to being a good writer. Keep trying, Shelby. You can only go up from here.
January 7, 2019
Based on the current reviews I seem to have an unpopular opinion about this collection of poems. I like 5 out of 62 poems. I found most every poem mentioned a generic "you" and read like bad relationship Tumblr quotes. The 5 poems I did like were towards the end of the collection in the "recovery" portion of going through a breakup; a lot less "you" happening there. The other poems were about love but were not relatable. Which is odd b/c either everyone has experienced or would like to experience being in love. I would think the poems, even if they had some specific details about a relationship, should still be relatable or at least beautifully written. Unfortunately, this was neither for me.
July 21, 2017
a collection of heartfelt words.
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 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.
June 17, 2020
I love this so so so much. This probably became my new favorite poetry collection. It is so raw, so powerful. I related to it a lot and I felt the emotions the author was going through. Shelby is so talented and I am glad I read this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews