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Only If You Let Them
Do you find yourself questioning decisions you've made because of societal pressures? Have you ever felt lost or misplaced? Do you yearn to live a life free of constraining influences?Only If You Let Them is the illustrated psychological journey of a woman named Iris as she struggles to break free form fear and find strength in her newfound inner bliss. She peels through the layers of her mind to understand what holds her back from being the fulfilled version of herself that she yearns to be. Only If You Let Them is a story for those who see things a bit differently - for the round pegs in the square holes, to feel less alone. I hope that Iris’s journey in finding her own voice leads as encouragement for those on a less traditional path and as an incentive to unapologetically follow their own path with aplomb.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2019
1 person is currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Monica Carolan
1 book13 followersMonica Carolan grew up between the United States and Italy, often feeling alone and misplaced, never identifying solely with one culture. Having studied sociology and psychology in Rome, she further developed her innate curiosity towards the human condition. Through her passion for writing, life experiences, and education, she wrote, "Only If You Let Them" to encourage people to unapologetically follow their own path with aplomb.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 23, 2019
This was a very interesting novel in both writing style and format. The book is written almost entirely as a poem. And while sometimes there were issues with reading the book, i.e. sometimes the transitions were a bit strange, the book was over all a good read for those interested in poetry.
I personally have not read another story like Only If You Let Them. Both the poetic staircase like format of the text and the roller-coaster story of Iris and her struggle to overcome fear and depression make the reader feel sympathy or attachment to this character.
I will say that the format might dissuade people from continuing on, but those that do will find this book both intriguing and satisfying, because much like the conclusion, if you stay true to yourself and follow your inner compass, you will learn and there will be nothing others can do to cause you to be afraid.
We are only bound to the chains we let others characterize us as having.
As a fan of poetry, truly well done.
**I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway.
I personally have not read another story like Only If You Let Them. Both the poetic staircase like format of the text and the roller-coaster story of Iris and her struggle to overcome fear and depression make the reader feel sympathy or attachment to this character.
I will say that the format might dissuade people from continuing on, but those that do will find this book both intriguing and satisfying, because much like the conclusion, if you stay true to yourself and follow your inner compass, you will learn and there will be nothing others can do to cause you to be afraid.
We are only bound to the chains we let others characterize us as having.
As a fan of poetry, truly well done.
**I received this as part of a goodreads giveaway.
May 20, 2019
When I started reading "Only If You Let Them," I wasn't quite sure what I was getting into. The summary tells you that the book is a journey through Iris' mind as she follows her own path, but there isn't much detail on how that is achieved. The answer was a nice surprise: a poetic narrative accompanied by beautifully illustrated pictures.
The book is actually narrated by both Iris and her subconscious, with these voices circling each other as they decide how to best proceed down the infamous path less traveled. The message of the story is an uplifting one; Iris struggles with various anxieties, and her subconscious helps her power through to her goals, reminding her along the way that she'll never get anywhere if she is constantly overthinking or ignoring obstacles. The subconscious narrator in particular drives home the idea that if you don't want to be like everyone else in the crowd, you have to find a different way of looking at life and that alternate path isn't going to be a simple one.
I appreciated that this story didn't get sidetracked or drag on; the Kindle edition is 130 pages and only took me about half an hour to read, as the verse structure and switching viewpoints mean that the pages aren't full. Some of the lines were more wordy than necessary, but since the poetry is a sort of free verse, this wasn't so much unforgivable as vaguely disruptive. While the style did make the story somewhat hard to follow, the overall message remained clear, making "Only If You Let Them" a quick, enjoyable read.
I received a digital copy of "Only If You Let Them" from the author through Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
The book is actually narrated by both Iris and her subconscious, with these voices circling each other as they decide how to best proceed down the infamous path less traveled. The message of the story is an uplifting one; Iris struggles with various anxieties, and her subconscious helps her power through to her goals, reminding her along the way that she'll never get anywhere if she is constantly overthinking or ignoring obstacles. The subconscious narrator in particular drives home the idea that if you don't want to be like everyone else in the crowd, you have to find a different way of looking at life and that alternate path isn't going to be a simple one.
I appreciated that this story didn't get sidetracked or drag on; the Kindle edition is 130 pages and only took me about half an hour to read, as the verse structure and switching viewpoints mean that the pages aren't full. Some of the lines were more wordy than necessary, but since the poetry is a sort of free verse, this wasn't so much unforgivable as vaguely disruptive. While the style did make the story somewhat hard to follow, the overall message remained clear, making "Only If You Let Them" a quick, enjoyable read.
I received a digital copy of "Only If You Let Them" from the author through Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2019
I am grateful to have won this book in a giveaway!
Honestly, I enjoyed this collection of poetry so much. It is told as a story through the character Iris' perspective, as she gradually learns to overcome her anxiety and depression. It's interesting reading both her fearful voice, as well as her italicized conscience that guides her into becoming healthier. I find Iris relatable and I'm sure that many young people would as well, although sometimes it gets into the "teen angst" territory. Not a problem for me, though.
Poetry-wise, Monica Carolan has a pleasantly minimal style. Her rhyme schemes are pretty good, although sometimes forced. The poems are quick and easy to read. Sometimes she has one-word lines that you can zoom through, while in others she drags the word for longer with spaces in between each letter. She also makes good use of negative space. I thought these were creative things to do, and matches the inconsistent way our minds process information sometimes.
Also, I have to give a shoutout to the absolutely beautiful artwork throughout. You can get an idea of it just by looking at the cover, but what's included in the journal is even stronger.
Overall, this book resonated a lot with me and I would give it 5/5.
Honestly, I enjoyed this collection of poetry so much. It is told as a story through the character Iris' perspective, as she gradually learns to overcome her anxiety and depression. It's interesting reading both her fearful voice, as well as her italicized conscience that guides her into becoming healthier. I find Iris relatable and I'm sure that many young people would as well, although sometimes it gets into the "teen angst" territory. Not a problem for me, though.
Poetry-wise, Monica Carolan has a pleasantly minimal style. Her rhyme schemes are pretty good, although sometimes forced. The poems are quick and easy to read. Sometimes she has one-word lines that you can zoom through, while in others she drags the word for longer with spaces in between each letter. She also makes good use of negative space. I thought these were creative things to do, and matches the inconsistent way our minds process information sometimes.
i
try
to
sit
in
silence
but they still
i n f e s t
my mind
Also, I have to give a shoutout to the absolutely beautiful artwork throughout. You can get an idea of it just by looking at the cover, but what's included in the journal is even stronger.
Overall, this book resonated a lot with me and I would give it 5/5.
May 29, 2019
What can I say, this was better than I thought it would be. I've been seriously impressed as of late by books I didn't think I would like. This one has so much raw emotion behind it and I really felt the power of the internal dialogue.
The format was interesting as well. I felt that emphasis when the author broke up sentences within different lines. I did get a little annoyed with it at some points especially when there were five word sentences in five lines. I get the creative view of it, but it seemed unnecessary at times.
This book will stick with me for some time. So many good quotes and so much wisdom in not-so-many words.
remember that only you are the writer of this unique and unparalleled narrative
The whole point of this one really hit home for me. People can't affect you unless you let them. Love love love!
I am so grateful to have won this in a Giveaway. Thanks!
The format was interesting as well. I felt that emphasis when the author broke up sentences within different lines. I did get a little annoyed with it at some points especially when there were five word sentences in five lines. I get the creative view of it, but it seemed unnecessary at times.
This book will stick with me for some time. So many good quotes and so much wisdom in not-so-many words.
remember that only you are the writer of this unique and unparalleled narrative
The whole point of this one really hit home for me. People can't affect you unless you let them. Love love love!
I am so grateful to have won this in a Giveaway. Thanks!
April 24, 2019
I won this in a giveaway. This book was written in poetry form but it told a story through Iris and her mind.
The message behind this book is an important one. She learns about acceptance and overcoming fear. Without all of these things, she wouldn’t be who she is.
I have never read a book like this but it makes it a quick and easy read. This pictures throughout this book are interesting to look at because they tell a story on their own. I love the picture on page 109. It looks almost whimsical and wintery.
The message behind this book is an important one. She learns about acceptance and overcoming fear. Without all of these things, she wouldn’t be who she is.
I have never read a book like this but it makes it a quick and easy read. This pictures throughout this book are interesting to look at because they tell a story on their own. I love the picture on page 109. It looks almost whimsical and wintery.
April 30, 2019
I love this book and couldn't recommend it more! In a world where everyone is pretending with social media and etc., this book was a great reminder to always be yourself. It helped me realize that it's okay to be different, which is always needed, even as an adult! I loved the journey the main character went on. It felt so familiar to the journey I went on after college to find my passion in life and go for it. I highly recommend this book to anyone starting a new journey or if their current one doesn't feel quite right! It will help you dig deep and discover new parts of yourself! Thank you Monica for sharing this with the world!
April 17, 2019
I won a digital copy of Only If You Let Them through goodreads-- thank you! :) This collection was short and sweet. I enjoyed the dual perspectives, and how Iris eventually understands herself in relation to the world around her. Sometimes I thought it was a bit cliche, which was compounded by the rhyme scheme in some portions.
April 26, 2019
Wonderful! A short and sweet read, one that anyone can connect with. We all face fear and anxiety at some point in our lives. The journey to overcome our fears is a struggle, but worthwhile. I usually don't re-read books, as there are so many wonderful books out there, but I will read this again. Thank you for the Goodreads win!
May 14, 2019
Only If You Let Them is a hero's journey of a woman who bravely challenges the status quo. It's a beautiful narrative poem combined with stunning art. The book is inspiring and relatable. I don't often read poetry, but I found it accessible and inviting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to find some connection.
May 28, 2019
I love this book! I have given it to many friends to read as well. It is a quick but powerful read about overcoming fear told through Iris and her subconscious. I would highly recommend!
May 13, 2019
Just what i needed to read
If you struggle with self esteem , depression, often question life’s difficult blows & how cruel they sometimes feel , feel lost ( these are just some things I often deal with that this book just happened to really hit me in some type of inspiring way I can’t describe ) , this may be exactly what you need to read .
If you struggle with self esteem , depression, often question life’s difficult blows & how cruel they sometimes feel , feel lost ( these are just some things I often deal with that this book just happened to really hit me in some type of inspiring way I can’t describe ) , this may be exactly what you need to read .
April 30, 2019
I think that this book could be extremely helpful for people dealing with psychological issues, fears, and anxieties. The art work does a good job tying into the concepts of the advice that the book is offering. This was a short read, however I believe it is beneficial.
May 9, 2019
Great book! As a mental health counselor I appreciated reading from Iris' perspective on how to deal with anxiety and grow as a person. Highly recommend this book as it is very different from what I have read in the past. I like books that do things a little differently.
April 25, 2019
This book was short and sweet. Written in poetry form and while I could not connect with the character I could understand the struggle that she was going through.
May 11, 2019
So interesting
August 8, 2019
😍
The art is so beautiful in this book! I kind of want to get a tattoo of at least one.
The art is so beautiful in this book! I kind of want to get a tattoo of at least one.
March 24, 2020
It Was a nice collection of poetry but nothing was astounding. I thought it was a good read but I'm not sure if I'd pick it up again
June 16, 2023
I received a copy of ONLY IF YOU LET THEM by Monica Carolan through a Goodreads giveaway program. This book turned out not as I expected. ( I am not really a fan of poetry.) The story tells the story of Iris and her experiences throughout her life and how she chose to understand them. The book is interesting and an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews