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Dreams Like Mine
Dreams Like Mine is a powerful collection of poetry about love, loss, isolation, and strength in the face of suffering. While many of the poems utilize nature and spirituality as sophisticated metaphors, others are beautifully simplistic and elegant. This collection of poems exquisitely illustrates the difficulty and intensity of facing one's demons, shame, and secrecy. They offer a provocative glimpse inside the mind of an individual struggling with grief, trauma, depression, and stigma. Despite the dark imagery some of the poems conjure, they often transcend these painful shadows into messages of hope, inspiration, and healing. They have a distinctive ability to evoke tears as well as courage and valor during life's obstacles.
- GenresPoetry
48 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 15, 2013
Thank you so very much to author Leesa Abbott and goodreads for my copy of "Dreams Like Mine " which I won in the goodreads first-reads gvieaway!
"Dreams Like Mine" is a very moving collection of poetry. I found insight and inspiration in every single poem here, often saying to myself as I read the poems "yes, that is exactly how I feel!!!". If you've read the synopsis on the back cover or here on goodreads, I can assure you it is a 100% accurate description of these truly inspiring poems. Having faced my own demons of mental health, grief and self-esteem for years, I find author Leesa Abbott's poetry gets right to the heart of these struggles for me and uplifts me in so many ways. In "These Beautiful Things", I find the questions and thoughts that have pierced my soul over the loss of my soulmate. "Love, Loss and Everything In Between" poignantly paints a raw picture of what those of us that have mental illness have gone through and also what we long for: respect, compassion and dissolution of very hurtful and shameful labels. The collection ends with the poem for which the book is named "Dreams Like Mine". Showing that despite all the struggles, losses, pain, disappointment, sadness, despair and rejection we experience, we still can hold onto hope for a better life; continuing to get back up every time we fall. Whether you experience mental illness, are currently experiencing excruciating grief and loss, have an isolated blue day or know someone going through any or all of these, "Dreams Like Mine" will lift you and others up and assure you that you are not alone. Something I feel we all need in life, and "Dreams Like Mine" would also make a very heartfelt gift for someone you know who may be struggling with life for whatever reason. I also feel that through her poetry Leesa Abbott has a true gift for painting a very accurate picture of what living with mental illness is like, and what a person experiencing intense loss and grief is struggling with and why we can't simply move on sometimes. This could also be very educational to our friends and family who don't understand, who tell us to "snap out of it" and often avoid us because we are a "downer" to be with. I've read these poems 5 times so far and have started to include "Dreams Like Mine " in my early morning inspirational reading I do to start each day. Thank you Leesa Abbott for the powerful gift of your poetry.
"Dreams Like Mine" is a very moving collection of poetry. I found insight and inspiration in every single poem here, often saying to myself as I read the poems "yes, that is exactly how I feel!!!". If you've read the synopsis on the back cover or here on goodreads, I can assure you it is a 100% accurate description of these truly inspiring poems. Having faced my own demons of mental health, grief and self-esteem for years, I find author Leesa Abbott's poetry gets right to the heart of these struggles for me and uplifts me in so many ways. In "These Beautiful Things", I find the questions and thoughts that have pierced my soul over the loss of my soulmate. "Love, Loss and Everything In Between" poignantly paints a raw picture of what those of us that have mental illness have gone through and also what we long for: respect, compassion and dissolution of very hurtful and shameful labels. The collection ends with the poem for which the book is named "Dreams Like Mine". Showing that despite all the struggles, losses, pain, disappointment, sadness, despair and rejection we experience, we still can hold onto hope for a better life; continuing to get back up every time we fall. Whether you experience mental illness, are currently experiencing excruciating grief and loss, have an isolated blue day or know someone going through any or all of these, "Dreams Like Mine" will lift you and others up and assure you that you are not alone. Something I feel we all need in life, and "Dreams Like Mine" would also make a very heartfelt gift for someone you know who may be struggling with life for whatever reason. I also feel that through her poetry Leesa Abbott has a true gift for painting a very accurate picture of what living with mental illness is like, and what a person experiencing intense loss and grief is struggling with and why we can't simply move on sometimes. This could also be very educational to our friends and family who don't understand, who tell us to "snap out of it" and often avoid us because we are a "downer" to be with. I've read these poems 5 times so far and have started to include "Dreams Like Mine " in my early morning inspirational reading I do to start each day. Thank you Leesa Abbott for the powerful gift of your poetry.
October 16, 2013
I absolutely love this collection of poetry! Leesa Abbot's words speak to authenticity, acknowledging the darkness, along with the light of hope. What a fantastic look at the human condition in all of its gritty beauty! I highly recommend this to anyone who longs to feel connected to humanity and hopeful about being on a healing path.
January 9, 2014
Poets can capture moods, transformation and spirit like no one else, and this volume offers a rich bouquet of moving, heartfelt work. These poems feel bravely personal, and the language, rhythm and focus connected with me on a very deep level. Some I found myself reading out loud in order to really enjoy the language, and there is one I want to memorize to be able to quote (The Sign.)
I felt very moved by the themes of love, loss, acceptance and internal struggle. "Lately I'm Watching My Heart Fly Away" is among the best and is a manifesto for self-care and recovery, and "Finding Tears" evocatively and tenderly speaks for those buried in shame. The themes that run throughout include an abiding connection with nature and a spirit of acceptance. In all, a beautiful, challenging and inspiring volume.
I felt very moved by the themes of love, loss, acceptance and internal struggle. "Lately I'm Watching My Heart Fly Away" is among the best and is a manifesto for self-care and recovery, and "Finding Tears" evocatively and tenderly speaks for those buried in shame. The themes that run throughout include an abiding connection with nature and a spirit of acceptance. In all, a beautiful, challenging and inspiring volume.
October 17, 2013
Dreams Like Mine is a wonderful piece of work that has left me with a new author to keep an eye on. I found each poem to be just as powerful and well written as the previous and and, collectively, they all make for a a great book that should not be overlooked by any fans of poetry.
What I admire most about this book are the different underlying themes to each poem and the different feelings and emotions that they are based around. This factor combined with the eloquent, visually rich writing style really has left quite a significant impression on me and I so I will definitely be recommending this to some friends of mine. Dreams Like Mine is crafted to the highest standard and is sure to leave even the most critical and picky poetry readers impressed.
What I admire most about this book are the different underlying themes to each poem and the different feelings and emotions that they are based around. This factor combined with the eloquent, visually rich writing style really has left quite a significant impression on me and I so I will definitely be recommending this to some friends of mine. Dreams Like Mine is crafted to the highest standard and is sure to leave even the most critical and picky poetry readers impressed.
August 5, 2014
The worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but be indifferent to them; that's the essence of inhumanity..... George Bernard Shaw
The vulnerability of "The Human Heart" with its versatility and ability to transform and heal itself opens this 45 page splendid poetry collection: "Dreams Like Mine" by Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD.
The poetry flows into the powerful majestic forces of nature illustrated by the sky, sea, ocean, and mountains: "These Beautiful Things", "Ode to the Ocean", "I Often Mimic Nature", "The Peaks of Heaven", "This Ship Called Life". Some describe the inner emotional life, unseen, and protected from casual observation. A similar concept applies to "The Sign", where a listed house for sale is "gorgeous inside" and not very appealing outside. Dr. Abbott uses this illustration to portray how those with mental illness or disabilities are often perceived by others. "The Throwaways": further describes stigma, and reflections of frequent societal attitudes/judgment.
The poetry in the latter part of the book is of a more serious and darker themes of mood disorders: despair, grief, depression, insomnia, a jangled/confused thought process, alienation, shame, misunderstandings. "The Monster" is among the best poems I've ever read that incredibly articulately describe a person tormented/ haunted by this unrelenting darkness. These poems are important and necessary for the reader to understand the complexities of SMI (serious mental illness). "Love and Loss and Everything In Between" speaks to family, friends, and others, pleading for compassion, empathy, and understanding: Don't disregard us, we have a heart/ Don't be fooled and set us apart/We love as deeply as everyone does/We're parents and spouses and friends of yours/Help us make it through all our days/With your understanding and kinder ways/We're worth the effort; we're worth all the waits/We've got talent to bring, on later dates.
I love the beautiful metaphysical cover art of "Dreams Like Mine" which suggest and visually illustrate the transformation of hope and healing, as does the closing poem of the same title. I have gone back and read these poems many times, always gaining new and additional insight. Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and specializes in mental health wellness and education, also advocacy for the disabled and mentally ill; she is a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
The vulnerability of "The Human Heart" with its versatility and ability to transform and heal itself opens this 45 page splendid poetry collection: "Dreams Like Mine" by Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD.
The poetry flows into the powerful majestic forces of nature illustrated by the sky, sea, ocean, and mountains: "These Beautiful Things", "Ode to the Ocean", "I Often Mimic Nature", "The Peaks of Heaven", "This Ship Called Life". Some describe the inner emotional life, unseen, and protected from casual observation. A similar concept applies to "The Sign", where a listed house for sale is "gorgeous inside" and not very appealing outside. Dr. Abbott uses this illustration to portray how those with mental illness or disabilities are often perceived by others. "The Throwaways": further describes stigma, and reflections of frequent societal attitudes/judgment.
The poetry in the latter part of the book is of a more serious and darker themes of mood disorders: despair, grief, depression, insomnia, a jangled/confused thought process, alienation, shame, misunderstandings. "The Monster" is among the best poems I've ever read that incredibly articulately describe a person tormented/ haunted by this unrelenting darkness. These poems are important and necessary for the reader to understand the complexities of SMI (serious mental illness). "Love and Loss and Everything In Between" speaks to family, friends, and others, pleading for compassion, empathy, and understanding: Don't disregard us, we have a heart/ Don't be fooled and set us apart/We love as deeply as everyone does/We're parents and spouses and friends of yours/Help us make it through all our days/With your understanding and kinder ways/We're worth the effort; we're worth all the waits/We've got talent to bring, on later dates.
I love the beautiful metaphysical cover art of "Dreams Like Mine" which suggest and visually illustrate the transformation of hope and healing, as does the closing poem of the same title. I have gone back and read these poems many times, always gaining new and additional insight. Dr. Leesa Abbott PhD obtained her doctoral degree in clinical psychology, and specializes in mental health wellness and education, also advocacy for the disabled and mentally ill; she is a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
October 29, 2013
Abbott's collection of poems presented in this book will take readers on an emotional journey. They're all poignant, and each hold something special within. Some are dark, and some may even have you shedding a tear. They all will inspire and bring forth emotions that may have been buried deep for quite some time. Completely out of the ordinary yet wonderfully fantastic.
July 24, 2014
Exceptional work. Gets to the heart of the matter through the mechanism of poetry. An uncommon phenomenon in today's market but it works.
July 25, 2014
I thought it was interesting. It gives you a deep window into the soul of the writer. She is able to draw us in to her emotional world. She journeys through turmoil, pain, hop, suffering, love, and triumph and the reader will feel very connected to those raw emotions. Poetry can be lost to the masses if written to obtuse or too literal but this poetry book walks that fine line quite well throughout the book. Most readers will find poems they favor and/or connect to.
May 29, 2014
Beautiful piece of work. I think most people would agree that this is something to take note of. Her words flow with a lovely blend of artistry and thoughtfulness.
February 11, 2014
I enjoyed the themes of these poems very much. They show insight into darkness and the light of hope. These poems are easy to understand and to relate with. The only thing is I'm not a huge fan of is rhyming poems and these poems rhyme a lot. This book is very short but the poems are worth reading. I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
December 22, 2015
I've always been a fan of poetry, and this has to be some of the best I've seen thus far. Keep the good reads coming Abbott! Happy holidays!
January 9, 2014
Dr. Abbott uses both metaphor and imagery to detail her personal experiences dealing with depression.
This is a book meant to be read more than once to be able to absorb her poetic vision.
I found several favorite poems in her collection. "The Human Heart" is very solid in its simplicity, yet endearing in its message. Others I very much enjoyed included,"I often mimic Nature.","The sign"
"The girl who looked and fell." and "broken girl."
Her writing seems very honest. There seems to be a metaphor running throughout of the ocean, in many of her poems. The ocean is depicted as wild and uncontrollable while much the same could be said of our own inner workings. These are the feelings she taps into, the condition of the human heart.
I really enjoyed Dr. Abbott's poetry and i think other poets will too.
This is a book meant to be read more than once to be able to absorb her poetic vision.
I found several favorite poems in her collection. "The Human Heart" is very solid in its simplicity, yet endearing in its message. Others I very much enjoyed included,"I often mimic Nature.","The sign"
"The girl who looked and fell." and "broken girl."
Her writing seems very honest. There seems to be a metaphor running throughout of the ocean, in many of her poems. The ocean is depicted as wild and uncontrollable while much the same could be said of our own inner workings. These are the feelings she taps into, the condition of the human heart.
I really enjoyed Dr. Abbott's poetry and i think other poets will too.
August 20, 2014
As someone who has also written a book of poetry, I found this book very inspirational. Leesa write from her soul and you feel it in each verse. These are poems that the reader can relate to. You will like this book whether you are a fan of poetry or not. There is pain, hope and redemption within the rhythm of the prose.
September 24, 2013
I loved all the poams. My fav though was the girl who looked and fell.
June 28, 2014
There's no doubt this author writes beautifully. The real genius is in the genuineness and authenticity with which she writes.
April 11, 2015
Dreams Like Mine book review by Onando St. Bernard on 4/9/15
Leesa Abbott in her book "Dreams Like Mine" brings to life the essence of sorrow, pain and strength through powerful metaphors to bring home ones humanity. It's seems as if the words so perfectly positioned have the ability to heal and inspire to give the courage to survive. I applaud the author and recommend this book of poetry to all of us who need assurance and support in our time of trails. A tear or two you may shed but comforted you will remain. Excellent!
Leesa Abbott in her book "Dreams Like Mine" brings to life the essence of sorrow, pain and strength through powerful metaphors to bring home ones humanity. It's seems as if the words so perfectly positioned have the ability to heal and inspire to give the courage to survive. I applaud the author and recommend this book of poetry to all of us who need assurance and support in our time of trails. A tear or two you may shed but comforted you will remain. Excellent!
November 15, 2013
Great poetry. Makes a wonderful points of the necessity of advocacy at the end of the book.
June 6, 2014
A provocative read and a deep look into the psyche of humans
April 8, 2015
These poems manage to be dark yet beautiful, haunting yet heavenly. Such a great collection of poetry.
July 13, 2016
In Dreams Like Mine Leesa Abbott poignantly expresses uncomfortable subjects: depression, mental illness, grief. The strength of this volume of poetry is that she never becomes maudlin. Her tone is natural and her poetry has a certain grace and clarity about it. As a result, a genuine hope emerges which can make the Dreams Like Mine become reality.
From the title poem, which concludes the book;
“I want to rise and be light so I’ll float
Glide on clear waters like a beautiful boat
I want to fall through the darkness and stars
Watch them glimmer and twinkle and glow from afar”
And from “Finding Tears”:
“Something connected them to me
Like rain that drizzles from a cloud and falls on my head
Like rays that shine from the sun and heat my skin
Like wind that rushes in from the north and blows my hair in my face
Something that transcends all these barriers
Of person and place and time and space”
Three other poems stood out to me: “Ode to the Ocean”, “The Peaks of Haven”, “This Ship Called Life”. These and other poems are excellent examples of Abbott’s poetic skill and her involvement and knowledge of the subject matter.
From the title poem, which concludes the book;
“I want to rise and be light so I’ll float
Glide on clear waters like a beautiful boat
I want to fall through the darkness and stars
Watch them glimmer and twinkle and glow from afar”
And from “Finding Tears”:
“Something connected them to me
Like rain that drizzles from a cloud and falls on my head
Like rays that shine from the sun and heat my skin
Like wind that rushes in from the north and blows my hair in my face
Something that transcends all these barriers
Of person and place and time and space”
Three other poems stood out to me: “Ode to the Ocean”, “The Peaks of Haven”, “This Ship Called Life”. These and other poems are excellent examples of Abbott’s poetic skill and her involvement and knowledge of the subject matter.
April 15, 2015
Author of Dreams Like Mine; Leesa Abbott, is able to draw you into her world emotionally, like any good poet should. Having read a few of Leesa’s previous works you can really see her personality is consistent across all her writings. She is a very genuine and honest writer and you see that in these poems, each one is a small portrayal of a piece of her and her experiences in life.
Leesa is extremely good at connecting you to the emotion she is trying to portray and what I find unique and amazing about Leesa’s writing is how she can show both sides of the story from a completely unbiased view.
I personally really enjoyed “The Monster” it has a dark side to it that is very raw and real, but comes through with an inspiring and happy ending. I think everyone will find one or more poems in this book that they can relate to, I know that this won’t be the last time I read Dreams Like Mine.
Whether you are a poetry fan or not I think that you will find Leesa’s work very moving, this book is full of miniature stories that everyone will relate to at some point in their life.
Leesa is extremely good at connecting you to the emotion she is trying to portray and what I find unique and amazing about Leesa’s writing is how she can show both sides of the story from a completely unbiased view.
I personally really enjoyed “The Monster” it has a dark side to it that is very raw and real, but comes through with an inspiring and happy ending. I think everyone will find one or more poems in this book that they can relate to, I know that this won’t be the last time I read Dreams Like Mine.
Whether you are a poetry fan or not I think that you will find Leesa’s work very moving, this book is full of miniature stories that everyone will relate to at some point in their life.
April 14, 2015
Wow.....An amazing collection...
A beautiful collection of poems.I loved this.Actually, The author,Dr. Leesa Abbott's poems are powerfully touching and inspiring.Leesa write from her soul and you feel it in each verse. Mmm, These poems are important and necessary for the reader to understand Specially, I want to say, I like the beautiful metaphysical book cover art of "Dreams Like Mine" which suggest and visually illustrate
the transformation of hope and healing, as does the closing poem of the same title. Finally,I highly recommended.
Excellent!
September 30, 2014
i really liked the content and flow of the poems. anyone who has dealt with love, loss, misfortune, heartache, difficult times, etc. will relate to this book. it's intriguing and written in a style that is deep in meaning but reads as clear as could be. many of the poems strike you as "yes that's exactly it" you'll relate to the verses and find hopefulness and a sense of overcoming obstacles in some of then endings and the book as a whole
April 5, 2015
A lovely collection of poetry. I would really recommend this for anyone, even if they don't usually read poetry. Everyone will relate to some of the poems in one way or another. Quite lovely indeed.
November 20, 2013
I really liked this book. A friend recommended it after I had been through some difficult times. I really related to the author and her messages inspired me to stay strong and hopeful.
September 29, 2013
This is a good book. I like her poems. She is a good writer.
January 13, 2014
I thought this book was very good
April 4, 2015
in one word - transcendent. anyone will relate to thiese poems they are universal in meaning and put into poetry most would have difficulty expressing these human feelings nad thoughts so eloquently
April 11, 2015
She really is a top notch writer and poet. Have read several of her book and have loved them all. I recommend this and any of her others.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews