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Chameleon Aura
Zimbabwean poet Billy Chapata provides a thought-provoking take on the universal experiences of love, pain, and what comes next through messages of empowerment. This collection of poetry and prose will justify heartache and inspire the fortitude to survive and prosper.
Chameleon Aura presents a harmonious blend of experience and advice through a chaptered series of prose and poetry that focuses on shared experiences in love and loss. Emboldened words and phrases capture the essence of the author's message and distinguish his unique style. Chapata's touching narrative celebrates humanity for their biological resilience and undeniable worth. This collection leaves readers warm with hope for growth, rebirth, and, most prominently, self-acceptance.
Chameleon Aura presents a harmonious blend of experience and advice through a chaptered series of prose and poetry that focuses on shared experiences in love and loss. Emboldened words and phrases capture the essence of the author's message and distinguish his unique style. Chapata's touching narrative celebrates humanity for their biological resilience and undeniable worth. This collection leaves readers warm with hope for growth, rebirth, and, most prominently, self-acceptance.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 22, 2019
221 people are currently reading
2629 people want to read
About the author
Billy Chapata
12 books450 followersBilly Chapata is a Zimbabwean writer, author, and creative based in Atlanta, Georgia. Billy's work aims to touch on the concepts of love, healing, connections, and growth, through poetry, storytelling, and narrative. Writing came into his life as a means of sustenance, self-love, and empowerment: Billy writes to heal, he writes to grow, he writes to survive. His poetically infused words, memorable lessons, and bittersweet experiences have become a point of resonance and comfort for many across the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
January 21, 2019
Almost all poetry is evocative in one way or another and much of what I have read relates to suffering, loss, hardship; basically negative emotional life events or feelings. There is a lesser amount that focuses on the elation, love, contentedness and positive elements of life; the only one I can think of offhand is Jason Reynolds's For Everyone. Chameleon Aura not only has a pretty awesome title and cover artwork, but it focuses on said negative aspects of life then goes on to provide much-needed messages of hope, survival and empowerment.
The title makes much more sense when you discover that the book is divided into different sections all of which are assigned a colour of the rainbow; it also fits with Chapata's encouragement of growth and evolution. Although the prose is raw, emotional and compelling, I found some of it a little cliché, and there was quite a lot of repetition or emphasis depending on which way you look at it. The way the key themes of each poem, whether a single line or a lengthy paragraph, are highlighted or emboldened is an element you will either love or hate, but I do feel it keeps the subject of each poem fresh in the reader's mind and would be particularly helpful for novice readers.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC.
The title makes much more sense when you discover that the book is divided into different sections all of which are assigned a colour of the rainbow; it also fits with Chapata's encouragement of growth and evolution. Although the prose is raw, emotional and compelling, I found some of it a little cliché, and there was quite a lot of repetition or emphasis depending on which way you look at it. The way the key themes of each poem, whether a single line or a lengthy paragraph, are highlighted or emboldened is an element you will either love or hate, but I do feel it keeps the subject of each poem fresh in the reader's mind and would be particularly helpful for novice readers.
Many thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for an ARC.
February 20, 2019
Looks like I am coming in with an unpopular opinion with this one, I had seen that most loved the collection. And I tried, hence me finishing it…
Then and there, were pieces that liked, but I feel that most of the work give off the repetitive facade; of the meaning, they are conveying. That is good for that is the theme of the book. But certainly, there are words out there that still can be used.
To the good bits, I liked.
The intensity of respect and appreciation for women, I had read other works with regard to validating women and generally mansplaining. I liked how it was taken in here. And the majority of the pieces does cater the writer’s well being than validating others.
The “I hear, you.” “You do you.” energy that the collection throws to the reader. It brings a positive aura to the receiver.
The amount of healing, written on the pages will bring joy into one’s heart. To feel represented by it and or by the feeling of being to empathize with.
Among the pieces, I liked this one most.
Copy provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect the author, the author’s work, the publisher, nor any other group of people, nor receive any monetary compensation for doing this review. All quotes may not be exactly as it is in the final release of the book.
Then and there, were pieces that liked, but I feel that most of the work give off the repetitive facade; of the meaning, they are conveying. That is good for that is the theme of the book. But certainly, there are words out there that still can be used.
To the good bits, I liked.
The intensity of respect and appreciation for women, I had read other works with regard to validating women and generally mansplaining. I liked how it was taken in here. And the majority of the pieces does cater the writer’s well being than validating others.
The “I hear, you.” “You do you.” energy that the collection throws to the reader. It brings a positive aura to the receiver.
The amount of healing, written on the pages will bring joy into one’s heart. To feel represented by it and or by the feeling of being to empathize with.
Among the pieces, I liked this one most.
pied piper,
i no longer have the desire to explain myself.
my vibrations may be too intense or too gentle for some,
but will move to my own tune.
Copy provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect the author, the author’s work, the publisher, nor any other group of people, nor receive any monetary compensation for doing this review. All quotes may not be exactly as it is in the final release of the book.
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June 22, 2021
Raw and emotional. This compelling collection is highly centred around self-love and finding peace within oneself through the idea of growing past the occurrences and evolving into a better version of oneself. Penned by a male author, the theme of hyper masculinity is rightfully challenged and the narration was so perfect that a few poems still stay in my heart from two years ago. A graceful combination of aesthetics and empowerment.
↣ digital copy received via the netgalley.
March 31, 2020
This wasn’t poetry; this book was a collection of seeming journal entries that told the reader how to feel. It had all the modern poetry clichés: calling the reader “darling” every few pages, new age ideals, and references to self-love, love languages, etc. Very unoriginal and a huge waste of time.
December 24, 2020
This collection talks about healing, loving and encouragement.
I can feel the connection.
The lines are beautiful and genuine.
I felt calm and at peace while reading this one and this book is
For those broken and lonely.
For those who are trying their best.
For those who cannot trust again.
For those who are apprehensive to love again.
For those who are alive but not living.
For those who have been hurt.
For those who have lost hope.
But I cannot help feeling some lines are not new at all.
I find the same lines in almost all the similar books I have read so far like:
'there are people who hurt you who deserve forgiveness.
not because what they did was excusable
but because you deserve peace of mind.'
But overall, this book will actually help you in healing and loving yourself.
It's good.
I can feel the connection.
The lines are beautiful and genuine.
I felt calm and at peace while reading this one and this book is
For those broken and lonely.
For those who are trying their best.
For those who cannot trust again.
For those who are apprehensive to love again.
For those who are alive but not living.
For those who have been hurt.
For those who have lost hope.
But I cannot help feeling some lines are not new at all.
I find the same lines in almost all the similar books I have read so far like:
'there are people who hurt you who deserve forgiveness.
not because what they did was excusable
but because you deserve peace of mind.'
But overall, this book will actually help you in healing and loving yourself.
It's good.
January 21, 2019
This wasn't for me. There are some great images and lines scattered throughout the collection, and generally the messages are very positive and encouraging, but much of the poetry fell into a trap that is a pet peeve of mine in much of modern poetry: it told me, plainly, what message I should get from the poem. Usually as the last line. So many of the poems ended with things along the lines of (these aren't specific examples), "Believe in yourself," or "Just keep going," or the like. That sucks all the subtlety out of poetry, and if you don't have to think about poetry then you're wasting your time. I don't believe every poem should require intense study, but if I can't even pause and see how I feel about a poem without being hit over the head with an explicit explanation of what it is about then something is seriously wrong. Good writing will make me think and feel, not just tell me what to think or how to feel.
I also didn't love the excessive use of bolding in the formatting-- it sucked even more subtlety out, which I didn't think was possible.
I also didn't love the excessive use of bolding in the formatting-- it sucked even more subtlety out, which I didn't think was possible.
February 15, 2019
I have not been doing particularly well lately, so I really needed some poetry to just connect with and help me sort my head out, so I picked this up and I. Loved. It.
It was wonderful. So many books have to do with romance and letting go and whatever which is FINE and I like that too, HOWEVER.... I just needed some self-love stuff.
I totally got that here. It was just really well written and super empowering to read.
There is a poem called Red Herring, and another called Breaking Old Habits.... BEAUTIFUL. LOVED THEM.
If you're looking for something new, please pick this up and give it some love. Billy Chapata DID THAT.
HE DID.
It was wonderful. So many books have to do with romance and letting go and whatever which is FINE and I like that too, HOWEVER.... I just needed some self-love stuff.
I totally got that here. It was just really well written and super empowering to read.
There is a poem called Red Herring, and another called Breaking Old Habits.... BEAUTIFUL. LOVED THEM.
If you're looking for something new, please pick this up and give it some love. Billy Chapata DID THAT.
HE DID.
February 10, 2020
3.5
I wanted to like this more than I did, and I started out strongly liking it - dont get me wrong, the messages in it are beautiful and speak to the right persons when read. Although I personally feel it starts to get very quickly repetitive in the same message with different wording, I was fine basically reading the first part and half to know that the rest of the book was more or less the same.
I wanted to like this more than I did, and I started out strongly liking it - dont get me wrong, the messages in it are beautiful and speak to the right persons when read. Although I personally feel it starts to get very quickly repetitive in the same message with different wording, I was fine basically reading the first part and half to know that the rest of the book was more or less the same.
October 31, 2022
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
“I am meant to be experienced differently.” There we’re so many inspiring lines in this short poetry book that a felt a deep connection to. I really loved the parts about how there are many different and beautiful aspects of women and how we should embrace all of ourselves. If you’re into poetry, I would definitely check this author out!
“Self love is the only ocean you cannot drown in.”
“I am meant to be experienced differently.” There we’re so many inspiring lines in this short poetry book that a felt a deep connection to. I really loved the parts about how there are many different and beautiful aspects of women and how we should embrace all of ourselves. If you’re into poetry, I would definitely check this author out!
“Self love is the only ocean you cannot drown in.”
July 1, 2019
I’ve just finished CHAMELEON Aura & wanted to drop a quick review. I appreciated this book because it is written from a male perspective about self love. A lot of his pieces are geared towards women but I love how he infused pieces to tell his own story about self love which is important.
I think this is a great recommendation for men to read and hopefully the words resonate. For me it allowed me to read someone else’s story & get another perspective to the puzzle we call relationships. He gives great insight on how women should love & value themselves that most men don’t typically notice or acknowledge. His words were very grounded & he is passes on knowledge learned from prior relationships.
(Page 21) Letters that hyper masculinity was afraid to send:
I wasn’t ready for you.
Loved it!
This book explores the good, the bad, & the ugly. I loved the honesty & sincerity in the collection as a whole.
I think this is a great recommendation for men to read and hopefully the words resonate. For me it allowed me to read someone else’s story & get another perspective to the puzzle we call relationships. He gives great insight on how women should love & value themselves that most men don’t typically notice or acknowledge. His words were very grounded & he is passes on knowledge learned from prior relationships.
(Page 21) Letters that hyper masculinity was afraid to send:
I wasn’t ready for you.
Loved it!
This book explores the good, the bad, & the ugly. I loved the honesty & sincerity in the collection as a whole.
March 16, 2019
I have weaved poems because of this book. I have come back to writing, and come to love it more than I think it would destroy me. Thank you, Billy Chapata.
I have never met a book that I feel lazy to write about it--not because it is distasteful, that it is such a sweet book; a full-course meal, that I kind of doubt if there is anything else to put in this blank space. I feel fulfilled. I feel like all the colors in me have entwined--I have seen the sunset, the pink and purple horizons, the stars shine bright again with the constellations I used to see before.
Basically the end message of this book is: time to get rid of toxic people everybody HAHAHAHHAHHA
I have never met a book that I feel lazy to write about it--not because it is distasteful, that it is such a sweet book; a full-course meal, that I kind of doubt if there is anything else to put in this blank space. I feel fulfilled. I feel like all the colors in me have entwined--I have seen the sunset, the pink and purple horizons, the stars shine bright again with the constellations I used to see before.
Basically the end message of this book is: time to get rid of toxic people everybody HAHAHAHHAHHA
February 16, 2021
know that you are magic.
two very beautiful souls that i love very much gifted this to me a few months back, but for some reason i felt compelled to read it yesterday. this collection is full of self-love mantras, healing mantras, and it really struck a chord with me. the straightforward nature of the poetry & prose here may not be for everyone, but it worked well for the headspace i am in right now. there is a rhythm and a depth to this collection, and it reminded me of some very important self-work i have been neglecting lately & it felt like i was meant to read it precisely at the time i needed it most. grateful.
two very beautiful souls that i love very much gifted this to me a few months back, but for some reason i felt compelled to read it yesterday. this collection is full of self-love mantras, healing mantras, and it really struck a chord with me. the straightforward nature of the poetry & prose here may not be for everyone, but it worked well for the headspace i am in right now. there is a rhythm and a depth to this collection, and it reminded me of some very important self-work i have been neglecting lately & it felt like i was meant to read it precisely at the time i needed it most. grateful.
May 1, 2019
For me , this wasn’t really poetry, just a bunch of “advices”. He would repeat himself, but try to word it differently. Felt like poetry nowadays are like this book.
January 30, 2020
This may be the best poetry book I have ever read
December 24, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"The truth is in the energy, energy is in the truth"
This collection of poems is about love, sele-acceptance, healing and other aspects of yourself.
It is a very encouaging collection. It also varies in length, from short two liners to a lengthy paragraph.
Overall it's a great collection that I think many would love.
"The truth is in the energy, energy is in the truth"
This collection of poems is about love, sele-acceptance, healing and other aspects of yourself.
It is a very encouaging collection. It also varies in length, from short two liners to a lengthy paragraph.
Overall it's a great collection that I think many would love.
December 28, 2022
When I saw the first couple of short poems, I thought, “oh no, not another Rupi Kaur-esque poetry book”.
In a series of musings and advice, Chapata drew me in by either 1. Expressing my inner thoughts back at me, or 2. Telling me exactly what I need to hear right now.
This felt like a warm hug/soft therapy session.
In a series of musings and advice, Chapata drew me in by either 1. Expressing my inner thoughts back at me, or 2. Telling me exactly what I need to hear right now.
This felt like a warm hug/soft therapy session.
January 14, 2023
pros: some bits were nice & resonated, can imagine if you’re going through a break-up that this would be a small step in practising self love, some bits are so bad they will have you laughing out loud
cons: too many sea metaphors, not keen on religious themes in this context, could’ve been edited down to a quarter idk how he got away with publishing it this big
cons: too many sea metaphors, not keen on religious themes in this context, could’ve been edited down to a quarter idk how he got away with publishing it this big
October 30, 2022
Rupi Kaur-ish in the worst way. Shallow, repetitive, condescending in the amount of "poems" that begin with "darling," or "remember:". Nothing real is being said, nothing original, nothing is beautiful.
August 22, 2019
Self love
This book teaches you how to love yourself first; unapologetically. Very poetic and inspirational. Read this book in a few hours. Couldn’t put it down.
This book teaches you how to love yourself first; unapologetically. Very poetic and inspirational. Read this book in a few hours. Couldn’t put it down.
March 16, 2023
This wasn’t for me. I feel like this guy would say vibes a lot in person 🤒
November 7, 2021
A semi-cheesy collection of love poems with a focus on self-love. It was a little bit too close to Rupi Kaur for my personal poetry preference but having a modern reminder that your feelings are valid from an outside perspective really helps an anxious mind.
Favorite Quotes:
"I promise that you're not asking for too much. / I promise that you're not being too demanding. / Never compromise the intensity of your love" (pg. 33).
"Connections fade away. Connections fizzle out. Connections end. Stop holding yourself accountable for things that were never meant to last" (pg. 124).
"You can forgive someone and still want absolutely nothing to do with them" (pg. 142).
"You're only comfortable settling because subconsciously, you don't believe that you deserve better" (pg. 215).
"The way people leave you, the way they exit your life, the way they leave their relationship or connection with you is all the closure you need. Find clarity in actions, not words" (pg. 237).
"I lost a sense of me, when one of the only things a connection should do is strengthen your sense of self" (pg. 268).
Favorite Quotes:
"I promise that you're not asking for too much. / I promise that you're not being too demanding. / Never compromise the intensity of your love" (pg. 33).
"Connections fade away. Connections fizzle out. Connections end. Stop holding yourself accountable for things that were never meant to last" (pg. 124).
"You can forgive someone and still want absolutely nothing to do with them" (pg. 142).
"You're only comfortable settling because subconsciously, you don't believe that you deserve better" (pg. 215).
"The way people leave you, the way they exit your life, the way they leave their relationship or connection with you is all the closure you need. Find clarity in actions, not words" (pg. 237).
"I lost a sense of me, when one of the only things a connection should do is strengthen your sense of self" (pg. 268).
November 7, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for accepting my request to audibly read and review Chameleon Aura.
Author: Billy Chapata
Published: 11/08/22
Narrator: Billy Chapata
Genre: Poetry
The narrator (the author) has a calming and convincing voice. It's smooth and confident.
The poetry itself is presented like dictionary pages being read in themes and not alphabetical. He could have been reading my notebook. I write down what strikes me in a way that stops my breath. Albeit, I don't have as many as in his book. I'm pleased when a snippet catches my attention. One is all I need to justify my time, this was the first: "Learn to be present in other people's lives, without becoming absent in your own." That struck me as profound.
The audiobook has instrumental music in the background. I found it distracting. This is read one after the other in a continuous loop. I would prefer this in written format where I can read and let the words soak in.
Should this be available physically I would gift this.
I'm giving 3.5 stars, and not rounding up the audiobook.
Author: Billy Chapata
Published: 11/08/22
Narrator: Billy Chapata
Genre: Poetry
The narrator (the author) has a calming and convincing voice. It's smooth and confident.
The poetry itself is presented like dictionary pages being read in themes and not alphabetical. He could have been reading my notebook. I write down what strikes me in a way that stops my breath. Albeit, I don't have as many as in his book. I'm pleased when a snippet catches my attention. One is all I need to justify my time, this was the first: "Learn to be present in other people's lives, without becoming absent in your own." That struck me as profound.
The audiobook has instrumental music in the background. I found it distracting. This is read one after the other in a continuous loop. I would prefer this in written format where I can read and let the words soak in.
Should this be available physically I would gift this.
I'm giving 3.5 stars, and not rounding up the audiobook.
March 24, 2022
As much as I love Billy Chapata's writing, often I feel he is writing with the female reader in mind and as a male reader I find myself feeling disconnected. Besides that, I think Chapata is just a brilliant writer.
[image error]
know that you are magic.
you are not meant to be the person that you were yesterday.
you are meant to be an extension of all the beautiful
things that you have experienced in life.
you are meant to be a much deeper, intricate ocean,
full of different hues and contrasts.
you are meant to evolve and outgrow the skin
that no longer keeps you warm.
you are meant to be whoever, or whatever you want to be.
you are meant to be authentic, true, and colorful.
[image error]
January 12, 2022
4.75 stars.
i have absolutely nothing to say except wow. i loved this collection.
i will admit that it was repetitive. the same ideas were repeated over and over again, which some may not like. but i LOVED it. because each time they were repeated, it was another reminder for me to listen to what was being said. i did not have a chance to forget any lesson in this book.
i don’t know what to say honestly. maybe i’ll have something to say later? but i probably won’t because i’ll still be in awe. it’s basically all about self love but in so many different ways. i’ve learned so much from this book in so little time.
i love you billy chapata i really do.
i have absolutely nothing to say except wow. i loved this collection.
i will admit that it was repetitive. the same ideas were repeated over and over again, which some may not like. but i LOVED it. because each time they were repeated, it was another reminder for me to listen to what was being said. i did not have a chance to forget any lesson in this book.
i don’t know what to say honestly. maybe i’ll have something to say later? but i probably won’t because i’ll still be in awe. it’s basically all about self love but in so many different ways. i’ve learned so much from this book in so little time.
i love you billy chapata i really do.
February 2, 2023
I like the idea of the music in the background of the audio more than the actual music. Initially it adds to the vibe, but it becomes repetitive and grating.
The poetry also becomes repetitive. It's pretty, and some of the prose hits really well, but the words and lines begin to repeat in a way that is very noticeable in an audio version.
In general, I found the poetry uplifting and light. It's kind of like following an upbeat self-help social media account. There is good advice and helpful thoughts, but it's better in small doses. A poem a day, rather than a full read through all at once would probably work better for this book.
The poetry also becomes repetitive. It's pretty, and some of the prose hits really well, but the words and lines begin to repeat in a way that is very noticeable in an audio version.
In general, I found the poetry uplifting and light. It's kind of like following an upbeat self-help social media account. There is good advice and helpful thoughts, but it's better in small doses. A poem a day, rather than a full read through all at once would probably work better for this book.
January 9, 2019
“Chameleon Aura,” is a collection if free verse by Billy Chapata. The organization of the collection is very creative. The book is divided into sections and each section is named after a vibrant color of the rainbow. Finally, the collection ends with a message of transformation and renewal.
Chapata emphasizes the power of self love and self acceptance. I believe that this is a worthy goal. His work makes me think of butterflies, rainbows, and caterpillars emerging from cocoons. I recommend this book for fans of shape poetry and free verse.
Chapata emphasizes the power of self love and self acceptance. I believe that this is a worthy goal. His work makes me think of butterflies, rainbows, and caterpillars emerging from cocoons. I recommend this book for fans of shape poetry and free verse.
May 30, 2020
I enjoyed reading and digesting the free verse in this book. There were some passages that resonated with me while some did not. Nonetheless, poetry is meant to be like this --- honest, insightful, and profound.
Some of my favorite pieces:
1. Letters that hypermasculinity was afraid to send:
2. Understand that I do not belong to you
3. Thoughts are seeds
4. Freedom
5. Platonic soulmate
6. A love, Imagine, Comfort zones, and When you fall
7. Ride the waves
8. Regardless
9. Perspective
Some of my favorite pieces:
1. Letters that hypermasculinity was afraid to send:
2. Understand that I do not belong to you
3. Thoughts are seeds
4. Freedom
5. Platonic soulmate
6. A love, Imagine, Comfort zones, and When you fall
7. Ride the waves
8. Regardless
9. Perspective
August 31, 2022
Am adorat-o de la un capăt la celălalt. Mi-a fost tare dor să găsesc o carte de poezii care să-mi placă atât de tare.
Vizează teme precum iubirea&iubirea de sine, creșterea, pierderea unor oameni dragi. Dă și sfaturi care sunt sănătoase și bine gândite. M-am și regăsit în câteva versuri&texte.
Combinația poezie-proză a fost și ea pe gustul meu. Am și subliniat o grămadă de rânduri.
Intră, în mod clar, la categoria favorite. 😍
Vizează teme precum iubirea&iubirea de sine, creșterea, pierderea unor oameni dragi. Dă și sfaturi care sunt sănătoase și bine gândite. M-am și regăsit în câteva versuri&texte.
Combinația poezie-proză a fost și ea pe gustul meu. Am și subliniat o grămadă de rânduri.
Intră, în mod clar, la categoria favorite. 😍
August 22, 2022
tbh i was really excited for this book. the writing was really pretty a good chunk of the poems were super good i had a lot of tabs in it. but i felt repetitiveeeeee like i was bored tbh. at one point it just felt like the same poem over and over in diff fonts and the words scrambled. idk
June 21, 2023
Another book by this author, and I loved it just as much as the first! The title was really fun, and I appreciated the different lengths of poems. I kind of wish the titles of them would’ve been different, but if I flip back to the pages they kind of go together, so that’s kind of fun to see. It wasn’t too overbearing or cliche like some content and I really appreciated the authenticity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews