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When A Fox Mourns
This story is about a woman named Fox. Fox is stifled with untreated mental illnesses on her quest to find unconditional love. In order to mask the pain of heartbreak and insecurity, she turns to drugs and alcohol to cope. Through every relationship, she is haunted by her symptoms of psychosis, hallucinations and mania. She finds comfort in being in romance relationships with abusers that ultimately lead her to multiply diagnoses. In a manic state, she writes a letter to another woman who has suffered from the same horrible past in hopes to get advice on how to beat the evil spirit that haunts her thoughts.
348 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2019
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
Shara B. Allen
2 books2 followersShara B. Allen is an Army veteran that writes about love, nature, animals and mental health. As a former veterinarian technician, she has taken courses in animal science, environmental science, marine biology and has also taken courses within the psychology field.
She is not a traditional author as she writes her books in poetry format. She used her educational background to describe and illustrate symptoms of mental disorders that patients like herself deal with on a everyday basis in hopes to spread awareness.
Shara B. Allen’s goals are to continue her journey as an author, not only as a positive outlet to monitor her mental health but to let others know that they are not alone and to educate others on animals, and their behaviors in a metaphorical manner.
https://sharaallen.com
She is not a traditional author as she writes her books in poetry format. She used her educational background to describe and illustrate symptoms of mental disorders that patients like herself deal with on a everyday basis in hopes to spread awareness.
Shara B. Allen’s goals are to continue her journey as an author, not only as a positive outlet to monitor her mental health but to let others know that they are not alone and to educate others on animals, and their behaviors in a metaphorical manner.
https://sharaallen.com
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 6, 2019
‘Music is the only way I can shut the Devil up.’
Poet Shara B. Allen shares her journey with mental disorders in this narrative poem WHEN A FOX MOURNS. An Army veteran and former veterinarian technician, Shara has studied environmental and animal science, marine biology and psychology – the foundation of her ability to share signs and symptoms of mental disorders she has dealt with in hopes that her thoughts may assist others in broadening awareness of these afflictions. Her scope of guidance extends to the animal world as well.
The Introductory poem sets the tone for this moving book:
For I am not a rapper. I’m a poet.
Insecure, overzealous, and unamused.
I stand tall. I stand stoic.
The weight of my pain holds me down like a boulder.
Torn form my thoughts, I keep to myself the same.
My brain gets colder. My thoughts more insane.
Away from the hurt. Away from the pain
For I am not a rapper, I’m a poet.
Outcomes in my mind
My brain decides when to mold it.
For I am not a rapper. I’m a poet.
Mention me because I wrote it!
Shara presents her significant poem as a letter from Fox to friend Phox: ‘ I am also a fox because the name was given to me. I don’t know if you’re a fox too, then maybe we can write our definition together. All I know is the things I can’t control. My outlandish personality, my frame of mind and my impeccable sex-drive defines me. My embarrassment has led me to you. My sorrow has led me to write. Oh, but my mania, my mania has led me to crime. And oh, but my mania has led me to the light.’
In a long extended narrative poetic format Shara presents the manifestations of mental illness and how that encumbrance alters her search for love. Adept at describing psychoses, hallucinations, the manic state, and substance abuse, the poet has found the ability to present these issues in a manner, poetic, that allows the reader to enter the realm of the subject matter and learn from it. At book’s end she places individual poems that embrace the animal world – very sensitive. This is a deeply moving work that introduces a fresh new talent, a much-needed addition to both literature and human caring.
Poet Shara B. Allen shares her journey with mental disorders in this narrative poem WHEN A FOX MOURNS. An Army veteran and former veterinarian technician, Shara has studied environmental and animal science, marine biology and psychology – the foundation of her ability to share signs and symptoms of mental disorders she has dealt with in hopes that her thoughts may assist others in broadening awareness of these afflictions. Her scope of guidance extends to the animal world as well.
The Introductory poem sets the tone for this moving book:
For I am not a rapper. I’m a poet.
Insecure, overzealous, and unamused.
I stand tall. I stand stoic.
The weight of my pain holds me down like a boulder.
Torn form my thoughts, I keep to myself the same.
My brain gets colder. My thoughts more insane.
Away from the hurt. Away from the pain
For I am not a rapper, I’m a poet.
Outcomes in my mind
My brain decides when to mold it.
For I am not a rapper. I’m a poet.
Mention me because I wrote it!
Shara presents her significant poem as a letter from Fox to friend Phox: ‘ I am also a fox because the name was given to me. I don’t know if you’re a fox too, then maybe we can write our definition together. All I know is the things I can’t control. My outlandish personality, my frame of mind and my impeccable sex-drive defines me. My embarrassment has led me to you. My sorrow has led me to write. Oh, but my mania, my mania has led me to crime. And oh, but my mania has led me to the light.’
In a long extended narrative poetic format Shara presents the manifestations of mental illness and how that encumbrance alters her search for love. Adept at describing psychoses, hallucinations, the manic state, and substance abuse, the poet has found the ability to present these issues in a manner, poetic, that allows the reader to enter the realm of the subject matter and learn from it. At book’s end she places individual poems that embrace the animal world – very sensitive. This is a deeply moving work that introduces a fresh new talent, a much-needed addition to both literature and human caring.
February 15, 2019
Novels with content this dark should come with a warning. When a Fox Mourns is deeply disturbing and profoundly sad. The author's use of a unique poetry style of writing took some getting used to but turned out beautifully in a story that needs the beauty.
Fox is a victim of abuse via many sources and to cope with that horror she does what many women do; everything from cutting herself severely and drug abuse to seeking out dangerous men and drinking herself into oblivion. To no one's surprise, she develops severe symptoms like terrifying hallucinations that leave her conversing with the devil. Full of violence and angst, When a Fox Mourns is a mine field of triggers for trauma and abuse victims and that should be noted.
There were some errors here and there that a decent editor could have pinpointed but overall, Shara B. Allen has put out an in depth and sadly, realistic, book that shows what it is to live through hell. Now I have to go watch Happy Feet to clear my brain.
Fox is a victim of abuse via many sources and to cope with that horror she does what many women do; everything from cutting herself severely and drug abuse to seeking out dangerous men and drinking herself into oblivion. To no one's surprise, she develops severe symptoms like terrifying hallucinations that leave her conversing with the devil. Full of violence and angst, When a Fox Mourns is a mine field of triggers for trauma and abuse victims and that should be noted.
There were some errors here and there that a decent editor could have pinpointed but overall, Shara B. Allen has put out an in depth and sadly, realistic, book that shows what it is to live through hell. Now I have to go watch Happy Feet to clear my brain.
March 8, 2019
As a well-educated woman, Shara Allen uses her poetry to connect with others who have a mental illness. When a Fox Mourns is written from one woman to another woman seeking answers and help. Through her rambles there is a glimpse of understanding as she recognizes memories in her past that brought her to where she is now. Mental illness is not neat. This novel represents mayhem in her life, but she wants hope of breaking free of what grips her, knowing there is more in life.
I find Shara Allen’s book, When a Fox Mourns, inspirational. Her insight allows the reader to see inside the mind of someone who struggles with mental health issues and recognizes it for what it is. Not shameful, just different. I find it interesting that instead of giving her characters names of people she names them after animals that remind her of: Maned Wolf, Giraffe, Koloa, etc. I think anyone who has experience mental illness in themselves or someone close to them would connect with this book.
I find Shara Allen’s book, When a Fox Mourns, inspirational. Her insight allows the reader to see inside the mind of someone who struggles with mental health issues and recognizes it for what it is. Not shameful, just different. I find it interesting that instead of giving her characters names of people she names them after animals that remind her of: Maned Wolf, Giraffe, Koloa, etc. I think anyone who has experience mental illness in themselves or someone close to them would connect with this book.
February 19, 2019
This book is beyond heartbreaking!
This book is deep and dark and takes the reader through and insiders view of psychosis, and mania. When a Fox Mourns follows a woman named Fox as she deals with untreated mental illness and tries to find true love. In every relationship she finds, Fox struggles with insecurities that trigger her psychosis, and mania. While manic she writes a letter to another woman who has also dealt with the same problems in hopes of gaining advice on how to cope. The poetic writing style adds depth and really takes the reader through the emotional turmoil that Fox experiences. It’s heartbreaking and discouraging to know that all too often people do go untreated and have to deal with these mental illnesses with no support system. I feel like everyone should read this book to gain a better understanding of mental illness.
This book is deep and dark and takes the reader through and insiders view of psychosis, and mania. When a Fox Mourns follows a woman named Fox as she deals with untreated mental illness and tries to find true love. In every relationship she finds, Fox struggles with insecurities that trigger her psychosis, and mania. While manic she writes a letter to another woman who has also dealt with the same problems in hopes of gaining advice on how to cope. The poetic writing style adds depth and really takes the reader through the emotional turmoil that Fox experiences. It’s heartbreaking and discouraging to know that all too often people do go untreated and have to deal with these mental illnesses with no support system. I feel like everyone should read this book to gain a better understanding of mental illness.
March 5, 2019
When A Fox Mourns by Shara B. Allen is a compelling narrative that speaks to the author's demons. Mental health is a huge issue and when not treated, can create havoc. This tale is about a woman named Fox who struggles with mental illness that goes untreated, and how she copes as she goes from one unhealthy relationship to another. Written in a poem format makes following the story a little disconcerting, but the tone and tenor of the writing is so exquisite, that it will take your breath away with its honesty and raw, tumultuous emotion. This book is full of violence and horrible situations which may not be suitable for anyone struggling with abuse or mental issues of their own. However, this book has given a strong voice to those that suffer, and is a compelling and eloquent, very personal story. Strong recommendation.
March 7, 2019
It’s a feeling – Touchy!
The novel is a narrative poem of Fox, a woman suffering with multiple mental illness, but still has hope to find love. With his hope, she engages in relationships, but they all turn out to be abusive and complicated by her illness. She is lonely, hurt, helpless and needs help. A story that is a great reminder to be kind and caring about our loved ones and feel their pain. A touchy poetic ride that is hopeful and helpless.
The novel is a narrative poem of Fox, a woman suffering with multiple mental illness, but still has hope to find love. With his hope, she engages in relationships, but they all turn out to be abusive and complicated by her illness. She is lonely, hurt, helpless and needs help. A story that is a great reminder to be kind and caring about our loved ones and feel their pain. A touchy poetic ride that is hopeful and helpless.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews