Unalome

by Amani Waiters

A collection of poems that allow you to walk in my shoes as I find my way through the struggles of life. This is the journey through depression, rejection, pain, heartbreak, confusion, true love, and happiness. An inspirational read, that shows readers no matter what life may throw at them they will always make it through the storm.

Genres: Poetry

34 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2021

About the author

Amani Waiters is an ordinary 23 year old woman from New York City. She is an experienced Emergency Medical Technician in the city that never sleeps. When she’s not saving lives, you can find her writing poetry, exploring the city, taking pictures, painting, reading, trying new foods and watching her favorite show Grey’s Anatomy. As a young child and teenager she faced unordinary circumstances that made her the resilient person she is today. She has helping hands and loves to provide to those she encounters. She hopes to inspire and provide support to those in need of just a little bit of comfort.

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: Abandonment?, Homelessness, Miscarriage, Domestic Violence

The prologue ripped me up. The writing was simplistic and somewhat childlike. Normally, that is a negative for me but it served a purpose to show how kids don’t know what’s happening to them but later figure it out. I am writing this review as I go so it's going to be quite reactionary as I read the stuff. Prologue 10/10 for the tears.

Moving on. Loved the relationship with her father's poem. I am left wondering what happened to Ms. Waiters’ mother. Did she abandon them? Kill herself? I basically like a carbon copy of my mom. My dad and I have always been close as long as I can remember. I wonder what would have happened if something destroyed their relationship and how that would affect my relationship with my father?

Boy poems… It felt way too tropey. I imagine writing it was cathartic but reading it not so much. Men suck, yeah. Ohhh… baby, literally. NOOO… angel it would have been all okay. F*ck that abusive a**hole but I want more structure in the poems. They went on for a few pages at least on Kindle and felt like they could have been separated into separate but connected poems. It would have shown the escalation.

Finally pivoting out of hopelessness with Super Moms. Who is she your new maternal force? I don’t know how I feel about the idea that a guy is single handedly pulling you out of your funk because that means you remain dependent on men. (I found myself slipping into 2nd person. I’ll try and stop but I am way too lazy to fix it above).

Okay. Final verdict. 3.25 stars. It is solid but there is room for improvement and it’s so incredibly short that I want more development. I believe poetry should manage to alleviate some questions and I feel I just have more than I started with. 5 stars for the feels but as for execution it is pulled down to 3.25. Tears though lots of tears.

[BookForAHeart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unalome

Amani Waiters tells her story in poetry. At times, it was very hard to read. I recommend this book to those having once gone through traumatic experience as children. I love poetry as much as the next person.

For some reason, I did not connect with this once as much as others. It was a beautiful rendition of trauma, loss, and grief. Amani Waiters is a strong person, anyone can see from the way she writes. I certainly am glad I read it. I thank Goodreads and the author for sending a free copy.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems written from the heart about the pain endured as a child. Yes some are dark and depressing but I choose to view them from the perspective of a child who survived years of abuse. I survived abuse from a parent to mid 40s so no matter you age the damage done inside will always be a part of you. I admire Amani for sharing her words with the world and not being afraid to speak the truth of what you can endure and grow from. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway thank you!

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry! My favourite poem was Reflection - it was so uplifting after reading the preface and previous poems. I'm interested to know more about this author and her history. It is so familiar to my own story and I feel connected to her through her writing.

[Jahni Kafka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of poems expressing a young woman that navigates through every single setback a person could possibly face in life and still come out on top. Alot of feels in this one prepare for an emotional ride. Starting out from a pre teen and dealing with abandonment from her mother, poverty, domestic violence and isolation, amongst countless other traumas. I advise anyone that felt they had/have a hard life to read this. A story that lets you know even though you have all these demons you can always make it through. Ill be reading it many more times and looking out for your next book. Thank you for this gem Ms.Waiters 💜🌻.

[B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Following the transitions the writer goes through..... from difficult and tragic events, to not allowing those events to define but instead find her happiness, is uplifting and relatable. I applaud the writer for sharing her story, her honesty and reflection. Definitely recommend, and I wish much success to the writer! :)

[Heather Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a poetry fan, but I'm trying to expand my reading. I won this book in a giveaway and received it beautifully packaged! Thank you so much for that! It truly brightened a rough day. I work in a level 1 trauma center, in the ED...so I see things, just like you. The everyday things, and then the news worthy things, and then the horrible things people do to each other and themselves...it gets rough some days. So, to receive your book, with it's beautiful sunflower and even more beautiful writing, lifted me up. Thank you for putting your thoughts into words and sharing them with us, Amani. I can honestly say I enjoyed your writing, and will pass this on to my co-workers.

[Michele E · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book of poems to be depressing and for me a bit on the dark side. Wasn't a fan.

[Kat Clyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Ms. Waiters and Goodreads for the win on this book of poetry. It is a decent little volume, the first portion is very sad and lots of big emotions. The 2nd portion is very happy and uplifting.