To The Women: words to live by

by Donna Ashworth

To The Woman is the second book from History Will Remember author, and social media wordsmith, Donna Ashworth. Donna’s poems and essays for women are constantly flying around the internet bringing positivity and solidarity. This collection contains 48 favourite poems, plus beautiful quotes; truly something for everyone, to inspire, comfort and motivate. It makes the perfect gift from one woman to another. Praise for Donna...‘Donna’s writing calms me down, lifts me up, inspires and enlightens. She makes women feel good about themselves and that’s my type of girl!’ Denise Welch, Loose Women. ‘Donna has an incredible gift of posting beautiful words which touch your heart at exactly the right time you need them. Her words support and motivate, they uplift and inspire.’Kim Nash, Author.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Feminism

Hardcover

Published March 2, 2022

About the author

Poet, author & owner of the popular social media page, Ladies Pass It On. Donna speaks to all women with her words of comfort and inspiration - you can see her words winging their way around the internet on a daily basis bringing women together from all walks fo life.

Reviews

[Myriah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection spoke to a very specific idea of a woman, I feel: a mother with a large family and a strong group of girlfriends. Didn't really say anything new and had a very limited range. Not bad, just nothing really to grab my attention or stick with me.

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short book of poems & essays, reminding us that life is for living, that our grey hairs, lines & wrinkles tell the stories of our lives, & that, as women, we are stronger than we think.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my go to book when I’m having a bad day. Some lovely poems and lovely words. I always feel better when I’ve read one of these poems.

[Reixma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book of poems and words of affirmations aimed at women for women (and other fem folk!)
It has poems that cover various generations, so there is something for almost everyone.
Some of these made me cry.

Definitely a good read for someone who needs to know they are enough, and they are valued, and they are not alone.

[Lisa Penninga · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like a poetic devotional for women, reminding us of what’s important and what’s not, what to see and what to take out of our focus. I love that each section has a quotable before it, thematically organized. The poetry isn’t the most complex or in-depth I have ever read, but rarely do you read a collection that reminds women of what we are for us instead of society. It’s uplifting and contains powerful reminders that we are more than the reflection in the mirror and if we looked more carefully, we would see so much more! 3.5 because some are a bit cliche, but overall, such good reminders and a positive voice in women’s heads to see the beauty inside and in your reflection as you age.

[Jess Lavender Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend you distribute copies to your best girlfriends. Donna ashworth’s words speak so clearly to my soul. Happy and relieved tears every 5th poem or so. I’m an ebook supporter, but this one I had the feeling needed to be hard copy, and I’m glad I did.

I want to bath in these verses. I may even end up just memorizing a few from before bed re-reading. The style is ... perfect, timeless, emotionally calming.

Thank you Donna!

[Nel's Lit Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of poetry — deeply empowering, tender, and profoundly warm.
This collection feels like a love letter to the sisterhood. Each poem honours our strength, softness, contradictions, and becoming. It’s uplifting in a way that feels genuine and grounding.

some of my favourite poems — “Woman, Mighty Proud,” “To Be a Woman,” “Age Gracefully,” and “Alchemist” — each offer something special. Together, they form a tapestry of what it means to live inside a woman’s body, heart, and history. From rallying calls to gentle reminders to liberating invitations, these pieces stayed with me long after I closed the book.

A warm, uplifting, and beautifully crafted tribute to womanhood and well worth adding to your library & a beautiful gift idea.

[Zoe Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and I do think that it is a book that the ladies should read! Some parts I didn’t connect with as much because it was targeted towards age and I’m only 20 so I haven’t lived life long enough to connect with those specific poems. A good book to go back to if you need reminders of self worth and motivation.

[Sasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’ed at 32%. I used to never be able to DNF anything, but time is precious if I’m to make a dent in my TBR

[Krissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not terrible, I just didn't find it very inspiring. There were a couple of poems that resonated but overall it felt like a book of poems I'd gift to my elderly aunts or mom. It's soft and cliche and harmless. But if you're looking for something original this probably won't be it.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Insipid if you read more than one ‘poem’ at once.

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first of Donna’s books I’ve read, and certainly won’t be the last. This author is well known for her poetry, essays, and quotes wrapped up in inpsiration. Her quotes and essays are well established over social media. In this book, Ashworth essays are all about empowerment. You will find poems and short essays to inspire, uplift and take us out of a dark moment. The book can be read at one sitting, savored as one poem at a time, or certainly, as a book to pick up again and again to get a lift and be reminded about how powerful we are.

Some of my favorites were:

By Forty Your Middle Finger is at Half Mast – where at middle-age we no longer care about fitting in, but being fabulous in who we are,

Aging isn’t about Lost Youth – “No, ageing isn’t about lost youth, it’s about finding, who you were meant to be, all along…”,

Gut Feelings are your Guardian Angels – listen to your instincts,

There Was a Time – meaning we no longer have to waste our time on things that no longer fill us,

You’re Going to Lose People Along the Way – but that’s life, so make every minute count.

This is truly a beautiful book about thoughts on life. It’s a timeless book and one that would make a beautiful gift for any woman of any age.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pabulum or poetry? Not entirely sure.

This book was a gift and I very much appreciated the sentiment. In that sense it was for me and I kept that in mind, but this didn't feel like a book written for me particularly, it feels like one of those whose understanding of women has me wanting to check my genitals.

It feels of a piece with Be Kind, with Live, Love, Laugh... and those things are not wrong even though they are easy to sneer at. Too easy, compared with their opposites. But I am struggling. There were too many 'my friend's. I sometimes found myself liking the pieces that rhymed simply because I felt more confident that some work had gone into them. Some of them felt like ideas taken from elsewhere and unacknowledged (not the same as a legitimate reworking) The book isn't well organised by topic - it is intended to dip into, randomly, and I can imagine that there would be times when someone might feel they'd come up with a golden nugget for where they are at that particular moment.

It's interesting to compare this with the dead white male poets I've been reading and consider the difference between obfuscatory and facile, but Hollie McNish and Len Pennie this ain't.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

We women are amazing aren't we! Partners, Wives, Mother's, Daughters, Sisters, Friends, Colleagues, care givers, role models... the roles women flit between are endless and we are expected to do them all perfectly with no hair out of place. Or that used to be the case thankfully we women are learning slowly to accept imperfections and celebrate how amazing we actually are.

Donna Ashworth celebrates women in this incredible collection of poems looking at the emotions women feel, the roles we play and the incredible challenges we face. Donna's words are a support system for every woman showing us it's ok to have feelings feel grief and sadness, feel proud of yourself and celebrate your wins. Don't become small to impress others and go out there and live a beautiful life.

These poems are exactly what I needed in this chapter of my life and I encourage all women out there to read these because they are beautiful. Even better share them with the women in your life and be that woman who supports other women.

Absolutely adore Donna 🫶🏻

[Tea Leaves and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent much of February reading this book, and it was both eye opening and emotional for various reasons. I think there is much to be celebrated about Donna Ashworth's very first poetry collection being republished, and updated, and becoming a bestseller all over again. She did it, and she did it again. This is a collection for everybody, and it's magical how each poem can speak volumes to somebody and completely differently to somebody else. It is the perfect gift, whether to yourself or somebody else. Let the pages fall open and you'll find something that speaks loudly to you when you need talking to, or calmly when you need quiet. It will inspire, enlighten, encourage and above all remind you of your worth, your value and your strong capacity to love and be loved.

[Di McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and her wise wisdom and depth feelings of the world we live in. This book truly touches your heart and is a must for all women to add to their book collection. There is something for everyone to relate to and just the heartfelt words are beautiful, raw and have true meanings/understandings.

I follow Donna on social media, her way with words is amazing and I sometimes feel she’s talking just to me.

It’s not the book you will do ever truly finish, its a book I will read over and over especially when I need a little pick me up! A ray of comfort and positivity much needed during this difficult time in all of our lives.

[Eleanor Biddulph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book of poetry start to finish before. I’ve come to appreciate Donna’s poetry and essays through her fb page and frequent live readings. This book is, as the title indicates, all about women. Our strength, love, heart, brains, grace, accomplishment, life and death. I know I will come back to it now and again for inspiration. Her words have a way of giving you what is needed just when it’s needed.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audio bookbut did get distractedby Donna'Donna ' accent unfortunately.
I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I preferred the quotations that were scattered throughout but as I listened to this when I was walking didn't make a note of them.
I found some of it clichéd and felt it was mostly for a certain woman, a mother with a latge family and that's not me so found some poems washed over me

[Casey Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super quick, but impactful, read. A little something to hit home for most women, but especially mothers. Sometimes specific experiences speak universally.
There were a few spelling mistakes (women vs woman, ironically) and quoting of other authors not attributed, that brought my rating down.
Was very cute, filled with nice little(or big) reminders for most of us women.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely poetry, very easy reading!

My favourite quotes from it…

‘Find your people,
Love them hard’

‘Somebody somewhere smiles when they hear a song that reminds them of you’

‘You have created an invisible network of thoughts, emotions, feelings, love and friendship, which spreads much further than you realise’

[Jen Compan (Doucette) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A special friend bought me this book for Christmas. It reads like a book of affirmations. So for the last several weeks I tried to end my day with one or two. Some were poems, some felt more like poetic prose— but all were reminders especially to women as they age. I used it almost as a gratitude check before bed. And it worked— likely also because it always reminded me of my friend too.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems is beautiful. The author knows how women feel and think and she reaches inside us to pull out the best of each of us. To teach us that we are enough, we are beautiful and worthy. I love her and plan to ready everything she writes.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read continuously, but found myself allowing time in between to process and digest these words of wisdom. I love Donna's expressive way with words and look forward to her next books. I enjoy her excerpts shared on social media.

[Wendy Charlton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of insightful and uplifting verse to inspire women to be who they are capable of being.
My favourite was "May" which I found the most helpful. A lovely collection that I will share with other female warriors who are finding their way.

[Steve Cylc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Donna Ashworth before seeing a post on Facebook. I had recently lost my mother and the words in, "When you say good bye to a parent", really struck a chord in me. I'm looking forward to collecting all of her works. Thank you, Donna, for your inspiration!

[Fiona Pape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little book of poems was gifted to me when I was recovering from a mild stroke. It's perfect! Truly words to live by, words that really resonated. Donna puts in writing what many of us women think and feel. I will continue to dip in now and then to savour her words. Love her work!

[Moyra Duckmanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Donna Ashworth and her thought provoking words. Reading this book was like having a comforting friend reminding me to be gentle with myself. It was definitely what I needed to read as a busy mother recovering from cancer!
I recommend every woman having a copy for times of need.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collection of poems about womanhood that touches on a plethora of subjects from ageing to mothering and losing a parent. Lots of touching pieces within this book that I’m sure I will dive into again when the feeling calls.

[Magdalena Moszynska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully inspiring piece so that us women are tender and gentle with one another. It’s a real nurturing piece of writing - flicking through the pages and pausing was like a warm thoughtful embrace. I wholeheartedly recommend.