I discovered this lovely note and love poem book when I began my journey in therapy. My therapist at the time recommended I read and write poetry, and after some searches, I found this book that did both.

Alexandra Elle is the author of several other books, including Neon Soul, After the Rain, Love in my Language, amongst several others.

Elle opens Words from a Wanderer with a beautiful and vulnerable letter. She describes how the poems that follow are notes she has written for herself to get through tough times. Elle briefly tells her experience of reaching 23 years old and finally “no longer seek[ing] validation from others or rely[ing] on the outside world to tell me how worthy I am or how amazing I can be” (Elle 4).

I can’t say enough how much I resonated with, needed, and used her words during my early stages of healing. Now, as a 24-year-old, I too feel that sense of relief that Elle describes.

Elle’s description of going from lost to found is beautifully mimicked in the organization of the poems. The poems themselves range in length, form, and style.

I love Alexandra Elle’s writing because she doesn’t equate her emotions with anything negative. In fact, she writes quite the opposite; she praises herself for being sensitive and vulnerable, and as a highly sensitive person, I needed to learn to do the same.

One of my favorite poems from the book is just two sentences:

“I’ve been hurt so bad and I still love so hard. I admire my heart for that“ (Elle 42).

I would recommend this poetry collection to those looking to dip a toe into poetry. You may also find this book enjoyable if you are starting a journey of self-love and self-appreciation.

Thank you for reading,