This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden is a collection of original poetry, ranging in length, tone, and tenor, each connecting a facet of Evergarden's voice. In Diaries of a Borderline XXIII, she drifts through darkness as monsters steal her joy, but she still glimpses hope and the possibility of light. In What Does “I Love You” Mean, she speaks on a mother’s abuse and the lingering impact on her sense of self. In Voodoo, she traces scars and sacrifices her grace while processing internalized pain. In A Wish She’s Making, she imagines rivers and ponds of dreams, realizing her choices hold power. In Royalty, she tends to abandoned parts and finds ways to care for herself. In Dear Younger Blue IV, she addresses her younger self, acknowledging past pain and asserting presence and protection.
I went into Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden thinking there were only four parts, but I was delighted to find there are actually nine! The collection is absolutely beautiful, even when the emotions reflect a haunting sadness. As a parent, I found the poems with childhood trauma to be the most heartbreaking, but they are still gorgeous in their rendering. Among dozens of unforgettable works, my favorite is Leaving the Grave Behind and its journey from darkness to light, showing renewal and courage in breathtaking imagery. A close second is Dear Older Blue V and its celebration of self-compassion and the joy of reconnecting with one’s own heart. Evergarden’s work demonstrates the true power of poetry to think, move, inspire, and comfort, leaving us with a sense of the quiet victories and gentle revelations hidden in everyday experience. Very, very highly recommended.