Diaries of a Borderline


Poetry - Inspirational
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 09/11/2025
Buy on Amazon

    Book Review

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.

Pikasho Deka

In Diaries of a Borderline, author Blue Evergarden takes readers on a poetic journey of resilience and healing. Drawing upon her own life experiences, Evergarden presents a collection of deeply emotional and personal poems that shed light on the rigors of childhood trauma, parental neglect, and survivor's guilt. Divided into nine parts, this illuminating poetry collection is intimate yet touches upon universal themes, focusing on topics such as the aftereffects of BPD, the struggle to overcome trauma, loneliness, and dissociation, navigating guilt and shame, dealing with the loss of a loved one, finding compassion within oneself after years of self-hatred, and more. The latter parts of this collection delve into themes of healing and recovery, illustrating the power of self-love and acceptance in the quest for transformation and fulfilment.

Thematically rich and emotionally poignant, Diaries of a Borderline is an engrossing poetry collection that evokes a range of feelings in the reader. Blue Evergarden's poetic storytelling captivates you from beginning to end, and you will find yourself contemplating the nature of life and all its highs and lows long after you've finished reading. Although the poems are inspired by the author's own life experiences, the universal themes and the authenticity of the poetry ensure that readers can resonate with the feelings and emotions of the narrator. Each poem tells a different story, yet feels like the perfect piece of a puzzle in the collection's larger narrative. Overall, the book inspires hope, showing the resilient spirit of humans who continue to chase their dreams with renewed resolve even amid the darkest of circumstances. Highly recommended.

Zahid Sheikh

Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden is a raw and deeply personal collection of poems and reflections that take readers on a journey through pain, healing, and hope. The book explores the author’s experiences with borderline personality disorder (BPD), trauma, addiction, and loss. Through vivid and often heart-wrenching imagery, Blue shares the struggle of living with mental illness, the haunting presence of a difficult past, and the fight to reclaim a sense of self. The narrative is interwoven with moments of darkness and light, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of despair and the slow, painful steps toward understanding and self-love. It is a brave and honest account that invites readers to witness the author’s most vulnerable moments and ultimately the emergence of resilience and healing.

Blue Evergarden’s writing is beautiful and flowing, pulling readers into the writer’s emotional world. The pace shifts like the rhythm of the mind—sometimes fast and intense, other times slow and gentle—giving space to feel the depth of each moment. The poems and short pieces are like snapshots from a broken yet powerful story, where survival is more emotional than physical. Blue, as an individual, feels deeply real and relatable, carrying both the pain and hope shared by many facing similar struggles. The themes of trauma, self-discovery, suffering, and healing run throughout with striking honesty. The courage to share such painful truths and the genuine portrayal of recovery give the book a hopeful and inspiring spirit. Reading Diaries of a Borderline felt like sitting with a trusted friend, witnessing the fight to heal and the spark of hope, even in the darkest times. It is a moving and unforgettable book that stays with you long after you close it.