Review: Emerging: from the Chrysalis by Francine Manuel

When your to do list keeps having one more thing gradually added to it, and yet you still somehow manage to squeeze it all in. You just do more, sleep less and you wring yourself dry, until there's not a drop of liquid left in you.
EMERGING FROM THE CHRYSALIS EXPLORES THE THOUGHTS, EMOTIONS AND PARALYSIS OF MENTAL HEALTH AND HOW THE SAVING GRACE OF SELF-EXPRESSION AND ITS RELEASE VIA POETRY, SLOWLY ENABLES HEALING. ALTHOUGH RARELY OPENLY DISCUSSED, MOST OF US HAVE HAD MOMENTS IN OUR LIFE THAT FEEL TOO MUCH AND YOU WANT TO DIVORCE YOURSELF FROM YOUR OWN LIFE. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BURN OUT OR MENTAL ILLNESS OR YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS, THIS IS THE BOOK THAT YOU DIDN'T KNOW YOU MUST READ!

Amazon book link:
https://www.amazon.com/EMERGING-chrysalis-Francine-Manuel/dp/B0B2TY6MNX/​

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~ Review ~

It is always interesting (to me, at least) how people process anxiety and depression. The finding out of these conditions, rather. Some deny - this was me, so I'm not judging. Some hide beneath storm clouds just waiting for the storms to pass. Others run right into the storm, demanding, bargaining, all while being tethered to a lighting pole. 
And then there are your poets. 
The ones who step just a hair to the side, carefully analyzing the bits and pieces of silver linings to be found and gather them up into poetry. Crafting their storms into words. 
While the title suggests emerging from the cocoon (and there is that), there were storm metaphors and imagery in the beginning that I couldn't stop letting go of. Or perhaps, as it is hurricane season here in the South, I liken it to seeing the toss and turn of anxiety off in the distance of the gulf and watching the clouds of depression darken bit by bit. 
Manuel's first few pieces was melodic in the way a storm brews. Tentative, unsure, beautiful. And as the formation - or the core of the book - began to take shape, I could (again, in my mind's eye) envision the hurricane coming towards me. Neurotic, breathless and growing stronger. 
This collection cannot be read in one sitting. I read a few poems here and there to gather my thoughts, to analyze, and to take a step back. There is darkness here that is not often talked about; suicide ideation was written almost so whimsical, I had to pause for self care. To read her words and understand those moments, know those thoughts......I recommend going slow and taking pauses. This collection is not to be rushed. Transformations (and hurricanes) take a while, after all. 
I do love her later chapter of catharsis. This section was uplifting and gave me hope that the poet found solace and peace in her healing journey. And I applaud the poet for her honesty and her bravery in sharing. 

Rating 4/5

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About the Author

Francine Manuel is a Canadian poet and writer. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and numerous certifications in alternative therapeutic modalities. In Francine’s debut book of poetry, “Emerging from the Chrysalis”, you are able to get a glimpse into the subtle yet devastating nature of burnout, anxiety and depression. Each poem captivates and draws in the reader, allowing them to have a unique insight into the realities of mental illness. Francine is a renown avocado-aholic and firmly insists that it can be eaten at any meal of the day. Her innate curiosity and joie de vivre lend a fresh and innovative perspective about transformation, healing and living fully.
Francine welcomes her readers to connect with her on Instagram (@francine_manuel_author), TikTok (@francine_manuel) and/or Facebook (Francine Manuel_Author)