I struggled to finish this book. There were a few poems I enjoyed, but overall, I just found them okay. I can see how these poems would speak to others. The narration was beautiful.

I received an electronic ARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own.

I loved the concept of having a poetry collection as an audiobook! Hearing the author reading and performing her poetry was such a lovely experience - wanna see more like this in the book market in the future!

Softening Time was such a gentle look at finding life after grief. There was so much joy and kindness with self and with others. The poet’s calming and tender voice as the audiobook narration added so much passion and depth.

Themes ranged from siblings to parents and parenting to self discovery. The highlight for me were poems written to the author’s 7 year old and 31 year old selves.

Format: audiobook ~ Narrator: Elena Brower
Content: 4 stars ~ Narration: 5 stars

Softening Time is not just a collection of poems. It is also a self-help and inspirational book. As with all collections, some poems are better than others. I liked some, and some left me indifferent.

I like poetry audiobooks. Often the author narrates the poetry. This is an excellent choice because I like to listen to how the author reads it.

Thanks to Andrews McMeel Audio for the advanced copy and this opportunity! This is a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

Is it my favorite poetry collection ever? Maybe. Possibly. Yes.

This collection is about love, about friendship, about softening your eyes, listening, living life with kindness. I listened to it while walking in nature and it was just the perfect time and place. I will start again from the start and listen to it again in the coming days. This collection has such a soothing effect on me.

Audiobook ARC provided by Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing, so beautifully read by the author Elena Brower.

“ righteousness softens:
darkness to clear light again
hearing myself becoming
my dearest friend”.

Softening Time: A collection of poems by Elena Brower on audiobook is a relaxing yet thought provoking meditative style poetry to listen to.
I enjoyed this collection of poems, some on audiobook can be listened to while relaxing. Others for reflection. The author shares intimate and heartbreaking details though some of her poems as well. Delivered in that “Softening Time” soothing pace as she reflects on her grief. I also like how these poems seemed to share the different types of grief as well, not just loss.

I appreciated this volume of poetry. Her explorations of relationships of different kinds (mother/child/friend/lover) struck chords in me. I liked her poems exploring grief and also the balm of nature. I enjoyed the reading by the author - I think that is the best way to experience poetry - but I also look forward to getting a print version of this book because I also like to have the visual experience of poetry.
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Elena Brower for writing these words and then also being the narrator of this audiobook so we could hear them read as she intended them to be read. She took us through so many private, personal moments. While I couldn't relate to all of it, that isn't really the point. Poetry is personal and she gave us a piece of her soul in these words.

Some of my favorites were:
-One Thought at a Time
-Older
-Evolution
- and my most favorite was Kitchen Prayer.

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this short collection of poetry! The audiobook was perfect since it was read by the author and that always feels more genuine with artistic books. The poems move through the journey of life in a way and stay mainly positive, looking on the bright side of your story. I really connected with some of the idea she puts into the world, mainly if you’ve seen and been through a lot in your life but are still able to treat people and the world with kindness. If you like inspirational poetry, check this book out!

3.5⭐️

I would describe the general feeling of this collection of poetry as gently sad. And also, as it progressed, I found it a bit bland. It had some interesting moments, especially early on, but then it started to feel more like stream of consciousness than poetry and I struggled to maintain interest.

The author did a good job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Elena Brower, Andrews McMeel Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.