Being a Woman: Overcoming By Michele Lee Sefton Review

About The Author

Veteran English teacher, writer, poet, dancer, and blogger, who appreciates literature, movement, music, nature, art, photography, travel, humor, and expression. She finds a never-ending supply of subjects to write about and photograph in her native home in the Sonoran Desert and wherever else life takes her. She shares those photographs and carefully crafted poems and stories on her blog (tumbleweedspirit dot com).

Prior to releasing her first novella, Her Coastal Cottage – Where Truth and Love Rise, she collaborated with her artist daughter during the pandemic, publishing three illustrated poetry collections, titled: Being a Woman – Overcoming, Being a Woman – Becoming, and Being a Woman – Forthcoming. Her fourth published poetry collection, titled, My Inspired Life – A Poetic Journey, celebrates a blogging milestone. Her second novella, Honeysuckle Heat, is her most recent publication.

She takes great delight in assisting author, Sandra Marinella with narrative therapy workshops where they help participants from around the world find and share their stories.

She is currently seeking agent representation for a completed manuscript, titled, Jade’s Broken Bridge: a work of literary fiction that is a blend of dark humor, edgy content, fabulism, courage, and inspiration that introduces a memorable protagonist who almost loses herself trying to better herself.

Source: Amazon

Amazon Summary

A poetic journey that began with a memory of being told as a middle-school student to, “move to the back row, to hide your full figure,” inspired the lines of the first poem, “My Curves.” The poet realized after writing those lines that there were other memories that spoke through words meant to control, not to empower. Wanting to release those words and the power they exert, for both herself and her daughter, the poet wrote a collection of poems that expose moments that made her feel less than. A feeling that many women experience in a world where their beauty, complexity, and magnificence is not always revered.

This first of three collections, titled, “Overcoming,” takes the reader through a wide range of relatable emotions and subjects revealed through moving poems and original illustrations. The collection ends with a poem titled, “To Overcome,” that delivers a hopeful tone. Join the poet and illustrator (mother and daughter) as they transform limiting words and beliefs into a beautiful collection, sure to empower the feminine spirit in all.

Source: Amazon

Being a Woman: Overcoming By Michele Lee Sefton- My Thoughts

Being a Woman: Overcoming By Michele Lee Sefton Review

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not great with reviewing poetry collections so my apologies in advance.

This lovely collection of poetry was created by Michele Sefton, a fellow blogger here on WordPress. The illustration was created by her daughter, Sammi Lee. I think it’s so lovely when people work together with family like to create something so wonderful. 

This has been one of my most favourite poetry collections to read. I think Michele really captured exactly what it is like to be a woman. The paradox of always having to look attractive (or what is dictated as attractive by society) but when you do look a certain way you’re judged for that too. Our bodies as women are under constant scrutiny and that makes us insecure about what is so completely natural.

I loved the theme of accepting ourselves as we are. Our bodies, our minds, everything. We’re in control. And can’t let others take away our control. We need to love ourselves and fully accept ourselves to be truly free and to be truly happy.

There is no correct way to be a woman, there is no one way to be a woman. We just are. We’re all unique and beautiful in our own way. Overcoming our insecurities may take a long time to do but Michele’s poetry inspired me to continue on in that direction. To learn who I am once more and love every part of me.

Final Thoughts

The book is beautiful written, short and so touching. I was already a fan of her writing but this made me admire her skills even more. I can’t recommend this chapbook highly enough. It is powerful, touching, raw and beautiful. I’m excited to read more of her writing this month. You can find Being a Woman: Overcoming by Michele Lee Sefton here. Check out her blog here. Read more about her poetry collection here.

Did you enjoy this review? Have you read Being a Woman: Overcoming by Michele Lee Sefton? Let me know in the comments located below. Or simply stop by and say hi!


For more book reviews please click here. 

I recently published my first book, if you would like to read it, please click here.


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72 responses to “Being a Woman: Overcoming By Michele Lee Sefton Review”

  1. I’m a fan of Michele, so this was fun to read, Pooja. You wrote a wonderful review and background.

    1. Thanks so much, I’m glad you enjoyed the review. And Michele’s writing is definitely amazing 😊

  2. I do like that artwork and cool on the collaboration 😎

    1. I did too, I love line art like that 😊

  3. This sounds quite wonderful Pooja. I enjoyed your review. 💖📚

    1. It was a really great poetry collection, very much enjoyed it 💕

  4. Pooja! What a wonderful surprise this is! You’ve offered an astute understanding of what I set out to accomplish with these collections and you’ve beautifully extended the discussion with your personal touch. Your timing is impeccable too, as I am currently visiting the illustrator, my daughter. Collaborating on these chapbooks during the pandemic brought us together during a time when we could not be together physically. A rewarding experience that your review has invited a return to. We thank you very much! 💕

    1. Thank you, I’m so glad you liked the review. I thoroughly enjoyed the poems and was happy to share the review. Tell your daughter her art is amazing, the cover looks fantastic! What a lovely way to stay close even when we couldn’t be together physically. I just started Her Coastal Cottage btw 😊

      1. I loved it, Pooja and there was certainly nothing to apologize for. Except maybe for making me tear up. 😊 A beautiful gift you’ve given us. It was a lovely way to stay connected and the project inspired many meaningful discussions about womanhood. Priceless. I will be sure to tell her – thank you for your generosity of time and spirit and I hope you enjoy Her Coastal Cottage. I am over the moon learning you’ve started that poetic prose adventure. I love those characters and the journey they took me on and that includes a character a bit into the book whose appearance surprised me! A walk along the beach just inspired a Coastal Cottage IG post. All wonderful! Thank you for being part of this beautiful experience. ✨ Wishing you continued success with your poetry collection and upcoming novel. 👏🏻

        1. Thank you so much. I’m so happy to hear that. And what a lovely way to be inspired to write Her Coastal Cottage. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it very much, I’m already liking the start 😊

          1. 🙏🏻🥰🌊

  5. I love Michele! She’s amazing 💕 super glad to have “met” her through WordPress. 😊 She is an inspiration to me 🙏

    1. She really is amazing, her poems really left a mark on me 😊

  6. Michele Lee is a fantastic writer. I am.a fan boy. 👏👏 Thanks for the review Pooja. 🙏

    1. She is, she really has a way with words. Thanks ☺️

      1. You’re welcome 🤗

  7. True no One Way to Be a Woman
    Or Really Any Other Part of
    Changing Nature

    Of Course

    Human Tradition
    Dear Pooja Will

    Attempt to Trap
    Wind in a Jar and

    Still CaLL iT Wind

    Ah Yes Just a Metaphor For Freedom Indeed

    While It’s True Tradition Is What Glues Societies
    Together to Survive Oh to Be Free With Wings and Thrive

    Two Ways
    and More
    of Being Indeed

    Thanks For the Inspiring
    Review Whatever Sparks New..:)

    1. Absolutely, women are all unique in their own way. Traditions are a great way to bring people together but we must remember not to continue the ones that enforce the patriarchy. Thanks so much 😊

      1. All my Pleasure
        Thank You
        With SMiles☺️

  8. 🙏👍

    Aum Shanti

  9. I’ve only recently come across the term “chapbook” and you use it too. what is it? I’ve not been able to find just what it is supposed to mean.

    1. A chapbook is a short book of poetry, usually ranging between 20-40 pages. This was my first time reading a chapbook but I had heard the term about two years ago.

  10. Sounds fab! Up my street!

    1. Check it out when you can, it’s a great collection!

  11. Lovely review, Pooja, and Michele’s book sounds wonderful. 🤍

    1. Thank you, it’s a really great read 😊

      1. You’re welcome, Pooja.

  12. Pooja what a lovely review of Michele’s book. 🙏🏼 I read it too and it’s so relative. I know Michele is tickled pink by your words, because you could really feel the depth of her emotions through all three books in this collection. 🌺🙏🏼🌷💖🌸

    1. Thanks so much 😊 Absolutely, when I read the poem I felt so connected with her. I could feel her emotions in each poem and so many were very relatable 💕

  13. Great review Pooja, I’m with Michele and her endless energy for beauty and expression of all kinds. Way to go, Michele!

    1. Thanks so much, she’s definitely amazing!

      1. I feel the same way

  14. a great review, Pooja..
    and best wishes to Michele…🤍🌷

    1. Thanks so much, she’s amazing 😊

      1. pleasure…and I agree…she really is …🤍🤗

  15. I love Michele’s writing as well and have been planning to read more of her work soon. You’ve nudged that up on my list! 🙂

    1. I would so recommend starting with her poetry, I just loved it so much. Seriously one of the best poetry collections I’ve read! 🙂

      1. Noted! Thank you.

  16. Great review, Pooja. I’m a big fan of Michele, and her two novellas are excellent. She’s a superb writer.

    1. Thanks so much. I just started on one of her novellas and am already liking it very much.

      1. You’re welcome. I’m not sure which one you’re reading first, but I really like the ending of Honeysuckle Heat.

        1. I’m reading Her Coastal Cottage but hope to read Honeysuckle Heat too.

  17. You did a great job on Michele’s book and I agree with you.. I loved this one and Coastal Cottage and can’t wait to have the time for her latest novella that’s sitting on my desk with the memory book I have to do.. yikes😂😉💓

    1. Thanks so much! Just started on Her Coastal Cottage. Lol this is your sign to finish the memory book 😅

  18. Wonderful review, Pooja! You speak from the heart.

    1. Thank you so much!

  19. lovely………and yeah. the battle over a woman’s reproductive rights is heating up here in Canada yet again…..but yeah, let humans just be…

    1. It’s so odd to me that people care so much about someone else’s reproductive rights. It’s not something that even needs to be discussed, it should be an essential right. Exactly, let’s just let humans exist as they are.

  20. Enjoyable post, well done, good luck and have a nice day

    1. Thank you so much, have a nice day too.

  21. Wonderful review, Pooja! ♥️🌹

    1. Thank you! 🙏

      1. It’s my pleasure, Pooja! ♥️🌸

  22. Very nice review Pooj. I also admire when people get together on a project. And then mother and daughter, that’s awesome.

    1. Thanks so much. So true, what a great for her to bond with her daughter.

  23. Wonderful review, Pooja. I loved Michele’s book too! Congrats to her, and I’m sure she’s over the moon! 💞

    1. Thanks so much. Yes, it’s such a fantastic collection! 💕

  24. This is a great review!!!! Michele is such a beautiful person.

    1. Thank you and yes she is!

      1. You’re welcome!

  25. This is really an amazing review from you, Pooja. Well done! 😊 Michele’s poem is truly fabulous, much like it.

    1. Thanks so much, yes she’s a really great writer! 😊

  26. Michelle is a fantastic writer, I love her blog! <3

    1. She is, love her writing!

  27. Fantastic review of a fantastic writer and her work!

    1. Thanks so much!

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