It’s not often that a book of poetry can double as a source of personal inspiration as well as a garden of beautifully sown seeds that grow into memorable lessons, but that is what author Michelle Stradford achieves in Rise Unstoppable. Her 200-page book offers readers poems about self-love, caring, healing, and growth despite the obstacles and trauma that life may bring your way. Divided into five chapters – Self Care, Transform, Amplify, Rise, and Unstoppable – the book presents 145 poems, each capturing a unique thought. The title of each poem appears at the end of the poem, a concept that works quite well to gel one’s emotions from the poetry into one succinct idea. Occasional simple ink sketches brought a sense of visualization to the reading experience.

Readers can find uplifting messages throughout the poetry of Rise Unstoppable, even if their personal lives may not mirror that of author Michelle Stradford. We feel peace when she tells us she has “freed up a place inside of my heart meant only for me” on page 55 and garner strength from her words on page 61: “This storm that came to shake you was also meant to water and replenish.” In “Lighter Load” on page 117, she entreats us to be with a friend who’s faltering until both of you feel lifted, and that is exactly what Stradford has done for her readers. Rise Unstoppable by Michelle Stradford is a smorgasbord of delicious inspiration we all need to consume at some point in our lives.

Pain. Life. Rise. Unstoppable are some of the words of expression that the reader will feel, witness, and experience in Rise Unstoppable (Rising Book 3) by Michelle G Stradford. This is the third body of work in the Rising Collection of poems from this author. This book continues the momentum of the author's passion for the reader to heal either from self or external inflictions. Within over seventy-five poems, the reader will feel love, hope, and encouragement from the author. The poems are set in chapters of progression from Self-Care, Transform, Amplify and Rise to Unstoppable, which will help you to gradually step through the oceans of pain, hindrance, and injustice to accomplishment, beauty, and empowerment.

I enjoyed these poems. Each poem has its own personality of expression and flair. As I read them, I envisioned them being recited during Spoken Word night with the audience snapping their fingers in glee as each word rolled off the lips of the author. While there were so many to choose from, there are a few that you must read for yourself: Beauty in Tragedy, My Success, Ceramic Faces, Walk in Grace and This is Harassment. Once you read them you will clearly understand why. This book is the Love Jones of old as Darius (Lorenz Tate) tries to seduce Nina (Nia Long) with his words and the rest is history as the story goes. I highly recommend this collection and must say get your copy today. Don't forget there are two other books of poems by this author. Enjoy!

Rise Unstoppable: Rising Book 3 by Michelle G. Stradford is an uplifting collection of poems that tackle diverse topics related to personal care, healing, self-love, growth, trauma, and the racial and social injustices that prevail in society. Her personal experiences and affirmations are insightful and uplifting and will encourage readers to transform for the better. The collection has been divided into 5 sections, Self-Care, Transform, Amplify, Rise, and Unstoppable, and her verses will leave a lasting impression because they understand the sacred lessons of life. Every poem in the collection is food for thought and transcends to another realm where the magic of life unfolds beautifully. The poems are all about self-awareness, self-discovery, and are a good tool for all poetry lovers to reflect on life in general.

I liked the minimalist approach in most of her poems; they are encouraging and have underlying messages that are helpful to transform and progress. Dividing them into sections makes it easy for poetry lovers to decide the topic they want to read. The wordplay makes the poems effective and easy to comprehend, and my personal favorite in this collection is 'You First'. It will make everyone realize how important self-love is: "Doubling down on your own needs is not a luxury, it’s a psychological self-care necessity. Make yourself the top priority, always number one on the list."

There are many other poems in the collection that have the ability to influence readers positively and work towards a healthy change and transformation. The collection is not just for poetry lovers; the poet's words are for everyone who wants change, growth, and transformation in their lives. This book is a keeper because it can be read many times and will encourage readers to release themselves from the bondage of unhealed scars and be restored to their 'original wonder' (Original Wonder). The simple and aesthetic black and white sketches add to the visual appeal of the book.

Rise Unstoppable is a series of inspiring poems written by Michelle G. Stradford. In this third book of poetry, we are introduced to topics that affect many women and girls. As we travel with Stradford on her journey to self-awareness, we encounter subjects such as self-care, trauma, abusive relationships, and racial injustices, to name a few.

I thought this collection of poems was beautifully written and gives us a glimpse into the mindset of the author at this period of time in her life. With each poem written, it tells a story of how slowly with self-realization the author transforms herself into a stronger and more confident person. She achieves this by beginning to understand and claim her self worth and letting go of negative things in her life that are scattered on her path along the way. Many of the poems I personally could relate to and gave me that eye-opening experience reading them. There are quite a few that I really enjoyed.

Let Us Breathe was one I found very powerful and relatable to the issues currently going on in America. The words chosen for this poem dig deep and pop out at you as you recite them; strangling, suspending, subhuman, and subsistence, to name a few. This is just one of many brilliant worded creations you'll find in Rise Unstoppable. Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book and I think Michelle G. Stradford has done a wonderful job in writing such a powerful and thought-provoking collection of poetry. I am currently looking for the two previous books that came before this and I definitely will be on the lookout for future works.