Laying Roots: Poems on Grief and Healing

Spiller has a way with words, there's no doubt about that. But the potency of her selected words comes from the honesty they carry. Vulnerability seeps from all corners of this beautiful book, inviting one to reflect on and grieve their own growing pains. Laying Roots' allegory elegantly carries the reader across poems of loss, grief, and subsequent learning, pairing perfectly with Jackie Zintel's delicate illustrations. I cried, I chuckled, I hugged my inner child alongside Spiller's and watched her sprout across the pages. Through transparent metaphor and opaque recollections, Laying Roots reminds us of the loveliness in loneliness, of the growth that comes from grief, and that all we need is the memory of a rainbow to get through the rain.

Laying Roots is a resplendent collection of poetry & visual art in conversation with the not-always-sequential journeys of grief, healing, and self-discovery. Amanda Spiller writes with vulnerability and elegance, holding space for joy, sadness, and reflection. Her work shows an equal tenderness to the sadness and joys of her experiences, written from a place of introspection and insight, a meditation turned poem. The accompanying visual art beautifully compliments and matches the dreamlike meditation of the poet. I would recommend this book to anyone who is healing from something difficult, trying to find their way through, or planting new roots and ready to see what grows. 5 stars isn't enough. Grateful to have this book on my shelf and in my life. Grateful for Amanda and her beautiful work.

As someone who hasn't had to deal with an abundance of grief in life so far, I can say these poems and deep cuts are still for me. Amanda's writing is raw and real and has the capacity to transform, if you are willing to dig in with her. She is beautifully vulnerable and incredibly relatable. Some of her simplest observations are the most powerful. Thank you, Amanda.Buy this book. You will not regret it.

Amanda is so incredibly powerful with her words and sentiments, and Jackie's art is the perfect compliment. I have already shared this book with many friends, and they have all had a different connection to it. This is a great coffee table book - easy to pick up and immerse yourself in a quick poem or two. Can't recommend it enough!

Amanda Spiller is a phenomenal writer and exquisite feeler. I loved every minute of reading this book. The art is whimsical, relevant, and inspiring matching the movements and moments depicted in the writing. Piercingly real, Laying Roots offers healing through the eyes of genuine artists and storytelling.

I’ve read this book three times since I received it… three days ago. It makes me feel some type of way. Not only is all of the poetry a great reminder to me that I am never alone, but also that grief is simply apart of healing. The illustrations go perfectly with each poem and are very beautiful. Tears were shed and smiles were had while reading. I highly recommend this book.

I didn’t expect my heart to be touched at that level. Amanda’s honesty about her journey as a young girl to becoming an accomplished, brave woman brought both sad tears, and happy tears. I can’t wait to read more from Amanda and the illustrations that her friend, Jackie created are beautiful.

I read this book in one sitting and ear marked half of it to refer back to. It resonated so deeply. Language so lovely but also accessible. Poems for every day and the hard days. I’ll be gifting this for a long time.