Reader Reviews~
Collection 3 “Forthcoming”:
“The poems and the drawings blend so well together. The poems themselves were well written, and you can definitely tell a lot of emotional effort and thought were put into each of them. The topics in this collection speak of challenges and adversities faced and, as a result, are inspiring.
Overall it was so cool to learn that this was a mother/daughter collaboration. Congrats to both of you on this tremendous accomplishment!” ~ Travis
“These are poignant poems that capture a woman’s search for meaning and the wisdom that can be found during this life search. Many of the works frame the stories of other strong women from the ” Notorious RGB,” “Hands,” and the touching story of Evelyn. My favorite was “Too Old” where the wisdom of the narrator shines with this line, “Too old for nothing and finally old enough to know.” Lovely images.” ~ MJ
“A thoroughly inspiring and heartwarming collection of poems, and a fitting end to this trilogy. The examination of what it means to be a woman reaches its ultimate expression in this undaunted, bold and heartfelt collection.” ~ Ingrid
“This is an incredible poetry collection. It is inspiring, empowering and motivating. There is so much I can relate to, and I appreciate the beautiful words and illustrations. I highly recommend this! It also can make a wonderful gift.” ~ BookFanatic
“Love this little sweet book and the Art work is a bonus” ~ Sweet Truth
“What a lovely read. Thank you two for once again sharing your wonderful talents. I have purchased all three of her books. The authors words cover a gamut of emotions. From tears too smiles and laughter but always inspiring and powerful. The illustrations were an amazing touch. I loved how they brought me it and wrapped me around every page. What a wonderful gift of words and art.” ~ K.M.G.
“I enjoyed the book, could relate to 2 of the stories in the book” ~ Alicia
“Being a Woman Forthcoming is a collection of poetry and prose that stirs the soul. Michele Lee Sefton takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, through important social justice issues, such as gender discrimination, and also reminds us to honor our mothers. Being a Woman Forthcoming is a powerful read, full of empowering prose and poetry, inviting the reader to look within and contemplate issues that affect us all, from the personal to the global. I highly recommend Being A Woman Forthcoming, and thank Michele Lee Sefton for gifting us this wonderful work.” ~ Jeff Flesch
“The verses and art pair so well together in this collection! I found myself mesmerized and couldn’t stop turning the pages till the very end!” ~ Tricia A. Sankey
Collection 2 “Becoming”:
“This is a very enjoyable book. The writing flows wonderfully and there is meaning in the words. I especially like ‘Becoming You.'” ~ Amazon Customer
“This is an incredible collection of poems/stories that empowers, inspires and encourages! It is one of those go to and go back to books that serve as important life reminders. I love how it celebrates and supports women. Highly-recommend this book! It also makes a great gift!” ~ BookFanatic
“This poet has the gift of insight and shares it with heartfelt words. These poems reach deep. “Secrets” is an experience we all have had. “Becoming You” and “Don’t Ask” share our universal journey to unfold as fully human. Sefton reaches deep with words and ideas. This collection culminates with lovely poems about the experiences of historic women’s events that ring true and embrace the overarching theme of this book–women overcome. Women have strength, courage, and the resilience to keep moving forward and making lives better. Completely inspirational. Highly recommend this collection!” ~ MJ
Collection 1 “Overcoming”:
“Being A Woman —Overcoming— A Poetry Collection by Michele Lee Sefton is my all time recommendation this year-end. It’s a short poetry book I wish every woman had in her collection. A masterpiece that resonates and stays in your heart.
AND the art— oh, my, Spectacular illustrations!
A mother-daughter collaboration that’s every bit a jewel.
Get it for the art, get it for the words. You will not go wrong with this one.
Being A Woman —Overcoming—A Poetry Collection by Michele Lee Sefton is the first book in a series of three books equally engaging. Give yourself the gift of this remarkable book to empower your feminine spirit, join your voice with the Author and to stay hopeful.
Men will benefit from the purchase of this book of touching poetry too that speaks of struggle and ends with Hope, as together we work to change old beliefs passed down to us.
I purchased the paperback and couldn’t be happier. Thanks for writing it, Ms Sefton. Glad there’s more to collect. I highly recommend and give this book a ‘resounding’ 5-star rating.” ~ Selma
“I really enjoyed this first book in Michele Lee Sefton’s ‘Being a Woman’ collection. In this beautifully-illustrated collection of poems, Michele shares defining moments in the journey of womanhood (from adolescence via childbirth to the challenges of hormonal fluctuations) which unite womenkind. She also calls for justice and to be treated on an equal footing with men. A strong and celebratory voice for women everywhere!” ~ Ingrid
“So easy to get lost in these words! I love the beautiful and poignant images that the author creates, and how the artist weaves you through the pages in a choreographed dance. I’m so looking forward to the next editions!” ~ Marylou
“Loved this book of poems. Each of the poems within are relatable and recognizable to my own experiences as a woman. The author takes us from girls learning what is needed to become independent and free, to women finding their agency through shoes, aprons (one of my favorites), roles, makeup, and hair. This book is a beautiful representation of the journey to self-acceptance and freedom. The beautiful drawings are like a dance throughout, moving the story along in celebration of womanhood.” ~ Amazon Customer
“As all who read her weekly blog already know, Michele is a gifted writer with a tremendous ability to take her readers on a journey through her words. This first collection of her poems is something readers will find themselves relating to, no matter their stage in life. In addition, Sammi’s illustrations weave their way perfectly alongside Michele’s words. I look forward to their next collaboration when they release their second collection!” ~ Kiki
“I loved this book of poems. Each of the poems within are relatable and recognizable to my own experiences as a woman. The author takes us from girls learning what is needed to become independent and free, to women finding their agency through shoes, aprons (one of my favorites), roles, makeup, and hair. This book is a beautiful representation of the journey to self-acceptance and freedom. The beautiful drawings are like a dance throughout, moving the story along in celebration of womanhood.” Amanda C.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered this poetry and art book. The collection of poems and images was a little oasis in the sea of chaos of uncertainty we have 2020 with COVID-19. Each poem is a little capsule of truth and insight without pretension. Looking forward to the next installment in this series.” ~ Happy in Glendale
“Guys,
Do you what [sic.] to have a better understanding of the women in your life?
Buy it. I did. Now I do.” ~ William
“A tapestry of poems that weave their way through what it means to be a woman. We struggle with our curves, roles, hormones, and childbirth. In this time of the pandemic, I especially loved “Makeup and Hair.” For “I am tired of styling my hair . . . “ Beautiful words that make this experience poignant and authentic. Sammi Lee’s illustrations wrap themselves magically around each work. This is a heartfelt collection that taps into the experiences of being a woman—and overcoming.” ~ S. Marinella (Author)
“Made me think about my own upbringing in the 50’s and 60’s and examine the ways in which family and society told me what I ought to think of myself.” ~ Vicki H.
A bit about the collections~
The first Being a Woman poetry collection is a collaborative effort between my daughter, the artist, and me, the poet. The collection began with one poem – “My Curves.” I wrote it, stood back, and thought I was done. Then, I realized this poem was the first of what would become a collection of poems, that reveal buried thoughts and moments women must overcome. My poems describe snapshots and sound bites from my life, however, the moments described in these poems are not mine alone to overcome. Women, often from when we are quite young, are told in both subtle and direct ways that the body and gender we inhabit are less than marvelous, less than glorious, less than miraculous. Although women still receive less than messages, we are stepping over those messages and stepping into our own. For women who carry the consequential words from feeble minds, may the words and images on the following pages encourage you to release those beliefs, because you are indeed a marvelous and glorious miracle.
Early teasing and early hurtful words can sow shame, insecurities, and self-doubt, that over a lifetime can grow, but we need not accept that as our destiny. We can face those painful memories and hurtful words and give them back to the bullies, those who impose, and the uninformed, and reclaim what is ours – our glorious womanhood.
My Inspired Life 