Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

Grit. Raw. Explosive. Fear. Life is depicted not only in the words but in the written form within this book of poems. Madison Meadows displays the different elements of traumatic expressions that the reader will experience and feel when reading over thirty poems in The Fire in a Woman's Belly 1. This book reflects the push and pull of emotions that abuse causes to one's psyche. Abuse takes on several forms from mental to physical which leaves not only bruises but scars in different ways. Hear the voice of the author speak and expose the many women (and now men) suffering from the hurt, disrespect, and wounds of victims. This book creates a double-edged sword effect due to its transformation position of change. I love the poems in this book. Immediately you're hit with the passion of the author through the writing. I enjoyed the whole book but my favorites were The Crowd of Sorrows, Unwanted, Temporary Event, Fixed On God and I Miss Me. As the reader comes to the climax of the collection, Madison Meadows focuses on healing, release, hope, and self-love. While each of the poems tantalized my senses, as the author began to close this chapter of life, the poems A Lifetime of Healing from Narcissistic Abuse and The Fire in a Woman's Belly help to settle the spirit. Healing from abuse is a process and will take a while to overcome but with a book of poems of reflective expressions, you will see that you're not alone. The Fire in a Woman's Belly 1 is highly recommended. ( )