In this captivating collection of free verse, rhyming poetry, and original epigrams, author AJR tackles the full range of human experiences.
Likening her life to a darkroom, AJR has structured her book into three sections that allude to both photo development and stages she's passed through:
- Darkness
- Exposure
- Development
In the first section, Darkness, AJR focuses on heartbreak. She expresses a lack of fulfillment and satisfaction, realizing that she deserves better than what her lovers give her. "What you valued from me wasn't enough," she confides to an ex-lover who was only interested in her body.
In the second section, Exposure, AJR writes with confidence and self-realization, even though she is aware of the pain that may come "I know exactly what I want, I know exactly what I deserve," she proclaims. In these poems, she speaks graphically of sex and love, using straightforward language geared to an adult audience.
In the concluding section, Development, AJR ties her experiences into larger themes of self-acceptance, happiness, and female empowerment. Her work ends with a celebration of her perseverance and passion.
Her Darkroom offers frank, heartfelt food for thought for anyone who's been in a dark place looking for the light.
About the Author: AJR writes candidly about her life experiences in her poetry. As a child, she was abused and neglected, and the only thing that curbed the pain and loneliness was reading. AJR learned how to pour out her feelings in her writing.
AJR fell in love young and became a teen mom. With challenges around her daily, she raised her daughter while also learning how to be a woman. Having a child who is looking up to her and inspiring her, she became extremely driven.
Beating adversity, AJR was determined to succeed despite all the challenges surrounding her. She received her GED when she was eighteen and shortly after, graduated from CCP with an associate's degree in communications and a certificate in creative writing. AJR received a bachelor's degree in media and production from Temple University and is currently studying for a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovation.
