I have to admit I have never watched “The Voice” and I had not heard of Nightbirde or her story before encountering this beautiful volume of poetry. Educated afterwards by family members and fans, I was struck with the emotionas well as the voice of this brave, talented woman. The poems are sentimental and memorable, so much that I requested a hard copy for my personal library as a holiday gift. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for offering a temporary digital preview copy.

“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦.”

Yesterday Jane’s family released the album, Still Got Dreams, she was working on when she passed just over 3 years ago. That February when I heard of Nightbirde’s passing and recognized her given name I realized she was someone I went to college with. We had mutual friends, I heard her sing many times but like most didn’t follow along with what happened with her after graduation.

Thirteen months later I received my own cancer diagnosis.
In shock, disbelief, disassociated, I went back to listen to the music she had released by that point and was deeply comforted. Later that year when her family released her first album, It’s Ok, and her poetry, Poems for the Dark, I rushed to preorder both in my need to not feel alone but also to support The Nightbirde Foundation's mission.

My cancer wasn’t breast like Jane’s or what her foundation supports, but cancer is still cancer all the same. Cancer changes you in ways you don’t expect, don’t know, until you’ve gone through it. Even with different diagnoses, different stages, different treatment options, different lifelong ramifications, there is a compassionate understanding amongst cancer patients. Listening to Jane’s music, reading her words, while full of hope and kindness for anyone, they offer something deeper and indescribable for those of us in the cancer community. Regardless if you yourself are a cancer survivor, know someone who is, or have never been impacted by it, Jane’s poetry and music is for you.

A beautiful collection of prose written by a woman experiencing cancer treatment and preparing for her death. Some pages a few words, that catches such deeply meaning, to remind you to appreciate your life & each day.

This is such a beautiful book! I have reread it several times and I really enjoy it evereytime, finding some new words or expressions to ponder about. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

I had been following Nightbirde online for a while so it was beautiful to be able to see her poetry that covered these periods of her life before her death.

A beautiful collection of poetry by Jane Marczewski, better known by her stage name Nightbirde, a winner of Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer on America’s Got Talent. I remember seeing her on AGT and feeling so touched by her talent and message and I was so sad to hear of her passing. Jane touched so many people and spread so much love and light in this world. Her poems - written during some of the darkest moments of her life - are raw, honest, heartbreaking, and beautiful. Definitely worth the read. This publication of them is an excellent way of keeping her memory alive. Thank you to NetGalley, The Nightbirde Foundation, and American Heritage Book Publishing for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this collection was beautiful. I was introduced to Nightbirde through her audition and hoped to see more of her. Despite everything that happened, the knowledge that she lives on through her music and poetry is cathartic and bittersweet. I highly recommend this book, as the powerful messages throughout these poems is so strong and impactful.

If it ever feels to dark, just remember this book and its words. Jane's words.

This was one of the most heartfelt, hurtful, beautiful and inspiring collections of poetry I've ever read. I didn't know who Nightbirde was before finding this book, but I am so so glad I had the opportunity to read her words, her pain and sorrow but also her hope and love.

She was a wonderful artist and this book captures her soul so beautifully. The illustrations all along make it feel so light in the midst of sometimes such sad verses and I love that her words aren't just printed in blank pages; some are colourful and rich, full of life.

I am in awe. Thank you for this.

(Free ARC from NetGalley and American Heritage Book Publishing | The Nightbirde Foundation that I chose to review after reading - Cross-posted on Goodreads on January 7th, 2025)

This was a wonderful collection of poetry. I was drawn to it because I, like many others, saw the viral audition Nightbirde sang in front of Simon Cowell and was enthralled with her words, her heart, her story. I knew she'd passed, but was happily surprised to see a collection of poems coming out. I love that her brother has taken her powerful words and is putting them to use for the greater good. It seems very much what she would have wanted. Her poems about grief spoke to me in a way I desperately needed right now, and the strength and resilience she shows through her words will sit with me for a long time. Please, please go purchase this collection of poetry. ALL proceeds go toward the Nightbirde Foundation, which helps women all over the world. Absolutely amazing first read of the year!

If you watch AGT, chances are you know who Nightbirde (aka Jane) was. She had a beautiful voice and was fighting cancer. She tragically lost her battle with cancer, but she will live on through this heart wrenching book of poetry. Highly recommend.

This book was 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 my heart needed and more! 💕 Every single poem felt like a gentle hug and a quiet reminder of the beauty in both light and shadow. Jane’s vulnerability and strength practically leap off the pages—her words are like tiny rays of hope shining through the darkest clouds. ✨

Her story is so humbling, and I couldn’t stop the tears from falling 😭. Through every poem, you can feel her faith and her unwavering belief in the power of love and humanity. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐲𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦? 𝐆𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬. The emotions? 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲. 🕊️

Jane’s legacy is 𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙, and her words are a true blessing to everyone who reads them. 🫶🏼 Knowing that this book supports such an amazing cause makes it even more meaningful. Jesus is smiling so brightly as her light continues to shine on earth, bringing peace to so many hearts.✨

If you’re looking for a book that will 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢, and leave you feeling wrapped in love, this one’s for you. Her words are truly a gift to the world. 💕

For the uninitiated, Nightbirde was an American singer/songwriter who auditioned for America's Got Talent during its 16th season in June, 2021 and received the Golden Buzzer from the infamously prickly Simon Cowell. Sadly, she would withdraw from the competition before its quarterfinals due to complications from breast cancer and would die on February 19, 2022 at the tender age of 31.

Nightbirde, whose real name was Jane Marczewski, quickly drew people to her because of her inspirational faith and willingness to vulnerably share her journey. It's that vulnerability that comes vividly to life in this posthumously published collection of poems written during some of the toughest times of her life. Cowell himself, who considers Nightbirde's Golden Buzzer his #1 Golden Buzzer highlight in the history of the show, has written the book's foreword and 100% of the proceeds from the book benefit The Nightbirde Foundation supporting women experiencing breast cancer.

I will confess that I'm a relative novice when it comes to America's Got Talent and was unfamiliar with Nightbirde's story before deciding to read "Poems for the Dark," an aching, poignant, and life-affirming collection of poetry that leans into both the desperation and exhilarating moments of Nightbirde's journey. There's a hopefulness in these poems one might not expect, though there's also a willingness to lean into "Why me?" and the injustice of it all.

Nightbirde has continued to influence America's Got Talent and there's no doubt her influence grows with this book and the foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, that bears her name.

A moving and emotionally resonant collection of poetry, "Poems for the Dark" will appeal to anyone who will appreciate its openness, transparency, and absolute presence.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

I didn’t know Jane or her story when I requested this book, but I’m so glad that I did.
This is beautifully written and so moving. Keep a box of tissues to hand.

If you have ever struggled with something that feels insurmountable at times - this book is for you. The poems validate all of your feelings and give words and imagery to feelings you might not have been able to express before. These poems will move you.

Before you start reading, make sure you have a box of Kleenex or handkerchief at your side. This book will make you cry and you will also feel very inspired by the words Nightbirde has written. I don't know what else to say other than buy the book and keep.it for inspiration. Very inspiring words and very beautiful. I have to get this book!!

I received a free copy.of the book and is.voluntarily. writing a review

Poems for the Dark by Nightbirde is an astounding collection that had me in tears, of devastation, of sadness, but also of hope and of gratitude. These poems come from the very core of Jane's soul, one that was so very beautiful in a life that ended far too soon. In the face of what must have been a shattering prognosis, Jane found hope and love and beauty and, remarkably, does not convey even a trace of bitterness. What a gift her luminous heart has left behind so that we might benefit from her selfless message of grace. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and American Heritage Book Publishing for an ARC.

I was drawn to this book after being deeply moved by her unforgettable performance on America’s Got Talent. Her writing reflects a soul determined to find the beauty amidst life’s challenges. Truly a powerful read.