Alexandra Reads #1: Cutting Free by Holly Morphet

Hey there and welcome to the first ever post of Alexandra Reads, where I provide you lovely folks with book recommendations straight from my bookshelf!

*Note that this novel does contain mentions of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and sexual assault. If any of these topics may be triggering or upsetting to you, please feel free to skip this post and visit my blog page for other content!

“Something would kill me one day. But it would not be myself.” - Holly Morphet, pg.153

The first book I wanted to highlight in Alexandra Reads is Cutting Free by Holly Morphet. Cutting Free is a memoir detailing the introspective and sometimes humorous journey through Holly’s challenge of trying a new experience each week in celebration of her one year anniversary of quitting self-harm.

As an artist still confronting traumas from her past which impact her current relationships, as well as finding her own independence from her family and freedom from self-harm, Holly’s story is heartfelt and relatable, showing true vulnerability and genuine expression of her most personal highs and lows during the time that this memoir takes place.

This book spoke to me in more ways than one, so much so that I have many lines tabbed and underlined in my own copy. Holly overcame self-harm by finding her voice through the courage and fear of living a brand new life full of new experiences. I felt so inspired by Holly's observations of her worries for the future and also of her successes.

As this is the first post of Alexandra Reads, I thought it would be insightful for you folks and honest of me to include a few quotes I've highlighted and tabbed in my own copies of the books I recommend! Introducing the Dog-Eared Quotes section of Alexandra Reads...

Dog-Eared Quotes:

“So many people numb themselves with drugs or alcohol, eating disorders, or cutting into their own skin. And behind every one of those problems is a person desperately trying to control pain. We come here to face ourselves, to become so strong and self-aware we step away from self-harm in all forms.”

-Holly Morphet, pg.45

“All the pain I felt since seemed to validate that agonized fifteen-year-old girl. I had reached a point in life where I could no longer identify with a ghost.”

-Holly Morphet, pg.111

“The scars did not have any power over me anymore.”

-Holly Morphet, pg.167 

I hope you guys enjoyed todays post and my book recommendation! Comment below if you've read Cutting Free, and be sure to join our newsletter for updates on the next Alexandra Reads post! And as always, thank you for visiting. <3

Let's get reading,

Alexandra