To My First Love (TMFL) is J.R. Sonder's debut self-published poetry book.
 
TMFL invites the reader on this exploration in hope of healing. It is an exploration of the impact of domestic violence on the eldest daughter navigating aspects of mental health, womanhood, love, lust, and sex from ages 17 to 29 releasing 10 years of life. 
 
TMFL invites the reader on this exploration in hope of healing. TMFL is divided into three acts, with two including sub acts. Each act and sub act explores different experiences of love of others and for yourself influenced by the consequence of the environment you are raised in.
 
What Readers are Saying
Freya, NZ
"This poetry book is beautifully honest in a way that truly caught me off guard. It feels authentic, like the writer isn’t trying to impress you, just sharing their truth exactly as they lived it. Because of that raw honesty, the impact is even more piercing. Each of the three acts carry its own distinct tone and emotion, all deeply intimate, like the writer is letting us in and laying everything bare, even the messy ugly parts. While no one grows up or lives the same way, I believe anyone can find a piece of themselves within these pages. There’s something about this book that speaks to the quiet, unspoken and sometimes darker moments that shape us, yet ultimately, those moments don't define us because only we have the power to reclaim ourselves and choose who we want to be."
 
Eden, AUS
"Authentic and uncomfortable. The script writing is a fun new element that almost makes it a little light hearted. A visual representation of what things appear to be and then the poems on either side make you go oh. So much to interpret and think about it. Love the honouring of Arab and classical poetry."