Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did: A Photographic Journal to Process Your Feelings

by Geloy Concepcion

What are the things you wanted to say but never did? Photographer and artist Geloy Concepcion asked this introspective question on Instagram and paired the responses with his provocative art. This thought-provoking guided journal full of those admissions, photos, and original writing prompts reminds us that we are not alone. When Geloy immigrated to the United States from the Philippines, circumstances and discouragement nearly forced him to give up his passion for photography. Then he began to see people through a new lens. On a whim, he asked social media followers to tell him "things they wanted to say but never did." He paired these authentic responses with photographs—not the polished portraits, but the blurry outtakes that capture real life. "I wish you were here to witness the person I turned out to be." "Will I ever make it?" "I just want to heal from the things I don't speak of." Soon thousands of answers poured in, each one a tribute to how what makes us uniquely broken also makes us universally human. In Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did , you're invited to explore these confessions, process your own thoughts and emotions, and find renewed hope. This interactive, photographic journal A stunning reminder of the role of art in a time of personal and global unrest, Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did shows how when we speak of our own pain, we can find and offer healing. It also makes a thoughtful gift for when someone is going through a difficult time. When we hear others' stories, we understand more deeply our own identity. And when we realize how our experiences connect us, even our silences prove we are not alone.

Genres: Self Help, Poetry, Nonfiction, Journal, Photography

176 pages, Paperback

Published June 6, 2023

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Celebrate for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

If you like PostSecret, this is PostSecret Lite, but with journaling. The format of this book is a picture with a quote from someone who submitted it through the author's social media, then a question formulated by the author, room to write your thoughts on the quote/question and then a quote from a famous person that somewhat fits the anonymous quote and the question.

YMMV, but if you want the most bang for your buck and to actually write your thoughts down, either a "real" copy of the book or if you have a fancy schmancy eReader thingy that allows you to "write" in your books, that could work for you. (I'm Old Skool, paper all the way for me.)

I would say this is more of a journal writing prompt than a fully fleshed out book. Take that as you will. I was expecting more PostSecret and less naval gazing, hence my less than excited review. My mistaken understanding about the book, not necessarily the book itself.

2, it didn't rock my socks, stars.

[Jenn Lopez]

To be fair, I have not seen the actual book, just sample pages. This is a wonderful writing journal filled with writing prompts, photographs and quotes. This reminds me of the street art project, "before i die" where people fill in the blank, "before i die i want to..."
It will be great for self-care and for gift giving to anyone who is struggling dealing with their emotions. (Isn't that most of us?).
P.S. I preordered a copy on Amazon. You can also follow the author's IG page for sample content.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cool book that reminds me a bit of Post Secret, except it uses the author’s own photos (inspired by messages people contributed) as prompts for journal pages. Each two page spread features a photo with scratched in words someone confessed and then an invitation to journal about questions he asks regarding the quote. Most of them are universal feelings about not belonging, missing those who have died, regrets, painful memories, etc. the photos all have the faces of the people removed so it gives a sort of anonymous, universal feeling to all of the people.

I must confess that I outgrew my need to journal long ago but it was an interesting read.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

[Kathleen Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part photography collection, part poetry, part guided journal. This is a very unique but beautiful book. I have never read a book like this before. It reminds me a bit of Trista Mateer's "Aphrodite Made Me Do It" as far as the style goes, which I adore. The book mostly deals with themed surrounding mental health, trauma, burnout, and overcoming adversity.

I would definitely reccomend this for anyone going through a hard time, looking to feel less alone and maybe start to work towards healing.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting this to be a journal, but I’m not necessarily disappointed that it is, either. It was deeply moving and it’s such an experience to see Geloy’s work in such print rather than on an Instagram post. I hope to see more books from the future, and as much as I sincerely did enjoy the journal format I think next time I’d like more of a collection of his work, maybe some poetry sprinkled in or something. It just felt so short, I’m craving more.

[Elizabeth Shore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a bit bummed out. I thought this book would feel more to Geloy’s Instagram page with more photographs and snippets of memories, sentences of identity and journals from his life. The reason for that had me intrigued. This book is mostly a journal entry with a couple of photographs here and there. There was a disconnect and that’s why I’ve rated it this.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is primarily a journal filled with prompts. Some of Geloy’s photographs and writings are sprinkled throughout the book along with quotes from famous people. I will say that I was disappointed that there were not a lot of Geloy’s work and I didn’t realize that this was a journal. However, there were some great prompts.

*Thank you NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[venus 💐 · Rating 5 out of 5]

talented & amazing photographer with a very well thought out book. wasn’t expecting it to be more of a journalism book but it just made me love it even more. the questions are so deep & gets really deep into your mind. feels like a warm & genuine conversation you would be having while catching up with your close friend over a coffee. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

love the project (i pre-ordered this when it was announced) but the book is much a guided journal than a collection (i was expecting something like post secret) and the prompts aren't really that great.

[Bobbi Galvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a powerful journal. The quotes prompt you to dig deep. The artwork is abstract, but not. It MAKES the journal. A library probably ordered this by accident. It's a fill-in-the-blank, write-at-your-own-pace way to write about issues floating through your mind.

[Raistlin]

when i saw this at the bookstore i jumped at it man. i was following this series on insta for a while. i didn't realize this was a writing journal with geloy's works sprinkled in LOL but it's fine i guess, there are nice postcards.

[Lilla]

I’ve followed this project for a while and it has managed to become a personal favorite of mine. I enjoyed reading all the little bits and pieces in this book- lots of exclusive prompts and things that I wouldn’t typically associate with the works of Concepcion

[Joni Owens · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a moving journal. I loved the everyday people comments and then the quotes from famous people. The prompts were thought provoking. Im hoping there’s more to come from this author.

[Mi Hass · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wish you were here to witness the person I turned out to be."

"Will I ever make it?"

"I just want to heal from the things I don't speak of."

[Jacqueline C]

Almost ran out of tabs in this book— that's how relatable and timely it is in my life right now. Here's to more books that talk about how life isn't always perfect and it’s completely fine 😌

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking images and quotes, and the writing prompts are beautiful. A great addition to my morning journaling practice.

[pia ᥫ᭡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute uhm its filled w diff perspective ng tao

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5 - Ich bin vor einigen Jahren auf Geloys Instagram-Profil gestolpert und dachte mir: Wow, es wäre echt toll seine Beiträge als Buch Zuhause zu haben. Und tatsächlich hat er ein Buch geschrieben - dieses hier.
Das Buch liegt schon ewig bei mir herum und ich weiß nicht mehr, ob ich enttäuscht darüber war, dass es sich hier mehr um ein Journal als ein reines Fotobuch handelt. Im Nachhinein stört es mich weniger als ich gedacht habe. Die Fragen, die man hier passend zu der Beichte eines Fremden beantworten kann, sind sehr tiefgründig und regen zum Nachdenken an und sorgen auch dafür, dass man sich selbst ein bisschen besser kennenlernt.