I'll Cry If I Want To: Poems

by Raquel Franco

A poignant journey through womanhood, motherhood, mental health, and identity, with a unique lens on the biracial experience, offering solace and understanding amidst life's complexities.

I'll Cry If I Want To is a poignant collection that delves into the intricate experiences of womanhood, motherhood, marriage, mental health, grief, and the challenges of being biracial. Each poem offers a candid glimpse into the raw realities of life, resonating with honesty and emotional depth.

Throughout the collection, Franco explores the highs and lows of existence with unapologetic sincerity. From the joys of motherhood to the complexities of marriage, every aspect of life is examined through a lens of gratitude and resilience.

Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that it's okay to embrace our vulnerabilities and acknowledge our struggles. Through evocative verses and illustrations, readers are reassured that they are not alone in their journey, finding solace in the recognition that someone out there sees and understands them.

Genres: Poetry

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2025

About the author

Raquel Franco is a multi-racial poet of Venezuelan descent living in Ohio. She is the author of I’ll Cry If I Want To and When the Bee Stings and her work has been featured in Thought Catalog and Rattle Magazine. When she is not reading, writing or keeping up with two kids she is listening to Taylor Swift.

Reviews

[Brend · Rating 1 out of 5]

This read like someone's Notes App.
I don't think poetry needs to be revolutionary to be touching. At the same time, I'm not interested in reading random people's iPhone Notes that sounded so deep at the moment but never got shaped into something worth sharing.
Maybe we all should start using personal diaries again and leave the world of poetry to those who have at least one friend with the guts to tell us if a thought we so need to let the world hear is, in fact, tired and uninspired. Let them be a filter. There are thousands of people out there who can express simple thoughts in a beautiful way, and this was not one of them.

[Bea (beansbookshelves) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.

I feel like this was a nice read, but nothing over the top. I didn't really connect much with most of the poems, but I did enjoy reading them. The overall feeling is that none of the poems really stands outs. It just feels like yet another modern poetry book. Rating: 3/5 stars.

[Annahita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! So many of these poignant poems truly spoke to me—this collection is raw, beautiful, and deeply moving. Franco’s exploration of womanhood, motherhood, mental health, identity, and the biracial experience is woven with honesty and emotional depth that feels both personal and universal.

Every poem felt like a candid glimpse into life’s complexities—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s a reminder that embracing vulnerability is a form of strength, and there’s such comfort in knowing someone else sees and understands your journey.

I highly recommend this one for anyone looking to be moved, inspired, and seen.

[Amber Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection feels like a fierce reminder that womanhood and girlhood are always holding each other’s pink and raw hands.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 ⭐️


Thank you to NetGalley, Central Avenue Publishing, and Raquel Franco for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This feels like a collection of poems about the journey of settling. Not settling for something, but rather settling into yourself, your body, your relationship, etc. There’s a lot of good here with honest reflections on how life changes as you age, how relationships change when you add kids to the mix, your own relationship with your body, and just life as a woman. My own personal feelings on the poems were generally positive and I was able to relate to many of them, but I could have done without all of the religious aspects of many of the poems. That’s a personal choice and if I had known there was so much God-talk, I might not have requested it. I still recommend it though, hence the rating.

[Hege-Kristin Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that I don't read enough poetry. I can go without poetry for months, but then suddenly a book like this comes along that sweeps me off my feet and reminds me that I love it!

This collection of modern poems can be read as a whole, as they are nicely connected in theme, language, and structure. But it is also the kind of poetry where you can open the book to any random page and just read, enjoy, and relate. I, for one, related very much to Raquel Franco's poems. The themes: womanhood, love in its good and bad forms, motherhood, friendship, the good days and the bad days, heartbreak, family, summer, the color pink, turning 40... It was as if these poems spoke directly to me, and I loved, loved, loved the entirety of this work. Franco's poems made me feel powerful, happy, sad, and all the feels in between.

If you haven't read poetry before but love Taylor Swift, this is a perfect entry into the world of poetry. I recommend this book to all women! I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this book, and I will buy a physical copy that I will read again and again.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

[Alexander Petkovski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll Cry If I Want To by Raquel Franco is a beautiful poetry collection set to release next week, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Among the many short, flash-style poetry collections I've read, this one stands out for its depth and substance. These poems truly have more "meat on the bones," offering thoughtful reflections.

The collection explores themes of identity, family, friendships, love, aging, and ultimately the celebration of life. I’d definitely pick up more of her work in the future. This collection is perfect for curling up with on a cold January night, a warm cup of tea in hand, and a scented candle to set the mood.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this work. As a young woman and as someone who enjoys modern poetry, I found this book to be really enjoyable. I found the Taylor Swift references to be easily understood and relatable. As someone who also has a child, I could relate at times. Some of the poems seemed a bit similar overall, but I was still enjoyed it! I would definitely recommend to my friends who enjoy this genre.

[bewitching endings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll Cry If I Want To is a collection of poems that touches on experiences of womanhood, motherhood, marriage, mental health, grief, and the challenges of being biracial. Each poem for me offered a glimpse into the realities of the writer's life, which was reflected with honesty and a lot of emotions --- in the best way.

Throughout the collection, Raquel explores the highs and lows of existence, and we are reminded to embrace our vulnerabilities and acknowledge our struggles, physically and emotionally. Within the poems and illustrations, we as readers are assured that we are not alone in our journey of finding solace in this big world.

I invite all women to read this book as it is an empowering poetry collection on femininity, love, body image, and family. I’ll Cry if I Want To is a reminder to feel all the emotions you have tucked away and the ones on the horizon. It also reminds us to embrace our body and speak kindly to it at every season of our lives.

Some of my favorite poems in this collection include:
good woman
anniversary dinner
when I think of salt
body love
baby, when you think of me
we can do it with a broken heart
lost appetite
coolest kid in the universe
breath work
made in his image
if I lived in a house with no mirrors
and FINALLY, the one that I thought was the most emotional poem secrets to keep us safe.

Let me know if you plan on purchasing a copy of Raquels newest collection and if you would like to read an advanced copy if it's still available make sure to sign up for @netgallery to be selected to read this.

This collection will be released Jan 21st, 2025, with @central as the publisher and you can preorder at amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and bookshop. Other books by Raquel Franco include When the Bee Stings, This Woman Is Still Girl and Keep Me Wild.

[Dr. des. Siobhán · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for the free poetry collection.*

I'm all for intersectional books tackling feminism and womanhood but somehow this book weirded me out with the constant religious themes. I'm so sorry and if you're religious: enjoy; I mean it, but for me it wasn't really working. In general the type of poetry presented was a bit much: a lot of text, very binary sometimes. Some bits were beautiful, yes, but overall nothing touched me deeply.

2.5-3 stars

[Danielle Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Poems)

✨The Highlights✨
. Female Empowerment 💪🏻
. Body Positivity ➕
. Mental Health Rep
. Motherhood 🍼
. Biracial Rep
. Self Care 🫶🏻
. Grief

✨The Feels✨
This is a poetry collection from one of my favorite Instagram follows, @raquelfranco.poet. You’ve probably seen me share her work before, but this gem just dropped this week, and I finally got my hands on it! Raquel’s poetry has a way of making you feel understood and accepted. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone and that it’s okay to struggle.

✨The Spoiler-Free Details✨
I’ll Cry If I Want To is a heartfelt collection that explores the complexities of womanhood, motherhood, marriage, mental health, grief, and biracial identity. Each poem offers an honest and emotional reflection on life’s raw realities.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Raquel Franco for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was the second book I’ve read by Raquel. Her poems are well written, often relatable and enjoyable to read, I’d recommend her work to anyone who enjoys reading poetry

[Nicole Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are a beautiful thing,
even when you are broken,
even when you feel too tired
to find reasons for all this not-so-tender living."

I'm so happy I ran into this poetry collection on Netgalley because I loved it! The title and cover first got my attention, but then I fell in love with the poems as well.
I'LL CRY IF I WANT TO by Raquel Franco is a poetry collection about grief, getting older, motherhood, womanhood, biracial identity, healing, learning, and so much more. It is comforting, meaningful, and relatable, and such a joy to read. It felt like reading a diary from a friend in the best way. The poems flowed and had the perfect balance of pretty writing and clear understanding.

The collection is filled with vulnerability and raw emotion, and it is sure to make you feel your own feelings deeply. It is honest and straightforward, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for poems that will make you feel less alone and a little better about life and the world. I can't wait for any collections Raquel Franco will write in the future.

[Lorren · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Kate Baer and Lyndsey Rush, Raquel Franco’s collection deals with the struggles of motherhood and womanhood with a touch of whimsy. I have seen more “serious” poets turn up their noses at this simpler, more earnest style, but I know I never would have gotten into poetry if I hadn’t had accessible poets like this to read, and I think Franco’s words will resonate with many woman and provide and entry point to poetry. Every so often she hits on the perfect image… and for the moments in between, I can’t help being delighted by the Taylor Swift references and sweet sentiments.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Marietere T · Rating 5 out of 5]

These poems moved me. They made me want to cry sometimes.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Reagan Kapasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially loved the recognition/celebration of daily life as a mom and wife

[Lily-May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netalley for giving me the opportunity to ARC read📚

Not usually a person who reads poems but I really enjoyed these
I felt there was a lot of depth to them and some I wish were stories as I didn't want them to end.

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed and connected with this collection of poems. They encompass everything about womanhood, femininity, connecting with our inner feminine energy while also talking about issues that affect us and may be difficult to address. Some of my favorite poems were:

Im Done Adulting
What's In My Bag
When I Think Of Salt
Not Today
Body Love
Lost Appetite
Love And Regret
If I Lived In A House With No Mirrors
Portrait Of A Sunday
This Is Forty

"If they find you terrifying, let them be terrified"

"Decide that your reflection is not for counting flaws"

Highly recommend to everyone!

Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful ARC!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poetry is not my typical style of read, but I decided to try this out anyway. Some of the poems were relatable to me, some were just me reading to read through them. I still do not feel poetry is my style but I will not knock the author for her art.

These are poems of a woman, a mother, a daughter, a sister, sometimes feeling the love, sometimes wishing to be loved.

I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing, in exchange for my review. Though I received a complementary copy, my review is my own opinion.

[Kristiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having followed Raquel Franco's work for a long time, this collection was a pleasure to read! Franco's writing is steeped in worldly wisdom, experience and maturity as she writes about womanhood, relationships, and motherhood.

The collection begins and closes incredibly strong and feels very timely, especially when it'll be released in January 2025. Franco advocates strongly for women with power and grace, making this collection both a comfort and inspiration for many.

My only gripe was the repetition sometimes in poem style/message; I believe the collection could have been refined further ensuring the strongest of Franco's work was able to shine from beginning to end.

[Caitlin Conlon]

Raquel Franco’s I’ll Cry If I Want To places girlhood on a pedestal, identifying every beautiful facet, every swallowed grief, in stunning clarity. These poems engulf us in a collage of images, from lipstick tubes to ibuprofen, perfectly illustrating what it means to be woman while constant forces push against you. I think this collection has something for everyone, from budding, teenage, lovestruck girl, to aging mother careening through adulthood. When Franco reflects on the difficulties and small joys of existence, you can’t help but nod along. Say, yes, yes, I’ve been there, too. I know exactly what you mean.

[Mandy Hazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written poems that will captivate you and grab your heart. Highly recommend. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie ᥫ᭡. · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝, 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨… 💖

𝙄’𝙇𝙇 𝘾𝙍𝙔 𝙄𝙁 𝙄 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙏𝙊 felt like having a heart-to-heart with your bestie on a girls sleepover night, cue 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘳𝘦 music 🎶 .

This collection dives deep into the hamster wheel that is womanhood—touching on everything from motherhood and marriage to mental health and grief. 🌸💔 Every poem feels so 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 and 𝙧𝙖𝙬, like the author is revealing truths straight to your soul.

One of the things I adored most? The way the poems unapologetically embrace the messy, authentic, & beautiful chaos of life. 🌈😭Whether Franco is reflecting on the overwhelming joy (and exhaustion 😅) of being a mom or the tricky art that is marriage, there’s an undercurrent of resilience and gratitude that just shines through.

And let’s be real: as someone who sometimes feels like life is one big juggle, this book hit 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 in the best way. ✨ It’s a gentle reminder that it’s 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮 to not have it all together all the time (hello, relatable 👋), and that embracing our vulnerabilities is actually a superpower.

Plus, the little Taylor Swift references? I mean, 𝙮𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙨, please! 🎶💫 Swifties, you’re going to feel right at home with these sweet nods that make you feel seen. 😭💖

Highly recommend for anyone who needs a reminder that being 𝙮𝙤𝙪—in all your chaotic, beautiful glory—is more than enough. 💕

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Central Avenue Publishing & the author for this beautiful ARC! 🫶

[Kira K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This is a lovely and broad poetry book covering a multitude of topics from childhood to motherhood, grief to growth. The illustrations are simple and pretty, placed through the book sparring but compliment the poems well, especially the flower growing from concrete.

Favourite Quote:
I knew it was just an impossible hot-pink dream. The 39-18-33 plastic doll in my small hands didn't live in my reality, There were no blonde blue-eyed, perfect girls in my vanity mirror There were no Kens walking out of a magazine to save a brown girl like me. The one thing we did have in common was that our feet weren't made to fully touch the ground. We were both dream girls who weren't allowed the privilege of wholly living

[Naomi Figueroa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Central Avenue Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was excited to read this because I could relate to much of it. As an older mother of young children, I don't often see myself represented. I found many of the poems to be sweet.

What was of most value to me is that I could relate to a lot of the content. However, it read a bit unfinished. It read like I was reading someone's intimate journal thoughts, I'd hoped for a little bit more density. Sometimes I wanted more, with some seeming like they trail off and sometimes I wanted less.

This could be a good pick for a summer book club for people navigating what it means to be a person, a parent, a spouse, a friend, while also growing out of their youth. It's also a good pick for someone getting back into reading.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Collections of poetry or short stories aren’t usually my jam, but this one was relatable, and I found myself nodding or wanting to share some with my cousin or best friend. With glimpses into motherhood, friendship, love, struggles, and more, this is a “there’s something for everyone” type of book. I’ll admit that I couldn’t relate to a bunch of the motherhood or religious bits, but there were enough other topics that it kept me engaged. This collection will most likely go in my “books to gift/recommend around important birthdays or milestones” pile.

Thank you to #NetGalley for a review copy of #I’llCryIfIWantTo. All feedback is my unbiased opinion, not paid, and simply for the love of books.

[Throughyourcloset · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I didn’t like it. I found it extremely long, and we’re talking about poetry. Plus, "pretending", "salty tears" are words the author repeatedly uses throughout this compendium of poems, which started to feel like a loop. I would have kept the selection much shorter and removed the ones with a journaling taste. Here are the ones I enjoyed:
- Anniversary dinner
- Tell me you’re alone without telling me you’re alone: « We are pretenders wearing wedding bands »
- Things I leave behind
- Barbie girl
- Hazard signs
- No evidence

The illustrations are nice; I loved the cover and the bold title.

Thanks to Central Avenue Publishing, Raquel Franco and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Andreea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Central Avenue Poetry for the opportunity to read and review this book.

There are nice themes in this poetry book, but at the end of the day everything was a touch too surface-level for me.

There were some poems where I felt the emotions and wanted it to go deeper, but the rest of the book made no impression on me and at times it felt forced.

Plus there's a limit to how many Taylor Swift mentions a girl can take, sorry, not sorry.
(And it was too religious to appeal to me - I do feel like there's a place for God in poetry, of course, but this was exaggerated).

[Eve beinguniquebeingme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I can really relate to this book so much from the first poem openly talking about embracing being a woman, the good and seemingly bad but despite it all you are worthy attitude really spoke to me being a girl who has never fit in or lived up to so called societal expectations, it was refreshing to hear a woman writing the way I feel and know someone else out in this world too gets it.

I always enjoy poetry but these poems were so moving to me and utterly relatable about life growing up as a woman and situations we go through and grow through whether we want to or not and have to confront how we feel I am sure there's something in this collection you can relate to.

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, central avenue publishing and author raquel franco for allowing me an epub of this book in exchange for an honest review and read.
personally, i didn’t like this much. it feels like another modern day poetry book with all the same tropes, and i didn’t really feel like it was done particularly strong.
the poems that shine in this collection are the nostalgic looks and i can feel the authors excitement and i really wish there was more of that. that was unique and fun. the book cover is fabulous.
thank you for the opportunity, this book comes out soon- january 21, 2025.