i’ll see you tomorrow, a collection of poems about growing up and growing out.

by Cecelia Allentuck

In "I'll See You Tomorrow," Cecelia Allentuck invites readers on a captivating journey through the trials and triumphs of growing up and finding one's place in the world. This poignant collection of poems explores the bittersweet nature of youth, the pain of letting go, and the courage it takes to embrace change. Allentuck's vivid imagery and honest introspection paint a relatable portrait of adolescence, capturing the essence of those fleeting moments that shape us into who we are meant to become.

From the nostalgia of childhood memories to the uncertainty of the future, each poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Allentuck's words serve as a reminder that growth often comes with growing pains, but there is beauty to be found in the struggle. Through her lens, readers will rediscover the magic of simple pleasures, the power of self-discovery, and the importance of holding onto hope in the face of adversity.

"I'll See You Tomorrow" is a heartfelt ode to the transformative power of time and a comforting companion for anyone navigating the winding path of self-growth. Allentuck's poetry is a beacon of light, guiding readers through the darkness and promising a brighter tomorrow.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 6, 2024

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecelia Allentuck’s i’ll see you tomorrow is a thought-provoking, inspiring debut from a budding poet.

Allentuck opens with a poem describing the death of her childhood, and I believe this is the perfect way to set the mood of this anthology. Throughout the course of these poems, the author is essentially grieving the loss of her childhood by reminiscing on her past and looking forward to her blooming adult life. I found her poem “Slip” (9) to be a highlight of her work, showcasing a masterful juxtaposition of girlish innocence and fearful womanhood. Much of the collection, however, uses the same themes and imagery over and over again. Allentuck attacks her material from one singular angle, digging ever so deep into her memory and childhood. While this leaves the reader with few surprises, it is in doing so that Allentuck paints a full picture of her life. The depth in her analysis of childhood memory is what makes this collection so relatable and profound in its portrayal of adolescence. One of my favorite poems is “listen, she awakes” (38), because it is one of the moments where I found myself surprised. Allentuck may be, at this moment, just a girl, but she has done a damn good job of writing beautiful poetry. If this debut is any indication of her future, I simply cannot wait for more material from one of my new favorite poets.

*Allentuck is a friend of mine, and I am writing this review after one singular read-through*

[Andrew Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this young poet’s anthology of her work to be insightful and moving. As a father of teenage daughters, it was particularly meaningful to me because these poignant and personal coming-of-age poems provide a window into the world of young women today—who grow up in a world so different than their parents’. In Allentuck’s poems, we see the innocence, hope, self-doubt, courage, and weight of expectations experienced by high school students across America. These poems are honest, incisive, and wistful. They reflect a young woman’s life in small town America that cannot help but make those of us who are older recall the idealism of our youth. I will recommend this to all my friends.

[hannah rosenman · Rating 5 out of 5]

to be a poet is to be incredibly vulnerable. you absolutely put yourself out on a page and hope that something, anything strikes a chord with the reader. poetry encapsulates your vision of the world through the past and present, and how those things have related to your life. what i mean to say is that poetry is deeply personal. for something so personal, it is incredibly easy to connect cece’s life experiences to my own. i felt connected to so many parts of myself. not feeling good enough, perception of others, longing for the past. also as someone who felt a visceral pain during these adolescent transitions of my life and still feels the growing pains and angst i did at 17, this resonated with me a lot. this book is youth, and earth, on paper. i felt really connected to the tenets of ecofeminism as i read this (although this is a lens i tend to read through). i enjoyed this and can’t wait to read it again with a more discerning eye to pick up on details i may have missed.

[Meghan B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecelia Allentuck's writing is truly exceptional. In her poems, she effectively explores the complex feelings of growing up, feelings that are often never talked about but are most certainly often felt, and I love how her poetry can be relatable for a younger audience currently experiencing those similar emotions, as well as older individuals who remember what it was like to grow up. A personal favorite poem of mine is "Advice." It is so beautifully written through vivid imagery that illustrates how children see the world through a magical lens and how as we grow, we can lose that. However, at the end of the poem, Allentuck leaves you with an encouraging note to rediscover new magic in the world as an adult. "We were a snow globe shaken/Just before the powder settled to the bottom" is just one example of the many beautiful metaphors she uses throughout the poem.

[mayo potato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef’s kiss! Allentucks writing perfectly encapsulates the feeling of leaving home for the first time and being caught between two homes, lives, and surroundings. Her writing is overall moving, heartfelt, and deeply personal. I enjoyed every moment of reading this.

I wanted to save this book as my 50th book of the year, marking my Goodreads yearly goal. It became a comfort for me in days where I was homesick and could venture into a world and writing that perfectly described what I was feeling.

Congratulations Cece! I am so proud of you! I cannot wait to read more of your work in the future!

[Hamish Nicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

"i'll see you tomorrow" by Cecelia Allentuck is a Fantastic entry to the world of poetry. Cecelia shows great poetry skills in her use of language throughout her varius poems in this collection, with my personal favourite being 'Glass Half Empty, Glass Half Full'. These set of poems are highly recommended to anyone interested in the world of poetry and a brilliant first entry published from Cecelia.

[Nina Skolsky Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her debut book of poetry, Cecelia Allentuck gives voice to her innermost thoughts and fears, hopes and desires. Her deeply-felt emotions will resonate with many readers, particularly with others on the threshold of adulthood. I, myself, connected to her strong sense of uncertainty and angst about what lies ahead. However, in Ms. Allentuck's own words, I shall "Breathe deep, breathe sure/ Lock in, the seatbelt will hold [us] steady."

[Eva Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful anthology that deeply explores the triumphs of leaving childhood and entering womanhood.

Cecelia Allentuck is truly a brilliantly beautiful poet, which shines throughout her debut publication “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

[Abigail Mabus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second ARC read but my first poetry one! I’ll See You Tomorrow is a lovely, poignant, and sometimes sad collection of poems about growing up, many of which resonated with me. I definitely recommend getting your hands on a copy when it releases. Congratulations @cecewritessometimes!

[Meke C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book follows a beautiful pattern of similar motifs to introduce the thoughts and feelings surrounding growing up. The poet has wonderful artistic ability and I’m excited to see what else she produces with time.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful depiction of what growing up feels like. Very relatable for young women. Great read!