They Will Tell You the World Is Yours: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way

by Anna Mitchael

“There are wonder and wisdom in these pages." —Joanna Gaines

Where do we find true fulfillment? How did we get lost along the way? These lushly written, emotionally resonant stories light candles along the path as we each search for purpose.

They will tell you that a better version of yourself is waiting to be found.

Every day, we hear a version of this message, and so we search and strive. Yet somehow none of the places we’re looking—our careers, relationships, even dreams that come true—give us lasting satisfaction. After 20 years as a professional writer of other people’s truth, Anna Mitchael found herself at the same crossroads, asking questions like “How could I have spent so much time trying to do things right only to still feel so wrong?” As threads unraveled, she saw her worldview was built on what she took to be truth from sources that were offering anything but.

They will tell you to cut the blooms off your roses so that the flowers can grow back bigger and better.

Mitchael’s spiritual quest led her to craft this exquisite collection of short, incisive vignettes. As they unfold, we observe a woman grow from childhood into early adulthood, and through a crisis that ultimately turns into an awakening. She asks questions, explores, falls, and gets back up, learning to sift the messages she is told, seeking to discover who she is and for truth beyond what the world has prescribed for her happiness.

Even with our wild differences, I still believe in something greater we a spirit of divine love at our core that, no matter how far away we get, will always be calling us home.

For hearts in search of lasting truth, this collection poses questions to help us find the answer.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Contemporary, Self Help

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

Anna Mitchael is a Texas-based author who has spent the last 20 years working as a writer and creative director in ad agencies across the country, deputy editor of Magnolia Journal, and ghostwriter.

In 2018, Anna’s life took a turn when she returned to the faith she had left as a child. This experience, and the years leading up to it, became the basis for her third book, They Will Tell You the World Is Yours: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way. This collection of 85 vignettes tracks a fictional woman's life from birth through a spiritual awakening.

For more of Anna's writing, you can subscribe to her free substack LIttle Rebellions or visit annamitchael.com.

Reviews

[Teodora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

"They Will Tell You The World Is Yours" is a collection of short stories about growing up, where the author describes all the experiences and emotions that accompany her. I liked that she writes about the differences between what she is told and what she feels and experiences. It shows real problems, among them her relationship with religion, school, boyfriends, work and children.

I give this book 4 stars.

[jane haas damron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting.

[Zee Monodee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of vignettes about what we are told...and what we may end up feeling, experiencing, relating, experiencing...
I really enjoyed how short yet poignant those vignettes were. To me, there was a huge element of 'read between the lines' to find your truth in there: how did this topic the author is touching on present itself to you, affect you, leave you? What was/is your take on all of them?
As such, it took me a rather long time to get through this short book. It's almost as if every vignette is a prompt about life, about reflection, like the author is saying, "This is my experience; I've left some space between the lines so you can fill in your experience. Is it similar to mine? Different? Neither is right nor wrong. It just is..."
This is what this book turned out to be for me: a reflection on my own life, my own experiences, prompts to delve deeper and see if there's more than meets the eye to what 'they will tell/told me about the world.'
I'd say this is a wonderful book for anyone wanting a sort of memoir-like take, in vignette form, about a woman's life, at the same time it is a great book for reflection about life and what we make of it...

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting take on all the little things you’re told in your life that you assume are true

[Sailie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

a slow and poetic personal journey in spiritual growth— simple and profound

[Courtney Bernard · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Will Not Tell You... that sometimes a book comes along at the right moment in your life. Mitchael’s vignettes are written so beautifully that they flow from one page to the next, even though they are not on the same topic. It feels like you’re reading letters from a friend about her life and how she has viewed it growing up, moving, falling in and out of love and then making the choice to start a family in her own time. There were definitely some vignettes I enjoyed more than others, but as a whole, this showcased the beauty of being female and the choices we make (or don't make) and how they all affect us one way or another.

The one thing I didn't care for was how the book blurb says that it is a "spiritual quest", I did not get that feeling from the book, more of a woman's reflection of life and the choices she made.

Otherwise, this was a wonderful book that even though short, I sat with it for a while and I am so glad that I did.

Thank you to Netgalley and Convergent Books for providing me with a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A look at growing up through the authors eyes.
I feel like I would have appreciated this book more if I was a parent? It felt kind of like a love letter to their child while telling their story of growth.
That being said, there are parts that are relatable to everyone, not just parents.
Thanks for the ARC!

[vampolina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short non-fiction collection detailing the author's philosophies, life lessons, memories, and journey to growing old. It was sweet and cute, although I did feel it could've been more impactful. The writing style could be repetitive at times, but I thought the overall message of the book was heartwarming. It is a cozy read, and it may make others emotional. I couldn't relate to much of it as my upbringing was different, but I could understand where the author was coming from and the deep emotions tied to growing up. I feel that if the book were more polished and the writing style more nuanced, it would have been a higher rating from me. I do feel this is a book others may enjoy, I just personally couldn't get that into it.

3.25 stars*

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced readers copy. All opinions are my own.

[Rachel Qay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beginning at birth and ending in old age, the poetic vignettes in "They Will Tell You the World is Yours" explores the messages we grow up hearing, versus the truth of our experiences. In each page, Mitchael prompts the reader to recall what "they will tell you", followed by pages of messages, statements, and stereotypes many people grow up hearing and expecting throughout their lives. Mitchael then goes on to describe in a poetic fashion how these messages are not necessarily standard, and in all actuality, your lived experience may differ significantly. This book of "poetry" is written more in paragraph style - each page is a new vignette with a new title, but it is not written in verse like a typical poem; instead, it has typical sentence structure and is written as a large paragraph. I wanted to point this out in the case that you are a reader who feels strongly about this when picking up a book of poetry or verse!

I found some passages of this book to be personable and touching; however, I also found many portions to be dry and hard to get through for me personally. One vignette in particular that I enjoyed was "Daisy Pickers" in Section 3. I also found the second half of the book to be more compelling for me personally than the first half. That being said, this is clearly a personal narrative from the author's own perspective, so it will not necessarily touch every reader in the same way that it touches the author, and I am always appreciative of a writer who is vulnerable enough to publish works so personal to them! Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Shannon Boote · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received They Will Tell You the World Is Yours as an ARC from Netgally in exchange for an honest review.

I read a lot of poetry, so I think I have a good grasp on what I like in the genre. Unfortunately, They Will Tell You the World Is Yours by Anna Mitchael fell flat for me. That said, I can admit that it is likely an age thing. I believe this work will be more substantial to younger readers just breaking into adulthood. Mitchael’s prose are solid and there are a few quote worthy lines, but for me I’m looking for that punch me in the gut feeling I get when reading the likes of Sarah Kay, Crystal Valentine, Melissa Lozada-Oliva. or Olivia Gatwood.

One of my favorite things about this collection from Mitchael is the vignette style layout, which lent well to each “They will tell you” section. Again, I think that Mitchael’s prose are very strong, and she is definitely one to watch as her writing experience grows. I truly believe that They Will Tell You the World Is Yours can have a substantial impact on younger readers who might identify more with each vignette. There are moments of brilliance, but my experiences were reading this and just shaking my head in agreement.

I am giving They Will Tell You the World Is Yours a high 3 star because I would absolutely recommend it, especially to first time poetry readers. It is digestible and easy to understand and, in my belief, a great collection for poetry novices. Mitchael is one to watch and I look forward to what she publishes next.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exquisite collection of 85 vignettes tracking a woman's life from birth through midlife. Each piece begins with "They will tell you" before exploring the gap between societal expectations and lived reality. After 20 years writing other people's truths professionally, Mitchael found herself questioning everything she had been taught about fulfillment and success. This spiritual quest led her to examine the messages we receive about careers, relationships, motherhood, and happiness—and how those messages often fail to deliver lasting satisfaction. Through incisive, lyrical prose, she chronicles a journey from unquestioning acceptance to awakening, showing how we learn to sift truth from the prescribed formulas for a meaningful life.

This book completely captivated me with its unique structure and raw honesty. The most compelling element was how Mitchael turns ordinary moments into profound revelations about the disconnect between what we are told life should be versus what it actually is. I loved her willingness to share her "weirdness"—those authentic thoughts and experiences that make each of us who we are. Each piece feels like a hidden truth that has always lurked beneath the surface, but you have never been able to articulate. Her writing is both poetic and accessible, making this perfect for anyone questioning the conventional path to happiness.

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbymedia.com/blogs/transcri...

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing a blurb from Joanna Gaines on the book sold me instantly on wanting to read it. I love to learn from people who have inspired or been inspired by people I already admire. I already value their opinion or agree with some part of their worldview, so, while I’m not usually the biggest reader of poetry or essays, I knew I would enjoy this one.

“They Will Tell You the World Is Yours” is broken up into five sections: growing up, stepping out, no net, cracks in the grass, and the heartsong. It kicks off with an author’s note where Anna describes how sick and tired she was of being sick and tired with how the world was, and as a Millennial, let me tell you, I FELT THAT! We were sold the dream of “do everything right” and the world will literally be yours, and that hasn’t materialized for so many of us because our entire lifetimes have been nothing but the world constantly being turned upside down.

This book is filled with beautiful writing, almost like an empathetic conversation with a great friend, and relatable self-reflections. While I couldn’t truly relate to the later parts of the book that speak on motherhood (I’m not a parent yet), I still thought they were beautiful and even recommended the book to my cousin. Great read all around.

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

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unique collection of poetic essays, described by the author as vignettes, is divided into five sections. These sections follow the phases of life, beginning with birth and continuing through death, highlighting pivotal developmental moments for the narrator, such as marriage and motherhood. Beautiful fine-line cross-hatching illustrations are scattered throughout, adding a delicate atmosphere to the book.

Each vignette begins with the phrase “they will tell you” or a slight variation, then explores what these teachings truly mean or reveal from the author's perspective. The distinctive essay style masterfully crafts individual stories that collectively form a timeline of a person’s life.

Some essays spoke to me so personally that they felt as if they were written just for me, while others were less relatable—which I think is fair for any poetry collection. There is an element of spiritual discovery, though it is subtle and open-ended, making it applicable across a spectrum from mainstream religion to esoteric mysticism. Overall, this was a beautiful collection with deeply resonating pieces.

Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Mitchael’s They Will Tell You the World Is Yours is a lyrical, introspective journey through the human experience, told in a series of poignant vignettes that chart the stages of life—from childhood wonder to the quiet reflections of old age. Each vignette opens with the refrain “they will tell you,” framing the chapters as pieces of inherited wisdom, societal expectation, or deeply personal truth.

This format gives the book a meditative rhythm, almost like a collection of prose poems or a philosophical diary. Mitchael’s voice is intimate and reflective, clearly drawing from her own life and emotional truths. While this personal perspective adds authenticity, it may not resonate equally with every reader. Some may find it deeply moving and relatable, while others might feel slightly distanced by its subjective tone.

That said, They Will Tell You the World Is Yours is not trying to preach or instruct—it’s an invitation to reflect on your own journey, the lessons you've been told, and the ones you’ve learned yourself. It’s a quiet, thoughtful read that’s best approached with patience and a willingness to pause and ponder.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return of an honest, unbiased review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

They Will Tell You the World is Yours is a series of vignettes by Anna Mitchael which follow the arc of a woman's life and the various things people tell her over time.

I think Anna Mitchael knows her way around a sentiment, and that was the core of what worked for me in this book. The moments and feelings explored in these vignettes were relatable and poignant, especially to me as a Woman in Society. Where it didn't quite work as much as I'd hoped for me was that all of it added together didn't really mean anything different to me than each thing separately. This is a collection of writings that maybe follow something of a thematic thread, but ultimately are what I'd expect to be reading on the author's substack or a tumblr blog in the olden days of 2014. What I wanted was more meat, more of an arc, more opinioned observation and uniqueness, even if it means sacrificing some relatability. Mitchael is a fine writer, but I was ultimately hungry for more perspective than this particular book was willing to give me.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

They Will Tell You the World is Yours: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way by Anna Mitchael.

This is a collection of essays on growing up and finding your way in the world (particularly as a female). Each one shows a lesson learned from experience by the author in comparison to what others had led her to expect.

I like how all of the essays are tied together by the first line of each one - "THEY WILL" (tell you, give you, show you, say, not tell you, etc.) which gives a certain rhythm and unity overall. I also like the wide variety of topics presented. The essays are well written, and thoughtful. As with any collection of essays or poetry where the writing is so personal and subjective, some entries resonated with me more than others.

I enjoyed the read and look forward to reading more from this author.

My thanks to Convergent Books for allowing me to read a DRC of the book via NetGalley. Publication is 5/20/25. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Kitti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a bit of a hit and miss for me. I really appreciated the author mentioning in the foreword that she had no intention to capture universal experiences because you will only get some of those in passing, here and there. When you do though, you really get some beautiful thoughts worth pondering for a while. Fundamentally, this is a collection of very personal and intimate moments from the life of a woman starting with her as a baby all throughout her childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, as a grown woman and there are even a few glimpses of motherhood and middle-age. Sadly, there is not much in the way of rebellion in here, though, I would really have enjoyed to see more of that. In the grand scale of things her life is pretty run-of-the-mill: she grew up, found a solid job, married a man, had a daughter. The details, of course, are completely unique but if it was the word "rebellion" that caught your attention in the title, please take it with a grain of salt.
Many thanks to Convergent Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anna Mitchael admits in the author’s note that THEY WILL TELL YOU THE WORLD IS YOURS: ON LITTLE REBELLIONS AND FINDING YOUR WAY isn’t a memoir, nor is it fiction. It was borne out of examining what surrounded her and finding a new perspective. Perhaps it’s a midlife project from a woman facing her dissatisfaction with what she sees around her, unwilling to let it quietly and passively exist. An unnamed “They” opens each section, with a declaration of what is accepted but ought to be challenged: “They will tell you curiosity is a feeling that can easily be conquered; pull your phone out of your pocket and all the answers are at your fingertips.”)

Chapter titles run the gamut, from “Age Spots” to “Never Enough” to “Overall, Not a Complete Lost Cause.” There’s a poetic approach to the book, and I found it a pleasant escape.

(Thank you to Convergent Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)

[Gabbie Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for an ARC of They Will Tell You The World is Yours. I typically don’t read poetry or collections of the essays, however I will say I’m glad I picked this one up. I think the first couple sections of the book were relevant to my life being that the time period they were taking place in was very relevant to the current stage of my life. I found a lot of comfort in knowing that I wasn’t alone in my feelings as a twenty-something going through life. I will say sections four and five were a little bit harder to relate to, being that I have not gotten to that point in my life yet, but I do believe it would hold relevancy to its target audience. Being that this is the authors experience with spirituality and her life, it feels strange to give it a rating, however, I would say that 3 to 3.5 is where I would go with that.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

As I read through the book, I began to feel as if I was watching the author's life stroll by. From childhood to young adult, to marriage and kids. At the end I did feel something sadder seep through the words, something akin to depression. I am not sure if this is the case, but the confusion, sadness and loneliness of certain events and thoughts were portrayed quite well. It was also refreshing to see how someone else goes through life and their inner thoughts, as it is a topic far less discussed.

While some parts read easily, others were jarring as the end of the page were barely on the topic the page started with. Reading this comes with having to make connections where it does not feel connected, chaos on paper much like the thoughts of people.

[Rachael Jakubowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Convergent Books for an ARC of They Will Tell You The World is Yours.

These poetic vignettes of growing up through the authors eyes were profound and touching. Some essays spoke to me so personally that they felt as if they were written just for me, while others were less relatable. A lot this felt like a book written from a parent to a child, and for me, I think that's where the disconnect was, as a woman in mid 30s, I just haven't gotten to that point in life, and couldn't relate to the latter half of the insights just yet. One day.

Then there are the illustrations that are scattered throughout, adding a delicate atmosphere to the book. Which are just lovely and add just enough whimsy to the book.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating poetry is always a strange thing for me, because how can you rate someone’s heart felt words as good or bad?

I was fortunate to read an advanced copy of They Will Tell You the World is Yours by Anna Mitchael and I enjoyed the spiritual journey she took me on. Her book is a collection of poems that follow a guided timeline beginning at birth.

Each poem is a reminder of how no matter where we are in life…the world will be waiting for us to take the next step… pushing us to continually be an even better version of ourselves.

But at what cost? For what purpose? When are we fulfilled as we are? When are we enough?

Follow along Anna’s story of one woman’s life and how she navigates through all of its ups and downs.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5
At first read this seemed a silly, worthless waste of time. After the first two I put the book down. Then I thought about what I had just read; wait maybe there is a little more to this than first thought.

I am not reading in order, because there is no need. The book contains short 1 to 2 page essays on observations of a universal life event. Read one and take a moment to reflect on how it applies to more than just that moment in time. Maybe you feel a little better about how life is going, maybe you realize you aren't alone, maybe you realize life can be cruel.

Good book to grab when you only have a minute to read and will give you something to think about all day.

[Kelley Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chock full of insight. It is not one to read quickly despite the length. I caution you to savor each vignette. There is much reflection and life experience among the pages. Of course some hit closer to home than others. In fact a few I reread numerous times. It’s deep and thought provoking. All our lives we’ve been told by “they” it’s actually about slowing down and listening to your heart. Fulfillment doesn’t come in things a good reminder. I’m guessing this hits differently for me on the back half of life if you will. What we are all sear for isn’t really as complicated as one can make it.

[Sarah Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading about the authors life, birth on, was a very interesting take that I felt fell a little short of what I was hoping. It was a good book and the concept was great! I just personally feel as though the poems are a tad odd. Some of the key foci were on things that I was not expecting - knowing it is all of the authors perspective is what pushed me to keep reading. The illustrations in this book were my favorite part - so beautiful and corresponding with the poems. Thank you Netgalley, Anna Mitchael, and Convergent Books for this ARC.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arc review! :

I did enjoy this book full of poems.
I do think there are parts which are more enjoyable for parents.

It is about growing up, and split in sections.
In the middle there are more relatable poems for me personally which I liked.
The beginning was a bit hard for me to understand somehow, since it's about young children.

It is a fast read, and there are really good poems in there.
It is not my favorite poetry book but I did like it.

I like to thank everyone involved for the arc!

[Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't tend to rate non-fiction because it feels weird, most of the time non-fiction is someones life or facts but a book like this I feel like it is more acceptable in my brain to rate. I really like the writing in this and the writing style, however there were some sections that just felt off to me and for what this book ended up being I feel like it maybe could have even been shorter, some sections felt repetitive which in a book about her life isn't necessarily a bad things but it did feel like I read basically the same section again 20 pages later

[Keia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the Arc.

I enjoyed this book, but I can't deny that it seemed to spike my anxiety reading it. I'm not sure if it's just watching someone recount their entire life and feeling that sort of urgency with the writing as well, but I ended up having to take breaks and set it aside when it should have been a fast read. There were some phrases that I really enjoyed and the author does write very well. Overall, it just wasn't a book of poetry/vignettes that I completely fell in love with.

[Vania Vela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anna Mitchael’s They Will Tell You the World Is Yours is the kind of book that feels like a warm conversation with someone who just gets it. I devoured every page, feeling unexpectedly comforted.

As a girl in her twenties figuring out life, I found comfort in her words. This book is a reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It’s okay to feel lost, to rebel a little, and to carve out your own path. Mitchael’s words will stay with me for a long time.

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of vignettes is beautifully written and made me feel like Anna had a window into my life, my past and my present with the stories she told. In the end, it had me wondering if my own experiences are what most other women also experience yet we don't talk about. There is a growth and change that happens throughout our lifetimes and an incredible movement within around age 40 and for me, especially after I had my children. This book brought all of that to light in a beautiful way.