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you still have yourself: poems and reflections
A spectacular, tenderhearted poetry debut that is also “a valuable tool on your personal growth journey” (Yung Pueblo, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
“What do you have left after losing everything you know?”
You’ve been told that it’s the cumulative impact of everything you’ve home, relationships, career, health, community.
But the truth is much deeper.
In you still have yourself, debut poet Fernando Samalot shares a contemplative collection of poems and reflections that follows an inner journey through loss, transformation, and return.
As the poet writes,
“The best thing I ever did for my heart
was allow myself
to begin again”
Set within both inner and natural landscapes, the book moves through forests, rain, nightfall, dawn, and shifting light, using nature as a living mirror for impermanence, healing, and renewal.
“Samalot’s debut poetry collection paves the way for humanness in a way that we don’t see often anymore. He has made triumph romantic and the process of healing? Entirely possible” (Brianna Pastor, author of Good Grief).
“What do you have left after losing everything you know?”
You’ve been told that it’s the cumulative impact of everything you’ve home, relationships, career, health, community.
But the truth is much deeper.
In you still have yourself, debut poet Fernando Samalot shares a contemplative collection of poems and reflections that follows an inner journey through loss, transformation, and return.
As the poet writes,
“The best thing I ever did for my heart
was allow myself
to begin again”
Set within both inner and natural landscapes, the book moves through forests, rain, nightfall, dawn, and shifting light, using nature as a living mirror for impermanence, healing, and renewal.
“Samalot’s debut poetry collection paves the way for humanness in a way that we don’t see often anymore. He has made triumph romantic and the process of healing? Entirely possible” (Brianna Pastor, author of Good Grief).
- GenresPoetryNonfiction
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2026
Key Takeaway: No matter what you lose along the way, you will always remain.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Many thanks to the publisher for the free Goodreads Giveaway copy! All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Direct quotes have been omitted in compliance with ARC guidelines.
I am not exaggerating when I say You Still Have Yourself is a sanctuary in book form - there wasn't a single page where my eyes were dry. Having learned my own life lessons about love through its absence, I was thrilled to win Fernando Samalot's work based on its core theme alone. Read in a single sitting, this intimate collection truly reignited the phoenix within my heart.
It stands as a testament to the paradox of heartbreak and a reminder that genuine love never clips your wings; it gives you space to expand. When my ex-partner and I parted ways, it proved to be an unexpected gift of liberation—and perhaps the purest form of love we had left. While I am certainly not alone in holding regrets about my younger, more naive self, I deeply appreciate Samalot's invitation to exchange the weight of memory and anticipation for the sanctuary of the present moment. I used to think my partner was the source of magic in my life, but this book reminded me that the magic was within me all along.
This is a collection I will return to constantly—its pages dog-eared, underlined, and worn as a constant reminder of the exact words I need to hear. We are made of stardust and soil, continuous with the Earth; stripped of all else, that primordial truth endures. Samalot reminds us that we are nature protecting itself—enduring, surviving, and inherently complete. Regardless of what we lose along the way, we can find solace in knowing we still belong here.
An essential read for anyone navigating life’s transitions or healing from heartbreak. You will find comfort, beauty, and true solace in Samalot's words.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Many thanks to the publisher for the free Goodreads Giveaway copy! All opinions expressed are entirely my own. Direct quotes have been omitted in compliance with ARC guidelines.
I am not exaggerating when I say You Still Have Yourself is a sanctuary in book form - there wasn't a single page where my eyes were dry. Having learned my own life lessons about love through its absence, I was thrilled to win Fernando Samalot's work based on its core theme alone. Read in a single sitting, this intimate collection truly reignited the phoenix within my heart.
It stands as a testament to the paradox of heartbreak and a reminder that genuine love never clips your wings; it gives you space to expand. When my ex-partner and I parted ways, it proved to be an unexpected gift of liberation—and perhaps the purest form of love we had left. While I am certainly not alone in holding regrets about my younger, more naive self, I deeply appreciate Samalot's invitation to exchange the weight of memory and anticipation for the sanctuary of the present moment. I used to think my partner was the source of magic in my life, but this book reminded me that the magic was within me all along.
This is a collection I will return to constantly—its pages dog-eared, underlined, and worn as a constant reminder of the exact words I need to hear. We are made of stardust and soil, continuous with the Earth; stripped of all else, that primordial truth endures. Samalot reminds us that we are nature protecting itself—enduring, surviving, and inherently complete. Regardless of what we lose along the way, we can find solace in knowing we still belong here.
An essential read for anyone navigating life’s transitions or healing from heartbreak. You will find comfort, beauty, and true solace in Samalot's words.
November 6, 2026
This is a very accessible, and at times quite beautifully written, book of encouraging poems. I think it will appeal to fans of Rupi Kaur. As someone who reads a lot of poetry, this collection didn’t quite do it for me. While some of the individual stanzas were lovely, I found this collection a bit too literal and straightforward for my tastes. I also found the theme, being true to yourself and loving yourself, was explored in a quite shallow way. I do think people who are going through their own dark night of the soul might found solace in this book, and for some it might be a collection they turn to again and again—it just wasn’t a personal favourite for me.
Thank you to the publisher for giving me access to an eARC of this book!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me access to an eARC of this book!
August 23, 2026
This book is so beautifully written. I couldn’t put this book down! If you’re looking for beautiful poetry this fall, you’ve gotta read this one!!
September 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for inviting me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 stars!
This was a beautiful poetry book! Even the names of each of the sections got me hooked right away.
I almost felt like me and this author are the same person with the same feelings. So many of the lines I was reading was exactly what I was thinking in that given moment or have thought about in my life in general.
Even if you don’t love poetry, I still highly recommend this book. It was very easy to read and to understand.
I annotated so many lines in this book!
I liked a lot of the nods to nature, especially the ocean.
I thought “The Lover” section would be my favorite section of the poetry book. Which it was very good don’t get me wrong. But then I got to “The Melancholy” section. That part of the novel really spoke to me in a way I almost can’t put into words. I read it at the perfect time. I was going through a stressful moment/day in my life, so reading those words gave me a lot of comfort in that moment.
The last couple of sections were very inspirational and had some beautiful lines, but I wasn’t as into it as the first two.
This really made you think at times, and reflect on your life. There was a lot about self love and how to love others. Which I really enjoyed.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this! I would definitely recommend picking this up. It is worth the read!
4.5 stars!
This was a beautiful poetry book! Even the names of each of the sections got me hooked right away.
I almost felt like me and this author are the same person with the same feelings. So many of the lines I was reading was exactly what I was thinking in that given moment or have thought about in my life in general.
Even if you don’t love poetry, I still highly recommend this book. It was very easy to read and to understand.
I annotated so many lines in this book!
I liked a lot of the nods to nature, especially the ocean.
I thought “The Lover” section would be my favorite section of the poetry book. Which it was very good don’t get me wrong. But then I got to “The Melancholy” section. That part of the novel really spoke to me in a way I almost can’t put into words. I read it at the perfect time. I was going through a stressful moment/day in my life, so reading those words gave me a lot of comfort in that moment.
The last couple of sections were very inspirational and had some beautiful lines, but I wasn’t as into it as the first two.
This really made you think at times, and reflect on your life. There was a lot about self love and how to love others. Which I really enjoyed.
Overall, I throughly enjoyed this! I would definitely recommend picking this up. It is worth the read!
October 16, 2026
thank you netgalley & the publisher for this e-arc!!!
this was so beautifully written. I loved everything about this. it was so comforting to read as someone who’s dealt with loss & growing as a person. i’m glad i took my time with this because it was just absolutely stunning to read
this was so beautifully written. I loved everything about this. it was so comforting to read as someone who’s dealt with loss & growing as a person. i’m glad i took my time with this because it was just absolutely stunning to read
October 7, 2026
Happy release week to you still have yourself! Thank you to Primero Sueno Press via their influencer program for providing me with this ARC!
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been looking forward to reading this poetry collection since it arrived at my door! What a beautiful message the author presents to his readers, the importance of being with oneself and truly accepting all the parts we hold even as we grow and transform.
There were so many pieces that I wish younger me could have read, that I’m happy current me read, and that I’m excited for future me to return to.
Release Date: October 6th, 2026 — OUT NOW!
Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been looking forward to reading this poetry collection since it arrived at my door! What a beautiful message the author presents to his readers, the importance of being with oneself and truly accepting all the parts we hold even as we grow and transform.
There were so many pieces that I wish younger me could have read, that I’m happy current me read, and that I’m excited for future me to return to.
Release Date: October 6th, 2026 — OUT NOW!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fernando Samalot's debut collection of poems and reflections, "you still have yourself," is an ideal collection for the healing soul looking for a literary companion to life's seasons of loss and grief, growth and renewal.
Structured itself in a way that recognizes our seasons and sages, "you still have yourself" is a gentle, spirited poetry collection from Samalot companioned by his introduction reflections and tone-setting narratives.
As someone who has experienced significant loss throughout life, "you still have yourself" felt familiar, nurturing, empowering and more. For Samalot, this is a journey through loss, transformation, and renewal honoring both the peaks and the valleys of life and the vulnerability it takes to honor one's heart journey.
The poems here are loosely structured, as much transitions as they are anything resembling traditional poetry. It's an approach that may jar at first, yet it fits the journey quite beautifully.
Samalot uses both his internal landscape and the external landscapes surrounding us to community universal these likely to resonate with many.
This is a collection that has, at least in my estimation, a bit of a retro-vibe with an uncommon sense of human intimacy not often seen in poetry these days. You will either surrender or you won't, but either way you'll likely find yourself lingering on Samalot for quite some time after you've reached the final pages and closed the book only to open it again to revisit these rhythms and energies.
Structured itself in a way that recognizes our seasons and sages, "you still have yourself" is a gentle, spirited poetry collection from Samalot companioned by his introduction reflections and tone-setting narratives.
As someone who has experienced significant loss throughout life, "you still have yourself" felt familiar, nurturing, empowering and more. For Samalot, this is a journey through loss, transformation, and renewal honoring both the peaks and the valleys of life and the vulnerability it takes to honor one's heart journey.
The poems here are loosely structured, as much transitions as they are anything resembling traditional poetry. It's an approach that may jar at first, yet it fits the journey quite beautifully.
Samalot uses both his internal landscape and the external landscapes surrounding us to community universal these likely to resonate with many.
This is a collection that has, at least in my estimation, a bit of a retro-vibe with an uncommon sense of human intimacy not often seen in poetry these days. You will either surrender or you won't, but either way you'll likely find yourself lingering on Samalot for quite some time after you've reached the final pages and closed the book only to open it again to revisit these rhythms and energies.
October 6, 2026
“I dont want to let my dreams slip through my fingers just because I was afraid of letting go”
You Still Have Yourself came to me at the time I needed it most. In the most unstable transitional part of my life, as I prepare to graduate college and truly become my own person, I was naturally terrified. This book was the reminder I needed that change is part of life, and it isn’t a bad thing. There is so much more waiting for me out there if I let myself discover it.
These poems truly spoke to me, deep down in my soul. Somehow, these pages knew exactly what I needed to hear, and found me at the time I needed to hear them. These words resonated with me in ways I am so grateful for. I don’t read poetry often, but I am so glad I picked up this book.
Thank you so much Primero Sueño Press for the early review copy!
You Still Have Yourself came to me at the time I needed it most. In the most unstable transitional part of my life, as I prepare to graduate college and truly become my own person, I was naturally terrified. This book was the reminder I needed that change is part of life, and it isn’t a bad thing. There is so much more waiting for me out there if I let myself discover it.
These poems truly spoke to me, deep down in my soul. Somehow, these pages knew exactly what I needed to hear, and found me at the time I needed to hear them. These words resonated with me in ways I am so grateful for. I don’t read poetry often, but I am so glad I picked up this book.
Thank you so much Primero Sueño Press for the early review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a collection of poems and prose about Fernando and his relationship with his ex-wife. The poems are short and easy to read. He says the first major event that led to him writing this book was Hurricane Maria that hit while he was living in Puerto Rico. He travels back and forth from Puerto Rico and New York, and says he had to keep asking for extensions to the deadline of writing this book. The book is very sad, he seems never to have gotten over the breakup with his wife. I kind of admit I'm looking forward to a future book from him saying they've gotten back together. There is an epilogue at the end of the book where he looks to a hopeful future with children and grandchildren who love and adore him and his future books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was pleased to read an advance copy of Fernando Samalot’s debut poetry collection, You Still Have Yourself, which will be published in early October by Atria Books. Samalot’s collection offers readers much more than simply poetry as he includes memoir and personal reflection segments as well. Typically, I’m not a fan of this particular combination of writings, but it works in this collection and actually provides a lovely context for Samalot’s poetry. This is a very personal and tenderly written collection. A fine debut.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy of Fernando Samalot’s You Still Have Yourself in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published on October 6, 2026.
3 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with an advance copy of Fernando Samalot’s You Still Have Yourself in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published on October 6, 2026.
3 stars
July 29, 2026
it's always a good poetry book when i dog ear the pages and i did that SO many times with this book
thank you so much to atria for the early review copy, i am blessed every day to be a part of the atria influencer program!!!
that being said, all opinions in this review are my own :)
you could really hear the author's voice and experiences come through in this. you could feel how his own self-love came back through his healing and in his own timeline of writing this book which, for where i am in life, really resonated with me.
there were so many poems and/or reflections that i read over and over and that i even stopped my fiancée who was reading with me to read the poems i saved instead and they meant so much to her too
towards the end i did notice many of the same phrases being repeated in poems that were close together but i think that's also just my own brain noticing more than the average person
again, thank you so much atria for the arc, i am definitely interested in more from this author 💕
thank you so much to atria for the early review copy, i am blessed every day to be a part of the atria influencer program!!!
that being said, all opinions in this review are my own :)
you could really hear the author's voice and experiences come through in this. you could feel how his own self-love came back through his healing and in his own timeline of writing this book which, for where i am in life, really resonated with me.
there were so many poems and/or reflections that i read over and over and that i even stopped my fiancée who was reading with me to read the poems i saved instead and they meant so much to her too
towards the end i did notice many of the same phrases being repeated in poems that were close together but i think that's also just my own brain noticing more than the average person
again, thank you so much atria for the arc, i am definitely interested in more from this author 💕
November 5, 2026
Oh, there were too many beautiful reflections. No matter what stage of life you are in right now, Fernando Samalot has the words for it. The book is divided into five parts, and I feel that we’ve all been in all of them at some point. I personally am in a time where I need motivation to start again, and I found encouragement in these poems. I loved the reminder of embracing our darkest moments because that is when the biggest transformations occur. I wanted to doggy ear many pages, and I just know I’ll be coming back to this book.
The book is also in Spanish ‘todavia quedas tu'. And you know, some words just hit different en espanol.
Convincing you to read this with the first page:
“even if all you have left
is yourself
that is still
a whole universe
you have."
The book is also in Spanish ‘todavia quedas tu'. And you know, some words just hit different en espanol.
Convincing you to read this with the first page:
“even if all you have left
is yourself
that is still
a whole universe
you have."
Read
September 20, 2026"You Still Have Yourself" is a tender and reflective poetry collection about loss, healing, and finding a way to begin again. Fernando Samalot explores the emotional process of letting go and rebuilding through simple, thoughtful poems that often draw on nature for inspiration. Forests, rain, darkness, and shifting light remind us that difficult moments can eventually give way to growth and renewal. The collection feels personal and comforting without being overly sentimental, making it easy to connect with its themes of self-discovery and resilience. It’s a hopeful debut for anyone looking for poetry that offers a little perspective during times of change.
October 13, 2026
Thank you to Primero Sueno Press for the gifted copy.
I loved this collection of poems. It's the sort of collection that you can pick up and reflect on its themes and emotion time and again. Fellow empaths, this is one you will want to journal about. Deeply reflective and infused with personal interiority, each line is tinged with grief and hope. Samalot provides context for the time period and life events that occurred prior to and during their writing process, but maintains a broad address and thematic focus. It's this broad lens juxtaposed with deep interiority and raw earnestness that root Samalot's poetry with emotional depth.
Sad x Horny approved.
I loved this collection of poems. It's the sort of collection that you can pick up and reflect on its themes and emotion time and again. Fellow empaths, this is one you will want to journal about. Deeply reflective and infused with personal interiority, each line is tinged with grief and hope. Samalot provides context for the time period and life events that occurred prior to and during their writing process, but maintains a broad address and thematic focus. It's this broad lens juxtaposed with deep interiority and raw earnestness that root Samalot's poetry with emotional depth.
Sad x Horny approved.
Read
October 9, 2026This one really grabbed my attention, and I mostedly liked it! It's a collection of poems and reflections on grief, vulnerability, and learning to stay with yourself after loss. It’s quiet and emotionally honest, and it works best in small doses, a few pages at a time. A few pieces landed hard for me and others blurred together, so not quite everything I expected it to be.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the ARC!
October 7, 2026
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: October 6, 2026
A collection of poetry navigating loss, transformation, and return. Written as a poetic companion to all of life’s phases, this had a universally relatable strong start but lost me later on, getting a little too woo-woo.
Though this one:
Even if all you have left
Is yourself
That is still
A whole universe
You have
A collection of poetry navigating loss, transformation, and return. Written as a poetic companion to all of life’s phases, this had a universally relatable strong start but lost me later on, getting a little too woo-woo.
Though this one:
Even if all you have left
Is yourself
That is still
A whole universe
You have
October 27, 2026
I left a gift
for you
tucked away
in the first time
your shining eyes
met mine
This was soft, kind, and beautiful. It's a great reminder to always be your own biggest supporter. Thank you for this, Fernando. This was wonderful to read! <3
for you
tucked away
in the first time
your shining eyes
met mine
This was soft, kind, and beautiful. It's a great reminder to always be your own biggest supporter. Thank you for this, Fernando. This was wonderful to read! <3
October 22, 2026
This was a beautiful debut of poetry and prose. The author shared many heartfelt thoughts. There was heartbreaking emotion but also encouragement and hope. I look forward to whatever he writes next.
October 29, 2026
I won this book on Goodreads. Beautiful poetry.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“I dont want to let my dreams slip through my fingers just because I was afraid of letting go”
You Still Have Yourself came to me at the time I needed it most. In the most unstable transitional part of my life, as I prepare to graduate college and truly become my own person, I was naturally terrified. This book was the reminder I needed that change is part of life, and it isn’t a bad thing. There is so much more waiting for me out there if I let myself discover it.
These poems truly spoke to me, deep down in my soul. Somehow, these pages knew exactly what I needed to hear, and found me at the time I needed to hear them. These words resonated with me in ways I am so grateful for. I don’t read poetry often, but I am so glad I picked up this book.
Thank you so much Primero Sueño Press for the early review copy!
You Still Have Yourself came to me at the time I needed it most. In the most unstable transitional part of my life, as I prepare to graduate college and truly become my own person, I was naturally terrified. This book was the reminder I needed that change is part of life, and it isn’t a bad thing. There is so much more waiting for me out there if I let myself discover it.
These poems truly spoke to me, deep down in my soul. Somehow, these pages knew exactly what I needed to hear, and found me at the time I needed to hear them. These words resonated with me in ways I am so grateful for. I don’t read poetry often, but I am so glad I picked up this book.
Thank you so much Primero Sueño Press for the early review copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
Fernando Samalot's poetry collection explores grief, changing landscapes, and losing oneself only to realize you were never gone in the first place. I was captured by the opening reflections and his life story, along with the way he structured this book looking at dark times and eventually returning to the light of himself. There were a few standout poems that were really different than the rest, and those are the ones I liked best. The others became a little repetitive or self-help centered. I found those to be helpful and interesting for a while, but by the end, I was a little weary of the same message of self-love. I think I prefer my poetry to be a bit grittier and/or varied in style throughout than this was, but I am still glad to have read this collection.
Thank you to NetGalley and Primero Sueño for the digital review copy and the opportunity to serve as an early reviewer.
3.5 stars
Fernando Samalot's poetry collection explores grief, changing landscapes, and losing oneself only to realize you were never gone in the first place. I was captured by the opening reflections and his life story, along with the way he structured this book looking at dark times and eventually returning to the light of himself. There were a few standout poems that were really different than the rest, and those are the ones I liked best. The others became a little repetitive or self-help centered. I found those to be helpful and interesting for a while, but by the end, I was a little weary of the same message of self-love. I think I prefer my poetry to be a bit grittier and/or varied in style throughout than this was, but I am still glad to have read this collection.
Thank you to NetGalley and Primero Sueño for the digital review copy and the opportunity to serve as an early reviewer.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc! ✨
There were so many moments reading this book that I stopped to highlight a line so that I could go back and revisit it later. I really enjoyed so many aspects of this poetry collection and I appreciate how thought out it felt. The only reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because it got a bit repetitive for me towards the end. I tend to enjoy poetry collections that are a bit more concise so that could just be a me problem. Overall, I thought this was a great debut and I’m glad I got an early copy!
There were so many moments reading this book that I stopped to highlight a line so that I could go back and revisit it later. I really enjoyed so many aspects of this poetry collection and I appreciate how thought out it felt. The only reason I didn’t rate it 5 stars was because it got a bit repetitive for me towards the end. I tend to enjoy poetry collections that are a bit more concise so that could just be a me problem. Overall, I thought this was a great debut and I’m glad I got an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found you still have yourself: poems and reflections by Fernando Samalot to be an interesting mix of memoir, personal development/self help, and poetry. The author gets very personal and vulnerable within his reflections dealing with difficult personal circumstances including illness and divorce.
In some ways, this book feels like a therapy session. It is very personal to the author, but the reflections and poetry can be applicable to a variety of circumstances because he talks about love, healing and surrender as major themes.
I found the reflections about his chronic illness to be particularly relevant to my own situation, but despite this being a short book I think different readers will find musings about home and family to be more resonant. I was a bit surprised by the unexpected turn that the epilogue took, but I still found this book useful to read and would recommend it.
Thank you to Atria Books and Primero Sueno Press for allowing me to read and review this book early via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. It is scheduled to be published on October 6, 2026.
In some ways, this book feels like a therapy session. It is very personal to the author, but the reflections and poetry can be applicable to a variety of circumstances because he talks about love, healing and surrender as major themes.
I found the reflections about his chronic illness to be particularly relevant to my own situation, but despite this being a short book I think different readers will find musings about home and family to be more resonant. I was a bit surprised by the unexpected turn that the epilogue took, but I still found this book useful to read and would recommend it.
Thank you to Atria Books and Primero Sueno Press for allowing me to read and review this book early via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. It is scheduled to be published on October 6, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
¡Muchas gracias, Atria/primero Sueño Press por el ARC!
No sé cómo alguien puede darle un rating a la poesía de otra persona. Es tan personal y se me hace loco que haya personas que sí pueden hacerlo sin temor. ¡Honestamente, esto fue increíble! Todas las emociones que descubría al leer cada página y al moverme entre las diferentes secciones. Creo que esto es algo que, cuando era joven, me encantaría y algo que necesitaría para navegar ser un adulto.
Cada página se sentía como un abrazo fuerte y lleno de amor. Como si dijera que está bien, no te preocupes, todo va a salir bien en su tiempo.
No siempre me gusta la poesía, menos los libros que son marcados como “self-help”, pero este sí me encantó y va a ser uno de mis favoritos de agosto.
No sé cómo alguien puede darle un rating a la poesía de otra persona. Es tan personal y se me hace loco que haya personas que sí pueden hacerlo sin temor. ¡Honestamente, esto fue increíble! Todas las emociones que descubría al leer cada página y al moverme entre las diferentes secciones. Creo que esto es algo que, cuando era joven, me encantaría y algo que necesitaría para navegar ser un adulto.
Cada página se sentía como un abrazo fuerte y lleno de amor. Como si dijera que está bien, no te preocupes, todo va a salir bien en su tiempo.
No siempre me gusta la poesía, menos los libros que son marcados como “self-help”, pero este sí me encantó y va a ser uno de mis favoritos de agosto.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the arc.
you still have yourself: poems and reflections is a collection of thoughts and poems divided by sections, associating a time of day with areas of self discovery, loss, and personal growth.
I especially enjoyed the writings on self-love, as they were beautifully written and felt like meaningful life lessons.
For me, I struggled with the inner reflections throughout the books. They were helpful in painting context of each section of the book, but that style just isn't for me.
I also would have liked to see a bit more poems in the final section, Evening Star. Though its set in the future, I think in general this era of life has the most life lessons to share.
Overall, a very lovely read.
you still have yourself: poems and reflections is a collection of thoughts and poems divided by sections, associating a time of day with areas of self discovery, loss, and personal growth.
I especially enjoyed the writings on self-love, as they were beautifully written and felt like meaningful life lessons.
For me, I struggled with the inner reflections throughout the books. They were helpful in painting context of each section of the book, but that style just isn't for me.
I also would have liked to see a bit more poems in the final section, Evening Star. Though its set in the future, I think in general this era of life has the most life lessons to share.
Overall, a very lovely read.
July 30, 2026
3.5, rounded up to 4. i enjoyed these and loved the idea of separating the poems into different times of the day. however, it did feel like 95% of the book fell into “the long night,” and i would have loved to see the other times more flushed out. I personally don’t love rhyming poems so those did not resonate as much with me, but there were quite a few that i really enjoyed. thanks to netgally & the publisher for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for the arc of You Still Have Yourself by Fernando Samalot.
4⭐️
This is a giant self reflection on oneself through poems. Each one reflecting the first love, loss of love, and many more, but most importantly self love. Looking into oneself.
Overall this was a great reading experience.
4⭐️
This is a giant self reflection on oneself through poems. Each one reflecting the first love, loss of love, and many more, but most importantly self love. Looking into oneself.
Overall this was a great reading experience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely beautiful portrayal of love. This poetry collection is filled with not just love but actually dives deep into what love is. You'll find unconditional love, safety, and openness. You'll breathe in unconditional love and breathe out self-love. A must for lovers of love and poetry.
July 31, 2026
This will stay with me forever and ever. I will return to these pages and find myself within these words. Thank you thank you thank you.
August 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for letting me read this advanced e-arc. There were a lot of profound messages in this collection of poems. I am definitely glad I read it.
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