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You Are Here
Growth and change—two powerful anthems resonate throughout this collection of poetry and prose that will leave you feeling emboldened and empowered.
You Are Here is Dawn Lanuza’s newest collection of contemporary poetry that lends itself to the idea of giving ourselves second chances. These self-healing poems and words draw on central themes of self-love, self-discovery, and empowerment. In order to survive the vicissitudes of life, You Are Here boldly reminds readers to always choose themselves, and in times where it seems impossible, to find the courage and strength to start anew.
You Are Here is Dawn Lanuza’s newest collection of contemporary poetry that lends itself to the idea of giving ourselves second chances. These self-healing poems and words draw on central themes of self-love, self-discovery, and empowerment. In order to survive the vicissitudes of life, You Are Here boldly reminds readers to always choose themselves, and in times where it seems impossible, to find the courage and strength to start anew.
- GenresPoetryNonfiction
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2019
28 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Lanuza
17 books216 followersDawn Lanuza writes contemporary romance, young adult fiction and prose poetry. She has two first loves – music and writing – and is lucky enough to surround herself with them. She currently lives with her family and a very loved cream toy poodle.
She sometimes blogs at dawnlanuza.com.
She sometimes blogs at dawnlanuza.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
February 13, 2019
While I was reading this latest book of Dawn Lanuza, in the back of my mind, I thought that several of the poems and prose are really meant for me because of how I could easily relate myself to them. I felt that this anthology was written or dedicated to me by the author because I could connect to over half of the content. There are a lot of notable and relatable poems included in this collection, and I know that a lot of women, especially those who have the same age as I am, will love this second poetry book of Lanuza.
September 11, 2021
Enough, kiddo!
This collection is meant for a much younger teen readers. But then I would not recommend this to a teen I know.
I can understand seeing only two means to blame, that is yourself or someone else, for hurting you or making you feel sad.
It's okay we all go through that phase.
But I still find middle grade books far better than most ya books these days.
This collection is meant for a much younger teen readers. But then I would not recommend this to a teen I know.
I can understand seeing only two means to blame, that is yourself or someone else, for hurting you or making you feel sad.
It's okay we all go through that phase.
But I still find middle grade books far better than most ya books these days.
January 1, 2019
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
You Are Here is a poetry collection about relationships, love, vulnerability and self-reflection. Majority of the poems are well-structed, melancholic and heartfelt. The ones I can relate to are The Art of Eating Alone (precisely me), Grow and A Message.
Final rating: 3.5/5 stars
You Are Here is a poetry collection about relationships, love, vulnerability and self-reflection. Majority of the poems are well-structed, melancholic and heartfelt. The ones I can relate to are The Art of Eating Alone (precisely me), Grow and A Message.
Final rating: 3.5/5 stars
Read
January 1, 2019No rating because I think this will be great for a lot of people, but this writing just isn't doing anything for me. I got about halfway through before giving up.
February 20, 2019
You Are Here is my second Dawn Lanuza poetry book, I have read How It Starts as my very first read. At some point in the book, I thought that some felt really familiar. True enough those works were already featured in from How It Starts.
You Are Here is a collection that deals with love; in partner, self, opening up, accepting and getting used to being a grown-up, as we Millenials call it adulting.
I find the introduction, not for my liking but as I go through the middle and last pages I find the pieces calling me in, projecting a stronger voice of fierce, fearlessness and accepting. It tackled more on the specificity of the impact of society on one’s mental health, physical pain, peer pressure or the standards set out for us to believe, to comply with.
Here are some of the pieces that resonated with me: the tale of a girl, vessel, a message, the art of eating alone, the ideal, seasons, roller coaster and
Copy provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect the author, the author’s work, the publisher, nor any other group of people, nor receive any monetary compensation for doing this review. All quotes may not be exactly as it is in the final release of the book.
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You Are Here is a collection that deals with love; in partner, self, opening up, accepting and getting used to being a grown-up, as we Millenials call it adulting.
I find the introduction, not for my liking but as I go through the middle and last pages I find the pieces calling me in, projecting a stronger voice of fierce, fearlessness and accepting. It tackled more on the specificity of the impact of society on one’s mental health, physical pain, peer pressure or the standards set out for us to believe, to comply with.
Here are some of the pieces that resonated with me: the tale of a girl, vessel, a message, the art of eating alone, the ideal, seasons, roller coaster and
good news / bad news
You’ve finally stopped falling asleep to your own tears
You close your eyes and nothing appears
When you dream, that’s when you wake
You open your eyes and find your pillows stained
Copy provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own and don’t necessarily reflect the author, the author’s work, the publisher, nor any other group of people, nor receive any monetary compensation for doing this review. All quotes may not be exactly as it is in the final release of the book.
More You are Here • Instagram • Twitter • Ko-Fi
December 31, 2018
The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This collection of poems is just okay. The themes this book deals with are current ones such as finding the right person and not settling if you don’t want to, even if society is urging you to do it. It also talks about our body image compared to society unrealistic standards and chronic pain.
There's also a section dedicated to lost/ended love.
Among all the poems not a lot of them stood out to me and that's why I'm giving this collection three stars.
This collection of poems is just okay. The themes this book deals with are current ones such as finding the right person and not settling if you don’t want to, even if society is urging you to do it. It also talks about our body image compared to society unrealistic standards and chronic pain.
There's also a section dedicated to lost/ended love.
Among all the poems not a lot of them stood out to me and that's why I'm giving this collection three stars.
September 9, 2023
First, I'd like to thank NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this gorgeous poetry collection.
This is the second poetry collection written by Dawn Lanuza. And I have to say that some of them resonated with my so much.
Growth and change were the main subjects in this collection. And this was exactly what I needed right now.
Now, there was a thing that I didn't quite understood. There was a blank page after every poetry, but despite the fact they each had a title, there were some who didn't. And I didn't understood if they weren't complete yet or maybe that was the point.
But beside that, this book was gorgeous in its own way, and I want to show you some paragraphs:
And there are many more that I bookmarked and loved.
This collection comes out on 12 February 2019. So, if you like these paragraphs and are curious of the other poetry, make sure to buy this.
2.75 stars
This is the second poetry collection written by Dawn Lanuza. And I have to say that some of them resonated with my so much.
Growth and change were the main subjects in this collection. And this was exactly what I needed right now.
Now, there was a thing that I didn't quite understood. There was a blank page after every poetry, but despite the fact they each had a title, there were some who didn't. And I didn't understood if they weren't complete yet or maybe that was the point.
But beside that, this book was gorgeous in its own way, and I want to show you some paragraphs:
No one knows how to love me when I'm sad
and I can't blame them for that
I don't even know how to love me
when the voices come at night
I hate and hate and hate
even when I fight.
You don't feel safe in yourself anymore
terrified of doing something
uttering a single thing
you can't recover from
{...}
You're the darkness,
desperately seeking moonlight
Being strapped in a roller coaster of your emotions
and you just want to get out
but your seat belt's tucked tight
and the ride just won't stop.
If you found yourself lost
and can't seem to turn back
consider that -
you're not supposed to turn around.
And there are many more that I bookmarked and loved.
This collection comes out on 12 February 2019. So, if you like these paragraphs and are curious of the other poetry, make sure to buy this.
2.75 stars
February 12, 2019
I was first attracted to this book by its pretty cover. I was so glad to see it’s written by Dawn Lanuza, because I’ve been wanting to read her works for some time now.
This collection of modern poetry is meant to be read slowly and savored. These are little vignettes reflecting on love and loss. It can be heartwarming at one moment and heartbreaking the next. It’s all about healing and letting go. I also felt like a trusted friend is talking to me. I was comforted by the messages of body positivity and self love. I can compare this reading experience to drinking hot brewed coffee during a rainy night, surrounded by soft pillows and a warm blanket.
As the title promises, the reader is compelled to look at oneself, and recognize where you are right now in your life. It reminds us that we should all learn to love and accept ourselves during our own journeys, no matter where we intend to go.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
This collection of modern poetry is meant to be read slowly and savored. These are little vignettes reflecting on love and loss. It can be heartwarming at one moment and heartbreaking the next. It’s all about healing and letting go. I also felt like a trusted friend is talking to me. I was comforted by the messages of body positivity and self love. I can compare this reading experience to drinking hot brewed coffee during a rainy night, surrounded by soft pillows and a warm blanket.
As the title promises, the reader is compelled to look at oneself, and recognize where you are right now in your life. It reminds us that we should all learn to love and accept ourselves during our own journeys, no matter where we intend to go.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2019
3.5*
The first thing that drew me into this book was the cover. It’s just so cute and simple.
You Are Here is a collection of contemporary poetry that explores self-love, relationships and the fragility of life.
There are a lot of relatable poems included in this collection, it tackles more on the impact of society on one’s mental health, physical pain, peer pressure and the standards set out for us to believe in. The majority of the poems are melancholic, heartfelt and well written.
Be prepared to read short poems that give you an emotional punch and leave you thinking for a while.
Being strapped in a roller coaster of your emotions
and you just want to get out
but your seat belt's tucked tight
and the ride just won't stop.
(from "roller coaster")
It can be heartwarming at one moment and heartbreaking the next, so be ready to enter a roller coaster of emotions. As the title promises, the reader is compelled to look at oneself, and recognize where you are right now in your life. It reminds us that we should all learn to love and accept ourselves during our own journeys, no matter where we intend to go.
Her poems are all easy to read and understand. I would it recommend to anyone that’s looking for a new voice in poetry.
Special thanks to Dawn Lanuza, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The first thing that drew me into this book was the cover. It’s just so cute and simple.
You Are Here is a collection of contemporary poetry that explores self-love, relationships and the fragility of life.
There are a lot of relatable poems included in this collection, it tackles more on the impact of society on one’s mental health, physical pain, peer pressure and the standards set out for us to believe in. The majority of the poems are melancholic, heartfelt and well written.
Be prepared to read short poems that give you an emotional punch and leave you thinking for a while.
Being strapped in a roller coaster of your emotions
and you just want to get out
but your seat belt's tucked tight
and the ride just won't stop.
(from "roller coaster")
It can be heartwarming at one moment and heartbreaking the next, so be ready to enter a roller coaster of emotions. As the title promises, the reader is compelled to look at oneself, and recognize where you are right now in your life. It reminds us that we should all learn to love and accept ourselves during our own journeys, no matter where we intend to go.
Her poems are all easy to read and understand. I would it recommend to anyone that’s looking for a new voice in poetry.
Special thanks to Dawn Lanuza, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2019
An ARC ebook copy of this book was provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There is no easy way to say this: Your Are Here is not for me. I tried, I sticked to it until the very ending, and I just couldn't swallow it. However, there are good points to it: it is a short and fast paced read (I read it in a sitting), and there is some wisdom and nice sentences in there.
Nevertheless, I felt that the book heavily needed editing. A lot of editing. There were some major mistakes in the use of certain words, because the real meaning they have didn't correspond to what the author wanted to say, they didn't fit in the situation and context (for instance, using "solitude" when she meant "silence"); and I felt really confused at times by how she constructed the situations in the poems. There was situational and contextual inconsistency, contradiction and incoherence throughout individual poems that would've been easily mended by an editor. Also, this really felt like someone's first attempt at writing poetry. I think Dawn Lanuza has to write and rewrite and find better mentors and people who help her grow in her writing. Many of the poems felt like rewritings of poems I have already read by other people. In all the book I only found four sentences worth highlighting, which genuinely felt fresh and new. Moreover, her style doesn't fit what I like reading in poetry: the rhyme in some poems felt forced and superfluous, not adding any value to the poem.
All in all, this was definitely not the right poetry book for me, although it can be a good read for people who are new to poetry and want something light and quick.
There is no easy way to say this: Your Are Here is not for me. I tried, I sticked to it until the very ending, and I just couldn't swallow it. However, there are good points to it: it is a short and fast paced read (I read it in a sitting), and there is some wisdom and nice sentences in there.
Nevertheless, I felt that the book heavily needed editing. A lot of editing. There were some major mistakes in the use of certain words, because the real meaning they have didn't correspond to what the author wanted to say, they didn't fit in the situation and context (for instance, using "solitude" when she meant "silence"); and I felt really confused at times by how she constructed the situations in the poems. There was situational and contextual inconsistency, contradiction and incoherence throughout individual poems that would've been easily mended by an editor. Also, this really felt like someone's first attempt at writing poetry. I think Dawn Lanuza has to write and rewrite and find better mentors and people who help her grow in her writing. Many of the poems felt like rewritings of poems I have already read by other people. In all the book I only found four sentences worth highlighting, which genuinely felt fresh and new. Moreover, her style doesn't fit what I like reading in poetry: the rhyme in some poems felt forced and superfluous, not adding any value to the poem.
All in all, this was definitely not the right poetry book for me, although it can be a good read for people who are new to poetry and want something light and quick.
December 7, 2018
I couldn't wait to read this book and as soon as I got an eARC off Netgalley and read those first lines, I knew I would enjoy it. This is a collection of poems that explore, love, self-love, relationships and awareness. There are an array of poems that explore feelings of joy, uncertainty, fear, love, loss, hope -and the fragility of life. Some of my favorite poems are "Only if you must," "Staying is your choice," and "The tale of the girl."
Love the simple black and white illustrations at the beginning of each section of the book.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. It's just sad that I cannot quote a line or two of the book given that it's just an advance copy that I read.
Love the simple black and white illustrations at the beginning of each section of the book.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. It's just sad that I cannot quote a line or two of the book given that it's just an advance copy that I read.
February 23, 2019
It was okay.
December 12, 2018
I have read a few poetry books this year that I didn't enjoy. And I can say that this book is one of my great reads this 2018. What makes it great is that it captured my emotions on what went through and is currently what I'm going through. It talks about relationships, heartbreaks, self-healing, self-love, self-discovery, etc. It is quite empowering in some ways, and I really felt that. Her poems are all easy to read and understand, and not at all trying-hard.
You Are Here is a great book that I really liked and would recommend to fellow readers.
I received a free e-copy of this book from Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley.
You Are Here is a great book that I really liked and would recommend to fellow readers.
I received a free e-copy of this book from Andrews McMeel Publishing through NetGalley.
January 1, 2019
And the first read of the year is a DNF, how fun.
DNF at 191
I really wanted to like this. I read dawns previous book last year and felt super disappointed but I know that sometimes you have to be in the right mood for certain poetry (or poetry in general), so I gave this book a try. And sure there were some okay poems that I didn’t dislike, but nothing blew me away. Nothing touched me or spoke to me. The way she writes just doesn’t work for me. I just don’t ever fully connect with it. So I think it’s safe to say I’m just not a fan of dawn’s work.
DNF at 191
I really wanted to like this. I read dawns previous book last year and felt super disappointed but I know that sometimes you have to be in the right mood for certain poetry (or poetry in general), so I gave this book a try. And sure there were some okay poems that I didn’t dislike, but nothing blew me away. Nothing touched me or spoke to me. The way she writes just doesn’t work for me. I just don’t ever fully connect with it. So I think it’s safe to say I’m just not a fan of dawn’s work.
June 24, 2019
** An ARC is generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **
1.5 Stars
Disclaimer: The biggest reason for me not liking this book, was personal preference. This is the second book I've read from this author and I unfortunately haven't liked either of them.
The book is advertised as a book that will leave you feeling empowered, something it did not deliver on for me. In the back of the book, the author says it's about giving oneself a second chance for a second love. I definitely feel like this book focuses on relationships. If the book had been marketed as a relationship type book, which I feel is more appropriate, I would not have picked it up.
The first issue I had was that it felt very unorganised. There would be a poem that made me sad, then one that made me happy, then another sad one. It felt very "all over the place", and it made it hard to get that emotional immersion into the book. I think it would have been better to have it separated by parts.
The poems in general felt like something I had read before. It didn't bring anything new to the table.
I didn't care for the writing. It felt like the focus was on how everyone else is thinking and changing them, not so much about changing your own ways. I got the impression that some of the poems had the "love fixes everything" view. In one of the poems, the author writes: "Oh, how my life lacked color until you came with cans of paint and splashed it all over". I don't have anything against that sentence itself, but when the book is supposed to make you feel empowered, this just doesn't do that. She also writes in another poem "I require able hands". I might be misinterpreting, but I feel like it indicates needing other people, which again, doesn't have that empowerment feel to it.
I will end my review on a happy note and mentioned the things I did like about this book. I really enjoyed the poems Stop Over and The Art of Eating Alone. I interpreted Stop Over as if it was about depression and that was something I could relate to. The Art of Eating Alone focused on learning to enjoy your own company by starting with little things.
I do think that if you have liked this authors other work, you might enjoy this as well. If you have been through a break up and is starting to allow yourself to fall in love again, you might enjoy this book.
1.5 Stars
Disclaimer: The biggest reason for me not liking this book, was personal preference. This is the second book I've read from this author and I unfortunately haven't liked either of them.
The book is advertised as a book that will leave you feeling empowered, something it did not deliver on for me. In the back of the book, the author says it's about giving oneself a second chance for a second love. I definitely feel like this book focuses on relationships. If the book had been marketed as a relationship type book, which I feel is more appropriate, I would not have picked it up.
The first issue I had was that it felt very unorganised. There would be a poem that made me sad, then one that made me happy, then another sad one. It felt very "all over the place", and it made it hard to get that emotional immersion into the book. I think it would have been better to have it separated by parts.
The poems in general felt like something I had read before. It didn't bring anything new to the table.
I didn't care for the writing. It felt like the focus was on how everyone else is thinking and changing them, not so much about changing your own ways. I got the impression that some of the poems had the "love fixes everything" view. In one of the poems, the author writes: "Oh, how my life lacked color until you came with cans of paint and splashed it all over". I don't have anything against that sentence itself, but when the book is supposed to make you feel empowered, this just doesn't do that. She also writes in another poem "I require able hands". I might be misinterpreting, but I feel like it indicates needing other people, which again, doesn't have that empowerment feel to it.
I will end my review on a happy note and mentioned the things I did like about this book. I really enjoyed the poems Stop Over and The Art of Eating Alone. I interpreted Stop Over as if it was about depression and that was something I could relate to. The Art of Eating Alone focused on learning to enjoy your own company by starting with little things.
I do think that if you have liked this authors other work, you might enjoy this as well. If you have been through a break up and is starting to allow yourself to fall in love again, you might enjoy this book.
December 18, 2018
This collection of poems only grew stronger the more I read it. These are highly relatable poems about heartbreak and loss and healing and depression. Many of these poems are empathetic, and some are extremely, extremely poignant. Lanuza understands what it's like to sleep too much, to sleep not enough, to grasp for control and comfort and affection and not obtain it.
My favorite poems from this collection include "Plans," "A Silent Prayer," "Honey Sweet," and my absolute favorite, "Off With Your Head." She understands the need to write, the need to heal, the need to recuperate. So much of this collection is based off of understanding (if you couldn't tell!), and that makes it all the more accessible.
Design-wise--look at that cover! It's cute, fresh, and absolutely contemporary.
Allow this book to fall into your hands. Allow yourself to read it and to love it and to heal. You'll thank yourself for it.
Review cross-listed here!
My favorite poems from this collection include "Plans," "A Silent Prayer," "Honey Sweet," and my absolute favorite, "Off With Your Head." She understands the need to write, the need to heal, the need to recuperate. So much of this collection is based off of understanding (if you couldn't tell!), and that makes it all the more accessible.
Design-wise--look at that cover! It's cute, fresh, and absolutely contemporary.
Allow this book to fall into your hands. Allow yourself to read it and to love it and to heal. You'll thank yourself for it.
Review cross-listed here!
Want to read
January 9, 2019This would be a book that I would maybe recommend to older high school students, not something I would suggest for younger students. I think I read this collection of poetry in a time that this book really hit home. I have a feeling this will be a book that I pick up as a physical book once it is released and pick it up whenever I need to feel like I am not alone.
I only recently started reading poetry, and there have been some poems and poem collections that I have read that I just do not understand, but this book was written in a way that almost seemed like it was written for me. I think that most people that pick this book up will also have a similar feeling. Even if you do not directly relate to the stories or events that are being explained or described, I think that people will still be able to make connections.
I highly recommend this book for people that are starting to read poetry and are struggling to understand it. I will be anticipating this book release so that I can have a copy for my sheld. The cover also has beautiful illustrations.
I only recently started reading poetry, and there have been some poems and poem collections that I have read that I just do not understand, but this book was written in a way that almost seemed like it was written for me. I think that most people that pick this book up will also have a similar feeling. Even if you do not directly relate to the stories or events that are being explained or described, I think that people will still be able to make connections.
I highly recommend this book for people that are starting to read poetry and are struggling to understand it. I will be anticipating this book release so that I can have a copy for my sheld. The cover also has beautiful illustrations.
June 5, 2019
What makes this poetry collection great is that it is relatable. Lanuza talks about relationships, heartbreaks, self-healing and love, discovery, and more emotions/stages we go throughout our lives. Her poems are easy to read - none of that advanced, old-english language that usually turns people off from poetry. You can tell that these poems really come from her heart and are dear to her.
If you are ever looking for some good poetry to read or recommend to someone who isn't usually a fan of poetry, hand them this book. It's a great read for everyone!
If you are ever looking for some good poetry to read or recommend to someone who isn't usually a fan of poetry, hand them this book. It's a great read for everyone!
May 6, 2021
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Forever a fan of Dawn's works! The book included some of my favorite pieces from her chapbook This is How It Starts such as "this is your lullaby" and I've forgotten how real it gets especially the ones where my internal struggles are being put into words.
You are Here dealt with several themes that hit close to home. Ultimately, it's about growing and learning to love yourself even when things get difficult, maybe especially then.
Forever a fan of Dawn's works! The book included some of my favorite pieces from her chapbook This is How It Starts such as "this is your lullaby" and I've forgotten how real it gets especially the ones where my internal struggles are being put into words.
You are Here dealt with several themes that hit close to home. Ultimately, it's about growing and learning to love yourself even when things get difficult, maybe especially then.
January 18, 2019
Being more than 200 pages long, this collection of poetry was a way shorter read than I expected. I was just flying through the pages, and while I didn't dislike what I saw, I can't say these poems had a huge impression on me. I don't say they were bad, I don't say they didn't deal with things people go through, but they felt a bit juvenile for my taste. I actually think I would've appreciated this book more back in the middle of my teenage years. Now, in the middle of my twenties, it's not for me anymore. I do think, though, that these poems would appeal to many people, I just think they should be aimed at a young adult audience. It might be a hit with that age-group!
Want to read
December 27, 2018Lanuza is a talented writer and I enjoyed her ability to share her feelings in such an artistic and thoughtful way. She shared deeply powerful messages in poetry format and although there was a lot of sadness there was also a lot of self-love and hope. This book covered a wide array of issues including rocky past relationships, loss, body image and suicide ideations which may be triggering for some.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for giving me an opportunity to read this. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for giving me an opportunity to read this. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2019
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Poetry books are always a hit-or-miss thing for me. And for this one, I liked it. I do admit that I struggled in the first part of the book. The poems just weren't connecting to me. But when I read the middle and last part of the book, that's when I thoroughly immersed myself in the poems. My favorites are doomsday prepper & the art of eating alone. These poems really spoke to me.
Poetry books are always a hit-or-miss thing for me. And for this one, I liked it. I do admit that I struggled in the first part of the book. The poems just weren't connecting to me. But when I read the middle and last part of the book, that's when I thoroughly immersed myself in the poems. My favorites are doomsday prepper & the art of eating alone. These poems really spoke to me.
December 8, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"These lives we could have lived?
Let us live them."
The first section of You Are Here has a deep longing sadness running through every word that transitions into a sort of melancholy healing in the second and third sections. This book explores self-love and relationships with very elegant writing.
"These lives we could have lived?
Let us live them."
The first section of You Are Here has a deep longing sadness running through every word that transitions into a sort of melancholy healing in the second and third sections. This book explores self-love and relationships with very elegant writing.
December 31, 2018
*I received this from netgalley and publisher, this does not affect my review.*
I get that I'm a jaded kind of gal, but there was so much good here with feminist statements and chronic pain talk, but it focused way too much on the love of a man. *barf* I would definitely read more from this author, but sadly this collection wasn't for me.
I get that I'm a jaded kind of gal, but there was so much good here with feminist statements and chronic pain talk, but it focused way too much on the love of a man. *barf* I would definitely read more from this author, but sadly this collection wasn't for me.
January 31, 2019
You Are Here is a poetry collection. I did enjoy reading these, but I'm more a fan of poetry of the natural world. If this is your favorite type of poetry you should enjoy this collection. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2019
*3,4 stars*
This review was originally posted on my blog, Bookish Wanderess
A copy of this book was provided via Netgalley by Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange of an honest review.
“Isn’t it sad, to be sad, and not able to say it”
You Are Here addresses themes like depression, chronic pain, healing, second love and second chances. A lot of these themes resonated with me and a lot of what the author was trying to say is important, but the execution took away from the message behind the poems. The writing style isn’t strong enough, is too simple and it doesn’t allow the poems to feel as powerful and touching as they could have been.
“No one knows how to love me when I’m sad
And I can’t blame them for that
I don’t even know how to love me
When the voices come at night
I hate and hate and hate
Even when I fight”
Nonetheless, I feel like this collection could help a lot of people dealing with depression (or mental illness in general) to feel seen and understood. There’s this poem that talks about Lanuza’s struggles to decide when it’s the appropriate time to tell a new romantic partner that she has depression, and I think that poem in particular will resonate with a lot of people, even if the writing isn’t the best. That’s one of the many poems that talk about mental health in this collection, which to me, represent the best of Lanuza’s work.
Overall, I would say that even if this is not the best written poetry collection, it deals with some important subjects in a relatable way and I would still recommend it.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Bookish Wanderess
A copy of this book was provided via Netgalley by Andrews McMeel Publishing in exchange of an honest review.
“Isn’t it sad, to be sad, and not able to say it”
You Are Here addresses themes like depression, chronic pain, healing, second love and second chances. A lot of these themes resonated with me and a lot of what the author was trying to say is important, but the execution took away from the message behind the poems. The writing style isn’t strong enough, is too simple and it doesn’t allow the poems to feel as powerful and touching as they could have been.
“No one knows how to love me when I’m sad
And I can’t blame them for that
I don’t even know how to love me
When the voices come at night
I hate and hate and hate
Even when I fight”
Nonetheless, I feel like this collection could help a lot of people dealing with depression (or mental illness in general) to feel seen and understood. There’s this poem that talks about Lanuza’s struggles to decide when it’s the appropriate time to tell a new romantic partner that she has depression, and I think that poem in particular will resonate with a lot of people, even if the writing isn’t the best. That’s one of the many poems that talk about mental health in this collection, which to me, represent the best of Lanuza’s work.
Overall, I would say that even if this is not the best written poetry collection, it deals with some important subjects in a relatable way and I would still recommend it.
December 13, 2018
You Are Here was a good read.
My partner and I recently broke up and some of the poems were definitely relatable. It was really heartbreaking, sad, but at the same time, it reminds me of how much I love him despite what happened.
I loved that this collection promotes self-love/self-care cause that's what I'm doing now, focusing on my self -- healing.
One of my favorites is "staying is your choice".
I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My partner and I recently broke up and some of the poems were definitely relatable. It was really heartbreaking, sad, but at the same time, it reminds me of how much I love him despite what happened.
I loved that this collection promotes self-love/self-care cause that's what I'm doing now, focusing on my self -- healing.
One of my favorites is "staying is your choice".
I received a copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2019
I know I said I know all about wanting
but I don’t know a thing about having.
I haven’t met you
but I already felt like
I was losing you
but I don’t know a thing about having.
I haven’t met you
but I already felt like
I was losing you
March 22, 2019
Dawn Lanuza does it again! I really enjoyed reading this beautiful collection of perfectly written anecdotes! Though I do prefer her previous work, the poem titled “the museum of unfinished things” made me pause. And I read that page again. And again. And again.
Thank you Dawn Lanuza, and thank you Netgalley for this eARC.
Thank you Dawn Lanuza, and thank you Netgalley for this eARC.
June 26, 2021
I was in a poetry mood so I picked this one up. This was more of a miss than a hit personally. The writing style might've appealed more to my younger self.
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