i see you. i am you.

by Casey-Jo Loos

i see you. i am you.
explores breaking up with comfort zones
and deep throating vulnerability.
reference these pages when you need
loving reminders;
comfort when you feel the loss of love & heartache.
seek these moments when you feel
you can't breathe,
you're tired of society's seven-second attention span,
and social media & the comparison game has you shook.
we won't shy away from mental health,
life's suffering, and the not-so-secret pain.
we are curious to mindfulness and our breath.
we are no strangers to growth.
invite yourself to put your phone on airplane mode
and venture into the comforting unknown.
soak up these revelations,
the worldly observations
that nurture our ability to relate to each other
and perhaps even realize that
through the healing power of these life-affirming moments
we are more alike than we may first even see.

Genres: Poetry

286 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2019

Reviews

[Tim M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nearly done this gem of a book. Only purchased it yesterday and knew as soon as I picked it up to read today, I wasn't putting it down until I finished it. I'm beyond words, the feels, the descriptions, the truths, Casey-Jo emits here is just wow. You NEED to get a copy of her debut book. It's not only good for your mind and soul but also good for your heart and inner thoughts and feelings. Each page you turn you feel something new. 1 million stars 5 isn't enough! Xoxo

[Niki Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely, can you find a person you can talk to about what plagues you, let alone a person who can put your thoughts and feelings into words. That is how I felt when I read 'I see you, I am you'. by Casey Jo Loos. I picked it up yesterday, and couldn't put it down until I had finished.

This beautiful poetry book by Casey Jo Loos illustrates the very real, raw & relatable human experience in the eyes of a couragious person who continues to spread light and love despite her own battles with darkness.

I cried. I laughed. At times I was as angry as the written words expressed. I learned a lot. I had my eyes opened in ways I have never considered. It gave me a new perspective on the importance of checking your ego at the door and being open to love in many forms. This book inspires me to make a positive impact in my day to day life. Even the smallest ripple of kindness can transcend our expectations. We just need to put it out there.

If you have ever been told you " feel too much ", read this book and let the author teach you that 'feeling' is a necessary part of life & growth.

[Michael Jang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey-Jo, I need to personally thank you for writing this book. If I had to pick a favourite excerpt, I'd be re-writing all 279 pages and you'd sue me for copyright infringement!
It's clear to me that through your lifetime of experiences, you just get it. I'm not saying you have all the answers (no one does), but your book is presented in a way that speaks for all of us. All these thoughts that are constantly in our heads that we sometimes find difficult to express are expressed here. You make me want to be a better person and you make me feel that we truly are more alike than we know. The uncomfortable becomes comfortable.
One of the main takeaways that I get after finishing this (and there are many) is that the title is so goddamn perfect. I See You. I Am You. It's so simple, but resonates so much.
As the acknowledgements at the end would say, 加油 (ga yao) - aka "add oil" or "let's go"! I will always support Casey-Jo Loos. Anything she writes is magical (or maybe "hot garbage ;)").
Do yourself a massive favour and read this book. You'll laugh, cry, but most of all, love.

[Kat Trainor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is not what reading a book usually feels like. It’s not the usual steady rise of one emotion or the “yeah that’s relatable”. This book is an insane rollercoaster of several different emotions and connections, but it’s a rollercoaster I want to keep getting back on because I couldn’t believe the experience the first time. Some pages I loved in a way that I had to resist the urge to tear it out and frame it as a fricken ART piece for my wall. Some pages I loved in a way that I wanted to protect it from any folds and selfishly keep to myself and never share. Some pages I hated, because it was too real and it made me uneasy (an uncomfortable feeling that is so necessary to be in). Some pages I thought “holy shit she knows me so well”. Some pages made no sense like author and reader were suddenly so distant. I thought that was beautiful. How some feelings lined up perfectly and some were so foreign. And then to think that probably means everyone is experiencing your art in such different ways - that’s amazing.

I’ve read lots of poetry books that make me feel. But none really make me FEEEEEEEEEL. Y’know?
I’ve felt the “yeah I get that”,
or the “that’s a cool metaphor wow”,
and the “that’s insane imagery for that feeling I think I maybe know”,
also the “hey that’s relatable content”.

But I’ve never felt this “Wow. How did she know exactly what my mind was going through during that very personal time in my life that so specifically relates back to this in the craziest way”,
or the “I don’t think I’ve read a thought like this before and I didn’t realize I NEEDED it until now”, and especially the “This is something I didn’t realize was valid. But now that I see someone else feeling what I’ve felt, and putting it into words that make so much more sense than I could ever articulate, I realize it’s SO valid. It just makes you whisper ‘holy shit’ to yourself in the best way.”
All throughout this book. I don’t even know if I should even keep referring to it as just a book, because it really is a crafted piece of art. So much expression. It really is more than a book.

I don’t know if any of that makes sense. I hope so.
When I first started reading I wanted to take it slow and savour it. Then I couldn’t help myself and devoured the entire thing until nearly the end. Then I started to take it slow again because I really wanted it to never end. Then I realized I could read it a million times through and every time it might make me feel something different. It might spark a new thought or new inspiration. It’ll bring me back to a different memory or forward to a better idea. Some words might jump more than the last time I read it with a different mood. So, I really can’t wait to keep finishing it again and again. To keep discovering.

Thank you for helping me discover.
Thank you for putting your art out into the world and reminding me that vulnerability is okay.
Thank you for...so many things I don’t know how to say...maybe it’s simply just that I see you, I am you.

[Lisa Pozin · Rating 5 out of 5]

i see you. i am you. is the most perfect title for Casey-Jo’s debut book. If the name Casey-Jo is familiar, it’s because you’ve heard her as an afternoon show host on 102.7 The Peak. She’s an award winning broadcaster and with the accolades her book is receiving, soon to be a bestselling author too.

This must have book is a collection of poems, written by Casey-Jo over the span of four years. Her poems touch on everything, from love to heartbreak, loneliness and depression to the incredible joy of living. Each poem is so raw and real, a glimpse into Casey-Jo’s heart and soul. It is as if, she rips her heart out and hands it to us on a platter so that we may mirror her vulnerability and see ourselves far more openly and honestly than we ever have before. You’ll find pieces of yourself in these pages. You’ll find that Casey-Jo’s words touch a deep part of your subconscious, a part that is buried under so many layers that you've never accessed it before.

This is the book our generation needs. Get a copy for yourself, one for your mom, your best friend and for the person you know that is struggling and could use a hand. Get this book if you are ready to open a window to a whole new level of vulnerability and with that, deep humility and healing. i see you. i am you. touches that sweet spot that will break you open and force you to look inside yourself. Spend a few minutes a day reading a poem or two, or sit down with a cup of tea or glass wine and weep (and laugh) your way through the entire book, either way there is something touchingly beautiful and life changing in Casey-Jo’s words. She sees you. She is you.

[Melissa N · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I would like to start by saying that review will sound very biased because I really like Casey Jo overall so keep that in mind **

This book is a collection of short poems I honestly don't know if I can even summarize how much I enjoyed reading it. I consider myself a fast reader and I wanted to slow down and enjoy this novel so much more. That's really my only complaint about it. I want more from Casey Jo. In particular the poems surrounding digital well being and mental health. This book feels real. Because it is. Casey Jo talks about how she knows she's embarrassing and probably shares too much but if we could all the do the same..I think we would be better off. I especially loved the art scattered throughout the book.

This entire book has struck such a chord with me and I found myself just getting choked up because it all felt so genuine and familiar...and like I really am not alone in this world.

Thank you Casey Jo for this collection. It's easily become a favourite of mine and I hope we get more from you.

[Athina Demon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know, poetry and prose are completely and utterly subjective to one's taste, what I consider a masterpiece might be someone else's 1-star read, but believe me when I say : "I see you, I am you" will speak to everyone's soul👏🏻. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this beautiful poetry/prose collection by @caseyjoloos and let me tell you, i LOVED it! Being someone with layers and layers of walls built up around them, it was weirdly relieving to feel like someone out there, understands you, feels what you feel!

The trick to poetry is that it tells you what you already know to be true, in a way you never thought of before ... giving you a new perspective and touching a different part of you! That's what is so good with this book! I read it last week while on a mini IG-break and it helped me so much☺️



If you're interested in purchasing "I see you, I am you" you can use the code IL4-017 and get 10% off ✨
I can guarantee you won't regret it!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best Book I've ever read go buy it now

[Jaklyn Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

i see you. i am you is a collection of vulnerable, genuine, honest, poignant, relatable, beautiful poetry. I loved every moment of this reading experience.

[Katrina Sark · Rating 3 out of 5]

ain't "love" grand?
you sleep next to someone for years
and then suddenly never see them again
only to seemingly never sleep again
while society begs you
to act like nothing happened.


one day soon,
that wound will stop hurting.
you'll be strong enough
to stop picking at the scab.
and then, one day soon,
you won't even have the time or care
to notice the scar that lingered.
scar tissue is stronger than bones.
and then a while later,
one day soon I promise,
you'll think back to yourself
and maybe remember
"oh hey, wasn't there a tiny
little scrape there once?
weird."

when all else fails, the ocean will heal you.
the tide ripples in to comfort you
rocks and polished pebbles cuddle soothing pools
waves crashing matching heartbeats
simple and complex, powerful but confusing
with steadfast clarity [yes, you have more in common than you realize]
the sea has faith
she's all encompassing and is always there for us
to help us find our way home when all else fails.

[Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey-Jo Loos has a way with words that is utterly captivating, each page is powerful in how relatable they are, and with the format of the book they're all quite easy to digest.

I have recently struggled with finishing books, often barely breaking half-way, so when I first heard about this one I was a little nervous to buy it only to have it sit on my shelf - knowing how much hard work went into writing it, it deserves a good home! But my worries were for naught, for the first time in years I've read through a book twice in as many days, and have marked off so many pages as favorites I might as well just remove my tabs!

I recommend this book to everyone I can, I genuinely believe that anybody could pick it up and find pages they would relate to deeply and find some solace in knowing they're not alone

[Steve Conelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey-Jo has been my favourite radio host on my favourite station for years now. She is always so positive and encouraging to others, even when she admittedly might not feel that positivity herself. When I saw she had written her first book, I immediately knew that I needed it. I definitely was not disappointed by my purchase. The thoughts and words that come out of these pages hit you like breath of fresh ocean air. I don’t care how successful you tell everyone you are or how happy you present yourself as being, I can guarantee you there is a page in this book for every single person.

To paraphrase “to survive in our society is knowing when to give a fuck, or tell someone to get fucked”.

Thank you for this gem of a book, and thank you for putting your thoughts into words and sharing. You probably don’t know the impact these words have had on countless people.

[Hubert Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The only way I have been able to put it is it reminded me of how I feel when I listen to Angels & Airwaves. It made me feel connected and hopeful. I took my time while reading it because of how much I enjoyed it and I usually read it on my daily morning bus commutes. There were days where I connected with a certain page so much that I would get stuck on it and just simply read that one page alone each morning. It is just such a great read and it feels like it was written by a real person, sharing real life thoughts, real life feelings, and real life experiences that most people seem to hide away. It was refreshing to have someone be so real that you are able to easily connect because they are sharing a lot of the same things that you experience but don't usually share with anyone. Definitely worth reading, again and again.

[Jenna Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Casey-Jo Loos broke my heart and put it back together time and time again with this book. From her shared broken heart, to her sheer and unfiltered happiness, to her understanding of complete strangers, she taught me that it's okay to be broken, bare, and cracked. I've read and re-read this book countless times, and can assure myself that I will continue to do so, whenever I need her encouragement. From one broken heart to another, thank you Casey-Jo for creating such a piece that has moved me in ways that this one has.

I urge you to support this book and this woman, I urge you to unpack your broken heart and every single piece that feels insignificant. This book changed my life and it will change yours.

[Kristen Tofte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Finding my own words after reading this book has been hard. I read 'i see you. i am you.' in a day, and have re-read the multiple pages I bookmarked, multiple times over since then. I have truly never read a book like this. Casey-Jo shared her soul with us, invited us to revel in shared feelings, and also invited us to confront our own pain, joy and curiosity. I read the sections like seasons and held each of them close to me, as if I were hugging a close friend who was opening up. This amount of vulnerability is exactly what the world needs. It inspires me and makes me feel seen. We all deserve to be seen and these words, on these pages, are proof of the strength and courage we all possess.

Thank you, Casey-Jo 💖

[Curt Petrovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget whatever you think you know about poetry if your sense is that it must be inscrutable, mysterious, or esoteric. Casey-Jo Loos has deftly tapped a fluid vein of emotion and raw experiential observations that almost feel too real to live quietly in the pages when you put the book down - which won’t be often. Her work is visceral and vivid, with a number of entries that are the literary equivalents to microscope slides prepared by a lab technician searching for the cause of, and cure for, a disease. At times her tender prose delivers a solid punch to the gut. Overall the collection is writing that is raw and transcendent. If you don’t see yourself in some of Casey-Jo Loos, you’re not human.

[Kimera Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, where do I start.

I guess I start by saying the first time I read it, I took it to a coffee shop with me. I ordered a hot coffee, sat down at a little table in the corner of the shop & opened the first page. Instantly, I was glued to it. Flipping page by page, I couldn’t stop reading.

Next thing I knew it had been an hour & my coffee was cold and wasn’t sipped.

To say this book is amazing would be an understatement, I cherish these words so much that I carry this book everywhere with me in my back pack.

Sometimes when I’m sitting down to a moment by myself, I’ll re-read certain pages. Sometimes I’ll open a random page, and read that for an affirmation.

Thank you Casey, for sharing your words with us.
You are appreciated.

[Kait Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has left me feeling so inspired. Relating to humans being the strangest creatures of this world, to being like Big Lonely Doug. We are never as alone as we think we are and I could really feel that in a lot of the pieces this book has to offer. Identifying the importance of the world around us, how we need connection, it is nothing less than beautiful. I haven’t been able to put this book down because it seems like there is always more to perceive than the first time I’ve read it. Love, love, love these words and I think anyone who needs to feel heard, related to, or just wants to think of things at a different perspective will really enjoy this as much as I do!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will forever be one of my favourite books of all time.
The incredible raw honesty, and comforting pages, get me through some of the toughest of days. It has driven me to become a better person inside and out. And it’s encouraged me to take a step back, look at my life, and really look at who I am and how I carry myself as a person. There are poems in this book that remind me how to love, how to breathe and how to feel.
I get so indulged, that I often lose track of time,
and it’s awesome.

I will never be able to thank Casey-Jo Loos enough. I carry this book with me everywhere I go.

[Gabrielle Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Loos' work is like having a conversation with the deepest, darkest crevices of my being. She articulates life experiences in an eloquent and emotive manner, touching base on the most basic to elevated human interactions. If you are questioning self; require a distraction from the chaos of our reality; or desire to align yourself to an obviously emotionally intelligent mind: read this book.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

these words are a gift. a gift to those who love poetry but equally a gift to those who don’t. these words are honest, vulnerable, dirty, and beautiful. this book is a gift. this human is a gift to all humans. picking up this book with be a gift for your soul.
bonus points for the amazing spotify playlist filled with all the music you didn’t know you needed in your life.

[Aleya Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me in ways I dont think i could ever fully convey, not only has it allowed me to be more at peace with the chaos surrounding me, it has also led me to connect with myself. With beautiful descriptive detail and heart shattering messages she tears you open and gently sews you back together, and the lessons I've taken from this book will ensure that I'm never the same again ♡

[Tiffany Brittain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not much of a reader but I could not stop reading this gem!! If you want to read something that feels like you’ve written it yourself, read this. If you want to dive to your own depths of pain, love, happiness, read this. If you want to make a new friend and connect with the author more than you ever could, read this. Just read it. You need it more than you know

[Zack! Empire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Casey, and I love her poems. I love how she goes in with her whole heart. You can just tell that Casey doesn't dip in a toe at a time. She just jumps right in and let's the shock of the water wash over her. There is some really beautiful words in here. A lot of this really spoke to me. It made me think about what I was feeling, and why I felt that way.

[The Canadian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is love poetry for millennials at is finest. Well written and engaging, there's a nice variety of long and short poems that really resonate with our times. A very succinct and beautiful collection of poetry, I really enjoyed this read.

[Samantha Rosenkranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVEDDDD IT !!!
Such an amazing book filled with so much truth that we are all afraid to say out loud!!
Your inspiring, your words made me feel so full. Made me feel like I wasn't alone. I will re-read this book over and over again. I feel like I know you, i feel all your pain and all your strength.

#iseeyouiamyou

[Philip Wierciszewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really well put together. No publisher is listed. It really is just a person and a collection of their thoughts, their story. Entertaining read and a relatable read.

[Michelle Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to find the words to describe this collection of beautiful feelings. All I can say is thank you. Thank you casey-jo, you are incredible. We need more of your kind of energy in the world.

[Sean M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll keep this simple...full of heart and emotion. Raw and vulnerable. It's the book version of what we all look for in a partner.

[Mackenzie]

Not giving a star review cause I can tell this isn't for me. My father bought it for me as a gift. I do appreciate knowing now that this genre is just not for me.