When You Understand

by Greer Johnston

When You Understand, the debut collection of poetry from Greer Johnston, takes the audience on an odyssey familiar to us all: that of seeking to discover our truest selves. It is certainly not an easy metamorphosis, and one that can leave you feeling totally alone. Take a deep breath, and begin to read. These poems ask the reader to let go of heartbreaks, and to hold on to peace and joy. Let these words remind you that there is someone out there, who understands.

110 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2019

About the author

Greer Johnston is a Sicilian-American poet living in Palermo, Italy. She released her first collection of poetry, "When You Understand," in 2019. In 2018, she founded the travel blog, "The Lemon Abroad." You can find her on Instagram @greer_johnston and more of her writing and photography at greerjohnston.com

Reviews

[Kerem Ince · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice expression of abrupt, existential longing. A simple craft, both with its language and design.

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I do not read poetry often, this book may have changed that, if only that I will read it over and over again. A book with poems for any mood, I laughed and cried many times throughout it. As soon as I started it I knew I wanted to savor it, to make it last, however I couldn’t help myself but to keep reading until I finished it. Though this book is perhaps most relatable to a young adult woman, there are poems for everyone contained within its pages. Have you ever loved, lost, experienced new beginnings, traveled, felt thankful, or really felt any emotion at all? Then this book is for you!

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greer has an wonderful unique way of expressing experiences and feelings. Her poetry is written with a very insightful mind. I could relate to quite a few of her feelings. I have marked the pages of the ones that were most meaningful to me currently. Will definitely reread.

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend of mine recommended this book to me and, though I went in a little skeptical, I was happily surprised.
Greer has managed to take the messiness of love, loneliness, and hope and capture them perfectly within this collection of poems. There were moments in which I felt the author had a direct link to my mind, writing about my most personal thoughts and fears.
This book is a true treasure and I recommend it to anyone who's ever felt lost or alone in the world or needs a little reassurance that they're not alone.