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Inquire Within
In this powerful and innovative book of poetry and wisdom, award-winning spoken-word poet, songwriter, and performer IN-Q inspires us to question everything we know and see around us and inside us, to discover what matters most.
Poetry celebrates vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. It is a timeless form of storytelling that inspires connection and allows the audience to feel less alone. Experiencing ourselves through another person's story creates empathy. And empathy is what the world needs most right now.--IN-Q
Raised by a single mother in Los Angeles, Adam Schmalholz, known as IN-Q--In Question-- discovered his love for poetry through hip-hop. At nineteen, he started performing at Da Poetry Lounge and helped build it into the largest open mic in the country. Since then, IN-Q has traveled the world capturing the hearts and minds of millions.
Inquire Within is an accessible, rhythmic, and transformative reading experience. In-Q's poetry contemplates universal issues of love, loss, pain, forgiveness, and belief, and speaks to our complicated lives today, offering us a different way to think about ourselves and our world. Imaginative and highly visual, this beautifully designed work of art reflects IN-Q's unique sensibility and includes inspirational call outs to challenge our hearts and minds. Profound in its simplicity, incandescent in its power, Inquire Within emotionally delivers on every page.
Poetry celebrates vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness. It is a timeless form of storytelling that inspires connection and allows the audience to feel less alone. Experiencing ourselves through another person's story creates empathy. And empathy is what the world needs most right now.--IN-Q
Raised by a single mother in Los Angeles, Adam Schmalholz, known as IN-Q--In Question-- discovered his love for poetry through hip-hop. At nineteen, he started performing at Da Poetry Lounge and helped build it into the largest open mic in the country. Since then, IN-Q has traveled the world capturing the hearts and minds of millions.
Inquire Within is an accessible, rhythmic, and transformative reading experience. In-Q's poetry contemplates universal issues of love, loss, pain, forgiveness, and belief, and speaks to our complicated lives today, offering us a different way to think about ourselves and our world. Imaginative and highly visual, this beautifully designed work of art reflects IN-Q's unique sensibility and includes inspirational call outs to challenge our hearts and minds. Profound in its simplicity, incandescent in its power, Inquire Within emotionally delivers on every page.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 31, 2020
67 people are currently reading
637 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 19, 2020
This is the first book of poetry I have ever bought myself as an adult. And what a treat it is. The pages are filled with gorgeous, thought-provoking poems and stories. I swear I can hear IN-Q reciting the words as I read each one. I also found myself slowing down as I got to the last few pages and poems, wanting to savor them and stave off the inevitable conclusion.
This is a must-read for everyone, even those who claim to not enjoy poetry. IN-Q will turn you into a believer.
This is a must-read for everyone, even those who claim to not enjoy poetry. IN-Q will turn you into a believer.
September 12, 2021
This poetry collection was a gift from my aunt, who has always encouraged my appreciation for poetry and continuously reminds me of our shared passion for the love of life's simple pleasures.
To anyone reading this, remember to keep loving and keep loving through it all.
To anyone reading this, remember to keep loving and keep loving through it all.
July 27, 2020
What an absolute gem! A provocative, rhythmic and highly original collection that takes you on a journey within. I highly recommend listening to the poet read this if you can on Audible, while following the text.
October 30, 2021
Beautiful, honest and moving. A pure pleasure to read and best consumed slow.
August 27, 2021
Have you ever been to a poetry slam? If so, you know how electric and intoxicating they can be. IN-Q is a National Poetry Slam champion and I’ve really enjoyed diving deep into his work lately. I came across "Do You Believe in Superheroes" online and loved it. That’s one of about a hundred wonderful poems in this book covering themes of love, loss, forgiveness, transformation, and belief. Some of my other favorite poems include "Dear White Americans", "Citizens United" and "Look Closer." Highly recommended.
April 11, 2020
I've been a fan of IN-Q for a while, I bought the audio version of this book. Getting to bring him anywhere in my pocket and listening to his work in his voice is impactful for me. I highly recommend.
pro tip: listen at 1.25 speed it's closer to the pace he performs.
pro tip: listen at 1.25 speed it's closer to the pace he performs.
July 25, 2021
Not really a fan of poetry, but I accidentally checked this out from the library and I figured it was small enough to YOLO.
I still don't like poetry. There were some good bits I enjoyed in here though.
I still don't like poetry. There were some good bits I enjoyed in here though.
August 4, 2021
Was pleasantly surprised to find poems I've already heard, through music.
July 15, 2022
I loved loved loved this book of poetry by In-Q. I happened upon the book trolling through my virtual library shelves. It's beautiful, heartbreaking, thought provoking, funny.
January 20, 2025
This book was thought-provoking, entertaining, and deeply emotionally impactful. IN-Q’s poetry has a rhythm that feels alive, especially in Part 1: Inhale, where many poems seem to beg to be read aloud with a beat. By the time you reach Part 2: Exhale, his style shifts, using spacing, font size, and emphasis (bold and italics) to add layers of depth. It felt like I was watching the poet evolve in real-time, with the second half diving into themes of politics, community, and collective experiences. Published in 2020, Part 2 reflects its era with poems addressing Black Lives Matter, gun control, and societal change.
One of the most striking parts of the book was the revisited poem series, "Keep Loving," "Keep Loving Part II," and "Keep Loving Part III." Each version expands on the previous, deepening the emotional impact as the book progresses. As an artist, I resonated with how IN-Q revisited and expanded these pieces, mirroring how I reinterpret my own creative work as I grow and experience more.
Themes of healing and self-reflection were woven throughout the book, including a poem where IN-Q mentions switching therapists. This moment stood out as a raw and relatable acknowledgment of the ongoing journey of self-growth and the role therapy plays in unpacking our experiences (he even mentions his own therapy experience in the book).
I also appreciated the book’s accessibility. Even with some symbolism, the poems remain engaging for those who may not typically read poetry. IN-Q’s conversational tone makes the book approachable for anyone, especially readers exploring themes of self-growth, relationships, or societal patterns. The index at the back, organizing poems by theme, was another thoughtful touch—perfect for jumping to topics like love, family, or social justice without reading cover to cover.
Around page 58, I noticed the poetry style evolving. The poems became more experimental, using blank space and precise language to convey emotion. The contrast between the rhythmic, spoken-word energy of earlier poems and the layered storytelling later on added richness, making it feel like these poems spanned years of growth.
Although I read this as a physical copy (a signed gift from my partner!), I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more as an audiobook. Given the natural beat and rhythm in much of IN-Q’s work, hearing these pieces performed aloud would have added an entirely new dimension.
This book offers a heartfelt blend of personal reflection and collective storytelling. It’s an inspiring read for anyone exploring inner struggles, social issues, or simply looking to reconnect with meaningful ideas.
One of the most striking parts of the book was the revisited poem series, "Keep Loving," "Keep Loving Part II," and "Keep Loving Part III." Each version expands on the previous, deepening the emotional impact as the book progresses. As an artist, I resonated with how IN-Q revisited and expanded these pieces, mirroring how I reinterpret my own creative work as I grow and experience more.
Themes of healing and self-reflection were woven throughout the book, including a poem where IN-Q mentions switching therapists. This moment stood out as a raw and relatable acknowledgment of the ongoing journey of self-growth and the role therapy plays in unpacking our experiences (he even mentions his own therapy experience in the book).
I also appreciated the book’s accessibility. Even with some symbolism, the poems remain engaging for those who may not typically read poetry. IN-Q’s conversational tone makes the book approachable for anyone, especially readers exploring themes of self-growth, relationships, or societal patterns. The index at the back, organizing poems by theme, was another thoughtful touch—perfect for jumping to topics like love, family, or social justice without reading cover to cover.
Around page 58, I noticed the poetry style evolving. The poems became more experimental, using blank space and precise language to convey emotion. The contrast between the rhythmic, spoken-word energy of earlier poems and the layered storytelling later on added richness, making it feel like these poems spanned years of growth.
Although I read this as a physical copy (a signed gift from my partner!), I think I would’ve enjoyed it even more as an audiobook. Given the natural beat and rhythm in much of IN-Q’s work, hearing these pieces performed aloud would have added an entirely new dimension.
This book offers a heartfelt blend of personal reflection and collective storytelling. It’s an inspiring read for anyone exploring inner struggles, social issues, or simply looking to reconnect with meaningful ideas.
July 4, 2020
There's a black hole sitting in the iris of my eye
So it sucks the world in and then gets lost in my mind
I LOVED this book. This is my first poetry book purchased - I didn't even know I liked poetry until I read this. Something about it and its reviews made me impulsively buy it and I'm so so happy that I did. I just finished it and honestly, every single poem/story in this book is so amazing and thought provoking. They almost all have very simplistic but beautiful pictures that go perfectly with the poems. I felt a real connection to some of them because they were just so powerful and relatable. I'll be slowly re reading these poems and I honestly can't wait for more In-Q poetry.
So it sucks the world in and then gets lost in my mind
I LOVED this book. This is my first poetry book purchased - I didn't even know I liked poetry until I read this. Something about it and its reviews made me impulsively buy it and I'm so so happy that I did. I just finished it and honestly, every single poem/story in this book is so amazing and thought provoking. They almost all have very simplistic but beautiful pictures that go perfectly with the poems. I felt a real connection to some of them because they were just so powerful and relatable. I'll be slowly re reading these poems and I honestly can't wait for more In-Q poetry.
April 23, 2020
Amazing! Creative! Inspiring!
In-Q creates such a vivid picture with every poem.
I enjoy the way the book was set up. It is split into parts, PT.1 "Inhale" PT.2 "Exhale". It is unique, which is a lot like his personality.
I think I might purchase the audiobook because the few times that I've seen him perform on social media, it's breathtaking.
If your not already a believer of the power that poetry has on your heart, reading this will make you a believer.
In-Q creates such a vivid picture with every poem.
I enjoy the way the book was set up. It is split into parts, PT.1 "Inhale" PT.2 "Exhale". It is unique, which is a lot like his personality.
I think I might purchase the audiobook because the few times that I've seen him perform on social media, it's breathtaking.
If your not already a believer of the power that poetry has on your heart, reading this will make you a believer.
June 28, 2021
Professing to be a book on awakening / enlightenment up there with Eckhart Tolle but it’s actually written by an unhinged failed rapper. A “woke” book about BLM, being a vegan yet pro choice (how can anyone reconcile the logic there). Listening to the audio version you can literally hear the author having a breakdown. It’s not pleasant.
Far more about excuses to hold on to resentment than transcending our human form.
Far more about excuses to hold on to resentment than transcending our human form.
April 17, 2020
I'm so glad my friend sent me this book!!
Too many deep poems...I especially loved "Whistle" and "All Your Light." Some other lines I loved:
“You will always find the evidence for what you choose to believe
So if you don’t like your story
Don’t believe it
Then leave”
It's all about changing your perspective and rewriting your narrative!
Too many deep poems...I especially loved "Whistle" and "All Your Light." Some other lines I loved:
“You will always find the evidence for what you choose to believe
So if you don’t like your story
Don’t believe it
Then leave”
It's all about changing your perspective and rewriting your narrative!
June 6, 2020
An amazing performance artist and slam poet. What a delight to get to read his work as well. Making his feelings and unique voice accessible to everyone. It is impossible not to get emotional listening to his words. The Wrong Side of History is one of the most powerful pieces about terrifying gun violence in Sandy Hook I have heard performed or written.
December 6, 2020
Tout simplement parfait!
Je connais In-Q depuis un moment, ayant été invité au podcast de Rich Roll. Je l'ai tout de suite aimé comme personnage, avec ses textes percutants et son rythme de parole. Ce recueil, il faut aller le chercher en livre audio, qui est lu par l'auteur lui-même. Un vrai bijou! #mindblowing
Je connais In-Q depuis un moment, ayant été invité au podcast de Rich Roll. Je l'ai tout de suite aimé comme personnage, avec ses textes percutants et son rythme de parole. Ce recueil, il faut aller le chercher en livre audio, qui est lu par l'auteur lui-même. Un vrai bijou! #mindblowing
April 23, 2020
If there were more stars I would give it to this book. IN-Q is the discovery of the year for me, the way he transforms emotions into words is simply beyond anything I’ve felt before with lyrics. Must read and experience, you will not regret it!
July 9, 2020
IN-Q is flat-out impressive. This is like a poetic extension of The Gita, and will be a book I hold close by for times of joy, pain, happiness, sadness, or otherwise. This is f*cking good and I couldn’t recommend it more.
Read poetry. Think about the poetry you read. Then change for the better!
Read poetry. Think about the poetry you read. Then change for the better!
September 4, 2020
This is my first poetry book as an adult... I had a hard time putting it down for even a short time. IN-Q takes you to the softest place in your heart, opens the door and leaves it open until the very last word written! My life is changed by reading this book of beautiful poetry!
April 21, 2020
Strong recommendation. Simple but thought provoking.
June 10, 2020
If you read one poetry book this year make it this!
July 14, 2020
This is needed now
July 24, 2020
So thought provoking and healing.
Exactly the kind of prose we need N O W.
I recommend it to everybody.
Exactly the kind of prose we need N O W.
I recommend it to everybody.
August 1, 2020
Powerful, Inspirational..... I think I cried at each poem. Have both the audio & hard copy.
September 27, 2020
Amazing. Listen to this with Audible while following along with the book if you can.
June 7, 2021
Same vibe as a TED Talk.
March 19, 2023
Makes Atticus seem profound. There's a poem in here called "Silence." It's just a couple of blank pages. This dude needs a knuckle sandwich immediately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews