I'm All Over The Place: A Book of Poems + Prayers + Wonderings

by Tanner Olson

Tanner Olson’s I’m All Over the Place is a collection of poetry and prose about the daily learning of hope, grace, and faith. Tanner’s style of writing is simple and insightful, as his words attempt to make sense of the soul which lives in both a heavy and hopeful world. This unique book reminds you to ponder the Truth as you think, pray and wonder through life in deep and authentic ways. Tanner began writing poetry as a way to process his own wanderings and wonderings of faith. As he slowly began to share his poems with friends, mentors and community, he realized that, while his story is unique, his experiences are common. This realization inspired the mission of Written to Speak, a spoken word and writing project that seeks to spread hope and announce love through written and spoken word.While this book is partly autobiographical, Tanner’s hope is that, through this collection of thoughts and words, you would begin to understand that life is not a solitary experience. Each page and poem is an invitation for readers to breathe in deeply and know that they are not alone. This anthology of poems will encourage, challenge and inspire you to seek out beauty in the world around you.Through his online presence, Tanner’s poems have reached the hearts of people all over the world, connecting them with poetic reminders of the Love that is waiting to be shared and Hope that is worth announcing. Tanner has shared poems in stadiums, coffee shops, in videos and in person - and many times, he’s been asked the “Where can I get a copy of that poem?” This book is an answer to that question. Each of these poems is written to be spoken aloud, and some of them are even recorded and available to hear online, but reading them provides the unique opportunity to slow down and let each line capture your full attention.So, take a moment. Maybe two. Unplug from the overstimulation of the world, and sit with a handful of words. Dive into them. Then, emerge on the other side with a renewed spirit as you begin, wander, or continue on your journey today.

Genres: Poetry, Faith

117 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2019

Reviews

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've officially read all of Tanner's poetry collections. His writing (& speaking) is so heartwarming. He uses words to make you feel seen. And everyone wants to be seen.
Standouts from this collection for me are "Two Words", "King David", "A Hard Time", "For Us", "Today, I Am A Writer" & "I Wish I Would Have Known". I'm thankful I own all three of his books so I can return to my favorite anytime.

[Rachel Rambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is so special to me. i found myself written in these pages, i found the lord written in these pages. poetry is such a beautiful form of art and vulnerability. to me, poetry connects. in every way.

a special thank you to the best roomie in the world for gifting me this book when we first moved in together. keeping it forever and ever, i lov u.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air for me.
I struggle with anxiety and depression and this book gave me hope.

[maddie murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful. put so many words to silent prayers

[London · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Olson's first book and if I'm honest ... it shows.
But it also shows us that there is more to come.
I truly love the words in this book, but needed to read them one at a time rather than trying to read it all at once.
I sat with a few of the poems ... Trees, Welcome, and Some Days ... and wow.
This book is a gift.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the short poems about vulnerability and hope mixed with doubt. I can see why some people are saying his poems are better when heard rather than read. He loves writing and it shows, but there is more to come from him. I think as the years go by, he will get better and better.

[Tommy Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. The book truly is All Over The Place.
But I wouldn't have it any other way.
This is a book I have read several times and each time I find something new.
I'm not even a big fan of poetry, but I loved this one.
Would recommend.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I liked poetry.
This book hit different.
It was simple and honest.
Definitely one I would recommend to a friend.

[Kiara Studer · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some great words of encouragement in here. I highly recommend looking up Written to Speak to hear Tanner read these. Some of them are so much more powerful when heard!

[Svea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never felt more understood reading a book

[Rachel Kramer Girgis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd really like to give this books 3.5 stars. Tanner Olson aptly goes by the name "Written to Speak," and his poems are full of beautiful rhythm and repetition that is enhanced when read aloud. This is what first captivated me about his poetry. Unfortunately, some poems get too repetitive and it feels like he is trying to cram every cliche and every inspirational hashtag into a single poem, with the result of saying nothing at all. At times, his attempt to mix the mundane (always with peak fads like avocados and trendy coffee shops) with the profound serves to make your eyes roll instead of adding depth to the mundane and a lightness to the profundity. Tanner Olson is full of talent and as life & maturity catch up with him, he will have beautiful things to say instead of just pretty ways to say things.

[Eliana]

Hmmm. I have mixed feelings.

I received a free, signed copy of this book because I won an Instagram giveaway (haha) back before I deleted my account. For that I am grateful.

There are many gems sprinkled through these pages. Many lines hit me hard, resonated with a lot of previous hurt that I’m still learning to process. I think the most powerful pieces were the short ones about Jesus, belonging, and vulnerability. I admittedly skimmed and wasn’t as engaged with the longer ones.

Many of the reflections were written first as spoken word poems, so they’re best read while listening to them on Spotify (unsure how I feel with his pacing, though; the words, both on the page and spoken aloud, often feel rushed and forced).

Good for what it started as, which is Instagram poetry. Reminiscent of Morgan Harper Nichols, but with a more personal bent on the author’s part.

[Bekah Stegner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love following Tanner on social media & reading/ hearing his poems, so I decided to pick this up, and I'm really glad I did! His words are so special and encouraging. I saw myself in many of his prayers & poems, and I know I'll be thinking about them for a while. I definitely want to get the rest of his collections! This was his first book, so I am confident the quality will only continue to go up. I'd definitely recommend giving him a follow if you need some encouragement to keep persevering in your faith. His poems are honest with a hopeful tone, which is my favorite type of writing.

[Darian · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book of poems + prayers + wonderings was the kind of real, raw, honest read I needed to start the new year. The author does a great job of putting into words the feelings we have that we think no one else could possibly understand, and is always pointing us back to Jesus. I will definitely revisit this

My favorites, to name a few:
King David
Side
Mountain
I Wish I Would Have Known
Who Am I?
Journal Prayer
Epilogue

[Caleb Holzhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what modern poetry should look like.


It's simple, relatable and easy to digest. You don't need any crazy level of understand to process Olson's words. That's what makes it so beautiful. That's what makes him one of my favorite poets.

I highly recommend anyone wrestling with what life with God, or just life in general is "supposed" to look like, to read this book.

Because at the end of the day, some times we are "all over the place".

[Jessica Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems, prayers, and wonderings has been a perfect addition to my ever-growing book shelf. Olson has a way with words. I myself have tried to write poetry, but I simply cannot find the words the way he has. This book is a lot to digest. Read it like a snack. A little here. A little there. You'll be happy you bought it.

[Andrien Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I didn't think I would like, but I ended up loving it.
The author is certainly all over the place, but I think that's the point.
My advice is to take it one poem/page at a time.
You won't regret reading this one!

[Brennon O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm All Over the Place is a unique book that offers hope, humor, and joy.
Olson's style is different than most, but profound.
His work is ever evolving and I look forward to reading what he releases next.

[Thing Two · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s been awhile since I picked up a poetry book. I was gifted this one at the beginning of the pandemic, and it took me awhile to regain interest in reading poetry. These aren’t award-winning, nor are the highly literary, but some of them are quite good.

[Elizabeth Knaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to sit with, lift up, paper to hold, pages to turn, words to contemplate, design to admire… after an evening I was, with a group, introduced and privileged to see and hear Tanner speak his poetry.

[Sara Carnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four years back, I had the opportunity to make an appearance at one of his poetry events and he was absolutely fantastic. Once you discover the flow of his poetry, it reads beautifully. He’s a great spokesperson and person overall. I would highly recommend his poetry to everyone.

[Juliet Perrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun little read!

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading a few of these poems each night before I went to bed. They reminded me to smile, reminded me to feel, reminded me to trust. Thank you, Tanner Olson (who is in fact a writer!).

[Tyler Schuetze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book of poems. Put it on you "want to read" list right now... You will thank me later.

[Susan Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of poems, prayers, and wonderings is one I have come back to time and time again.
I believe that to be the highest praise one can give for a book.

[Hilary Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Olson's first book, but his words are beyond his years.
These words found me at the right time.
It was a fun read ... one I am going to be digesting for a long time.

[Alyssa]

Small book. Collection of poems from T Olson. Biblically based faith is seen in the poetry.

[Taryn Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful poems about the ebbs and flows of life - enjoy the journey!

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tanner Olson’s books!