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Poems for the End of the World
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Poetry (2020)Poems for the End of the World is a coming of age collection and exploration of the confusing and disillusioning trek through young adulthood in a broken world. Divided into four chapters—waking up, growing pains, crushing realities, and disappointing beginnings—this collection covers everything from self-discovery and heartbreak to chronic illness and fresh starts.
108 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2020
18 people are currently reading
6122 people want to read
About the author
Katie Wismer
13 books3,639 followersKatie Wismer writes books with a little blood and a little spice (sometimes contemporary, sometimes romantasy.)
Be the first to know about upcoming projects, exclusive content, and more by signing up for her newsletter at katiewismer.com. Signed books are also available on her website, and she posts monthly bonus content on her Patreon (including a Patreon-exclusive book!)
When she's not reading, writing, or wrangling her two perfect cats, you can find her on her YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
Be the first to know about upcoming projects, exclusive content, and more by signing up for her newsletter at katiewismer.com. Signed books are also available on her website, and she posts monthly bonus content on her Patreon (including a Patreon-exclusive book!)
When she's not reading, writing, or wrangling her two perfect cats, you can find her on her YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
December 15, 2021
[Insert the That Was Majestic vine.]
Listen... I couldn't care less about poetry, but I was behind this month and wanted to pick up something short, and since I love the title and the author, this was my choice.
Imagine me reading the first poem, being shocked and absolutely crushed by it, reading it again at least 3 times in a row, then just sitting in shock again for a few another minutes, processing what was happening to me.
Now it is my inspirational and emotional support bible. Like I couldn't tell if the hurt or the healing it caused was stronger.
There was a few that didn't touch me, because it was the continuation of Katie's first poetry collection The Sweetest Kind of Poison about a toxic relationship, and I haven't been in one, but the rest spoke directly to my soul.
And if this is what good poetry supposed to do, I want more. Please, recommend me your favorites.
Listen... I couldn't care less about poetry, but I was behind this month and wanted to pick up something short, and since I love the title and the author, this was my choice.
Imagine me reading the first poem, being shocked and absolutely crushed by it, reading it again at least 3 times in a row, then just sitting in shock again for a few another minutes, processing what was happening to me.
Now it is my inspirational and emotional support bible. Like I couldn't tell if the hurt or the healing it caused was stronger.
There was a few that didn't touch me, because it was the continuation of Katie's first poetry collection The Sweetest Kind of Poison about a toxic relationship, and I haven't been in one, but the rest spoke directly to my soul.
And if this is what good poetry supposed to do, I want more. Please, recommend me your favorites.
December 26, 2021
I- Wow just wow
I honestly don't know how to review this book with any sense of coherence. I'm still in shock from the fact that I was able to read this early (thank you Katie and Ahimsa press!) This book is absolutely beautiful and I feel like everyone, whether you've experienced similar things or not, could get something out of this. I read TAVP earlier this year and I'm definitely adding Katie to the list of my favorite authors.
Read this. It has beautiful writing and powerful messages that need to be heard.
TW: eating disorders, depression and anxiety, terminal illness, chronic illness, sexual assault, gun violence, trauma, abuse, and more.
I honestly don't know how to review this book with any sense of coherence. I'm still in shock from the fact that I was able to read this early (thank you Katie and Ahimsa press!) This book is absolutely beautiful and I feel like everyone, whether you've experienced similar things or not, could get something out of this. I read TAVP earlier this year and I'm definitely adding Katie to the list of my favorite authors.
Read this. It has beautiful writing and powerful messages that need to be heard.
TW: eating disorders, depression and anxiety, terminal illness, chronic illness, sexual assault, gun violence, trauma, abuse, and more.
November 6, 2020
I don't know how to rate poetry, and I debated between 3 or 4 - this is why Goodreads should have half-stars. I gave this 3 stars (3.5 if Goodreads let me) because while I always feel like there's something missing when I read poetry, I can confidently say that I really liked Poems for the End of the World.
I've watched Katie Wismer's videos on YT for years and as a fellow writer, she's offered a lot of comfort to me, a lot of advice and shown that, in reality, it isn't easy being a writer. I read her first poetry book The Sweetest Kind of Poison last year, and knew, even when I don't like poetry, that I would continue to read her works no matter the format.
'they tell you to love yourself
before you let anyone else
so now here I stand
on this mountain
of confidence and achievements
I've spent my whole life building
and I look around wondering if anyone will even know
how to find me
all the way
up here.'
I think Poem for the End of the World was strong, second poetry collection. The words flow really well in each poem instead of being cluttered with random stops and subject changes. Katie had a clear goal for each poem that I think she achieved by the end. She wrote about depression, chronic illness, gun violence, abuse, America's healthcare, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual assault, break-ups and relationships.
'I've lived inside of my head
for so long
sometimes I forget
there's an entire world
outside of it.'
Definitely going to read her debut novel The Anti-Virginity Pact asap:)
I've watched Katie Wismer's videos on YT for years and as a fellow writer, she's offered a lot of comfort to me, a lot of advice and shown that, in reality, it isn't easy being a writer. I read her first poetry book The Sweetest Kind of Poison last year, and knew, even when I don't like poetry, that I would continue to read her works no matter the format.
'they tell you to love yourself
before you let anyone else
so now here I stand
on this mountain
of confidence and achievements
I've spent my whole life building
and I look around wondering if anyone will even know
how to find me
all the way
up here.'
I think Poem for the End of the World was strong, second poetry collection. The words flow really well in each poem instead of being cluttered with random stops and subject changes. Katie had a clear goal for each poem that I think she achieved by the end. She wrote about depression, chronic illness, gun violence, abuse, America's healthcare, anxiety, eating disorders, sexual assault, break-ups and relationships.
'I've lived inside of my head
for so long
sometimes I forget
there's an entire world
outside of it.'
Definitely going to read her debut novel The Anti-Virginity Pact asap:)
November 3, 2020
the relationship you have with yourself is the only one that will withstand your life. And it's okay if you spend that entire time working on it"
I was already a big fan of Katie's first poetry collection The Sweetest Kind of Poison (which I really recommend!). So when she announced the second one I was incredibly excited. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Katie has such a nice way of writing poetry. It makes you re-read sentences to really grasp the feeling, but it's not too flowery that you have to look for the meaning behind each word. For me, someone who is not familiar with poetry, this was perfect. Both in this collection and her last collection, there were various relatable topics for me such as mental health and the relationship you have with yourself.
My heart has been touched by this book and this is one I want to keep close to me for a long time. So yes, please read it.
I was already a big fan of Katie's first poetry collection The Sweetest Kind of Poison (which I really recommend!). So when she announced the second one I was incredibly excited. And let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Katie has such a nice way of writing poetry. It makes you re-read sentences to really grasp the feeling, but it's not too flowery that you have to look for the meaning behind each word. For me, someone who is not familiar with poetry, this was perfect. Both in this collection and her last collection, there were various relatable topics for me such as mental health and the relationship you have with yourself.
My heart has been touched by this book and this is one I want to keep close to me for a long time. So yes, please read it.
September 9, 2020
I cannot express accurately in words how excited I am for this!
...
This was absolutely stunning! This collection felt a lot heavier and sadder than The Sweetest Kind of Poison (not that that wasn't sad/heavy, it definitely was), but not in a bad way, it just felt very different. That makes sense, they are two different collections. I highlighted so many beautiful poems. They were all beautiful and powerful and covered a wide range of topics. If you like modern poetry, you need to read this (and The Sweetest Kind of Poison).
...
This was absolutely stunning! This collection felt a lot heavier and sadder than The Sweetest Kind of Poison (not that that wasn't sad/heavy, it definitely was), but not in a bad way, it just felt very different. That makes sense, they are two different collections. I highlighted so many beautiful poems. They were all beautiful and powerful and covered a wide range of topics. If you like modern poetry, you need to read this (and The Sweetest Kind of Poison).
October 2, 2020
I devour books on the regular but do not usually read poetry. I read an ARC of this collection because I enjoy Katie's writing. I'm so glad I did.
I gave this book 5 stars because I enjoyed every poem without exception. The poems are assembled in a way that tells a bigger story when you view them as a whole. The entire collection is relatable from the standpoint of human emotion.
I highly recommend this book even for readers who don't typically read or normally have trouble relating to poetry.
I gave this book 5 stars because I enjoyed every poem without exception. The poems are assembled in a way that tells a bigger story when you view them as a whole. The entire collection is relatable from the standpoint of human emotion.
I highly recommend this book even for readers who don't typically read or normally have trouble relating to poetry.
October 31, 2020
I am a big fan of Katie's poetry and this collection didn't disappoint!
I loved how personal and raw most of the poems felt. I felt connected to her and the struggles she'd been through.
Great collection, can't wait for the next one! Keep up the good work, Katie <3
I loved how personal and raw most of the poems felt. I felt connected to her and the struggles she'd been through.
Great collection, can't wait for the next one! Keep up the good work, Katie <3
Want to read
June 10, 2020WE GOT A RELEASE DATE AHHHH IM SO READY!!!
July 21, 2020
I recieved an ARC of this poem collection and let me just say it is phenomenal. I feel like Katie took my soul and put it on the page with her poetry.
July 21, 2020
My favorite thing about poetry is that it hits people differently. Well, it just so happens that my favorite thing is also the same thing that makes reviewing poetry collections a little difficult. I can say with confidence that I felt so much raw emotion in this collection, I found myself having to take constant breaks just to *simmer* in the words I consumed. I am rating this five stars because it made me FEEL pain. It made me feel resilient. It made me feel strong. And most importantly, it made me feel heard. There’s a certain vulnerability involved with writing and sharing poetry.. as it can sometimes be the author’s deepest feelings. With that, it is comforting knowing there are other people who have endured similar battles I have. There are people who are able to bleed on paper and describe the feelings I’ve been unable to express for years.
Thank you, Katie, for this collection. My ARC copy is FULL of highlights and notes. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy in October to transfer all those annotations!
Thank you, Katie, for this collection. My ARC copy is FULL of highlights and notes. I cannot wait to purchase a physical copy in October to transfer all those annotations!
November 18, 2020
sometimes my heart
gets a little heavy
and I see the world in colors
other people can’t see
so I bury myself
deep into my sheets
until I’m ready to get up
and my muscles won’t fail me
it passes like the seasons
it changes like the leaves
it fills me up like smoke
that my lungs try to breathe
I wonder if you cut me open
how much soot would there be
or is that something else
only I’ll ever see
........................................
gifted is
a classroom
for special children
who have
learned to see
average
as a dirty word
remarkable is
the achievements
and goals
and milestones
you’re expected to have
so you can be
consistently growing
above those who are
ordinary
and I wonder
if I had been
average
all along
how I would’ve
turned out
would that version of me
be better
would she be free
of the crippling expectations
the internal need
to be better
and more
in order
to deserve
to be alive
July 24, 2020
I received an ARC for this and I am beyond happy. I can’t wait for others to read this honest and insightful piece of work illustrating the feelings of a 20 something. The plethora of emotions I felt reading this book were truly crazy as I related so strongly to many of Wismer’s poems. I came out with some new favourite poems, I’m sure many people will.
July 21, 2020
*I’ve received an advanced copy.* This was absolutely beautiful. This book pulls on your heart strings and there was so many instances where I could connect. Katie Wismer has a way with words, truly. Everyone go add this to your TBR! Releases October 1st!!
November 1, 2020
Lovely and broken
“sometimes I worry that I’ve wasted all of my love on the wrong people
on the boys who didn’t know how to be men
on the friends who never bothered to stay
on the family who only used that word when it was convenient
and I can’t help but wonder if love is a well that you can run out of”
“sometimes I worry that I’ve wasted all of my love on the wrong people
on the boys who didn’t know how to be men
on the friends who never bothered to stay
on the family who only used that word when it was convenient
and I can’t help but wonder if love is a well that you can run out of”
September 28, 2022
Nashy, it took me two years and I am sorry about that, but I am HERE and I'm old enough to have come full circle and loving and adoring basic tumblr poetry (lovingly)
December 27, 2022
Here we go.
Words can not describe the beauty between the pages. This poetry collection just like Wismer last is heartwreching, powerful, thought provoking, and raw. It's so raw that some point I thought I should look away. That taking a look at someone beating heart, watching it pump blood and then being broken and torn apart was horrifying. Now the collection isn't like that, there is hope, as much as sadness. Unlike her last collection this was darker, more mature, dealt with themes and brought a stronger honesty.
This isn't just one of the best collection I've read this year, but one of the best I've read since The Sweetest Kind of Poison. Pick it up, pick it up now. Don't think twice. This deserves to be read by everyone and I will be asking everyone I know to read it.
I hope they see themselves like I saw myself. Thank you, for saving me again.
Words can not describe the beauty between the pages. This poetry collection just like Wismer last is heartwreching, powerful, thought provoking, and raw. It's so raw that some point I thought I should look away. That taking a look at someone beating heart, watching it pump blood and then being broken and torn apart was horrifying. Now the collection isn't like that, there is hope, as much as sadness. Unlike her last collection this was darker, more mature, dealt with themes and brought a stronger honesty.
This isn't just one of the best collection I've read this year, but one of the best I've read since The Sweetest Kind of Poison. Pick it up, pick it up now. Don't think twice. This deserves to be read by everyone and I will be asking everyone I know to read it.
I hope they see themselves like I saw myself. Thank you, for saving me again.
December 17, 2020
Katie, my girl, you've done it again! Wow, this was incredible. Like her first book, it's become one of my new favorites of all time, and that means a lot coming from someone who doesn't typically like poetry.
November 4, 2024
Це було дуже, дуже погана збірка поезії, але вона стала ще гірше, коли наприкінці, в інформації про авторку, я зрозуміла, хто ж це написав! Це книга ютуберки, на яку я була підписана років з п'ять тому. Мені було сумно побачити, до чого призвела цю милу дівчину ілюзія про власний поетичний талант.
what do I want to write?
what do I have to say?
how have I changed?
a breakup can't be
the most interesting thing
about me
Як читачка, я воліла би щоб автори давали собі відповідь на ці питання ДО написання книжок. І так, це збірка про розрив стосунків. Ні, Кейті так і не знайшла в собі нічого цікавішого, ніж той факт, що її кинув хлопець.
Зважаючи на це, мене навіть не здивувало, що одна сторінка книги повністю заповнена фразою "what is the point" і нічим більше. Same, Katie, same, я теж не впевнена, в чому тут суть.
I crave a love
that is simple
with a man
who does not mind
that I am not
- і це весь "вірш". Справедливіше було би видати це як збірку нотаток чи записів із щоденника. Частина "віршів" - це one-liners без будь-якої глибини, ніби повідомлення, вирвані з контексту переписки.
if you are underwhelmed by me
please just let me go
- це теж, за думкою Кейті, повноцінний "вірш". Але я послідую пораді авторки. Вона сама не знає what is the point, вона хоче щось сказати, але не знає що саме. Будь то нестача життєвого досвіду, який можна осмислювати, чи емоційної глибини, чи таланту, але це просто треба відпустити.
Погані вірші - це точно не кінець світу, але я сподіваюся встигнути прочитати щось покраще до того, як перетворюся на радіоактивний попіл.
what do I want to write?
what do I have to say?
how have I changed?
a breakup can't be
the most interesting thing
about me
Як читачка, я воліла би щоб автори давали собі відповідь на ці питання ДО написання книжок. І так, це збірка про розрив стосунків. Ні, Кейті так і не знайшла в собі нічого цікавішого, ніж той факт, що її кинув хлопець.
Зважаючи на це, мене навіть не здивувало, що одна сторінка книги повністю заповнена фразою "what is the point" і нічим більше. Same, Katie, same, я теж не впевнена, в чому тут суть.
I crave a love
that is simple
with a man
who does not mind
that I am not
- і це весь "вірш". Справедливіше було би видати це як збірку нотаток чи записів із щоденника. Частина "віршів" - це one-liners без будь-якої глибини, ніби повідомлення, вирвані з контексту переписки.
if you are underwhelmed by me
please just let me go
- це теж, за думкою Кейті, повноцінний "вірш". Але я послідую пораді авторки. Вона сама не знає what is the point, вона хоче щось сказати, але не знає що саме. Будь то нестача життєвого досвіду, який можна осмислювати, чи емоційної глибини, чи таланту, але це просто треба відпустити.
Погані вірші - це точно не кінець світу, але я сподіваюся встигнути прочитати щось покраще до того, як перетворюся на радіоактивний попіл.
September 2, 2021
"I am not a wind up toy, or an application for an award. I am not tireless or only worthy when I am succeeding."
4.5/5
This is my first Katie Wismer book and I highly recommend it! The messages and the motifs in this book were incredible.
4.5/5
This is my first Katie Wismer book and I highly recommend it! The messages and the motifs in this book were incredible.
April 23, 2022
I really liked it. I resonated with some lines and poems :)
December 31, 2020
Can I comment on the size of the book? Weird to think about but it's thinner than most, and the vinyl cover is sooo nice.
Some of these poems felt so relatable it's like they came from me, and yet some still managed to completely shift my perspective on an issue. Some were so pure and beautiful in their self-love expressions and others were fierce and powerful, yet others both at once.
The imagery and wordplay in some poems were breathtaking. Perhaps that's why some reminded me of certain Taylor Swift songs; an instant and unconscious sort of comparison.
Here's an idea of what to expect via some Taylor Swift song titles:
- Clean
- Mirrorball
- No Body, No Crime
- The Moment I Knew
- Peace
And the more I think about it (and flip through them again), the more comparisons I can make. Not just content; not all of these are about boys, but something about the style of writing is comparable and, of course, beautiful.
Some of these poems felt so relatable it's like they came from me, and yet some still managed to completely shift my perspective on an issue. Some were so pure and beautiful in their self-love expressions and others were fierce and powerful, yet others both at once.
The imagery and wordplay in some poems were breathtaking. Perhaps that's why some reminded me of certain Taylor Swift songs; an instant and unconscious sort of comparison.
Here's an idea of what to expect via some Taylor Swift song titles:
- Clean
- Mirrorball
- No Body, No Crime
- The Moment I Knew
- Peace
And the more I think about it (and flip through them again), the more comparisons I can make. Not just content; not all of these are about boys, but something about the style of writing is comparable and, of course, beautiful.
August 4, 2020
5 Stars (I received an e-arc from the author)
Though Patreon I was sent an e-arc of the author’s second poetry collection, and I loved it even more than the first one. If you were to look into the e-arc I read I have highlighted various parts, sometimes only a line or two; sometimes a full page. The collection is more focused on dealing with your inner thoughts and self analysis, where as the previous one dealt with toxic relationships. Passages relating to anxiety and putting on a nice appearance were extremely relatable for me. ALSO: I love that Katie has a page of trigger/content warnings before the collection which I personally think should be included if there is a chance of triggering someone. I flew through reading Poems within less a couple hours and will definitely be ordering a physical copy from Amazon once it becomes available.
Though Patreon I was sent an e-arc of the author’s second poetry collection, and I loved it even more than the first one. If you were to look into the e-arc I read I have highlighted various parts, sometimes only a line or two; sometimes a full page. The collection is more focused on dealing with your inner thoughts and self analysis, where as the previous one dealt with toxic relationships. Passages relating to anxiety and putting on a nice appearance were extremely relatable for me. ALSO: I love that Katie has a page of trigger/content warnings before the collection which I personally think should be included if there is a chance of triggering someone. I flew through reading Poems within less a couple hours and will definitely be ordering a physical copy from Amazon once it becomes available.
February 26, 2021
Stop what you're doing and pick up this poetry collection! If you're a young adult in their early twenties (like me) who is overwhelmed, yet excited about big questions and finding your place in the world, this collection is for you. I read The Anti-Virginity Pact a few months ago and this poetry collection is much more mature and geared towards older audiences. So many lines made me feel like the author was speaking to me; I felt seen and appreciated by reading Wismer's words. I think anyone who is struggling right now, but trying to find hope in this confusing time would greatly benefit from reading this book. This collection is honest in a way that makes the reader open up and accept their vulnerable side. I highly recommend this collection and can't wait to read more from Wismer.
***I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
***I received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
January 31, 2021
"this home of flesh and blood
is trying its best
to keep me afloat
working overtime
to keep up
with the demands
of a healthy society
and I refuse to resent
or criticize it
the way everyone else does
when it's doing the best
it fucking can"
This poem I immediately resonated with, I had to read it multiple times because of how much it made me reflect on our society and how critical of our bodies we can be. I know that for me personally, I don't give my body enough praise for all that it does for me every day.
As a whole this entire collection is heartbreaking, can make you pause for reflection, ignite feelings about pretty heavy topics. The way that Katie writes poems is not what I'm used to, but at the same time just works for me. This collection for me was read at the right time and I can't wait for Katie's 3rd collection to come out.
is trying its best
to keep me afloat
working overtime
to keep up
with the demands
of a healthy society
and I refuse to resent
or criticize it
the way everyone else does
when it's doing the best
it fucking can"
This poem I immediately resonated with, I had to read it multiple times because of how much it made me reflect on our society and how critical of our bodies we can be. I know that for me personally, I don't give my body enough praise for all that it does for me every day.
As a whole this entire collection is heartbreaking, can make you pause for reflection, ignite feelings about pretty heavy topics. The way that Katie writes poems is not what I'm used to, but at the same time just works for me. This collection for me was read at the right time and I can't wait for Katie's 3rd collection to come out.
September 7, 2024
4.5 stars
90% rating
It’s official Katie Wismer had broken my reading slump.
These poems hit me like a bus with how much I relate.
Poems for the End of the World had me cheering, smiling, broken and giddy.
You have to read it. Sorry, you don’t have a choice now you have to. Sorry, that’s sarcasm… but also I highly recommend reading this.
It’s short and yet time just flies by reading, because it pulls you in with its magical words and guts-wrenching truths.
90% rating
It’s official Katie Wismer had broken my reading slump.
These poems hit me like a bus with how much I relate.
Poems for the End of the World had me cheering, smiling, broken and giddy.
You have to read it. Sorry, you don’t have a choice now you have to. Sorry, that’s sarcasm… but also I highly recommend reading this.
It’s short and yet time just flies by reading, because it pulls you in with its magical words and guts-wrenching truths.
October 4, 2020
Absolutely stunning. The entire collection is filled with resonant and introspective poems that are beautifully written and feel incredibly raw. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I look forward to reading more of Katie's books in the future!
October 6, 2020
Such a beautiful read. I was blown away by this poetry book and need to pick up the authors other poetry collection The Sweetest Kind of Poison. Katie continues to blow me away with her work and I will continue to read everything she puts out in the future!
October 26, 2020
I hate poetry, but this felt different. I liked this collection and I enjoyed each and every line of it. It just hits deep, eventhough I don't have a similar experience to Katie's, yet it felt as many of those lines described all my feelings.
October 27, 2020
Katie rips my heart out over and over with this collection. In such an amazing way. I’ve never felt so understood as with this poetry book. I’m not a poetry reader but I adore her YouTube channels and I wanted to support her career and I was not disappointed.
December 25, 2020
I have been searching for poetry that really speaks to me and the words in this collection were so graceful, simple, and yet immensely powerful. Almost every poem was like reading a page from my own life story, and Katie’s writing really spoke to me in this one. Incredible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews