As You Go: Words for the Unknown

by Tanner Olson

As You Words for the Unknown is a book filled with hope as it uncovers the simple beauty of life that is right in front of us. This collection of more than 100 poems and writings was written for your heart, soul, and mind. The words riddled throughout this book will remind you of the hope that has been inside you all along. These words are easy to remember, for it is always good to have a few words in your back pocket as you go into the unknown. This is Tanner Olson's second book. His debut book, I'm All Over The Place is currently available.

Genres: Poetry

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2020

Reviews

[Jenni Sauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whelp

I'm in tears

This book was beautiful. Poetry tends to be mournful and nostalgic, but this, while laced with a lot of brokenness, was rooted in hope in such a beautiful way

There's a beauty reoccurring theme of "when nothing else is certain, there is God" in a way that doesn't minimize the uncertainty but also reminds you of the magnitude of God

It's a beautiful book and one I will definitely be visiting again and again 💕

[Chloë Mali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a sweet balm to the heart. I'm so glad I got the chance to read it- it's a book full of hope and faith. <3

[Susan Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As You Go: Words for the Unknown by Tanner Olson was written for me.
This year has been so difficult and uncertain.
These words have reminded me of my faith and foundation.
This is a book of hope.
Who doesn't need a little bit of hope these days?

[Misty Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Such simple words filled with such deep meaning. These poems can be read a little at a time, all in one sitting, or you can just pull out the ones that are meaningful to you whenever you really need them.

Tanner Olson’s words have been so encouraging to me. But even more so, his life is an encouragement. Here is a guy, who is open about his faith, open about his emotions, open about his struggles, and is still successful! His story is a reminder that whatever you are struggling with today, you can come back from it too.

Our culture makes it so lhard for men to be honest about their emotions. But some of the best guys I have known in my life have been sensitive. These are the guys that love with all their heart. These are the guys that help the hurting. These are the guys that society sometimes sees as weak, but those of us who have been lucky enough to know them, know how strong they really are. Whether you are a man or a woman, a Christian or not, these words will fill you with Hope and encourage you to Believe Again and Just Keep Going!

*I enjoyed it so much, I have already purchased a copy for multiple friends and family members.

[Jeremy Landon Goertzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first poetry book I've ever read. These poems are full of brokenness, hope, uncertainty, reflection, vulnerability & the reminder that it's okay to not know, because God knows.

Some of my favourite poems:

"i've been trying to pray
but most days
i've got nothing to say
so i smile
with my eyes
and keep them to the sky
watching and waiting
and
it's not that i don't want to talk
to God
but i'm learning to believe praying
doesn't always mean talking
and i'm beginning
to sit still and
listen
to listen still with
a smile on my face
below the sky
watching and waiting
because one day
i'll have something to say"

"what do You have for me
i'm just wondering
i am
but am i
going the right direction
or am i just going
what do You have for me
i'm just wondering

i'm always just wondering"

"we can't have it all
but we've been given
today
and today is
enough to
wake the wonder
within and
today is
a good enough reason
to begin again"

"young and afraid
waiting for the day
when i'm ready and brave
and maybe
just maybe
today is the day"

[Lori Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is an easy and light read it is very thought provoking and beautiful. This book of poetry is, in parts of brokenness and hurts and then assurances of God’s forgiveness and faithfulness, a story told in the unique voice of Tanner Olson. I bookmarked passages that I had to read over again and again being dumbfounded that he knew how to put words to my very thoughts.
I can’t wait to read it again.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still small voices

"i’m done letting shame hold space here i stand revived by grace fighting to remain in the life He’s changed"

This book of poetry, by the author's own description, was written during COVID but is as relevant as if it were written today. Each personal poem is a piece of the author. Some are profound, but all will speak if you listen quietly . Highly Recommended 5/5

[Ellen Dempsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this As You Go by Tanner Olson enough! Even though I’ve finished reading it, it’s staying on my nightstand to flip open to anywhere in the book for a daily message of hope. This book couldn’t have come at a better time in such a year/season of unknowing, these beautifully written poems serve as a reminder of hope. Who doesn’t need more of that in their lives?

[Brennon O'Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for inspiration ... this is the book.
If you are looking for hope ... this is the book.
If you are looking for a reminder of peace ... this is the book.

This is the book for you.

[Jessica Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

If As You Go: Words for the Unknown by Tanner Olson is not on your wishlist or your bookshelf you need to fix that ASAP. This little book will make a big difference. Let his words find you where you are and may they bring you hope.

[Hannah Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved As You Go! I think the only thing I would’ve liked more would be some longer pieces simply because I didn’t want to stop reading! So hopeful and encouraging and kind and a reminder that we aren’t the only people to feel how we feel.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanner has a way of writing that makes you want to devour the whole thing in one sitting; but also to only read one poem a day so that you can take the time to chew on it and mull it over in your mind. As You Go is book of 120 short poems and each one is flooding with hope and joy.

[Elizabeth Knaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

As You Go, thankfully, was given to me as a gift. I was very pleased to read these poems which are helpful to prompt thinking about realities—getting through life’s challenges and the process of growing in faith.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every thought and feeling I have, and have struggled with, is expressed so perfectly and simply in this book. Nearly every page now shows an underline, star, smiley face or exclamation point. Though finished, I will read this again and again! It’s truly beautiful.

[Tommy Oswald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!
I didn't know what to expect when ordering this book, but I was blown away.
Simple.
Hopeful.
Inspiring.
It's what I needed to read.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

His words are so honest and inviting. 2020 has been a hard year for me but this book helped me forget about everything that was happening. I want to find more books like this one.

[London · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know books like this existed.
Olson's words are profound and accessible.
It was almost as if he knew what I needed to hear.

[Andrien Clifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I've been waiting for.
So wonderful.
A quick read that will leave you thinking for years to come.

[Hilary Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.
Simple.
Honest.
Beautiful.
Needed.
This is the book I will be giving to friends as gifts again and again.

[Gerianne Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the questions I've been afraid to voice,
And the doubts and fears I keep hidden,
Each given voice on every page;
Assuring me I'm not alone,
Pointing me to Words of Hope.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many beautiful and thoughtful words.
So many dog-eared corners of encouragement to go back to.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and encouraging simplicity.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book because you can read it anytime, flip to any page, and it gives you encouragement for the day. I like to read it in the morning before I start my day and it always lifts my mood.

[Anna Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olson is lovely. Will definitely be reading more of him.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to leave out on your desk for those moments when you need a quick pick-me-up

[Zoe Brickner · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO SO BEAUTIFUL

[Parker Gibson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful book abt the authors faith. It was good

[Jodie Pine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light thoughtful book of short poems.

[Tammie Anne (Literary.Existentialism) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Annoyed by the immediate religious references.