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Poems for the Lost Because I'm Lost Too
exurb1a presents his all-new collection of self-indulgent poetry. An unlikely bestseller, so unlikely that it isn't a bestseller at all, Poems for the Lost seeks to answer age-old questions such Why do bad things happen to good people? How did the universe come from nothing? And what's the deal with shrimp? Pull up your least comfortable chair, pour a shot of hand sanitizer, it's time for self-pity.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
258 people are currently reading
3213 people want to read
About the author
Exurb1a
8 books1,935 followersExurb1a likes fiction with a metaphysical backbone. He enjoys trying to write that kind of stuff himself.
He also runs a subpar YouTube channel of the same name.
He also runs a subpar YouTube channel of the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
December 16, 2022
Thank you for letting me see inside your mind for some pages. I found myself in them quite a few times.
‚I’m not doing my best but I am doing..‘
‚I’m not doing my best but I am doing..‘
March 16, 2025
"I'm not doing my best but I am doing,
Hopefully you are too"
This book is like a quiet conversation with your most introspective, slightly cynical friend who just happens to be brilliant with words. Each poem feels like a journey into the chaos of modern life, grappling with feelings of being lost, whether it's emotionally, intellectually, or in the grand scheme of existence.
What I love about this collection is how it invites you to reflect on your own sense of displacement without making you feel too alone in it. It’s a reminder that being lost is part of the human experience, and maybe we’re all just stumbling through it together. There’s a sense of connection here, despite the isolation that comes through in the poems.
Exurb1a’s writing is sharp, thoughtful, and yes, a little weird, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s not your typical collection of poems—it's more of a weird, beautiful exploration of the mess that is being human. Definitely a must-read for anyone who's ever felt a little lost.
Hopefully you are too"
This book is like a quiet conversation with your most introspective, slightly cynical friend who just happens to be brilliant with words. Each poem feels like a journey into the chaos of modern life, grappling with feelings of being lost, whether it's emotionally, intellectually, or in the grand scheme of existence.
What I love about this collection is how it invites you to reflect on your own sense of displacement without making you feel too alone in it. It’s a reminder that being lost is part of the human experience, and maybe we’re all just stumbling through it together. There’s a sense of connection here, despite the isolation that comes through in the poems.
Exurb1a’s writing is sharp, thoughtful, and yes, a little weird, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s not your typical collection of poems—it's more of a weird, beautiful exploration of the mess that is being human. Definitely a must-read for anyone who's ever felt a little lost.
December 12, 2022
Wow. Loved this book because it's Soo unlike anything I've ever read and probably will ever read because this style is just nothing I've ever seen before. His thoughts and ideas, especially in the beginning, are really thought provoking and amazing.
I don't think I quite got the later part of this book, but it's okay since this will definitely be a quick re-read in the future.
I don't think I quite got the later part of this book, but it's okay since this will definitely be a quick re-read in the future.
July 4, 2024
“You will realize that for all the pain and desperation of being a thing that can feel pain and desperation, it was an honour to have been a thing at all.”
4.5 ONLY bc these peons are thought-provoking vs emotion-inducing and I prefer poems that will literally have me sobbing.
4.5 ONLY bc these peons are thought-provoking vs emotion-inducing and I prefer poems that will literally have me sobbing.
July 24, 2023
I really savoured this book and every page in it. It made me laugh in a time of great sorrow. Some poems I read again and again - extracting new meaning every time. Some lines made me ponder for days on end. Some even made it into my gratitude journal. This is some of exurb1a's most brilliant work. He really has a gift for writing poetry. I will keep this copy for life and go back to it throughout this mapless journey of life when I am undoubtedly going to be lost and will find myself again.
December 20, 2022
a fun but crisis inducing read
December 18, 2022
This is, unexpectedly, one of my favorite reads from this year. Real, incredibly relatable, and thought provoking. I have to say, it did poke my anxiety here and there, but I still very much enjoyed it. I believe I’ll read it again in the future.
December 3, 2025
There's good bits that are worth a read. I prefer the writer's other works, though.
January 22, 2025
Dit was echt fantastisch! Wauw. Misschien schrijf ik later een uitgebreide review :)
January 7, 2023
As usual, exurb1a shines a wittingly optimistic light on the gloomy and melancholic days of this winter.
I feel like his stories are rarely marked as self-help or motivational, but I have found lots of subtly uplifting passages for those with built-up tolerance to “Just do It” videos.
We’re all thrown into this game without a tutorial. The graphics are insane, leveling up is pretty much pay to win, there is no manual and nobody seems to be able to find it.
This book, to me, was a long story made of short stories addressed to people who gave up on looking for that damned book, voice or song that tells us what to do. It is for the ones who see happiness as happiness and hardships as hardships, who wake up in the morning just because. For the ones who go through life neither because it is beautiful, not because it is ugly, but rather because it’s entertaining and surprising and there’s a never ending quantity of booze around.
I feel like his stories are rarely marked as self-help or motivational, but I have found lots of subtly uplifting passages for those with built-up tolerance to “Just do It” videos.
We’re all thrown into this game without a tutorial. The graphics are insane, leveling up is pretty much pay to win, there is no manual and nobody seems to be able to find it.
This book, to me, was a long story made of short stories addressed to people who gave up on looking for that damned book, voice or song that tells us what to do. It is for the ones who see happiness as happiness and hardships as hardships, who wake up in the morning just because. For the ones who go through life neither because it is beautiful, not because it is ugly, but rather because it’s entertaining and surprising and there’s a never ending quantity of booze around.
May 19, 2023
A birthday gift from my brother, who follows the author's Youtube channel. I've previously read Geometry for Ocelots (a Christmas gift from my brother) and enjoyed it immensely. This collection of poems/short stories also impressed me. It's kinda like a diary of a depressed person, so if you've ever been depressed you'll understand the highs and lows presented in this creation. Some emotions are expressed very clearly, such as addiction and the wish to noolt exist anymore. Others are conveyed through short stories, where you are supposed to derive a feeling from what was written. It's an interesting way of writing poetry, for sure, and the author is a thinker above all. Always reflecting, always spiralling down into themselves. Interesting read, for sure.
September 5, 2024
It definitely didn't help with my existential crisis overall. But sometiems, reading those poems, those loose thoughts, that i could often relate to on more than one level. It did bring some sort of comfort. That life tests us all and we just continue living in it. Wanted to add a quote at the end but there are too many that could fit i just decided not to.
Read
December 28, 2022Not really a book of poems, more a stream of consciousness style collection of anecdotes and observations. Overall very hopeful tone, much like the YouTube channel.
March 30, 2024
I immediately decided to buy this after stumbling across a vid about absurdism by the author. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jv79l...
Absolutely no regrets (regarding the purchase ;) ). Not poetry in the old fashioned sense so if your not into poetry it still works. Just little anecdotes and thoughts about life the universe and everything, to borrow a line.
Some of it reads like observational comedy, but much thinking. There’s also a few sci-fi bits in the middle third which were really nice and helped break things up.
Highly recommended for the Thoughtful. Don’t read if depressed... or definitely read if depressed... (that’s always a tricky decision :P ).
Absolutely no regrets (regarding the purchase ;) ). Not poetry in the old fashioned sense so if your not into poetry it still works. Just little anecdotes and thoughts about life the universe and everything, to borrow a line.
Some of it reads like observational comedy, but much thinking. There’s also a few sci-fi bits in the middle third which were really nice and helped break things up.
Highly recommended for the Thoughtful. Don’t read if depressed... or definitely read if depressed... (that’s always a tricky decision :P ).
August 3, 2024
Absolutely brilliant. I've been watching Turtle Boy (Exurb1a) on YouTube for 7 years, and finally bought his books. I'm so glad I did.
I laughed. I cried. I highlighted most of the book because the quotes are just too good to ignore - they summarise my experience of human life oh so well, and it makes me feel less alone in the universe.
I laughed. I cried. I highlighted most of the book because the quotes are just too good to ignore - they summarise my experience of human life oh so well, and it makes me feel less alone in the universe.
November 8, 2024
This was a lot funnier than I was expecting. I am no poetry expert but I would describe most of these “poems” as little eureka moments that humans tend to unlock naturally progressing through life, at least 2/3rds of the book.
The middle third was completely different taste than the first or third part - was not a big fan of the fantasy future but still had some nice thought provoking charm.
Definitely teared up few times especially the mother poem.
Read for the lols
The middle third was completely different taste than the first or third part - was not a big fan of the fantasy future but still had some nice thought provoking charm.
Definitely teared up few times especially the mother poem.
Read for the lols
May 7, 2024
I loved his work on YouTube so I decided to finally grab his book.
His humor and way of looking at the world comes through so perfectly. I love having the constant back and forth of existential dread back to human determination. I'm newish to poetry but I enjoyed this greatly
His humor and way of looking at the world comes through so perfectly. I love having the constant back and forth of existential dread back to human determination. I'm newish to poetry but I enjoyed this greatly
May 2, 2024
Granted, I'm no poetry geek, but I think that was overall the best poetry selection I have ever read ❤❤😊 Especially Part 1 - many of the poems were instantly my new favourites!
I didn't care much for Part 2 (except for Promise of Jetpacks), though I appreciated the variety.
Overall - amazing!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I didn't care much for Part 2 (except for Promise of Jetpacks), though I appreciated the variety.
Overall - amazing!! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 2, 2023
I completely adore exurb1a’s videos. They’re clever and witty and hopeful without being condescending or pretending the world is always a wonderful place. I particularly enjoy his stories. He writes brilliant and convincing dialogue, and contemporary stories that have this lovely feeling of folk tales.
Personally, I believe exurb1a is better suited to storytelling and prose than poetry.
That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy this book. I did, and I particularly liked the natural tone of voice that persisted throughout. Nothing felt remotely stilted or awkward. As with his videos, this book of poems felt perfectly natural and genuine.
My favourites include the opening poem, ‘Hi’ — an interactive, funny start to the book that feels like the beginning of a friendship; ‘Gate 3 Flamenco’ — a reflection on unashamed joy at being; ‘3/6/22’ — a poem about being ugly and seeing a beautiful night sky; and ‘I’d Quite Like To Stay In Today and Possibly All Year’ – an exploration of human misery.
I think exurb1a is my favourite embodiment of optimistic nihilism, and this book of poems is a clear reflection of this. The overall message of the book seems to be, ‘I have no idea what’s going on, the world is a fucking terrible place, but it’s also an amazing place and isn’t that weird? Should we be enjoying ourselves or curling into a ball of utter misery and hopelessness, or does it depend on the day?’
Some of the writing in ‘Poems for the Lost’ is heartbreaking and beautiful and leaves me feeling all sorts of intense things. When exurb1a wrote, ‘It’s cold out here but I get to see the night’ in ‘3/6/22’ I felt an ache in my chest. And every time I read the line ‘And to love and be loved, which we all intuitively know is // the bestest thing to do with our time’ from ‘Bye’, I smile.
On a philosophical and emotional level, I love these poems. However, I do feel that the writing doesn’t strike me as very suited to the genre, and I would honestly rather exurb1a put these thoughts in the form of rambling essays, maybe even a memoir. If this wasn’t poetry, I would have given 5 stars. As it is, 3 acknowledges the enjoyment reading this gave me, and the feeling of being not so alone in my own existential confusion.
Personally, I believe exurb1a is better suited to storytelling and prose than poetry.
That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy this book. I did, and I particularly liked the natural tone of voice that persisted throughout. Nothing felt remotely stilted or awkward. As with his videos, this book of poems felt perfectly natural and genuine.
My favourites include the opening poem, ‘Hi’ — an interactive, funny start to the book that feels like the beginning of a friendship; ‘Gate 3 Flamenco’ — a reflection on unashamed joy at being; ‘3/6/22’ — a poem about being ugly and seeing a beautiful night sky; and ‘I’d Quite Like To Stay In Today and Possibly All Year’ – an exploration of human misery.
I think exurb1a is my favourite embodiment of optimistic nihilism, and this book of poems is a clear reflection of this. The overall message of the book seems to be, ‘I have no idea what’s going on, the world is a fucking terrible place, but it’s also an amazing place and isn’t that weird? Should we be enjoying ourselves or curling into a ball of utter misery and hopelessness, or does it depend on the day?’
Some of the writing in ‘Poems for the Lost’ is heartbreaking and beautiful and leaves me feeling all sorts of intense things. When exurb1a wrote, ‘It’s cold out here but I get to see the night’ in ‘3/6/22’ I felt an ache in my chest. And every time I read the line ‘And to love and be loved, which we all intuitively know is // the bestest thing to do with our time’ from ‘Bye’, I smile.
On a philosophical and emotional level, I love these poems. However, I do feel that the writing doesn’t strike me as very suited to the genre, and I would honestly rather exurb1a put these thoughts in the form of rambling essays, maybe even a memoir. If this wasn’t poetry, I would have given 5 stars. As it is, 3 acknowledges the enjoyment reading this gave me, and the feeling of being not so alone in my own existential confusion.
February 22, 2024
Thought-provoking but still very much lost
December 30, 2023
The book pretty much lays it all out in the title and what a rollercoaster of optimistic yet gloomy poems! The witty jokes but insightful thoughts were surely interesting.
I stumbled upon this find because i've been watching exurb1a's youtube videos lately. Little did i know that the dude's also a wordsmith.
This book is well written i must say. The poetry in there is a mix – some of it's a bit puzzling, some hit you right in the feels, and a few pieces made me appreciate the twists and turns of my own life. There's a touch of philosophy in there too, but don't fret, it's not your typical heavy philosophy read.
I don't quite see this fitting into the self-help category. It feels more like a reassurance that even if today feels like a wreck, remember you're not alone in that boat. No need to overthink it too much.
I stumbled upon this find because i've been watching exurb1a's youtube videos lately. Little did i know that the dude's also a wordsmith.
This book is well written i must say. The poetry in there is a mix – some of it's a bit puzzling, some hit you right in the feels, and a few pieces made me appreciate the twists and turns of my own life. There's a touch of philosophy in there too, but don't fret, it's not your typical heavy philosophy read.
I don't quite see this fitting into the self-help category. It feels more like a reassurance that even if today feels like a wreck, remember you're not alone in that boat. No need to overthink it too much.
February 5, 2024
“You will realise that for all the pain and desperation of being a thing that can feel pain and desperation, it was an honour to have been a thing at all”
I remember years ago obsessively watching his youtube videos all the time and waiting eagerly for him to upload new ones but then for some reason I totally forgot about him until thankfully days ago when someone put his book on my timeline and I knew I had to pick it up right away!! and I was not disappointed with what i read!! I used to think that no one thinks the way he does and i still stand by that.
i really wanted to give this full five stars but i got lost someway in the middle but the first few poems were outstanding honestly.
I remember years ago obsessively watching his youtube videos all the time and waiting eagerly for him to upload new ones but then for some reason I totally forgot about him until thankfully days ago when someone put his book on my timeline and I knew I had to pick it up right away!! and I was not disappointed with what i read!! I used to think that no one thinks the way he does and i still stand by that.
i really wanted to give this full five stars but i got lost someway in the middle but the first few poems were outstanding honestly.
February 11, 2024
I’m always trying to recommend Exurb1a to people, whether it’s his YouTube channel or his bibliography. I can’t presume that other people will have the same visceral effect that he has had on my life, but he truly is a genius and a one of a kind and I feel so lucky to live in the same era he lives and creates art in. He is masterful and I can’t recommend his poetry enough, it’s funny, it’s realistic, it’s insightful, and all the above. Wonderful work my friend, cheers 🍻
May 27, 2023
Really enjoyable read!
I've been following Exurb1a for about 4 years or such, so I was quite familiar with his views and outlooks on life. That's why I can't say that i was blown away by the book, but it was a nice read nonetheless. It could even be life changing for someone who hasn't given much thought to thinking and being and doing and loving and whatnot
The book is a 4/5 but I'll give it a 5/5 to support the author ✨
I've been following Exurb1a for about 4 years or such, so I was quite familiar with his views and outlooks on life. That's why I can't say that i was blown away by the book, but it was a nice read nonetheless. It could even be life changing for someone who hasn't given much thought to thinking and being and doing and loving and whatnot
The book is a 4/5 but I'll give it a 5/5 to support the author ✨
December 29, 2022
Yet again a wonderful book by Exurb1a. There are very few books that can make me laugh and cry within a few short pages, this is highest among them. I have a great respect for the honesty in his writing. My top poems were probably: paradigm blindness, Kitten sicks, and you will have been.
November 3, 2023
5.0 / 5.0
This man just gets it.
Not quite sure I myself got all of his poems but I have been sick for the past few days and spending time with this book brought me a bit of comfort.
~ 3 November 2023
This man just gets it.
Not quite sure I myself got all of his poems but I have been sick for the past few days and spending time with this book brought me a bit of comfort.
~ 3 November 2023
January 7, 2023
I never expected poems could have such impact on me. I wanted to cry at some points. It hit me hard.
March 30, 2023
There were fewer standout moments than I hoped for, but it was good overall.
Worth 5 stars just for the description of having fancy dinner parties with a cat during lockdown.
Worth 5 stars just for the description of having fancy dinner parties with a cat during lockdown.
August 30, 2023
“i’m not doing my best but i am doing “ is the best line i’ve seen in a poem. this was a good read.
October 29, 2023
enjoyable existentialist ramblings by youtuber I like, some poems unforgettable (Red Button and the Deal), others I didn't really vibe with. Pretty relatable thoughts, at least for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews