“Not all heartbreaks have to end with you broken.”

Growth and change—two powerful anthems resonate throughout this collection of poetry and prose that will leave you feeling emboldened and empowered.

You Are Here is Dawn Lanuza’s newest collection of contemporary poetry that lends itself to the idea of giving ourselves second chances. These self-healing poems and words draw on central themes of self-love, self-discovery, and empowerment. In order to survive the vicissitudes of life, You Are Here boldly reminds readers to always choose themselves, and in times where it seems impossible, to find the courage and strength to start anew. (Goodreads)

This is a book I’ve enjoyed a few months ago from NetGalley. I got attracted to it because of its super pretty cover. I was so glad when I realized it is by Dawn Lanuza, an author I’ve heard so much about. This turned out to be the first book I’ve read that’s written by her. She has definitely become one of my favorite Filipina authors since then. You might remember I also talked about her novel Stay A Little Longer as part of a blog tour before, and I’ll continue to look forward to her works in the future.

You Are Here is a collection of modern poetry and prose that are meant to be read slowly and savored. These are little vignettes reflecting on love and loss. It can be heartwarming at one moment and heartbreaking the next. It’s all about healing and letting go. I also felt like a trusted friend is talking to me the whole time I’m reading it. I was comforted by the messages of body positivity and self-love. I can compare this reading experience to drinking hot brewed coffee during a rainy night, surrounded by soft pillows and a warm blanket.

As the title promises, the reader is compelled to look at oneself, and recognize where you are right now in your life. It reminds us that we should all learn to love and accept ourselves during our own journeys, no matter where we intend to go. I highly recommend this to people who are still figuring out what to do, or even those that may need to look back on their past in order to fully appreciate the present and to begin to be hopeful for the future.

Looking back at my favorite pieces, I realized I saved so many! So it was hard to pick just a few to share with you guys. But here they are–I hope they speak to you and touch your hearts the same way as they did for me. And thank you to the author Dawn Lanuza for creating and sharing your beautiful poetry. 💙

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Big thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Dawn Lanuza writes contemporary romance, young adult fiction and prose poetry. She has two first loves – music and writing – and is lucky enough to surround herself with them. She currently lives with her family and a very loved cream toy poodle.

She sometimes blogs at dawnlanuza.com.

Book Details

You Are Here by Dawn Lanuza

Paperback, 272 pages

Published February 12th 2019 by Andrews McMeel Publishing

ISBN 144949756X (ISBN13: 9781449497569)

Genres: Poetry

Buy Links

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