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The Love of My Life
From Instagram phenomenon Whitney Hanson, a brand-new collection of poems exploring themes of identity, loss, and what it means to rediscover yourself
the love of my life is a poetry collection that traces the process of rediscovering a love of life after change, disconnection, and personal upheaval. Using the metaphor of fires, the book is structured in three sections—Burning, Ashes, and Reclamation—to reflect the cycles of destruction, numbness, and renewal that accompany deep inner work.
Through themes of identity, loss, healing, and emotional reconstruction, the collection explores what it means to unlearn inherited beliefs, confront the weight of the past, and slowly rebuild a relationship with oneself, others, and the world. This is a book not primarily about romantic love but about reengaging with life by confronting the past and reconnecting with a sense of self.
the love of my life is a poetry collection that traces the process of rediscovering a love of life after change, disconnection, and personal upheaval. Using the metaphor of fires, the book is structured in three sections—Burning, Ashes, and Reclamation—to reflect the cycles of destruction, numbness, and renewal that accompany deep inner work.
Through themes of identity, loss, healing, and emotional reconstruction, the collection explores what it means to unlearn inherited beliefs, confront the weight of the past, and slowly rebuild a relationship with oneself, others, and the world. This is a book not primarily about romantic love but about reengaging with life by confronting the past and reconnecting with a sense of self.
- GenresPoetry
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 18, 2026
This was so relatable that it made me slightly uncomfortable, which is my favorite type of poetry.
Painfully honest and so many of the struggles that Hanson works on here (people-pleasing, abandonment, forced independence) spoke so directly to me that it hurt my feelings. Really, really apt reflection on some of the mental health struggles that are so common today. The way she talks about loneliness, in particular, is so raw and comforting. That being said, I don’t feel like the poetry was particularly strong. The rhyme schemes and lack of nuance felt a little novice, but the bones are absolutely there. This collection moved me, just not poetically. I hope to see more from the author because I think she has a lot of potential.
Thanks to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Painfully honest and so many of the struggles that Hanson works on here (people-pleasing, abandonment, forced independence) spoke so directly to me that it hurt my feelings. Really, really apt reflection on some of the mental health struggles that are so common today. The way she talks about loneliness, in particular, is so raw and comforting. That being said, I don’t feel like the poetry was particularly strong. The rhyme schemes and lack of nuance felt a little novice, but the bones are absolutely there. This collection moved me, just not poetically. I hope to see more from the author because I think she has a lot of potential.
Thanks to Viking Penguin and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2026
"it is possible to mourn even for the people you would never welcome back into your life"
July 9, 2026
This was a cute collection of poetry, some lines were beautiful.
December 21, 2025
This book is full of poetry that encapsulates a wide variety of deep emotions. The poems are divided into sections that show heartbreak that builds into a beautiful reflection on finding love for oneself. While some of the poems clearly come from a dark place, there are also poems of hope throughout. I enjoyed the journey this book took me on as well as the emotions it was able to evoke.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC!
July 12, 2026
Like many people, we had Hanson’s poem ‘Love like a River’ as one of the readings at our wedding, so I was very excited to see she had a new collection coming out. It’s a beautiful poem, and many of the other poems in this collection have a similar style, if a different subject matter.
The whole collection is structured around the end of a relationship, the heartbreak that comes with it, and the rebuilding and re-framing of life that comes after. The writing is undeniably beautiful, and there are lines or excerpts that struck me as being particularly moving or profound.
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That being said, the poems didn’t feel particularly distinct from each other. This might not be surprising, given that Hanson is most established online, where a distinctive style is important, and poems are read once every few days rather than as one whole collection. I do think this format perhaps did them a disservice. The book started to feel like a memoir written in verse rather than a poetry collection, only without the personal details and narrative arc we would expect from a memoir.
Although the book did have its drawbacks as a whole collection, it’s still an impressive body of work from one of the best-known young poets of our time. Even though the book didn’t resonate with me, she’s definitely a writer I plan on following and keeping up with.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
The whole collection is structured around the end of a relationship, the heartbreak that comes with it, and the rebuilding and re-framing of life that comes after. The writing is undeniably beautiful, and there are lines or excerpts that struck me as being particularly moving or profound.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
That being said, the poems didn’t feel particularly distinct from each other. This might not be surprising, given that Hanson is most established online, where a distinctive style is important, and poems are read once every few days rather than as one whole collection. I do think this format perhaps did them a disservice. The book started to feel like a memoir written in verse rather than a poetry collection, only without the personal details and narrative arc we would expect from a memoir.
Although the book did have its drawbacks as a whole collection, it’s still an impressive body of work from one of the best-known young poets of our time. Even though the book didn’t resonate with me, she’s definitely a writer I plan on following and keeping up with.
I received a free copy for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you read poetry specifically for complex linguistic artistry, you may find Hanson's collection unsatisfying. It lacks any of the traditional hallmarks of poetry like multifaceted metaphors, intense or surprising imagery, complex word meanings, and emotional nuances that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Rhyme and alliteration seem to have no place at her table. What you will find seated alongside her are a calm rhythm, straight-forward vocabulary, short lines, and an emphasis on affirmations or reflections. It is quick and easy to consume, but very forgettable so I am perplexed by the high ratings that I am seeing across multiple platforms. It could be that readers of traditional poetry are not picking up the "instagram" style and therefore there is not a diverse set of readers submitting reviews, or it could be that I am just an outlier in my opinion. Many readers may be looking for this type of poetry specifically so I would not write off the style completely. Poetry is a diverse and ever evolving genre, so we need to keep space for all poets. I do genuinely enjoy listening to Hanson read her poems online, but after reading this book my opinion is the style is much more like a surface variety of spoken-word performance better served virtually than as a traditional printed poetry book. If you are looking for poems that are immediately accessible and feature narration that is about self-reflection or affirmation this book may be for you.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this work.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this work.
July 5, 2026
We all carry emotions that are difficult to name. The Love of My Life is a collection that gently reminds us we don’t have to carry them alone.
Whitney Hanson has a remarkable ability to articulate the emotions many of us struggle to express. Rather than simply exploring romantic love, these poems navigate heartbreak, identity, grief, healing, and the gradual journey back to yourself.
Each section builds naturally upon the last, tracing a path from loss towards healing and self-acceptance. I found myself slowing down as I read, allowing each poem the space it deserved instead of rushing to the next page. There was an honesty to Hanson’s writing that made the collection feel both approachable and emotionally sincere.
As with any poetry collection, not every poem spoke to me in the same way, but that’s part of what makes poetry such a personal experience. While some poems resonated with me more deeply than others, together they wove an honest exploration of healing and reclaiming your sense of self.
Overall, The Love of My Life is a thoughtful exploration of healing, resilience, and choosing hope in the face of grief. For readers seeking a collection that offers comfort without shying away from life’s complexities, this is a meaningful companion for anyone experiencing heartbreak, embracing healing, or finding the strength to begin again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books Australia, and Whitney Hanson for providing me with an advance reader copy of The Love of My Life in exchange for an honest review.
Whitney Hanson has a remarkable ability to articulate the emotions many of us struggle to express. Rather than simply exploring romantic love, these poems navigate heartbreak, identity, grief, healing, and the gradual journey back to yourself.
Each section builds naturally upon the last, tracing a path from loss towards healing and self-acceptance. I found myself slowing down as I read, allowing each poem the space it deserved instead of rushing to the next page. There was an honesty to Hanson’s writing that made the collection feel both approachable and emotionally sincere.
As with any poetry collection, not every poem spoke to me in the same way, but that’s part of what makes poetry such a personal experience. While some poems resonated with me more deeply than others, together they wove an honest exploration of healing and reclaiming your sense of self.
Overall, The Love of My Life is a thoughtful exploration of healing, resilience, and choosing hope in the face of grief. For readers seeking a collection that offers comfort without shying away from life’s complexities, this is a meaningful companion for anyone experiencing heartbreak, embracing healing, or finding the strength to begin again.
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books Australia, and Whitney Hanson for providing me with an advance reader copy of The Love of My Life in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This collection quietly dismantled me in the best way. So many of the poems explore that constant tug-of-war between wanting closeness and wanting escape, the instinct to make yourself smaller, softer, easier to love, until you’re no longer sure who you are beneath the masks. I found myself pausing again and again because certain lines hit a little too close to home, especially those centered on grief, survival, and the idea that sometimes not moving forward is actually an act of strength.
What I loved most is how understated the book is. It doesn’t demand your attention or try to be profound for the sake of it. Instead, it sits with you gently, offering recognition rather than solutions. There’s something incredibly powerful about a book that simply says, I see you, and means it.
Whitney Hanson has a gift for writing poetry that feels honest without ever sounding preachy. Every piece feels deeply human, capturing that lost, in-between feeling so many of us carry but struggle to articulate. This is easily one of the most quotable and emotionally resonant poetry collections I’ve read, and it’s made her an automatic buy author for me. I’ll absolutely be picking up a physical copy, this is the kind of book you want to keep close.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars — highly, wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
What I loved most is how understated the book is. It doesn’t demand your attention or try to be profound for the sake of it. Instead, it sits with you gently, offering recognition rather than solutions. There’s something incredibly powerful about a book that simply says, I see you, and means it.
Whitney Hanson has a gift for writing poetry that feels honest without ever sounding preachy. Every piece feels deeply human, capturing that lost, in-between feeling so many of us carry but struggle to articulate. This is easily one of the most quotable and emotionally resonant poetry collections I’ve read, and it’s made her an automatic buy author for me. I’ll absolutely be picking up a physical copy, this is the kind of book you want to keep close.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars — highly, wholeheartedly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of The Love of My Life by Whitney Hanson
This poetry collection is about rebuilding, renewing, and reconnecting with yourself and others after a period of painful upheaval or loss in your life. How do you redefine yourself when what you've known has been lost?
Many of the writings in this book resonated with me, and there are bookmarks throughout so I can easily find and reread my favorites.
Hanson is skilled at pinpointing and expressing emotions. Her ability to capture what people are feeling but cannot find their own words for is a key to her popularity. This is a strength that will only grow with time. Her youth continues to show through with seemingly forced attempts to return to the primary school format of four-line segments with rhyming words. This is something I hope she puts behind her as she continues to mature as a writer.
I rate this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to Viking Penguin for allowing me access to a DRC via NetGalley. Publication is 7/7/26. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
This poetry collection is about rebuilding, renewing, and reconnecting with yourself and others after a period of painful upheaval or loss in your life. How do you redefine yourself when what you've known has been lost?
Many of the writings in this book resonated with me, and there are bookmarks throughout so I can easily find and reread my favorites.
Hanson is skilled at pinpointing and expressing emotions. Her ability to capture what people are feeling but cannot find their own words for is a key to her popularity. This is a strength that will only grow with time. Her youth continues to show through with seemingly forced attempts to return to the primary school format of four-line segments with rhyming words. This is something I hope she puts behind her as she continues to mature as a writer.
I rate this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
My thanks to Viking Penguin for allowing me access to a DRC via NetGalley. Publication is 7/7/26. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.
June 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley, Quercus Books and Whitney Hanson for accepting my request to read and review “the love of my life”.
A book filled with amazing poetry that will make you feel many emotions, some are reflective, some will be uncomfortable and confronting but just the right about to balance it out which is something I love reading in poetry.
So many emotion enhancing poems, of heartbreak, loneliness, self-love, self-reflection and mental health.
One short sentence just hit home, resonated and stay embedded into my mind.
“Perhaps loneliness does not arrive to torture you but to teach you to listen to yourself’.
I am s happy I stumbled on Whitney’s book on Netgalley and took a chance. Will be definitely looking at reading more of her work. Would recommend this to any poetry reader or someone wanting to explore poetry.
A book filled with amazing poetry that will make you feel many emotions, some are reflective, some will be uncomfortable and confronting but just the right about to balance it out which is something I love reading in poetry.
So many emotion enhancing poems, of heartbreak, loneliness, self-love, self-reflection and mental health.
One short sentence just hit home, resonated and stay embedded into my mind.
“Perhaps loneliness does not arrive to torture you but to teach you to listen to yourself’.
I am s happy I stumbled on Whitney’s book on Netgalley and took a chance. Will be definitely looking at reading more of her work. Would recommend this to any poetry reader or someone wanting to explore poetry.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 rounded up
My sister introduced me to Whitney Hanson, and I ended up reading several of her books last year, which feels telling in itself. Poetry is not easy, but her writing just gets me. It feels honest in a way that sneaks up on you. So many of these poems capture that push and pull of wanting to be loved while also wanting to run, the habit of shrinking or shapeshifting to be more palatable, and the quiet loneliness of not quite knowing who you are anymore. I kept stopping because a line felt uncomfortably familiar, especially the ones about masks, grief, and how sometimes standing still is actually survival. This is the kind of book that does not shout. It sits beside you and says I see you, and somehow that is enough.
Thank you Netgalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC!
My sister introduced me to Whitney Hanson, and I ended up reading several of her books last year, which feels telling in itself. Poetry is not easy, but her writing just gets me. It feels honest in a way that sneaks up on you. So many of these poems capture that push and pull of wanting to be loved while also wanting to run, the habit of shrinking or shapeshifting to be more palatable, and the quiet loneliness of not quite knowing who you are anymore. I kept stopping because a line felt uncomfortably familiar, especially the ones about masks, grief, and how sometimes standing still is actually survival. This is the kind of book that does not shout. It sits beside you and says I see you, and somehow that is enough.
Thank you Netgalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars!!
I absolutely adore this poetry book! I have never found a poetry collection that is more quotable or lovable than this one. Whitney Hanson does a wonderful job making this novel sound real and not at all preachy. It realistically displays how most people feel truly lost in life and managing to perfectly put it into words. Reading and loving this as much as I have has made this an auto buy author for me! I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of the book because of how emotional and truly seen it made me feel.
10/10 Recommend!
Thank you, Viking Penguin for approving me for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely adore this poetry book! I have never found a poetry collection that is more quotable or lovable than this one. Whitney Hanson does a wonderful job making this novel sound real and not at all preachy. It realistically displays how most people feel truly lost in life and managing to perfectly put it into words. Reading and loving this as much as I have has made this an auto buy author for me! I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of the book because of how emotional and truly seen it made me feel.
10/10 Recommend!
Thank you, Viking Penguin for approving me for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"The Love of My Life," is the kind of poetry book that whispers truths to you under the covers. It's the kind of poetry book that holds space for you - your loneliness, your heartbreak, your hope, your love, your grief - and it tells you, "I'm here, and I see you." It's the kind of poetry that doesn't shout to announce itself, but quietly enters the room, slipping itself in your pocket to read whenever you may need it. Loved it. Loved the work, the rhythms, the themes, how accessible and easy to read each piece is, as well as the overall feel of the collection as a whole. A huge thank you to Viking Penquin, and to Netgallery for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books, and Whitney Hanson for the opportunity to read this ARC!
The Love of My Life is a poetry book that focuses on themes of “identity, loss, healing, and emotional reconstruction”. I really connected to the poems in this book. Whitney writes so eloquently. I love when poems take time to read so that you’re able to understand and connect with them. As Whitney says, this is not a book filled with sappy love poems. It’s a book that redefines your concept of love and helps you rediscover your love for life, which is exactly what I needed heading into reading this. I ended up highlighting and bookmarking SO many pages. I rated The Love of My Life 5 stars + I highly recommend checking it out!
The Love of My Life will be available on July 7th! 🦋
The Love of My Life is a poetry book that focuses on themes of “identity, loss, healing, and emotional reconstruction”. I really connected to the poems in this book. Whitney writes so eloquently. I love when poems take time to read so that you’re able to understand and connect with them. As Whitney says, this is not a book filled with sappy love poems. It’s a book that redefines your concept of love and helps you rediscover your love for life, which is exactly what I needed heading into reading this. I ended up highlighting and bookmarking SO many pages. I rated The Love of My Life 5 stars + I highly recommend checking it out!
The Love of My Life will be available on July 7th! 🦋
July 3, 2026
I love poetry where it feels like the author has taken a look inside my soul and written my feelings to the page. Whitney Hanson has done exactly that. Her poetry expressed emotions that I didn't know how to comprehend myself and made me feel so seen. I will definitely be picking up more from her in the future.
Thank you Viking Penguin for giving me a chance to read and review this before the release date!
Thank you Viking Penguin for giving me a chance to read and review this before the release date!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this one as it’s about rediscovering yourself- how to burn yourself down to the “bones” and coming out of that. Hanson is very honest and approachable at the same time the part about loneliness was a favorite.
This is very modern poetry or instagram poetry and so will be different compared to others. She ends it with how we are all just a bit average which was fitting.
thanks to prh audio and viking for the arc
This is very modern poetry or instagram poetry and so will be different compared to others. She ends it with how we are all just a bit average which was fitting.
thanks to prh audio and viking for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow. This book of poetry blew me away. It's like the author took a look inside my jumbled mind and turned all my anxieties, insecurities and sense of wonder into one of the most beautiful, lyrical pieces I've read. I absolutely loved it and will be telling all my poetry-appreciating friends about The Love of My Life.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with the chance to read this.
Thank you, NetGalley for providing me with the chance to read this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another fantastic collection of poetry by this author! She really can do no wrong in my eyes. The first part of the book was definitely heartbreaking but the end of the book was full of hope. Her poetry hits on so many situations. I loved it and I'd absolutely recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a new genre for me. I’m not usually one to read poetry books but something drew me to this one.
I was really moved by the profound words and thoughts of the author and felt the emotion in the words.
A very powerful book
I was really moved by the profound words and thoughts of the author and felt the emotion in the words.
A very powerful book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've yet to read any work by Hanson I don't immediately love. Along with Home this is probably one of my top favorites from her works!
Thank you the author and Penguin books for the eARC.
Thank you the author and Penguin books for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Love of My Life was my introduction to Whitney Hanson’s work and I loved it. I am excited to delve into her backlist.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for an ARC copy of the ebook.
Thank you to Viking Penguin for an ARC copy of the ebook.
June 8, 2026
I want to first say thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC! While this wasn’t my cup of tea, clearly others have really loved it.
June 21, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Viking Penguin for the ARC of Whitney Hanson's newest poetry collection "The Love of My Life."
So many poems in Whitney Hanson's new collection hit close to home. Sometimes I had to step away for a few minutes to center myself; at the same time, I was relieved that there was someone out there who had felt the same way I did, and who would understand me if we were ever to meet and have a chat. (Because everyone sits down with a stranger and has deep conversations about past loss and trauma, right? Stil, it's a nice thought.)
As always, Hanson writes with deep honesty, baring her soul for all to see. She shows us her fear, her heartache, and insecurities, and in doing so she shows us how fearless and resilient she really is.
Hanson's poems are not long descriptive odes tat transport readers to another world. Her poems are the story of a life lived, with all the messy relationships, the happy ones, the highs and lows, the joys looked-for and unexpected, and the sorrows that we all wish we could avoid. Every reader will recognize a part of themselves in this book, because Hanson writes about what it means to be human.
So many poems in Whitney Hanson's new collection hit close to home. Sometimes I had to step away for a few minutes to center myself; at the same time, I was relieved that there was someone out there who had felt the same way I did, and who would understand me if we were ever to meet and have a chat. (Because everyone sits down with a stranger and has deep conversations about past loss and trauma, right? Stil, it's a nice thought.)
As always, Hanson writes with deep honesty, baring her soul for all to see. She shows us her fear, her heartache, and insecurities, and in doing so she shows us how fearless and resilient she really is.
Hanson's poems are not long descriptive odes tat transport readers to another world. Her poems are the story of a life lived, with all the messy relationships, the happy ones, the highs and lows, the joys looked-for and unexpected, and the sorrows that we all wish we could avoid. Every reader will recognize a part of themselves in this book, because Hanson writes about what it means to be human.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
It was a good read.
July 8, 2026
Broke my heart. Healed my soul. Truly beautiful...
July 12, 2026
I can't love Whitney Hanson & her beautiful words enough!
July 12, 2026
Whitney’s best work, in my opinion. Every page has depth and I found myself emotional throughout; provoking both happy and sad tears. Highly recommend this read.
July 14, 2026
Another beautiful collection of poems that touch your soul and your heart! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
so many emotions, heartbreaking, hopeful, and filled with love. a beautiful collection
thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin
thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin
March 26, 2026
“The Love of My Life” is the kind of poetry book that breaks you, gives you hope, and mends your heart all at the same time.
Thank you to the author, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book. As a reminder, this review is voluntary and all ratings/opinions are my own.
Hanson’s words are so simple yet inspiring that they sit with you way past the end of the book. I personally felt seen, understood, and I may have cried a bit too. That is what poetry is all about to me: the poet connecting with their readers to move their hearts. Mission complete in this case!
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Hanson’s books moving forward!
Thank you to the author, Viking Penguin, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book. As a reminder, this review is voluntary and all ratings/opinions are my own.
Hanson’s words are so simple yet inspiring that they sit with you way past the end of the book. I personally felt seen, understood, and I may have cried a bit too. That is what poetry is all about to me: the poet connecting with their readers to move their hearts. Mission complete in this case!
I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Hanson’s books moving forward!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews