The Love of My Life

by Whitney Hanson

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.

Genres: Poetry

256 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

Reviews

[2raccoonsinacoat · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Helen Wu ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kayla Erdmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kate R · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Soledad · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dee's Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

so many emotions, heartbreaking, hopeful, and filled with love. a beautiful collection
thank you to NetGalley and Viking Penguin

[Nicole J · Rating 5 out of 5]

“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!

[Amanda Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Viking Penguin and Netgalley for granting me a digital advanced copy of this poetry book for an honest review!
"The Love of my Life", where do I start? This was a beautiful collection of poetry. The only reason why I rated it 4 stars was because of the poems to deal with spirituality. Here are some of the amazing ones that stood out to me:
"Dare you to stop doing the thing that numbs the pain it's not mending anything inside you it's just preoccupying your brain"
and
"It is possible to mourn even for the people you would never welcome back into your life"
I would totally recommend this book!