What do you think?
All The Words I Should Have Said
From Rania Naim — Egyptian writer, author, editor, and storyteller whose writing explores life, love, healing, self-love, relationships, and the pursuit of your best tomorrow.
A book for those who will understand.
All The Words I Should Have Said is Rania Naim's beautiful collection of poetry exploring the thrills of love, the highs and lows of life, heartbreak, and the challenges of new beginnings.
In a series of candid and deeply personal poems, Naim writes about the struggles of everyday life, the pain of heartbreak, self-doubt, moving on, learning, and healing. These are the words we wish we could say to the people who loved us, the people who hurt us, the people who made us question ourselves, and the people who never told us how they truly felt.
For anyone who has loved deeply, lost someone, struggled to let go, or found themselves searching for the strength to begin again, these poems offer a place to recognize your own experiences and emotions.
Perfect for readers
• Are navigating love, heartbreak, or the end of a relationship
• Are learning to let go and move forward after loss
• Find comfort in contemporary poetry and emotionally honest writing
• Are working through self-doubt, healing, and new beginnings
• Want a poetry collection they can return to whenever they need the right words
• Are looking for a meaningful gift for someone experiencing love, loss, or a new chapter
A Thought Catalog Books Imprint. Printed in the USA.
A book for those who will understand.
All The Words I Should Have Said is Rania Naim's beautiful collection of poetry exploring the thrills of love, the highs and lows of life, heartbreak, and the challenges of new beginnings.
In a series of candid and deeply personal poems, Naim writes about the struggles of everyday life, the pain of heartbreak, self-doubt, moving on, learning, and healing. These are the words we wish we could say to the people who loved us, the people who hurt us, the people who made us question ourselves, and the people who never told us how they truly felt.
For anyone who has loved deeply, lost someone, struggled to let go, or found themselves searching for the strength to begin again, these poems offer a place to recognize your own experiences and emotions.
Perfect for readers
• Are navigating love, heartbreak, or the end of a relationship
• Are learning to let go and move forward after loss
• Find comfort in contemporary poetry and emotionally honest writing
• Are working through self-doubt, healing, and new beginnings
• Want a poetry collection they can return to whenever they need the right words
• Are looking for a meaningful gift for someone experiencing love, loss, or a new chapter
A Thought Catalog Books Imprint. Printed in the USA.
Paperback
First published December 1, 2016
About the author
Rania Naim
6 books162 followersRania Naim is an Egyptian-American author and essayist whose work explores self-worth, healing, and the courage to reclaim yourself. Blending personal reflection with sharp psychological insight, she writes about the quiet transformations that follow heartbreak, loss, and new beginnings.
Her essays have reached millions of readers globally, resonating with anyone navigating change, love, and the lifelong journey back to themselves. When she isn’t writing, she is usually traveling, collecting stories and inspiration.
Her essays have reached millions of readers globally, resonating with anyone navigating change, love, and the lifelong journey back to themselves. When she isn’t writing, she is usually traveling, collecting stories and inspiration.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
May 26, 2017
I was ecstatic to give this poetry collection a go, thanks to that vibrant cover attracting my immediate attention. But I was ultimately disappointed to learn that the themes being explored weren't the ones I was expecting. The blurb promises to dive into “the thrills of love, the highs and lows of life, and the challenges of new beginnings.” It's safe to say, however, that All The Words I Should Have Said is mainly just about love, which is fine if that's all you're looking for.
Personally, I went into this excited to explore topics of insecurities, loneliness, and failures in life; not in relationships. And the low-key theme of cheating was another guaranteed way for me to dislike the book. I kept waiting for themes of change, growth, opportunities, and redemption to appear in the collection, but the story left me cold.
On a more positive note, there were still a few bright points in here that left me hopeful for more to appear:
TIMING
“Maybe we meet the right people at the wrong time
because we wasted the right time with the wrong people”
I liked the above because it made me think of this quote I recently read and resonated with deeply: the people we meet at the wrong time are actually just the wrong people.
Source
DEAR GOD
“Dear God,
They say that you give burdens
to those you love
but sometimes I feel
that you must love me too much
Dear God,
They say that you want me to be patient
but sometimes I wonder
how long do I have to wait
for a miracle to save me?
Dear God,
They say you always remember
the ones who pray to you
but lately I’ve been feeling
that maybe you’ve forgotten
about my prayers and about me
Dear God,
They say you’re always listening
but sometimes I feel like you can’t hear me
they say you’re in every corner
but sometimes I can’t find you
Dear God,
If you wanted me to make art
out of my pain
I’ve already created a masterpiece
when are you going to buy it?”
I KNOW YOU’RE TIRED
“You’re tired of pretending you’re okay
you’re tired of saying there is nothing wrong with you when there is
you’re tired of having to lie to people about what’s going on
and you’re tired of pretending to be strong and smiling
when all you want to do is cry
you wish you could just let everyone know what’s
wrong with you
so they can leave you alone
but you know that’s not possible
and you’re tired of living another day
pretending that you’re not tired at all”
This is something that Sana Bakkoush, my favorite from the tv series Skam, needs to hear with everything that's been accumulating over the past few days.
Source
MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTIONS
“Who do you run to when you’re the one everyone runs to?
Who do you run to when the one you really want to run to
is running away from you?
Who do you run to when you want to run away
from yourself?”
MOTHER
“I roamed the world
looking for happiness and heaven
only to find them
in your loving arms”
All in all, I'd say that though there were a handful of promising poems, All The Words I Should Have Said ultimately failed in capturing my full attention.
2.5/5 stars
Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying All The Words I Should Have Said, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!
This review and more can be found on my blog.
Personally, I went into this excited to explore topics of insecurities, loneliness, and failures in life; not in relationships. And the low-key theme of cheating was another guaranteed way for me to dislike the book. I kept waiting for themes of change, growth, opportunities, and redemption to appear in the collection, but the story left me cold.
On a more positive note, there were still a few bright points in here that left me hopeful for more to appear:
TIMING
“Maybe we meet the right people at the wrong time
because we wasted the right time with the wrong people”
I liked the above because it made me think of this quote I recently read and resonated with deeply: the people we meet at the wrong time are actually just the wrong people.
Source
DEAR GOD
“Dear God,
They say that you give burdens
to those you love
but sometimes I feel
that you must love me too much
Dear God,
They say that you want me to be patient
but sometimes I wonder
how long do I have to wait
for a miracle to save me?
Dear God,
They say you always remember
the ones who pray to you
but lately I’ve been feeling
that maybe you’ve forgotten
about my prayers and about me
Dear God,
They say you’re always listening
but sometimes I feel like you can’t hear me
they say you’re in every corner
but sometimes I can’t find you
Dear God,
If you wanted me to make art
out of my pain
I’ve already created a masterpiece
when are you going to buy it?”
I KNOW YOU’RE TIRED
“You’re tired of pretending you’re okay
you’re tired of saying there is nothing wrong with you when there is
you’re tired of having to lie to people about what’s going on
and you’re tired of pretending to be strong and smiling
when all you want to do is cry
you wish you could just let everyone know what’s
wrong with you
so they can leave you alone
but you know that’s not possible
and you’re tired of living another day
pretending that you’re not tired at all”
This is something that Sana Bakkoush, my favorite from the tv series Skam, needs to hear with everything that's been accumulating over the past few days.
Source
MILLION-DOLLAR QUESTIONS
“Who do you run to when you’re the one everyone runs to?
Who do you run to when the one you really want to run to
is running away from you?
Who do you run to when you want to run away
from yourself?”
MOTHER
“I roamed the world
looking for happiness and heaven
only to find them
in your loving arms”
All in all, I'd say that though there were a handful of promising poems, All The Words I Should Have Said ultimately failed in capturing my full attention.
2.5/5 stars
Note: I'm an Amazon Affiliate. If you're interested in buying All The Words I Should Have Said, just click on the image below to go through my link. I'll make a small commission!
This review and more can be found on my blog.
May 30, 2017
“Don’t wait for someone to make up their mind about you
wait for someone who doesn’t keep you waiting
wait for someone who wouldn’t even think twice
when given the choice to be with someone like you”
It was a nice read, but I'm afraid nothing has stuck with me now that I've finished it.
wait for someone who doesn’t keep you waiting
wait for someone who wouldn’t even think twice
when given the choice to be with someone like you”
It was a nice read, but I'm afraid nothing has stuck with me now that I've finished it.
June 4, 2017
Warning!!!
Don't read this book if you're a mess ,if you can relate to every line of it's fine poetry. Because you'll feel like it translates every feeling you couldn't express , it'll bring to blossom every emotion you fought very hard to suppress.
Don't read this book if you're a mess ,if you can relate to every line of it's fine poetry. Because you'll feel like it translates every feeling you couldn't express , it'll bring to blossom every emotion you fought very hard to suppress.
August 30, 2018
this was so generic that i thought i was reading a book called “all the angsty poems on tumblr that sound the same and mean nothing in the end.”
there was just like NO personal touch to these poems. And I’m someone who thinks poetry is such a deeply personal and powerful thing. It was almost as if she erased herself from these poems and just described feelings so more people could relate. so for me they mostly fell flat. because any person can say “you left me but i love you.” and we’ve heard so many variations of that at this point that it just feels repetitive.
if she had said like “you left me, but i was expecting it. i loved you too deeply, and i knew it wouldn’t end well. you gave me exactly half of everything (but you were my everything)” something like that. idk I’m not a poet but what I’m saying is that there were just like so many short sentences that would work superimposed over a picture of a black and white sunset or something, and it’s just cringey. what i was trying to get across from my example is that it becomes more personal, and you get a better look into her pain and her thoughts and her experience with him, because it WAS her experience. she SHOULD be telling us her experiences. but she just wrote sad phrases that anyone could have experienced and it was just kind of not my jam.
In my rating scale I say that I save my 1 stars for books that remind me that I could’ve spent my time reading like, actually good books, and this applies so well to that. I’m really, really disappointed. I wanted to love this because it’s a WOC, but I just couldn’t.
there was just like NO personal touch to these poems. And I’m someone who thinks poetry is such a deeply personal and powerful thing. It was almost as if she erased herself from these poems and just described feelings so more people could relate. so for me they mostly fell flat. because any person can say “you left me but i love you.” and we’ve heard so many variations of that at this point that it just feels repetitive.
if she had said like “you left me, but i was expecting it. i loved you too deeply, and i knew it wouldn’t end well. you gave me exactly half of everything (but you were my everything)” something like that. idk I’m not a poet but what I’m saying is that there were just like so many short sentences that would work superimposed over a picture of a black and white sunset or something, and it’s just cringey. what i was trying to get across from my example is that it becomes more personal, and you get a better look into her pain and her thoughts and her experience with him, because it WAS her experience. she SHOULD be telling us her experiences. but she just wrote sad phrases that anyone could have experienced and it was just kind of not my jam.
In my rating scale I say that I save my 1 stars for books that remind me that I could’ve spent my time reading like, actually good books, and this applies so well to that. I’m really, really disappointed. I wanted to love this because it’s a WOC, but I just couldn’t.
May 8, 2026
All The Words I Should Have Said by Rania Naim is a beautiful collection of poems written by her which explores the highs and lows of life along with love, friendship and new beginnings.
Some of these poems truly bring out the best of emotions in your heart and soul, while others triggers your brain to reflect on your life. Every time you read a single page, you will get something new to think and resonate with.
Although some of them are slightly cliché, but I believe we all need some of those cliché reminders every now and then to heal from within and then conquer the world from the outside.
Some of these poems truly bring out the best of emotions in your heart and soul, while others triggers your brain to reflect on your life. Every time you read a single page, you will get something new to think and resonate with.
Although some of them are slightly cliché, but I believe we all need some of those cliché reminders every now and then to heal from within and then conquer the world from the outside.
May 22, 2017
There are few pieces I liked but majority of it sounded a little cliche for my own taste. I hope somebody else will enjoy it more than I did.
November 1, 2017
And with simplicity, she revealed the scars she got from loving someone who didn't love her back
January 1, 2024
I wonder if this collection would have resonated with me as a younger person, but I've been happy for too long now.
July 14, 2018
"Promise me that you’ll stay
when it’s easier to leave
Promise me that you’ll listen to me
when all you can hear is silence
Promise me that you’ll love me
when I can’t even love myself
Promise that you’ll keep me safe
for I’ve been living in danger my whole life
and promise me that you’ll finally give me
the home I’ve been trying to find
ever since the world kicked me out"
when it’s easier to leave
Promise me that you’ll listen to me
when all you can hear is silence
Promise me that you’ll love me
when I can’t even love myself
Promise that you’ll keep me safe
for I’ve been living in danger my whole life
and promise me that you’ll finally give me
the home I’ve been trying to find
ever since the world kicked me out"
June 8, 2017
I was so excited to dive into this and I feel a little let down. Even though this is a beautiful collection of poetry, I was slightly disappointed by the fact that it was only about love. So if that's what you're looking for, I definitely suggest you check it out.
However, I was hoping this book would explore other topics too and I just could not relate very much too most of the poems because they were all built on the same foundation - lost love.
However, I was hoping this book would explore other topics too and I just could not relate very much too most of the poems because they were all built on the same foundation - lost love.
January 1, 2021
" And maybe we're all travelers
in search of significance
in search of solitude
in search of something inconceivable
in search of something fascinating
in search of our own treasure
in search of ourselves"
.
.
.
Starting my 2021 journey with this lovely poetry book , thank you Rania Naim for such a book ❤
in search of significance
in search of solitude
in search of something inconceivable
in search of something fascinating
in search of our own treasure
in search of ourselves"
.
.
.
Starting my 2021 journey with this lovely poetry book , thank you Rania Naim for such a book ❤
February 18, 2025
"All the words I should have" said is a riveting collection of soul-stirring and emotional poems that brilliantly explores sentiments that in its all honesty gives you a podium for self- reflections. This book is meant to be read multiple times and trust me, you will find something new to interpret and resonate with.
I don't think my words would ever be enough to express how beautifully unique this collection of poetry is. There are poems of first love, heartbreak, nostalgia, reminisces, crushing disappointments, regrets and soul-stirring happiness, self discovery and channeling of willpower and confidence to continue living and thriving even if confronted with rejection and hopelessness. Suffice to say this book will steer you in the direction of finding your way back to your authentic self.
Rania's expressions invoke a profound conversation between things that we desperately want and what fate has planned for us. Her writings will welcome you on a journey of memories stitched in time over all moments that once made us happy and grateful. While some stay, she inspires us to make space for new memories too. Pursuing happiness and alignment with one's true self should not be discounted over anything.
There are so many poems in this collection that resonated deeply with me. The reflections of emotional vulnerabilities and complexities when you are on your healing journey are delved into with positive convections. If you are an ardent poetry enthusiast then this book is a must read.
I don't think my words would ever be enough to express how beautifully unique this collection of poetry is. There are poems of first love, heartbreak, nostalgia, reminisces, crushing disappointments, regrets and soul-stirring happiness, self discovery and channeling of willpower and confidence to continue living and thriving even if confronted with rejection and hopelessness. Suffice to say this book will steer you in the direction of finding your way back to your authentic self.
Rania's expressions invoke a profound conversation between things that we desperately want and what fate has planned for us. Her writings will welcome you on a journey of memories stitched in time over all moments that once made us happy and grateful. While some stay, she inspires us to make space for new memories too. Pursuing happiness and alignment with one's true self should not be discounted over anything.
There are so many poems in this collection that resonated deeply with me. The reflections of emotional vulnerabilities and complexities when you are on your healing journey are delved into with positive convections. If you are an ardent poetry enthusiast then this book is a must read.
April 5, 2022
This book is everything when you’re a mess trying to find inner peace again
December 30, 2024
I find myself in these words
There are so many poems that touch my heart. She knows how to make the reader reminisce, as well as make us cry. True poetry does both.
There are so many poems that touch my heart. She knows how to make the reader reminisce, as well as make us cry. True poetry does both.
October 10, 2019
This did not really speak to me.
June 15, 2017
Thanks Thought Catalog for sending me a copy as a gift!
I was pretty excited to receive this beautiful poetry book by Thought Catalog as a gift. I’ve always loved poetry books. Being a romantic at heart, reading about love always bring this warm, fuzzy feeling in my chest. Despite being super realistic about life and my relationship expectations, I do believe love brings out the best and worst in us, which may or may not be during our best of times.
I included Rania Naim’s All The Words I Should Have Said in my Ramadan TBR since she’s a Muslim Egyptian. It’s always so exciting to find a female poet, and one whose Muslim! So I was looking forward to this. Finished it in 2 train rides, so it’s pretty short.
Her words are quite beautiful in this book. She talks mostly of broken hearts, loneliness and sorrow. It tends to get a bit depressing from all the emotions that’re being poured into the book. And at times I felt I wasn’t really connecting to the poems. But there were some really nice pieces about self-resilience and being strong for no one else but you.
That said, I felt a little on the fence with this one. Some of the poems felt a little cliche when it came to heartbreak. They’re relatable to anyone who has gone through a heartbreak or ever been in love. But overall, nothing special comes to mind when I read this book. It didn’t grip me as much as I wanted to and I wasn’t reminded of the beauty of love, or even heartbreak, whilst reading this. Though there were some nice pieces about knowing what you deserve in love, I felt a little bland towards the other pieces.
That said, I still think it’s worth a try if you like love poems. And I do hope you enjoy more than I did!
I was pretty excited to receive this beautiful poetry book by Thought Catalog as a gift. I’ve always loved poetry books. Being a romantic at heart, reading about love always bring this warm, fuzzy feeling in my chest. Despite being super realistic about life and my relationship expectations, I do believe love brings out the best and worst in us, which may or may not be during our best of times.
I included Rania Naim’s All The Words I Should Have Said in my Ramadan TBR since she’s a Muslim Egyptian. It’s always so exciting to find a female poet, and one whose Muslim! So I was looking forward to this. Finished it in 2 train rides, so it’s pretty short.
Her words are quite beautiful in this book. She talks mostly of broken hearts, loneliness and sorrow. It tends to get a bit depressing from all the emotions that’re being poured into the book. And at times I felt I wasn’t really connecting to the poems. But there were some really nice pieces about self-resilience and being strong for no one else but you.
That said, I felt a little on the fence with this one. Some of the poems felt a little cliche when it came to heartbreak. They’re relatable to anyone who has gone through a heartbreak or ever been in love. But overall, nothing special comes to mind when I read this book. It didn’t grip me as much as I wanted to and I wasn’t reminded of the beauty of love, or even heartbreak, whilst reading this. Though there were some nice pieces about knowing what you deserve in love, I felt a little bland towards the other pieces.
That said, I still think it’s worth a try if you like love poems. And I do hope you enjoy more than I did!
October 27, 2021
I felt like I was reading my own poetry from grade 7? So it was hard for me to read through very critical eyes
March 21, 2024
eeeekk
April 7, 2025
Rania Naim’s All The Words I Should Have Said is a collection of poetry that primarily delves into the realm of love, exploring its highs, lows, and the lingering emotions of lost connections. While the book is undeniably beautiful and its poems are crafted with emotional depth, some readers may find its thematic focus somewhat narrow. The collection centres heavily on heartbreak, nostalgia, and the complexities of romantic relationships, which, while relatable to many, might not resonate with those seeking a broader range of poetic themes.
The strength of Naim’s writing lies in its ability to evoke a profound emotional response. Her poems capture the raw feelings of love, loss, and the journey towards self-discovery with a poignant honesty. The book explores the delicate balance between what we desire and what fate presents, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and relationships.
The book’s consistent focus on romantic love and heartbreak can become repetitive for some, and the lack of thematic diversity might leave readers wanting more. However, for those who appreciate introspective poetry that explores the intricacies of love and relationships, this collection offers a heartfelt and relatable experience. Naim’s ability to capture the essence of emotional vulnerability and the journey towards healing makes the book a worthwhile read for those seeking solace and understanding in the realm of love and loss.
The strength of Naim’s writing lies in its ability to evoke a profound emotional response. Her poems capture the raw feelings of love, loss, and the journey towards self-discovery with a poignant honesty. The book explores the delicate balance between what we desire and what fate presents, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with love and relationships.
The book’s consistent focus on romantic love and heartbreak can become repetitive for some, and the lack of thematic diversity might leave readers wanting more. However, for those who appreciate introspective poetry that explores the intricacies of love and relationships, this collection offers a heartfelt and relatable experience. Naim’s ability to capture the essence of emotional vulnerability and the journey towards healing makes the book a worthwhile read for those seeking solace and understanding in the realm of love and loss.
October 23, 2017
I liked several of Rania Naim's works that I could post them as captions of my Instagram posts. Yes, the way they were written can make you feel some emotions,
but writing them this way
that are actually
very short it's just
one sentence and
are kinda repetitive
makes me question, is it really necessary? I know people would say this is one kind of poetry, but I expected more. I liked it, but I think it could've done better.
but writing them this way
that are actually
very short it's just
one sentence and
are kinda repetitive
makes me question, is it really necessary? I know people would say this is one kind of poetry, but I expected more. I liked it, but I think it could've done better.
March 20, 2023
2.5 ⭐ actually.
Don't get me wrong. I love Miss Naim since her ThoughtCatalog days. I'm such a huge fan of her articles... But this was supposed to be a book of poetry, I believe? However, it wasn't what I expected. It was too... ordinary? Nothing much stood out. There wasn't something I haven't read from her before. So probably this is just a compilation of those, maybe I was just expecting too much.
I still love her, though. 💖
Don't get me wrong. I love Miss Naim since her ThoughtCatalog days. I'm such a huge fan of her articles... But this was supposed to be a book of poetry, I believe? However, it wasn't what I expected. It was too... ordinary? Nothing much stood out. There wasn't something I haven't read from her before. So probably this is just a compilation of those, maybe I was just expecting too much.
I still love her, though. 💖
July 23, 2017
tsk hahah
October 15, 2017
"and here we are worlds apart
barely talking to each other
separated by distance and
unfulfilled promises
living in shades of what could've been
living in flashbacks of memories."
barely talking to each other
separated by distance and
unfulfilled promises
living in shades of what could've been
living in flashbacks of memories."
January 1, 2018
there's two entries that really made me teart eyed. first one is 'You're allowed to leave' and the other one is this:
I’ll never be the girl who feels nothing
I’ll always be the girl who feels everything
- Everything
i just felt something that's comforting after reading them.
I’ll never be the girl who feels nothing
I’ll always be the girl who feels everything
- Everything
i just felt something that's comforting after reading them.
June 5, 2017
It was just beautiful!✨
November 3, 2017
"I wish I knew to be heartless
i wish nothing fazed me"
It was a fast and nice read but I don't feel any strong emotions at all.
i wish nothing fazed me"
It was a fast and nice read but I don't feel any strong emotions at all.
January 1, 2025
I have several complaints but the main one is I want my time back. This whatsapp pseudo poetry made me sad for the trees that were wasted on printing this book. The intentions are great but the poor language had me questioning the author's writing skills: I thought maybe this was a translation of an arabic book from this Egyptian author but no, this woman wrote exactly what you're reading.
September 30, 2022
I love how the author wrote this book. I highlighted and bookmarked some lines that became my faves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2018
the best.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews