This was a beautiful book in both display and language. I enjoyed this collection of poetry. The writing was beautiful and so were the illustrations.

First thank you to netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This poetry does not hold back. Exploring the vulnerable ages of 18-28 takes the reader on a roller coaster of happiness, pain, success, confusion, love,and abandonment. There are so many emotions going on and each is eloquently portrayed bringing the reader back to those ages where self confidence - and actually a true sense of self - is in development.

Well done.

This poetry book is filled various poems touching on different subjects that are easy to relate to. I really enjoyed reading through each poem and will for sure be reading more of S. K. Williams' poetry books!

"Sometimes the path is made of quicksand and you haven't even realized until you're drowning."

As an artist and appreciator of art I would really like to point out how much I love the cover of this book. It's really so beautiful. Also all the little illustrations and backgrounds and artsy extras throughout the book are so pretty. I just really wanted to point that out and I would give 5 stars just for that. The little poems were nice too and I even wrote one or two into my journal because some are truly relatable. Really like this lovely little poetry book

4.5 Stars 'Before You Know It' is yet another beautiful collection of poems by SK Williams. I appreciate the vulnerability and authenticity behind each piece. Williams takes you on a journey of what it's like to be human, feeling every emotion under the sun, and coming back to yourself with love. I'd happily recommend this to any poetry lover. Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

As always S K Williams put together a beautiful collection of poetry. I felt like I truly got to take a sneak peek into both of their lives in a way that I wasn’t able to with their former collections. This is definitely my favorite of theirs. I will be recommending this one to my fellow poetry friends!

Such a raw and real collection of poems with themes of youth, body image, ambition, uncertainty, mental health and more. I really liked how there were poems from two different perspectives between the ages of 18 and 28. As a 25 year old, I definitely related to so many of these poems and I felt there was so much emotion behind all of them.

This was a very lovely collection of poems. I really enjoyed the two different perspectives. And so many of the poems were relatable and definitely made you feel like you weren’t alone. Thanks to NetGalley for the arc

This digital ARC was obtainable via NetGalley for an honest review!

"Before You Know It" is like a love letter to one's past and future self. It makes you realize that our struggles as humans aren't unique as we think. We are all trying to make it and prove to ourselves/others that we are enough. At times some of these poems felt like I wrote them! I enjoyed going on this journey with the authors and I'm glad that they are finding happiness. Great poetry book!

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

Before You Know It, by S.K Williams, is a poetry collection about finding a compromise between innocent, childlike dreams, and reality. The book is separated into four parts. In the Beginning, details the aspirations someone may have for themselves and the plans they make to reach their goals, despite the doubts that may plague them along the way. Uncharted Waters illustrates the reality of what it means to follow those dreams and the mental and emotional fortitude it takes to continue struggling toward them. Beneath the Storm describes the heartbreaking reality of having to come to terms with the life you wanted, versus the life you received. Finally, At the End denotes that those dreams are still there, whether it be that of being happy or being a writer, and that, despite all the hardships that had fallen, they’re worth fighting for.

It felt like each poem carried a lesson you have to learn in the moment. There’s no thinking, no rhyme or reason; it just is. You learn to grow and take care of yourself, and then you learn how to take care of others, and when you fall, others might laugh or pity you. But then you get back up and you go back at it again. I especially “loved” the financial struggles poets had to go through and the difficulty of letting a marriage that wasn’t working; there’s something so intoxicatingly human about ruminating over what feels like past regrets. Again, it’s nothing you can change; it is what it is. But despite all the chaos involved, you somehow find a way to move forward. It might not be the path you envisioned, but it’s a path nonetheless. This, unfortunately, is horrifically true with mental illness as well; sometimes you’re lost, and sometimes you aren’t. And when you feel like you’re lost, you have to rely on other people to help you move forward. It’s this oddity that makes me feel that having a passion for writing might denote some sort of mental deficiency. (Don’t take this personally. I struggle with this too). 

The collection mirrors my journey. When I was younger, I used to write all the time. While my childhood wasn’t that bad, I would always escape into stories of my own imagining, and steal myself away into the confines of the school library (I’m still proud that my librarian allowed me to check out books until the last day of school). Then college hit, and then medical school, and then me dropping out of medical school, and then I realized that I had to get a job. While I was (somewhat) publishing, it wasn’t nearly enough to support myself or my then-boyfriend at the time. It broke my heart, but I decided to go out and be an adult. I chose to teach math for no other reason than it was in demand at the time. Looking back on it, I probably would’ve gotten away with being an English teacher. And as a counselor, I often find myself using creative writing and art to help clients who are just as engrossed in the written word as I am. So when I read through this collection, I couldn’t help but remember all the little moments when I was worried about finances, how I could possibly survive when my parents were already barreling down on me. It’s a painful thing to have to go through, and I feel that this is, more often than not, a part of a writer’s journey to get where they need to go. It’s a harsh journey (there’s a reason why so many famous writers have committed suicide. Hell, even Edgar Allen Poe died impoverished before he died). But a necessary one nonetheless. Writing is a good way to help people express themselves, and medical schools value someone who can delve into humanity holistically, so make that of what you will.

I absolutely loved this collection, and thus, would give it a 5 out of 5 stars.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this review*


Poetry is hard to review, especially when it's not poetry in children's tales and about fantastical stories. You don't want to judge the stories or feelings somebody experienced about their own life.
So I won't. That's not the point here.

The writing in Before You Know It is simple to read. I did not struggle to understand what either author appeared to be portraying. You see the changes in their writing and the type of story we are learning as they each grow up. They're young in the beginning, dealing with things we view as trivial when we get older but also the complications of just being comfortable with ourselves and our own beings.

If you had a "perfect" life maybe step away from this one as you will struggle to find the connection to the words on the page. If you struggled to find yourself worthy of love or not failing or just being comfortable in your own skin I say give this ago. If anything, it will help you remember you aren't alone if feeling that way and that there is hope to getting past that.

In alternating perspectives, “Before You Know It” tells the story through verse of two people finding their winding way through the uncertainties of life from ages 18-28. All the self-doubt, struggles, failed promises, and fallen expectations of this stage of life are poignantly reflected upon in simple poetry. By the end, the hope and healing of facing challenges and forging your own path is achieved and celebrated, not as some far-fetched dream, but as a reality everyone can achieve.

Very emotional collection of poems and musings that will make you think and feel. I think there is something for everyone in here, and it's very easy to identify with a lot of pieces in this collection. I did feel like it was a little long, and some of the pieces started circling back into eachother in a way, maybe it didn't "need" to be all of these in one collection? It could have been broken up in shorter books instead of one packed together.

If you like the works of Erin Hanson and Atticus then I think this is definitely for you.

3.5 Stars

While I really enjoyed this poetry book, I felt like one poet was stronger than the other. For each section, I much preferred Part 1 to Part 2. I would be interested in seeing if the poet who wrote for each Part 1 has their own collections.

Thematically, this collection touches on nostalgia, the weight of living, depression, and self growth. I enjoyed these themes and I think they're incredibly relevant.

I think that, personally, this is simply a style of poetry that I don't quite enjoy. It's fairly straightforward with little thought to meter or rhyme and the metaphors often stay surface level. There were several metaphors that I did enjoy but they would either then go on to use very concrete terms or it would stay quite shallow, so it was hard for me to really immerse myself in this collection and these feelings—it feels a bit too biographical at times. One thing I love about poetry is how flowery and superfluous it can be, I enjoy layered meanings and poems that show me new things each and every time I read them; unfortunately, I didn't get that in this collection.

I would only recommend this if you are new to poetry or if you enjoy this more tangible, straightforward way of writing.

Before You Know It is a collection of poems about early adulthood and the unique experience of that time in life. Many of the poems touch on feelings of uncertainty, what comes next and feeling like you are behind everyone else. These are common feelings and for that reason many of these poems resonated with me. However, I also feel like this wasn’t exactly saying anything new or profound that will stick with me.

I don’t enjoy the stream of consciousness style of poetry very much and that is the main style used in this collection. The stronger poems that stood out to me were either more abstract or had more details than the poems that asked simple questions about life. Overall though, I think this is a collection that many will enjoy.

In "Before You Know It," SK Williams offers readers a poignant and deeply moving exploration of the passage of time and its impact on the human experience. Through a collection of evocative poems and reflective prose, Williams invites us on a journey through the seasons of life, from the exuberance of youth to the bittersweet wisdom of age.

At its core, "Before You Know It" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of time and the preciousness of each moment. Williams' writing is imbued with a sense of urgency and longing, as she grapples with the inevitability of change and the relentless march of time. Through her lyrical language and vivid imagery, she captures the beauty and fragility of life in all its complexity.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its emotional resonance. Williams' words have a raw honesty that cuts straight to the heart, eliciting a visceral response from readers. Whether exploring the joys of love and connection or the pain of loss and separation, her poetry resonates with a universal truth that speaks to the shared experiences of humanity.

Moreover, "Before You Know It" is beautifully crafted, with Williams' prose flowing effortlessly from one thought to the next. Each poem is a gem unto itself, offering insights and revelations that linger long after the book is closed. Whether reflecting on the passage of time or celebrating the beauty of the natural world, Williams' writing is imbued with a sense of wonder and reverence that is truly captivating.

That being said, some readers may find themselves wishing for a bit more variety in tone and subject matter. While Williams' reflections on time and mortality are undeniably powerful, there are moments when the narrative feels somewhat repetitive, lacking the diversity of perspective that could elevate it to even greater heights.

In conclusion, "Before You Know It" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, offering readers a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of life. SK Williams' talent for crafting evocative prose and heartfelt poetry shines brightly in this moving collection, reminding us to cherish each moment and live fully in the present. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or simply seeking solace and inspiration, "Before You Know It" is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a raw and relatable collection of poetry, composed of two intertwined narratives, which chronicle the transformative years between 18 and 28. These poems capture the essence of a generation grappling with the vast possibilities of the world while navigating the constant pressure to decipher life's complexities. Through themes of youth, uncertainty, ambition, anxiety, depression, powerlessness, isolation, and body image, the author paints a vivid portrait of the human condition. As readers we are invited to reflect on our own journey, appreciate our own progress, and to trust where life will take us. Moreover, the collection is complemented by captivating illustrations, a delightful addition that enhances the reading experience.

I highly recommend this collection to young readers who are just entering adulthood and seeking guidance, comfort, and encouragement in life's uncertainties. As someone who found themselves reflecting on my own past experiences while reading, I was struck by a wave of nostalgia, reminiscing about the challenges and triumphs of my youth. Furthermore, it served as a poignant reminder of the parallel journey my own five children are currently undertaking, offering insights and empathy into their own struggles and aspirations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

<i>”People are incredibly durable things. We get beaten up, torn down, and heartbroken but we still find a way to get back up and put ourselves back together.”</i>

This book is a collection of poems by two different authors, separated into different sections of their lives. Through their poetry, you can see their growth. The style of poetry varies throughout the book and the authors' experiences are identified by the "Part" within each section of poems (In The Beginning, Beneath the Storm, etc.). It's pretty easy to figure out whose voice is whose, but I doubt they intend for it to be a secret. The poems are hit or miss - some really resonated with me, while others did not. I particularly liked the multi-part poem "Am I Brave Enough" and the trajectory the author took throughout these parts. The overall message of this collection is hopeful, although you start out in the depths of despair for both authors. If you're looking for a nostalgic (albeit sometimes painful) reminder of your 20s through verse, check this collection out.

thank you for allowing me to review this book!

this is mostly a 3.5 to a 3.75 stars. it's not a book i disliked, i am just slightly indifferent. although there were some poems and words that i enjoyed, it didn't have the emotional impact that i hoped for. sometimes they felt touching, sometimes they just felt like words to me. because of that, i ended up lacking the emotional connection that i like to feel when it comes to modern poetry. it also would have been more interesting to keep an epub version for kindle, since reading on netgalley is a bit annoying.

i'd still recommend this book for the cozy feeling that it gives in some poems, especially with the illustrations!