Having followed Raquel Franco's work for a long time, this collection was a pleasure to read! Franco's writing is steeped in worldly wisdom, experience and maturity as she writes about womanhood, relationships, and motherhood.

The collection begins and closes incredibly strong and feels very timely, especially when it'll be released in January 2025. Franco advocates strongly for women with power and grace, making this collection both a comfort and inspiration for many.

My only gripe was the repetition sometimes in poem style/message; I believe the collection could have been refined further ensuring the strongest of Franco's work was able to shine from beginning to end.

This is a beautiful collection that has so much to say on motherhood, love, grief, femininity, and so much more. I loved getting to read it!

I had so many favorite poems, but the line I can't get out of my head is "You can have summer, the season most likely to keep its word."

Thank you to Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the chance to read and review this ARC.

This was an easy, quick read and the poems were feeling real. Unfortunately, I didn't like the collection. I feel like there was something missing and I found it hard to connect with the author and most of the time with the poems. So, I don't want to write anything bad about it just because it didn't work for me. Hope someone will like it more.

I'll Cry If I Want To by Raquel Franco is a raw and unfiltered exploration of what, essentially, it means to be a woman. This is a collection that resonated deeply with me on an almost primal level, and I believe that every woman who picks up this book will feel both seen and empowered by the author's poignant, thought-provoking words. The ultimate takeaway here, I think, is that we are never alone in the struggle. Recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for an ARC.

𝙄𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙮 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝, 𝙙𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨… 💖

𝙄’𝙇𝙇 𝘾𝙍𝙔 𝙄𝙁 𝙄 𝙒𝘼𝙉𝙏 𝙏𝙊 felt like having a heart-to-heart with your bestie on a girls sleepover night, cue 𝘓𝘦𝘴𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘳𝘦 music 🎶 .

This collection dives deep into the hamster wheel that is womanhood—touching on everything from motherhood and marriage to mental health and grief. 🌸💔 Every poem feels so 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 and 𝙧𝙖𝙬, like the author is revealing truths straight to your soul.

One of the things I adored most? The way the poems unapologetically embrace the messy, authentic, & beautiful chaos of life. 🌈😭Whether Franco is reflecting on the overwhelming joy (and exhaustion 😅) of being a mom or the tricky art that is marriage, there’s an undercurrent of resilience and gratitude that just shines through.

And let’s be real: as someone who sometimes feels like life is one big juggle, this book hit 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 in the best way. ✨ It’s a gentle reminder that it’s 𝙤𝙠𝙖𝙮 to not have it all together all the time (hello, relatable 👋), and that embracing our vulnerabilities is actually a superpower.

Plus, the little Taylor Swift references? I mean, 𝙮𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙨, please! 🎶💫 Swifties, you’re going to feel right at home with these sweet nods that make you feel seen. 😭💖

Highly recommend for anyone who needs a reminder that being 𝙮𝙤𝙪—in all your chaotic, beautiful glory—is more than enough. 💕

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Central Avenue Publishing & the author for this beautiful ARC! 🫶

Wow what a moving collection of poetry. I could relate to a lot of these feelings. Franco really knows how to use words to make the reader feel things.
It's hard to put into words how wonderful these poems are. This is a book everyone should read.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.