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Table of Contents
About The Book
For fans of Rupi Kaur and Cleo Wade, this first collection of poetry from the viral TikTok poet Josie Balka, evokes themes of nostalgia, love, envy, and hope, speaking to the universal longings that live deep in our souls.
I’ve never seen anyone at a public pool with a memorable enough body, good or bad, that I think about it ever again.
If this line sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard it in the background of thousands of videos on social media—a humbling reminder from poet and radio personality Josie Balka that what’s important in our lives now isn’t necessarily what’s important to us in the long run.
I Hope You Remember, Josie’s first book of poetry, includes this poem and over eighty others, some previously published and others never shared before. Every page in this collection hits home, rhapsodizing on universal experiences like jealousy, family relationships, complex body image, falling in and out of love (with others and yourself), and the everchanging lens of nostalgia. With sparse, clear prose, Josie’s poetry looks to bring forth deep feelings like grief, envy, apathy, joy, and, most importantly, hope.
Evocative and full of force, these poems will hit you in the gut, pull your heartstrings, and make you long for moments past.
I’ve never seen anyone at a public pool with a memorable enough body, good or bad, that I think about it ever again.
If this line sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard it in the background of thousands of videos on social media—a humbling reminder from poet and radio personality Josie Balka that what’s important in our lives now isn’t necessarily what’s important to us in the long run.
I Hope You Remember, Josie’s first book of poetry, includes this poem and over eighty others, some previously published and others never shared before. Every page in this collection hits home, rhapsodizing on universal experiences like jealousy, family relationships, complex body image, falling in and out of love (with others and yourself), and the everchanging lens of nostalgia. With sparse, clear prose, Josie’s poetry looks to bring forth deep feelings like grief, envy, apathy, joy, and, most importantly, hope.
Evocative and full of force, these poems will hit you in the gut, pull your heartstrings, and make you long for moments past.
About The Author
Ashley Jackson
Josie Balka is a broadcaster, voiceover artist, and poet. She holds a diploma in radio television and film from Niagara College and has worked for some of the largest media companies in North America as an on-air personality. She can often be caught recording viral poetry in her sound-proof closet. She is born and raised in Toronto and lives in Calgary, Canada.
Product Details
- Publisher: S&S/Simon Element (May 13, 2025)
- Length: 176 pages
- ISBN13: 9781668077115
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Raves and Reviews
"Josie's poems have been my compass through life’s highs and lows. She writes with the soul of someone who’s lived a thousand years, yet her words are so grounded, so relatable, they feel like they were written just for you. These aren’t poems about abstract ideas you can’t quite grasp—they’re road maps and lifelines, pieces of wisdom you’ll want to carry with you. Flip to any page, and I guarantee it will not only make your day brighter but maybe even change your life. This book is a gift to the world, and I’m honored to share in its magic." -John Stamos, actor and NYT bestselling author of If You Would Have Told Me
"Josie has a way of pulling nostalgic feelings from the corners of your mind, shaping them into something meaningful and raw. Her book, I Hope You Remember, takes you on a journey through what it truly means to feel. In a world where we rush to experience life, Josie reminds us to pause and to savor the moments we often overlook. She’s more than a viral TikTok poet—she’s a best friend, a therapist, and a shoulder to lean on, all bound within the pages of her book. Her poetry stopped me in my tracks. This is a book I’ll carry with me, one I’ll remember forever." -Joey Kidney, author and content creator
"Josie has a way of pulling nostalgic feelings from the corners of your mind, shaping them into something meaningful and raw. Her book, I Hope You Remember, takes you on a journey through what it truly means to feel. In a world where we rush to experience life, Josie reminds us to pause and to savor the moments we often overlook. She’s more than a viral TikTok poet—she’s a best friend, a therapist, and a shoulder to lean on, all bound within the pages of her book. Her poetry stopped me in my tracks. This is a book I’ll carry with me, one I’ll remember forever." -Joey Kidney, author and content creator
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High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): I Hope You Remember eBook 9781668077115
- Author Photo (jpg): Josie Balka Ashley Jackson(0.1 MB)
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