I Hope You Remember - by Josie Balka (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Josie has a way of taking the feelings we couldn't quite express, the thoughts we couldn't quite process and the words to make it all make just a little more sense. Her poems balance delicately between relatable and inspiring. Often leading to new thoughts that I believe can help us move through life with a little more grace and ease. As someone who expresses herself through written words, it's incredible to feel the connection to another's words, too. A reminder to feel it all, remember it all. "I hope you remember", I believe, takes what so many of us have connected with Josie on social media for, into a tangible work that can be read for generations. That makes me excited for us all." - Sarah Landry, content creator @thebirdspapaya

"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

About the Author

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.