I HOPE YOU REMEMBER BY JOSIE BALKA
I Hope You Remember: Poems on Loving, Longing, and Living is the debut collection from Canadian poet Josie Balka. Balka gained a following as a viral TikTok poet, originally sharing her work through videos recorded in her guest room closet in Calgary. You can find her TikTok here and a post of her talking about this book here.
The collection is divided into three sections: loving, longing, and living. Each piece explores experiences that feel both deeply personal and universally shared. Balka writes about body image, nostalgia, friendship, family, and the evolving relationship one has with oneself over time. With an easy-to-read style, she captures the vulnerability of growing up and the quiet reflections that come with looking back on earlier versions of ourselves.
A trending TikTok sound includes the viral line: “I’ve never seen anyone at a public pool with a memorable enough body, good or bad, that I think about it ever again.” It went wide on social media because it captures a common insecurity and puts it in perspective. It’s a clear reminder that most people aren’t scrutinizing us, which is part of why her work feels so grounding and relatable. Watch this video here.
Her writing feels personal and direct, like a diary entry or a message from a friend who knows what you need to hear. The collection reflects on the realities of growing up and looking back at the moments that shaped you. This is a great option for your bookshelf and one that you can dip in and out of as you need!