Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow? Ford Turrell

A few quotes:
“What if you let go of the struggle to control and manipulate each moment of your life in an attempt to stave off your anxiety?”

“you think you will be doing it forever, running on the wheel of these morning rituals — trying not to fall down the stairs in the dark… listening to kids arguing over space in the bathroom, seeing the sudden appearance of sleepy faces in the kitchen looking for breakfast…” aw this made me think of my parents and my siblings. i got sad but then so happy i cried because it is all those little moments the times in life where you don’t even think twice about it. Like think back to the last time in your childhood home wherever that may be or being with people you loved as a child and you guys were silently passing food around the table. Arguing over nothing was everything.

“Daily deliberation on my own self worth gets exhausting— no one’s waiting to hear the verdict.”

I haven’t read a poetry book in so long probably 6 years but I use to love poetry and writing it when I was young. This was a good set of poems to read to remind me of that. I think poetry is so raw and real it tells in slightest or smallest ways how you feel. What to do differently how to look at yourself in a deeper sense. This was good. I got very emotional with a handful of these. Highly recommend if you like poems.


Thank you Ford for this and thank you netgalley and the publisher Sunrise Press for allowing me to read this.

I think this book of poems is well written and well thought out.

I was thrown off by multiple poems being about gun violence, war, etc. He expressed a clear opinion about it. I neither agree nor disagree I just felt a trigger warning would be appropriate.

I don’t think I am the target audience for this book since I read as a form of entertainment and escapism.

Bottom line: well written but definitely not for everyone.

I read this via netgalley

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. I picked up this book wanting something different to read and was hooked by the title. Beautiful cover art

Was slightly disappointed, it’s a super easy read but I just felt like the book lacked a bit of structure. There are some really great pieces in here but they get lost among the rest.

A very quick and easy read. Whilst I particularly enjoyed some of the poems (such as 'Rituals' and 'The Open Door') that depicted day-to-day life and themes such as family, acceptance, and death, I have to say I didn't enjoy all of the poems in this collection.
I can't help but feel like some of the poems were included to fill space, with poems such as 'Wind-Leaf' and 'Where is Mind?' feeling rushed and generic.
The poems are very varied in their style, almost like the poet is just beginning to find their feet in poetry, but do show promise with a few of these poems evoking good strong imagery and making the reader really feel something.
In general, I think this collection could benefit from some consistency with a clearer overall theme, but nonetheless, it was a quick read and for anyone new to poetry might be a nice introductory selection.

Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy!

The book has a collection of poems. Some are short and some long. If you are someone who loved to read about poetry and want to indulge yourself into world of words, this is a definite read.

Not my favorite but I had a good time reading this book.

This is an interesting collection of poetry. I can see why the author used the title he did. I liked some of the poems a lot and some provided great imagery. The author also uses how the text is printed as a way to add to the poetry. Some of the poems weren’t my cup of tea, they didn’t appeal to me or were too long for my enjoyment. I would definitely read another set of poems by this author.

When I first requested this eARC, I wasn’t aware of its religious undertones. I’m not a religious or faith-based person, so I had to DNF this one, as I couldn’t relate. Thank you for the early access, though!

Ford Turrell writes an amazing collection of poems with sincerity and matter-of-factly that shows the world through his eyes. The poems are so moving, with numerous themes that make them perfect for anyone who loves a poem that speaks to them or wants to dip their toes into reading poetry. I can't say I have a favourite because all of them were amazing with different stories/meanings that made each one stand out from the rest.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sunrise Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful collection of poems that often invites the reader to meditate on life. Spiritual guidance weaves through many of the poems. A book to buy and to have by your side everyday.

I absolutely adored this collection of poems! "Float," "Already Free," and "Constellations of Emptiness" were hands down my favorites.

2.5 stars, rounded up. Turrell writes with great sincerity. There's potential in his quiet imagery, evident in lines such as "the slanted autumn light / spills onto the floor" and "the soft lump of their bodies under / the covers after I tuck them in." However, I get the sense that Turrell's heart was more set on writing self-help than poetry. A lot of the pieces in Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow? are reflective thoughts rather than poems, such as "Already Free":

You are already free—
You've just convinced yourself that you're not.

If Turrell pays more mind to his vivid description and use of figurative language, I think he could craft pieces that truly utilize this form.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC.

Imagine opening a book and finding that the pristine whiteness of the paper surpasses the darkness of the printed words. Amid the chaos that surrounds us, simplicity and purity can sometimes startle us. This is precisely what I experienced upon opening "Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow?" As I began to flip through its pages, I found myself enveloped in pure white and began to read the delicate words within: "A broken heart is an open heart, an open heart can connect with others." It had been so long since I had committed poetry to memory. With each turn of the page, my initial curiosity faded, replaced by sweet tranquillity. It was when I stumbled upon the lines, "It is ok to stop struggling and just float. There's always been something supporting you," that tears welled up in my eyes, and I whispered to myself, "Yes, this is what I need to weather these grey days."

Ford Turrell's book has become my refuge amidst the turmoil of war, hate, and uncertainty. Beyond what I've already mentioned, what truly captivated me was the profound connection these poems forge between human life and Nature. Flowers, birds, bees, grasses—all find their place in Turrell's verses. As we are all aware, environmental issues are of paramount importance to any observant human being.

I feel drawn to this book because it represents a delicate and pure defiance against the issues plaguing our world. I hold Turrell's poems in high regard for their simple brilliance, their freshness, and their portrayal of human sorrows and joys. In essence, I admire this purity in a world saturated with artificiality.

I was thrilled to receive an e-ARC of this for a sincere review. This collection of poetry had powerful elements. It kept me immersed and had me wanting to share it with my own father. And my dad doesn’t even care for poetry. But it had lyrical moments that I know everyone could relate to.

"Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow?" by Ford Turrell is a thought-provoking exploration of existential questions that have plagued humanity for generations. In this insightful book, Turrell delves into themes of identity, purpose, and the human condition, offering readers a compelling journey of self-discovery and introspection.

At the heart of the book lies a series of philosophical inquiries that challenge readers to confront the uncertainty of the future and the fleeting nature of existence. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, philosophical musings, and scientific insights, Turrell invites readers to contemplate their place in the universe and the meaning they ascribe to their lives.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow?" is Turrell's ability to distill complex philosophical concepts into accessible and engaging prose. Whether he's exploring the nature of consciousness, the concept of time, or the mysteries of the cosmos, Turrell's writing is clear, concise, and infused with a sense of wonder.

Furthermore, Turrell's genuine curiosity and intellectual humility shine through in his writing, creating a sense of camaraderie with the reader. Rather than offering definitive answers, he encourages readers to embark on their own philosophical journey, inviting them to question, reflect, and engage with the material on a deeply personal level.

The structure of the book is well-paced and organized, with each chapter building upon the themes introduced in the previous ones. Turrell skillfully navigates between different philosophical perspectives and disciplines, drawing connections and insights that enrich the overall narrative.

Moreover, "Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow?" is not just a philosophical treatise; it is also a deeply humanistic work that celebrates the complexities and contradictions of the human experience. Turrell's compassion and empathy for his fellow beings permeate the pages, reminding readers of the interconnectedness of all life.

In conclusion, "Will We Still Be Here Tomorrow?" is a captivating and intellectually stimulating read that will resonate with anyone grappling with questions of existence and meaning. Ford Turrell's profound insights and engaging writing style make this book a valuable addition to the philosophical canon, offering readers a roadmap for navigating the uncertainties of life with courage, curiosity, and compassion.

Thank you to @netgalley and @fordturrellpoems for allowing me to read this ahead of its publication date on 5th March in exchange for an honest review!!

This was such a lovely set of poems and tbh I’ll probably buy the physical copy of it when it’s released! “Be-longing” and “Constellations of Emptiness” were by far my favourites.

The work in this book was so moving and powerful! A range of themes and thought provoking words, it’s all there. Just such a great read all about life, death, loss, love and so much more. definitely worth a read!

thank you netgalley and sunrise press team for this arc !! ford turrell is a songwriter and artist, “will we still be here tomorrow?” is his poetry collection debut !!!

every year i try to read something that i wouldn’t normally read and it includes poems, i usually don’t connect with all of them because they don’t touch my soul and unfortunately that was what happened but there were some of them that i liked it !

there are a lot of poems that mention gun violence and self reflection ! i would still recommend this because it’s an enjoyable fast read and other people will enjoy more than i did !!

I'm gonna open this review by talking about one of the Poems in this collection, Mushroom Clouds. Mushroom Clouds is at first a simple rumination on the impact of the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, Turrel manages to weave in threads touching on how the decisions and actions today will effect future generations, how easy it is to justify actions in the wake of fear, and how generational trauma finds it's roots in unexpected ways, all among the idea that he is potentially only alive today thanks to the atomic bomb.

This is what you can expect from the highs in this collection. Even one sentence poems here carry emotional and philosophical weight. I think it's also worth mentioning that there are themes that stick around in this collection. Gun violence (and violence in general), Self-reflection, the fleeting aspects of life, the importance of cherishing small moments, and other topics feature multiple times in this collection, either directly or indirectly. Unfortunately, there were a few poems that just didn't connect with me and stop me from giving this 5 stars, but that should not discredit what this collection manages to do. I am glad I read this collection, and will probably return to it in the future. It speaks to the quality of this collection of poems that I feel different after reading it.

I would recommend this collection to anyone, as I think that everyone will find something to think about after reading this collection.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book.

This was cute but wasn't really very good. Some of it felt like Tumblr wisdom.

Thank you NetGallery and the publisher for allowing me to read this.

Lately, I’ve been exploring poetry and this poetry collection caught my eye immediately.

I loved some of the poems and themes discussed in this collection; I was quite surprised to read quite a few poems about the gůn policy and I appreciated how the writer explored many painful topics.
Some other poems, however, felt a little bit flat for my personal taste but I still enjoyed this collection.

Here’s my personal favourites:

✎ Symphony of Tears
✎ Blue Sky
✎ Your Own Mind

this poetry conveys the deepest desire on how to be okay with oneself, other human beings and the world. it showcases the darkest thoughts, scenes and regret. makes the reader question their life in the more subtle way and sit through each passage to thoroughly meditate on how we live our lives so far.

It's a great poetry book, and I would highly recommend people to read it.