In her debut collection, “Same” poet Hannah Rosenberg writes on the extraordinary joys of the ordinary: the sounds of our children’s laughter, falling in love with our spouse, the magic of female friendships. These are the moments which make our lives astounding, happening all around us. Rosenberg’s poetry encourages us to linger and appreciate them for what they are: the foundations of our life.
“Same” was an instant USA Today bestseller, whose success was fueled by Rosenberg’s dedicated Instagram community. She challenged herself to share one poem each week and her words began to take off, resonating deeply with readers. Divided into sections for our younger selves, for our friends, for the ones we date and marry, for our families, for our bodies, for our minds, and for our children, “Same” takes a clear, close look at the ways in which we move through the world, and who walks beside us.
Her works on friendship, particularly the title poem, are especially resonant for military spouses, whose friendships happen fast and fiercely, and become girders for a life that is often difficult to translate to others. Rosenberg celebrates relationships like these, and how truly central they become to our happiness. “Maybe the world doesn’t need us to cut down on carbs,” she writes. “Maybe instead it needs us to reach those who feel alone in their messy homes or difficult relationships or unresolved issues… To share one simple message: Same.”
Her voice is a comfort, approachable and warm, resonant with our innermost thoughts on the beautiful, complicated ways we build our lives, and how much meaning there is when it is shared with those we love.
“Life is better,” Rosenberg writes in her poem “Tennessee,” “when you have friends that become a family / that make any place feel like home.”
Our featured Military Families Magazine Book Club read for December, “Same” is available everywhere books are sold, and makes a perfect holiday gift for the girlfriends in your life. Join the poet and Book Club host Kate Lewis on December 9 at 11 a.m. EST on Instagram Live to hear more of Rosenberg’s work and “Same.”
Kate Lewis’ writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She also writes The Village on Substack, devoted to sharing stories of building community and craft. Find her online @katehasthoughts.
Read comments
