Courtney Peppernell's 'Perhaps It’s Just Easier to Smile' is a collection of poetry and prose that feels like a warm hug on a tough day. It’s divided into four sections, each exploring different facets of love, loss, healing, and self-discovery. The writing is achingly honest—Peppernell doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of life, like heartbreak or anxiety, but she balances it with gentle hope. I love how she captures tiny moments—like the way sunlight hits a room or the quiet comfort of a familiar voice—and turns them into something profound. Her style is minimalist but packed with emotion, making it easy to see yourself in her words. It’s the kind of book you dog-ear pages of and revisit when you need a reminder that you’re not alone.
What stands out to me is how she threads resilience throughout the pieces. Even in the sections about pain, there’s this quiet determination to keep going, to find beauty in the cracks. It’s not overly optimistic, just real. If you’ve ever felt stuck between pretending you’re fine and admitting you’re not, this book gets it. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys Rupi Kaur or Lang Leav but craves a slightly softer, more introspective tone.