Best known for her 2016 poem “Good Bones” — a work that continues to go semi-viral on social media in moments of national mourning — her memoir, “You Could Make This Place Beautiful,” renders her more vulnerable than any poem ever could. Smith walks readers through her marriage and the birth of her two children, reveals the behind-the-scenes of her successful creative career, and details her emotionally and logistically painful divorce.
Due to her celebrated poetry prowess, it’s no surprise that Smith is an excellent writer. While an autobiography may not seem like the natural choice for someone who has dedicated their life to mastering a different literary form, Smith takes to the genre with exceptional ease. Her poetic capacity to succinctly capture and convey her emotions combined with an ability to deepen the bond with her audience allows her voice to shine through.