It has been my privilege to receive and review a few Donna Ashworth’s books. You’ll find my reviews here. I have loved each one, so I was delighted when lovely Karen Stretch sent me a copy of Donna’s latest collection of poetry, Joy Chose You. It’s my very great pleasure to celebrate National Poetry Day today by sharing my review of Joy Chose You.

Joy Chose You is published today, 2nd October 2025, by Bonnier imprint Black & White and is available for purchase in all the usual places including here. 

Joy Chose You

Joy Chose You is a beautiful, colour-illustrated collection of Donna’s most-loved poems to bring more joy into our imperfect lives. When we allow joy to wrap her quiet warmth around us we find ourselves opening up to more life, love and light.

With poems such as ‘Joy Comes Back’, ‘Happy’ and ‘Unstoppable’, as well as 20 new poems, including ‘This Little Moment’, ‘Love Wins’ and ‘A Little Weird’, Donna’s wise words help us find hope in the dark, calm amid worry and greater joy in the beauty of living.

My Review of Joy Chose You

A collection of Donna Ashworth’s most popular poems.

What a beautiful book. I have to comment on the physical qualities of the hardback book as it is simply gorgeous. The deep green cover, sumptuous gold lettering and gold silk place marker give a traditional feel that is very high quality so that Joy Chose You would make a wonderful gift book. With occasional black for emphasis, the end papers and interior illustrations are the most soothing green with the alignment of text to illustration and white space so well balanced that the anthology creates a feeling of calm and soothes the reader before a single poem has been accessed. This really is a keepsake collection.

As well as poems, there are questions for reflection that encourage the reader to assess their life and there are beneficial suggestions so that perhaps readers might make changes in their lives as a result. There are also statements that sum up to perfection the aphorisms of life and short passages of prose that feel as if the author is speaking directly to the reader. I rarely quote from books as I think it can spoil the read for others, but I urge you to get a copy of the book, turn to page 227 and make Be The Peace your mantra for life. Joy Chose You is a collection that encourages, guides and supports as if Donna Ashworth is your oldest, most cherished friend speaking directly with you.

But of course, it is the poetry itself that is the shining star. If you’re looking for challenging literary allegory or scathing socio-political commentary in your poems, look elsewhere. Turn to Milton, the Metaphysicals, Dante or some other ‘great’ poet. If, however, you want to read words that speak to the heart and soul of who we are, that bring comfort and understanding and that make you feel seen and loved even in your darkest or most unattractive moment, then read Joy Chose You. I defy anybody, regardless of their education, their social status or their personal circumstances not to be able to find something in this anthology that resonates, supports and heals.

On that personal note, since Mum died a few weeks ago, I have found it impossible to settle to reading – which is normally a great passion. I’ve gone from reading 3 to 5 books a week to reading perhaps one book every 10 or 12 days. Picking up Joy Chose You, reading a whole poem or passage in a quiet moment and finding something with which I can identify has indeed returned that feeling of joy. Never mind joy choosing you; I suggest you choose this anthology and make your own life a happier and more positive place. I won’t be parting with my copy of Joy Chose You, but rather will return to it in those moments when I need its gentle support. 

About Donna Ashworth

Donna Ashworth is a number one Sunday Times Bestselling Poet, whose words you will often find flying around the internet, widely shared daily, by her 1.7 million followers.

Donna’s writing came to the spotlight during the lockdown period where she saw her purpose as building a place to find hope, calm and comfort, amidst the collective chaos. She quickly became an internet favourite with one viral post after another and a list of celebrity endorsements.

Priding herself on being ‘imperfectly human’ and ‘sharing the dark with the light to harness hope’, Donna engages constantly with her followers in a bid to find comfort in numbers as we ‘walk each other home’ on this journey of life.

For further information, visit Donna’s website, find her on Instagram or Facebook and follow Donna on X/Twitter @Donna_ashworth.