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The Way Forward
The #1 New York Times bestselling poet returns with his most inspiring collection yet. In this third and final installment of his poetic trilogy, Yung Pueblo expands upon favorite themes while guiding readers further, toward a life lived authentically, intuitively, and in harmony with others.
In these rapidly changing times, it is more important than ever to know ourselves well and fully, even and especially in the face of turmoil. The Way Forward encourages readers to connect more deeply to their intuition, using it to remain focused and grounded amidst a world in constant flux.
In his latest collection of poetry and short prose, Yung Pueblo offers clear strategies for managing the unknown, inhabiting your personal power, and bringing your truest, healthiest self to relationships. Progressing naturally from both Inward and Clarity & Connection , The Way Forward is exactly that—an inspired beginning.
In these rapidly changing times, it is more important than ever to know ourselves well and fully, even and especially in the face of turmoil. The Way Forward encourages readers to connect more deeply to their intuition, using it to remain focused and grounded amidst a world in constant flux.
In his latest collection of poetry and short prose, Yung Pueblo offers clear strategies for managing the unknown, inhabiting your personal power, and bringing your truest, healthiest self to relationships. Progressing naturally from both Inward and Clarity & Connection , The Way Forward is exactly that—an inspired beginning.
240 pages, Paperback
Published October 10, 2023
1,483 people are currently reading
7,508 people want to read
About the author
Yung Pueblo
39books1,880followersDiego Perez is a meditator, writer, and speaker who is widely known on Instagram and various social media networks through his pen name Yung Pueblo. The name yung pueblo means “young people.� it serves to remind him of his Ecuadorian roots, his experiences in activism, and that the collective of humanity is in the midst of important growth. his favorite word, liberation, took on a deeper meaning once he started meditating vipassana. through writing and speaking, he aims to support the healing of the individual, realizing that when we release our personal burdens, we contribute to a global peace.
Contact: [email protected]
Instagram: @yung_pueblo
Contact: [email protected]
Instagram: @yung_pueblo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
December 18, 2024
I see I’m in the minority here but this book wasn’t what I was looking for. I found it to be quite repetitive and a bit preachy at times. I noticed that most of the passages were written in the second person which was off-putting to me, making the tone sound more like a self-help textbook (based solely on someone’s life experience and personal aha moments) which just wasn’t what I wanted.
I think there are some nice nuggets in here but it was a bit exhausting to read an entire book of one person’s repetitive musings. There is nothing very concrete or descriptive about these poems. Most are quite conceptual, which made it a bit hard for me to stay focused on the message at times. I think the lack of specifics might be intended to make the messages more relatable to anyone reading them, but I found myself wishing I could be shown more examples of how this person arrived at their profound conclusions on life and growth.
I’ve seen this author’s work across Instagram and I think that platform serves his purpose more effectively than a book, because the messages are more impactful to see sporadically and out of context. The book doesn’t feel super cohesive or grounded to me. Definitely a product of its time, referencing social media and popular psychology buzzwords. Overall it just wasn’t what I was expecting and fell a bit flat. (Also though, I found this in a little free library, so I wasn’t totally aware of the genres it fell into. I might not have started it if I knew it was more along the lines of self help.)
I think there are some nice nuggets in here but it was a bit exhausting to read an entire book of one person’s repetitive musings. There is nothing very concrete or descriptive about these poems. Most are quite conceptual, which made it a bit hard for me to stay focused on the message at times. I think the lack of specifics might be intended to make the messages more relatable to anyone reading them, but I found myself wishing I could be shown more examples of how this person arrived at their profound conclusions on life and growth.
I’ve seen this author’s work across Instagram and I think that platform serves his purpose more effectively than a book, because the messages are more impactful to see sporadically and out of context. The book doesn’t feel super cohesive or grounded to me. Definitely a product of its time, referencing social media and popular psychology buzzwords. Overall it just wasn’t what I was expecting and fell a bit flat. (Also though, I found this in a little free library, so I wasn’t totally aware of the genres it fell into. I might not have started it if I knew it was more along the lines of self help.)
October 14, 2023
I loved the audiobook so much I ordered the paperback immediately after finishing. ❤️ I can’t wait to highlight my favorite parts.
His last book, Lighter, felt like it changed my life last year so I have been really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint.
His words take the chaos of feelings, thoughts, and emotions in my adhd brain and lays them out in clear, concise, and direct passages. I appreciate this way of writing sometimes over authors who make you read between the lines. In a way, it feels like accessibility. Like I can get the insightful content my heart desires in a way that hits home instead of leaving me confused and guessing interpretation.
Yung Pueblo’s words have gotten me through hard times. His words and ideas aren’t new, but feel like safety and reassurance. This book is a reminder to be my authentic self and to stay grounded on the path I set for myself. To meet myself with compassion and gentleness.
I will always recommend his books.
“Don’t let craving make you forget you’re already whole.�
His last book, Lighter, felt like it changed my life last year so I have been really looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint.
His words take the chaos of feelings, thoughts, and emotions in my adhd brain and lays them out in clear, concise, and direct passages. I appreciate this way of writing sometimes over authors who make you read between the lines. In a way, it feels like accessibility. Like I can get the insightful content my heart desires in a way that hits home instead of leaving me confused and guessing interpretation.
Yung Pueblo’s words have gotten me through hard times. His words and ideas aren’t new, but feel like safety and reassurance. This book is a reminder to be my authentic self and to stay grounded on the path I set for myself. To meet myself with compassion and gentleness.
I will always recommend his books.
“Don’t let craving make you forget you’re already whole.�
November 21, 2023
I’ve been following yung pueblo on Instagram for a while, and had previously read and enjoyed his book “Lighter�. This collection of poems and short essays was exactly what I needed in this moment. My paper copy is full of stickies and markings. There’s a lot to unpack here, and so much is connected to other recent readings and practices I have been developing. I will be revisiting several components of this book.
July 10, 2024
Bold of the author to say, "maturity is realizing that half of what / you want to say does not need to be said" and then continue spewing facile aphorisms and preachy, repetetive, buzzword-filled stream of consciousness for 200+ pages.
December 9, 2024
4.3/5.0
An exquisite reading experience for anyone who needs to remind themselves to slow down every so often. Pueblo does a terrific job capturing the immediate present moment in a way that allows for a safety and vulnerability for readers.
An exquisite reading experience for anyone who needs to remind themselves to slow down every so often. Pueblo does a terrific job capturing the immediate present moment in a way that allows for a safety and vulnerability for readers.
November 24, 2023
Diego writes with such peace that you can genuinely feel it course through your body as you read, even if you are in a difficult mental state. I always feel so hopeful each time I read a new piece from him. The Way Forward is a book that anyone can relate to and learn from—collectively and individually—making our way forward in this world.
December 31, 2024
You need to know who you are or you will be told....p165
If you are having trouble figuring that out, Jung Pueblo is a most tender guide. Here he expands on his simple wisdom.
You do not have to ignore or erase the past, you just have to wholeheartedly embrace the present and move on. p12
let the past inform you rather than control you. p161
choose peace instead of chaos. p25
If you are having trouble figuring that out, Jung Pueblo is a most tender guide. Here he expands on his simple wisdom.
You do not have to ignore or erase the past, you just have to wholeheartedly embrace the present and move on. p12
let the past inform you rather than control you. p161
choose peace instead of chaos. p25
January 2, 2024
This one i’ll reference back to. Reinforcement of releasing the ego and embracing change that is always flowing, releasing attachments and seeking emotional maturity, letting go of the past to stay grounded in the present
October 24, 2024
Really wanted to love this one but I don’t know.
February 14, 2025
Full of inspirational writings, the book is very meditative. Some writings may feel too general to resonate with all readers but it may also be reflective of where you are currently in your openness to hearing the words.
October 25, 2023
4.5 stars.
I have read and loved all of yung pueblo’s work; this book was no exception. His themes on presence, gratitude, inner acceptance deeply resonates with me and serves as a reminder that nothing bad is permanent. There were specific pages in this book that I’ve marked and re read daily.
The only reason this is not a 5 for me is because it’s not my favorite of his work. Not because of his writing, but because of where I am in life when I read this, vs where I was when I read some of his other books.
Highly recommend this one, even if you think poetry is not your thing!
I have read and loved all of yung pueblo’s work; this book was no exception. His themes on presence, gratitude, inner acceptance deeply resonates with me and serves as a reminder that nothing bad is permanent. There were specific pages in this book that I’ve marked and re read daily.
The only reason this is not a 5 for me is because it’s not my favorite of his work. Not because of his writing, but because of where I am in life when I read this, vs where I was when I read some of his other books.
Highly recommend this one, even if you think poetry is not your thing!
November 6, 2023
A lot of the poems resonated with me. Although some parts could be considered a bit cliche, overall very well written collection. Focuses on healing, acceptance, letting go, doing the hard work of self improvement, and most importantly moving forward. Very helpful read for where I am in my life right now.
February 1, 2024
so beautiful, insightful, deep
This is my favorite of all his books. There are some truly beautiful and relevant pieces in here that I re-read regularly. He has such a talent for capturing a difficult yet hopeful emotional experience.
This is my favorite of all his books. There are some truly beautiful and relevant pieces in here that I re-read regularly. He has such a talent for capturing a difficult yet hopeful emotional experience.
May 2, 2024
“No matter how sweet, rough, or temporary it may be, let’s promise ourselves to feel it all and to remember how fleeting it all really is �
August 27, 2024
I haven’t read a book that I’ve found this helpful since reading The Four Agreements years and years ago. simultaneously digestible & deep. found myself being able to breathe more easily quite frequently throughout this book. highly recommend.
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December 12, 2024Not sure what to rate this. I kinda DNFed because I didn't read the entire thing. Some of it was good and the rest wasn't really what I was looking for.
July 10, 2024
Many thanks for the gift of this book, Tracy!
January 5, 2024
If I could be more specific with my rating, I would give it a 3.7/5. This fascinatie piece of art has truly reshaped some of my views, made me feel seen and gave words to things I, myself had not yet previously found the right words for. If you’re into poetry, you should definitely read this. If you’re not into poetry, you still should :)
December 17, 2024
This was a DNF for me. You'll hear me say this rarely, but to me, this isn't poetry. This is a book of collaged together fortune cookies, social media inspirational quotes, and personal advice. When I read poetry, I want to learn those lessons through story, through heartache.
I don't want to read "the clearest red flag / is if they are consistently / bringing out the worst in you"
I want to read three pages of all the shitty things you did while being with the wrong person. I want to hear about the clothes you threw out the window, the dinner you ruined, the way you used words like knives.
I don't want my life lessons handed to me on a silver platter. It's boring for both reader and author.
Pour me a tankard filled with your blood, sweat, and tears instead.
I don't want to read "the clearest red flag / is if they are consistently / bringing out the worst in you"
I want to read three pages of all the shitty things you did while being with the wrong person. I want to hear about the clothes you threw out the window, the dinner you ruined, the way you used words like knives.
I don't want my life lessons handed to me on a silver platter. It's boring for both reader and author.
Pour me a tankard filled with your blood, sweat, and tears instead.
November 10, 2024
Honestly I feel the same about this book as I feel about The Alchemist. Everyone seems to love it but I don't get the hype..instead of nuanced writing, it's very basic, directly telling the reader what they ought to do to heal. I guess that's what people like based on its popularity, but you can tell that the author got popular on Instagram, and that's where I think he should have stayed. The book just reads like a collection of Instagram captions and shareable quotes, which is probably exactly what it is. Meh 🤷♀�
September 10, 2024
A book I respect existing, but not what I was looking for.
I chose to read his book because I have enjoyed his Instagram content. Still do! Yung Pueblo’s writings are more effective on that platform than in book format, I think. This collection of rumination came across as largely platitudinous, telling to do but not describing how to reach it. The musings are repetitive, or rather the topics reexamined are. On the whole, it encourages a sense of trusting intuition, & intentional self.
I chose to read his book because I have enjoyed his Instagram content. Still do! Yung Pueblo’s writings are more effective on that platform than in book format, I think. This collection of rumination came across as largely platitudinous, telling to do but not describing how to reach it. The musings are repetitive, or rather the topics reexamined are. On the whole, it encourages a sense of trusting intuition, & intentional self.
November 22, 2023
Some inciteful anecdotes but not his best work. Clarity and Connection I feel is his best.
April 30, 2024
reading yung pueblo is always a reflective invitation to look into a mirror of your present state of life.
good reminders on releasing control & past to enjoy the present, embracing emotions while regulating responses, the patience needed in healing every step of the way, and practicing self-awareness to maintain inner peace amidst chaos.
this book emphasized not having attachments at all as the key to happiness, but I think there could’ve been more nuance� attachment to the wrong things, or attaching to lesser things when there are better things. pueblo suggests we “enjoy without getting attached� but how? attachment imo is a sign that you care- that you have stake in that other person’s well-being. again, perhaps it’s less about being attached but rather about being willing to release at the right time.
some lines read beautifully as poetry, but did not logically complete for me (eg. the conclusion to “feel it all and know how fleeting it all is�). but if I knew something would be fleeting and I’d have to suffer its loss, why would I want to feel it? I would rather not feel it at all. imo the reason I feel is because I believe that the “craving� can be fulfilled eternally in some capacity, and not all “cravings� are bad (as the book portrays) because they point to a real yearning of the human soul, eg. to be loved unconditionally, forever.
this book also extolled embracing change and how necessary it was in a fast-moving world, but fell short of acknowledging the joys in constancy� the beauty that comes from grounding our lives in things that remain a source of stability for us.
if I had to summarize this book it would be this paradox: “detachment is the only thing to attach to�
good reminders on releasing control & past to enjoy the present, embracing emotions while regulating responses, the patience needed in healing every step of the way, and practicing self-awareness to maintain inner peace amidst chaos.
this book emphasized not having attachments at all as the key to happiness, but I think there could’ve been more nuance� attachment to the wrong things, or attaching to lesser things when there are better things. pueblo suggests we “enjoy without getting attached� but how? attachment imo is a sign that you care- that you have stake in that other person’s well-being. again, perhaps it’s less about being attached but rather about being willing to release at the right time.
some lines read beautifully as poetry, but did not logically complete for me (eg. the conclusion to “feel it all and know how fleeting it all is�). but if I knew something would be fleeting and I’d have to suffer its loss, why would I want to feel it? I would rather not feel it at all. imo the reason I feel is because I believe that the “craving� can be fulfilled eternally in some capacity, and not all “cravings� are bad (as the book portrays) because they point to a real yearning of the human soul, eg. to be loved unconditionally, forever.
this book also extolled embracing change and how necessary it was in a fast-moving world, but fell short of acknowledging the joys in constancy� the beauty that comes from grounding our lives in things that remain a source of stability for us.
if I had to summarize this book it would be this paradox: “detachment is the only thing to attach to�
April 4, 2024
“The way forward� is a beautiful collection of poems about growing. If you are looking for a self-help book in the form of poetry this is without a doubt the book for you. Yung Pueblo is a phenomenal writer! I would recommend this book to you if you’ve read Lavender Haze by June Bates or on Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Voung.
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May 11, 2024I like the way he translates emotions into words. It's the kind of poetry book you read early in the morning over a cup off coffee, with highlighter in hand, and gain some perspective of the day. Or it's the kind of poetry book you read at midnight when your brain is restless, and you, yourself, want to be a poet.
December 7, 2024
Read a previous book of his and found so much validation and support while living through pain trying to find myself.
I’ve been feeling stuck recently in therapy after finding a deep pain that’s created distractions.
This read was exactly what I needed to hear. Giving power to my work and determination. Finding paths to different perspectives and ways to grow.
If you feel stuck and trying to find words to help describe your movement, I recommend reading.
I’ve been feeling stuck recently in therapy after finding a deep pain that’s created distractions.
This read was exactly what I needed to hear. Giving power to my work and determination. Finding paths to different perspectives and ways to grow.
If you feel stuck and trying to find words to help describe your movement, I recommend reading.
November 29, 2023
4.5⭐️
Hands down, my favorite poetry trilogy to date. Great series to reread, even if it is just a page or two. 4.5 stars due to what felt like repetition, which I didn’t feel in the others. Still, amazing work.
Hands down, my favorite poetry trilogy to date. Great series to reread, even if it is just a page or two. 4.5 stars due to what felt like repetition, which I didn’t feel in the others. Still, amazing work.
January 14, 2024
My favorite poet. I'll read his short essays for inspiration and continued focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, and growth.
" it is not time that healed you. It was the courage to feel everything you used to run from. Pain was simply asking for your attention."
" it is not time that healed you. It was the courage to feel everything you used to run from. Pain was simply asking for your attention."
May 26, 2024
This was May’s book club pick. I was iffy going into this as there’s only one poetry book that I’ve gravitated towards, this took me by surprise. I loved how straight forward and relatable this was, I felt called out so many times
August 10, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
The words felt more stream-of-consciousness than poetic to me in format, but overall I found his thoughts to be encouraging and, appropriately, meditative. We don’t necessarily have the same worldview, but I think we agree on a lot with emotional maturity in relationships.
The words felt more stream-of-consciousness than poetic to me in format, but overall I found his thoughts to be encouraging and, appropriately, meditative. We don’t necessarily have the same worldview, but I think we agree on a lot with emotional maturity in relationships.
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