I had high expectations for this memoir based solely on my familiarity with the author's viral poem Good Bones, and I'm happy to report I devoured it in two days. Smith writes in achingly beautiful, relatable prose as she takes the reader on a journey through the rise and fall of her marriage, the rewards and demands of parenthood, and rediscovering herself in middle age. I especially enjoyed how she breaks the fourth wall to discuss the challenges of imposing a traditional narrative arc on a life actually lived. Just as Good Bones speaks to any parent trying to preserve their children's outlook on a world filled with harsh realities, You Could Make This Place Beautiful is bound to articulate thoughts and feelings we all have as partners, parents, creatives, and humans doing the best we can at life. Thank you to Atria/One Signal Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.