It has been crazy this week, full of preparing for finals, the GRE exam, and more. Yet, books for leisure are always a must. In the midst of it all, I still managed to sit down and take some time to read two great novels.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur is an extremely popular poetry book. In fact, this book may have reopened a portal into people writing more poetry. I have never heard so much praise for poetry until this book, so I knew I had to read it for myself. Literary praise, inspiring new poets, was it too good to be true? Here is a short summary of our book—
“#1 New York Times bestseller Milk and Honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss and femininity. The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache. Milk and Honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.”
Highlights
I never thought this book would be something I would enjoy. I have never been much for books of poetry, but this one is a little different. With its strong themes of violence and abuse that life has to through at us, we get these raw emotions poured out onto pages. Many authors would not dare go as far as Kaur has, and I cannot help but admire her willingness to open up and write a piece so relatable to so many.
Further, I especially like the way this book was structured. Each page had its own poem with its own meaning. Of course, the poems did follow in a nice story-like way, but they each had their own moment to shine. Some even had illustrations.
Fair Warnings
I do not recommend for readers 15 years of age and younger. The language is mild with some profanity, the images drawn are a little controversial and the themes are very violent at times. Just keep this in mind when shopping for your next book for a family vacation, as this may not be your first choice. Also, I did not think it was up to par with its hype. There was no substance in it for me. I do respect the message, but I felt like it was almost a Tumblr post.
Thumbs Up or Down?
While so many say this book has inspired them to find the light in the darkness, I just cannot seem to find it without bringing my own match. For that reason, I am giving this novel a thumbs down. The themes are a bit too much for me, and I left feeling somber. Now I do think many would enjoy this, but for me I cannot find the message of inspiration I so wanted to feel without thinking I was scrolling through Tumblr. (Link to kindle and paperback editions below!)