"milk and honey": A review for those that don't read poetry.

It's been a stressful summer. After another self-destructive shopping spree at Barnes and Noble, I yet again expanded my reading horizon and plucked "milk and honey" by Rupi Kaur from the shelf. Yes, this book has been out for a few years and I'm behind the "trend". But that's me. 

Also about me: I never used to read poetry. I resented it in college (learning all these rules and techniques such as structure in stanzas... which is ironic because I think poetry can be whatever the author paints it out to be...). I don't write poetry. Well, I tried once. However, after reading "The Princess Saves Herself in this One" by Amanda Lovelace, I was hooked. (I recommend Lovelace's works by the way!)

So, I wanted to write a "review" for those that typically don't read poetry. I'm not going to dissect the technicalities. I'm going to look at it from an author's perspective. A human's perspective.

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Fun Fact: Kaur self-published this in 2014

This collection of poetry is divided into four parts: the hurting, the loving, the breaking, and the healing. The order of such makes it relatable for traditional readers- you see a steady flow of words creating a story that develops beautifully!

Why I consumed this in one sitting:

• The poems are mostly brief (for my short attention span)
• At the same time, while short, each one packs a powerful punch to your heart
• The style is most intriguing. Capitals aren't used. Reading something "unconventional" makes me feel like a badass
• There are a few illustrations- sketched out in a simple, striking, and sometimes shocking manner
• It is empowering, especially while reading the healing
• You are likely able to relate to something as this book spans the range of human emotion 
• Each poem felt genuine. Rupi pours her raw self out there and even addresses the reader directly in the end. That's what I feel poetry should be- a form of art, molded however the author wishes, to share experiences with others. Poetry has a way of transmitting feeling/emotion in the most condense form.
• PS: the breaking was my favorite section

While this collection is different than Lovelace's works ("The Princess Saves Herself in This One" and "The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One"), there are similarities to them: the short, blunt, free style format, and the intense content- a majority touching upon empowering women despite various troubles and traumas. There were some instances that felt repetitive; however, it depends on the reader if this is a good or bad thing. I think it worked in Kaur's case.

It turns out I don't dislike poetry after all. I just didn't find the right style until now.

If you are still skeptical, look it up on Pinterest or Instagram. Many people took pics of their favorite passages (2 of my fav are below). That's what prompted me to buy this in the first place. SO, for you traditional novel lovers, I do recommend "milk and honey" if you want a nice therapy session for your soul. It's a change in pace, a breath of fresh air.
...And as an author...I'm tempted to write poems again! Thank you, Kaur for inspiring me!

Check it out. It's not hard to miss on the NY Best seller shelves!
(YES I KNOW, I need to get on reading my indie novels....)
Until then.............Peace! -J.E.

From "milk and honey" by Rupi Kaur

From "milk and honey" by Rupi Kaur