Review By Gabrielle

In her latest book, Rupi Kaur encourages the writer in all of us.

Favourite Quote:

“Poetry is the might of one person, and the echo of billions. Our survival is poetry. Our lives are poetry. And the final act is writing it down.”

Goodreads Synopsis: 

#1 New York Times bestselling author Rupi Kaur presents guided poetry writing exercises of her own design to help you explore themes of trauma, loss, heartache, love, family, healing, and celebration of the self.

Healing Through Words is a guided tour on the journey back to the self, a cathartic and mindful exploration through writing. 

This carefully curated collection of exercises asks only that you be vulnerable and honest, both with yourself and the page. 

You don’t need to be a writer to take this walk; you just need to write—that’s all.

When I heard that Rupi Kaur would have a new book out, I just went for it. I didn’t even read the description. Rupi is an auto-buy for me every time. So imagine my delight and surprise when this book turned out to be guided writing exercises rather than a book of new work.

In it, Rupi guides us gently through exercises that feel designed to be part self-help and part writer’s retreat. What I loved was how encouraging she was throughout. She really does make you feel like you, too, can be a poet. No small feat for those of us that are intimidated by writing anything personal let alone poetry. She affirms over and over that we all can be writers and gives us the tools to get there. I won’t lie to you; there are parts of this book that will be triggering for those with past traumas. Rupi asks us to confront the darkness in our pasts with bravery while at the same time making us feel like it’s okay and safe to do so. The overall effect is that she’s standing behind you, ready to give you a high five or a hug or perhaps just a cheeky wink from the corner of the room.

The book is peppered with examples of her past work, and perhaps my one complaint about this book is that I had hoped to read some new work. All the same, it was a joy to revisit some of my favourites and her greatest hits.

If you’ve been needing a nudge to get writing, I highly recommend this book.

Thanks, Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.