“HEALING THROUGH WORDS” REVIEW

If you haven’t heard, New York Times bestselling author Rupi Kaur just released a book on Sept. 27 of this year! However, it’s unlike her usual forte. Most would naturally assume Healing Through Words is another poetry book we have seen before, but you’ll never guess what was in store.

LESSONS ON HOW TO WRITE YOUR VERY OWN POETRY! No, you didn’t read that sentence wrong. Kaur delves into her stylistic techniques. For instance, our author here discusses on multiple fronts what the peach pit method is and how to use it. “I like to describe my shorter poems (the ones that are one-four lines), as peach pits,” she said. “This process is like removing the skin of the peach, then slowly digging through the fruity meat, until finally, I hit the center—the peach pit.”

Not only does Kaur expose readers to helpful guides for beginners or for those that are struggling with writer’s block. She sheds a layer of vulnerability through her journey as an artist. “When you’re in the middle of having your heart broken, or experiencing something traumatic, reality doesn’t reveal itself slowly; it pierces you like a bullet, fast and hard.” Kaur continued, “I want my paper poetry to do the same, which is why it’s direct.”

Throughout the years, Kaur has had to deal with comments from the media of how her work is “too much or controversial,” or some argue that it is not even poetry. And, in extreme cases, states like Texas have placed a ban on finding another one of her hit books, Milk and Honey, at local libraries as well as high schools.

Unbeknownst to haters out there, as you flip each page of Healing Through Words, the devotion to this genre is clearly exhibited within the training method she provides. Kaur talks about the struggle of re-writing poem after poem just to get it right and setting timers to just put an idea down and start somewhere, which is a familiar tactic in any literary community.

So, Kaur seems to have a clue. On another note, some may not be aware, but she started off with performance-based poetry in her younger years. Going to community gatherings and readings to share her pieces with the world! “While doing giddha (a popular folk dance for women in the Punjab religion), [the ladies] sang boliyan (couplet style verses),” said Kaur.

As readers we are painted a picture of Kaur’s background, her history, culture, and emotions throughout her career. From a visual aspect, a few prompts in the book ask readers to draw out a description of what a word or feeling may look like as inspiration for a poem, honing in on trauma to depict a vehicle and theme for your piece. Overall, what she is asking from the reader is to evoke bluntness for those practicing writing in her book.

For my review of this Handson book, I give it a 9.5 out of 10! The reason it does not get a perfect score is because it was not what I was expecting.  I figured it would be just a poetry collection. Honestly, I’m not disappointed; I was pleasantly surprised of what this turned out to be.

Healing Through Words is available for purchase on Amazon, Barns & Noble, and other select bookstores.

Now, I invite readers to share their opinions on author Rupi Kaur as a poet. Comment below.