Nestled among heartfelt poetry, prose, and illustrations in this collection are topics pertinent to present times. Feminism, sexual assault, objectification, immigration, as well as corruption and the effects of European colonization in Punjab, are merely a handful of issues examined. Wholly, Kaur's debut collection explores what it means to be a young woman in a world that not only fails to hear her but that often refuses to see her. The novel begins with poems that are more than pretty words; they carry weight and breathe fire. Occasional passages of prose follows Kiran as she flees Chandigarh, India, and moves to British Columbia, where she learns she is pregnant, remaining there undocumented to raise her daughter, Sahaara. The final section ambles back into verse, but instead of reminding readers of the myriad ways power is taken away from women, that power is reclaimed through self-acceptance and love. Kaur's experiences as a Punjabi Sikh woman and the notes on the final pages provide more insight to some of the poems. Ideal for readers mesmerized by the words of Rupi Kaur.

Gr 9 Up-A collection of poetry, prose, and illustrations surrounding the daily realities of what it's like to be a young woman in a world that doesn't always understand her. With six sections that highlight the multitude of conversations many women battle daily, this collection's pages are painted with the topics of mental health, sexual assault, immigration, and feminism. Ultimately, the collection takes readers on a journey to fight for others, for family, and especially for themselves. Kaur's elegant and informative poetry and prose packs a powerful punch. Broken into six parts themed as a journey across the body ("skin," "muscle," "lung," "nerve," "heart," and "light"), the mixed literary styles open a window into the world of being young and a woman in an unforgiving world. This isn't one continual story unfolding, but rather a string of experiences and thoughts that speaks strongly to women of color, undocumented immigrants, and those who are hurting. The gentle words empathize with and encourage readers, uplifting the soul, and praising every woman's spirit: "a note to self/you are worth every moment/that led you to yourself/you're the one i'd choose/every single time." VERDICT Fans of Joy McCullough's Blood Water Paint or Elizabeth Acevedo's The Poet X will want this collection on their shelves. Emily Walker, Lisle Library District, IL