Over the past month or so I've heard a lot of hype about Rupi Kaur's "Milk and Honey" and with some free time over break I thought I'd give the book a read. Before reading the book all I knew was it was a collection of poetry and the subject matter could be triggering for some because it was about sexual encounters and abuse.

While reading the book I could relate to so many of the poems, even though I'd never been in an abusive relationship, but I've had my own experiences of hurt. In her book, Kaur explains her own struggles through her poetry, but her words can relate to many other situations, including my own. The book is broken up into four sections; the hurting, the breaking, the loving, and the healing. Each section has a different subject matter and a different purpose.

I don't want to spoil the book for anyone out there wanting to read it, so I'll just tell you this. My favorite section of the book was the healing. I liked the last section the best because it was about working on yourself and healing after a break up. Even though I've never been in a relationship, that doesn't mean I've never felt with hurt and the healing process that follows. While reading this section, I folded the corners of pages and pages of poetry that I felt inspired and touched by. In her writing, Kaur writes about healing in both a happy way, and also a terribly saddening way. She talks about the freeness that comes along with healing and letting go, but she also talks about the pain and misery that takes place in the healing process.

The picture below is my favorite part of the entire book. This sentence resonates with me so much because I've struggled with depression for what seems like forever and when I'm in the midst of a depressive episode I feel like I don't deserve nice things, or even regular things, in my life because I'm just not worthy of it. This sentence is just one example of how "Milk and Honey" can be relatable and helpful to so many people, not just those that've struggled with abuse.

I've never read a book that has tackled such a hard subject with such grace and realness. Kaur took her horrible experiences and turned them into something beautiful. Sadly "Milk and Honey" is the only book she has out right now; otherwise I'd already be on the next one. I know others have said that you either love it or hate it, and I absolutely love it, but I think everyone can get something out of the book if they go in with a gentle heart and an open mind.