Read All About it with Em

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I enjoy curling up with my dogs, a nice cup of tea, and a good book. Reading has always been a great escape from the stress of daily life. At night when I am getting ready to power down, I turn my phone on do not disturb and read a chapter or two of a book until I fall asleep. I enjoy reading all kinds of books of genres. Today I am talking about a book of poetry. It is called Milk and Honey written by Rupi Kaur. This book of poetry, in my opinion, should be read by every woman. It is so spot on about how women are viewed by society, by other women, by men, and most importantly how women view themselves. I read it at least once a month, sometimes more, but especially when I need some reassurance.

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It is not easy being a woman in this day in this digital age of social media. Normal everyday women are being compared to the instagram models of the world. Personally, it wears me down when I look at social media and feel inferior because I don't have a flat stomach or a perfect butt. These feelings of being inadequate have a way of seeping into your soul and can be all consuming. I know when I am feeling especially insecure, I tend to second guess my decisions, and I question my relationships not just with my boyfriend, but with my friends too. I am lucky to have a partner who understands. He knows where my insecurities lie and does his best to remind me that I am beautiful, kind, smart, and funny when I forget myself.

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Milk and Honey certainly helps. On those days where I feel like closing in on myself, on those days where I feel as if I can't compete, on those days where I feel like hiding myself, I turn to this book. I read it in it's entirety. It is a quick and easy read, but the message in each poem is potent and meaningful. The way Rupi Kaur, who is a 24 year old woman, feminist, and who has recently been dubbed a "Instapoet", perfectly encapsulates the female experience. Some poems are longer than the others, but none lack in meaning. There are four sections in this book the hurting, the loving, the breaking, and lastly the healing. Each section hits multiple subjects. If you don't identify a poem personally, you know someone who does. Illustrations accompany most of the poems just to further drive home the point. I think what is truly beautiful about this book is that it brings women from all different walks of life together. It doesn't trivialize what women experience daily or what they have already experienced.

I recommend this book to any woman. Any and every woman. I recommend men to read it also just to open their eyes as to what woman go through and to help them better understand what makes woman tick. Any woman who has been a victim of sexual assault, a toxic relationship, battling inner demons, feeling insecure, or who feels as if everything in their life is perfect. Each poem may hold a different meaning or bring up a specific memory for each individual who reads it. That is what makes this book so powerful. Even if you aren't a avid reader, make a exception. It takes me not even a hour to read the entire thing. It is a hour well spent. They say milk and honey can remedy different illnesses in your body and I believe Milk and Honey, the book, can remedy your mind and soul.

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