Classroom Favorite Reads

Milk and Honey

By Rupi Kaur

Short Summary: Milk and Honey is a string of poems that detail the author’s life, through her hurting, loving, breaking, and healing. The book covers many topics including feminism, race equality, and domestic violence. It is vastly personally written with so much emotion it’s almost like the tears of Kaur are stained on the pages.

Characters: There is one, maybe two characters in this set of poems. The main character being the author and the possible count of a second character being the nameless man that is frequently spoken of throughout the story. The main character, or Rupi Kaur, holds a very strong voice from beginning to end. Even during the moments of loss, there is a sense of togetherness and grit that shines through all of the agony and dismay. Kaur’s character sets a good example to all of her readers to stay yourself even through the most difficult times because it comes in handy at the end of the storyline.

Theme: I believe Rupi Kaur’s main purpose of writing this book of poetry was to not only show other people her life, but to teach them of the dangers of harmful relationships and their physical and emotional damage. She wants to vividly paint how every woman, no matter size, color, sexual preference, etc., is welcomed and celebrated, which she does with not just her illustrations, but her words. Above all else, her message is meant to make the reader feel loved and important while explaining her life struggles.

Favorite Quotation: In the ‘breaking’ portion of Kaur’s book, she begins to discuss the pain that comes with leaving a loved relationship, regardless of its dangers. Even after saying how much she misses, yet despises him, she says, “More than anything I want to save you from myself.” This is my favorite quotation because I believe this is the part of the book where she finally realizes she had made the right decision. Although it is a given that pain will still follow this epiphany, it gives both the author and the reader hope of resolution and happiness.

Why is it important to read diverse books?: It is so extremely important to read diverse books because without them you know nothing but yourself. Beyond the few good friends you make throughout your life, books are your only opportunity to finally see what it’s like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Without learning of diversity, especially at a young age, you lack a basic skill of empathy and compassion. It is vital to learn of other cultures and religions and races and everything in order to avoid building your relationships and yourself on ignorance.

Review by: Mia O.

Published by: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Released on: November 4, 2014

Genre: Poetry