Milk and Honey is the Best Book of 2020 by Vivian

Milk and Honey is the Best Book of 2020 by Vivian - October 2020 Scholarship Essay

"Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur is composed of poems identifying with hurting, loving, breaking and healing. As a young teen I am still determining expressions of love and how to detect whether it has honest intention. Kaur pursues these stage of healthy and toxic relationships with yourself and with a partner. She gives each poem a raw and heart throbbing essence that lifts from the pages in her book. You can see and feel the emotions of insecurity and doubt; growth and acceptance; pain and loneliness. She discusses the sacrifices one will put themselves through in order to receive even a sliver of love. If you are looking for a tear to shed this is the book to read. The ravishing message of love being endless and unbreakable even when corrupted by hate is inspiring.

Kaur discusses uncomfortable and harsh topics of rape, sex and consent, pregnancy and parenting, alcohol and other in depth topics one usually discusses in sex education or the 'talk' from your mom parent. Kaur makes connections to children and the abuse of alcohol which has an emotional appeal to her audience. I admire the topics Kaur isn't afraid or refrained from discussing; she is real and honest without any sugar coding. To read this book, you must be mature and have empathy in order to put yourself into each scenario and uncover the hidden meaning.

Breaking and pain can't just be physical, it can be emotional too. Heartache, voices in the mind screaming: blood and tears, isolation and insecurities cloaking our judgement are a few themes highlighted. Society today and even in the past hide their true emotions so they are not seen as weak. We need to normalize our true feelings in order to create happiness in every aspect of our lives. Kaur says, "the idea that we are so capable of love but still choose to be toxic" (Kaur 23). Kaur adds a simple line drawing scorpion to represent an descriptive verb (toxic) to connect to the poem. Our society is divided, we need to mend it by accepting change, diversity, and stop judging everybody for their difference. Whether its their race, gender, sex orientation, various forms of love: that's what makes each person unique. Each person is important and everybody deserves love.

The Breaking Chapter makes think of events in my own life. I have witnessed my siblings settle for less than they deserve and defend those who aren't worth defending. Kaur says "perhaps I don't deserve nice things cause I'm paying for sins I don't remember"(147). The destructive power our mind has on our self esteem and determines whether we're optimistic in situations or admit defeat. We need to remind ourselves of our worth, even if its through words of affirmation or reading inspiring quotes. Kaur also concedes actions one will take to feel less empty and worthless. These include: leaving situations where you feel lost and don't know who you are; you have to forgive yourself in order to take back control of your life.

I enjoy the the exploration of a woman's body and the indescribable beauty of mother nature. Kaur says "stretch marks on my thighs look human...soft yet rough and jungle wild" (169). This is current in the sense that people are more open to the realness of body sizes. This false reality of 'perfect' is changing with models promoting every body size. Stretch marks, scars, and other imperfections are portrayed as beautiful imperfections and are put on display. The message for women to be real and unashamed is very eye opening; we shouldn't compare ourselves or try to live up to society's standards. People who truly love you accept all of you. As she explains, "the next time he points out the hair on your legs...remind your body is not his home he is a guest" (165). Kaur vocalizes that we should be welcomed in our bodies, just like being welcomed into someone's home.

I appreciate the connection between a woman being art. Kaur writes "my legs spread apart like an easel with a canvas begging for art" (57). She explains the truth and how love makes people blind. Love makes people scared with the fear and doubt that clouds their ability to accept, share and reciprocate that love. Kaur says, "I am a museum full of art but you had your eyes shut" (100). Love is like a rose, we can kill love or nurture it. This is a life's journey, guided by a hearts desire and yearning to fulfill its one magical purpose. I strongly believe Kaur's poetry is the most touching form of writing and creates impeccable imagery. I love poetry because it drives me to have a creative perspective and strive to think outside the box. Kaur is the best book to read, and her books continue to inspire me to follow my life and pursue love. As a helpless romantic, artist and a young teen with a nurturing soul this book was perfect.