Beloveds readers,
A dearly anticipated debut poetry collection has launched. I am especially delighted to share this news as Taniya has been super supportive of Unbelonging when it launched & now, I am able to celebrate that her heartfelt poetry is published and out in the world. I hope you’ll access & gift a copy to poetry lovers in your life.
Taniya Gupta is a poet and tea-lover living just outside of Toronto. Through her work, she advocates for voice and mental health. What Will People Say is her debut collection of poems, inspired by not only her own life, but also the women in her family and millions of others trapped in patriarchal family structures.
To find out more about her poet & to access copies of her book:
https://yogateapoetry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogateapoetry/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taniya_yogateapoetry
Praise for the collection:
From authors:
"One of the strongest poetic debuts in years." (Alicia Cook, author of Sorry I Haven't Texted You Back)
"Proves it's possible to heal from what haunts us." (Ari B. Cofer, author of Paper Girl and the Knives That Made Her)
From advance readers:
“Holy mother of God! This collection of poetry was telling me that "see, it's not just you" and my god, wasn't this such a brilliant yet heartbreaking collection of words weaved gorgeously.”
“This book reminds us that our stories matter, our voices deserve to be heard, and we are stronger than we ever imagined.”
“This poetry book was pure magic. It highlights everything I already know about the female struggle and rage while also teaching me the concept from an entirely different cultural perspective.”
“I absolutely adored this collection of poetry, and feel the need to purchase a hard copy for myself once this has been published. Taniya Gupta's debut poetry collection feels raw, honest and urgent.”
Taniya generously shared a couple of poems for readers of this newsletter:
I hope this earnest, moving & thought provoking poetry collection will find new readers.
Important note:
Monday, January 15th -- 40 days after poet Refaat Alareer’s death-- is a day of action #ReadPalestine in public. Read where people will hear you. Disrupt business as usual. Read for Refaat. #ReadAndResist #ShutItDownForPalestine #ReadForRefaat
It’s is also #mlkday so let us remember that our silences never protect us. If we are bystanders to multiple genocides unfolding in our midst & claim silent “neutrality” then let us remember #mlk words as we observe #mlkday2024 today:
“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.” “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
With poetic pyar,
@ desibookaunty
Thank you so much, Gayatri aunty, for showing pyaar and support to What Will People Say! I hope readers find love and healing through these poems ❤️