The Octopus Curse: A Collection of Clingy Poems (2019)
Blurb:
Science would have us believe that we are nothing but cell upon cell. I disagree. We are made up of stories. The stories we hear from our mothers, the ones we tell our daughters. The tales we share with sisters and friends. The ones we never say out loud, but are heavy on our minds and run like a fever in our blood.
There are a multitude of great divides between us; race, religion, cultures, the way we dress, the languages we speak, but the stories we tell bridge us together in the universal tongue of smiles, tears, pain and laughter. They remind us that, as women, we’re all chasing similar fairy-tales.
This book is a call to celebrate the bridges, delight in our stories and to focus on the joy in our lives right now, rather than racing behind the happily-ever-after. That will come in it’s own time.
Buy a copy of The Octopus Curse!
@Joyly Stevens Read More
‘Words are so incredibly powerful’ is what goes through my head while reading The Octopus Curse by Salma Farook. This collection poems is sharp as knives and will tear you to pieces, through flesh and soul.
I love poetry. To me it’s one of the most powerful ways to make you feel everything there is to feel in this universe. I love poetry because it splits me open right through the middle and unravels me until I’m nothing more than a tangle of silken garlands on the ground. Throughout this book, two hands follow you along this journey, guiding you from one memory into the next. They reach out from the pages through your ribcage and clench your chest together until you can barely breathe. They grab hold of your soul and won’t let go until long after you finished the last poem. That’s how powerful each poem is. There are poems about love, loss, hurt, traveling, finding yourself, growing, strength, women, the world, migrants, religion, and so much more. This is a love story in every aspect of the word. You will lose yourself in it, only to find yourself between the next lines. These poems are a lifeline, a photo album of memories, a soul laid bare. Each word is a star, twining together to form the most beautiful constellation that will shine down on you and make you feel less lonely in the dark.
This book is a friend to hold on to when there nothing else to grasp as you feel yourself falling.
This is a book that the world needs to read. The strength of these words needs to be heard across mountains and seas. So that people, who feel broken and lost, can know they are not alone.
@BookDragons Read More
Love the combination of beautiful poems about love and loss and rebuilding yourself and the pictures that make their own statement. This relatively quick read will have you reading it over and over again. This is so powerful and so beautiful that you will be dying to share with every single person you can.
@Amybibliophile Read More
Intricate and beautiful book of poetry.
Thank you Salma Farook for sending this to me.
I found this collection of poetry totally spellbinding, something that I really connected to emotionally and spiritually. I especially love the busy cover and the illustrations along the way. Not only do you read the words Salma has put to paper, but you feel them deep within too. These poems have meaning, and even if you cant relate to a few, you come away with an intense understanding of the significance behind them.
The Octopus Curse is broken up into six sections, the essence of those being - Love, Decision, Growth, Wanderlust & Realizing your self-worth. Each section starts with a paragraph that examines the Octopus and using its characteristics to draw parallel to humanity.
I pray that death be kind,
Not as much to the buried,
As to those left behind.
- 'Funerals are for the living'~
Salma has proved in this book of poetry that she has a real gift for writing, her attention to detail with the use of simple illustrations are beautiful and definitely gave me major henna inspiration!
She is definitely a poet to watch out for, I wouldn't be surprised to see her name up there with the likes of Rupi Kaur in the near future.
@Stephanie (Bookfever) Read More
Wow! This was such an amazing read. But the word amazing doesn't even begin to cover this book. It was brilliant and touched me to the core. This is probably going to come out as one big ramble on my part but this collection of poems really blew me away! Last year I read the author's inspirational nonfiction (What Your Soul Already Knows) and this book also a huge winner for me but I gotta say that The Octopus Curse just confirmed that Salma Farook is such a talented author. I adore her writing so much!
I'm not someone who knows a lot about poetry or even reads a lot of it. I only do it every once in a while. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy it. I love reading poems and The Octopus Curse was definitely something very special. The poetry was beautifully written, of course, but also very powerful, thought-provoking and just a joy to read. And on top of all that amazingness there were also illustrations. They were so so so gorgeous!
I really loved all of the poems but these titles are some of the ones that were favorites of mine and touched something in me: The Sea And The Shore, I Thought I Would See You Again, Thoughts On An Airplane, When Will It Stop? and Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
@Hayley (Backpacking Bookworm) Read More
I was a little apprehensive before reading this book as it’s the first poetry collection I’ve read since high school. I rarely enjoyed decrypting poems and digging deep to find meanings. I have never resonated with a poem or felt a strong connection deep in my soul.
That is until I read The Octopus Curse.
These poems are unlike any poems I’ve read before. They are raw and insightful, and every line is packed with emotion, straight from the heart. I had to take a moment after each poem to let the words settle and uncovered so much meaning and inspiration from each one.
The poems are broken up into sections and each is preceded by a fact about octopuses. This fact then relates to each following poem. It was interesting to see these connections and I thought it was an innovative way to split up the poems rather than just having standard sections.
The accompanying illustrations are beautifully drawn and complement each poem. They add visual impact and are as thought-provoking as the poetry.
Salma is an incredibly talented woman. I admire her for sharing what was once a collection of her own private thoughts and feelings. She celebrates women, empowering them, and giving a voice to the vulnerable. Many of the poems were relatable and the rest evoked feelings of love, heartbreak, sadness, and hope. Whether you are a regular reader of poetry or brand new to the genre, I urge you to put this one top of your list. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you so much to the author for providing me with a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
@FTLOReading Read More
Thought provoking, a wonderful collection
I was approached by the author a few monthes ago if I would be interested in reviewing her poetry collection. I am so glad she did.
The layout of work flowed beautifully from one to the next. Most collections like this generally only have a few pieces that will stick out but I really enjoyed the majority of what was presented.
There was one that made me look at some things I've experienced in my own life in a new light. It turned something I once felt very painfully about into something more positive.
Fantastic collection. Please tell me it will be bound in physical format, cause I would love one for my poetry shelf 💞
Thank you so much Salma for the opportunity to read your work!
@Lois (thecarrotstories) Read More
Exceptionally beautiful! I’ve always had a thing for poetry that I can relate to or that has so much depth about society and life. And this, my friends, has the essence that I crave for in every poetry ever.
Firstly, I’d like to say that I absolutely love the concept the author used in creating each section of the book. Using different characteristics of an octopus as a main theme, she clusters her collection of poetries into these different section. I thought it was a brilliant idea!
Next, I really like her writing style because it was easy and simple to understand. I am no pro in dissecting and deciphering complex poetry so this was just right for me.
So here are some of the topics that were covered in this collection of poems: love/falling in love, hurt/pain/broken heart, self-awareness and acceptance, gratefulness, broadening of the mind through travels, world peace, sexual abuse cultivated by culture, beauty of God’s creation, and motherhood.
Wrapping it up, I think it was a great collection of poems and it was clear that these were life experiences encountered by the author herself. There was no dampening of the truth found and it was all presented as it is. That takes courage to lay out your life in words for all to see. But it is a courage worth taking if it is going to impact someone’s life and helping them to become a better person.
Bonus: the illustrations in this book are gorgeous !! They are all very simple concepts but they speak a thousand words. You’ll need to get a copy to find out. I recommend getting a hard copy to enjoy the complete artworks.
Thank you Salma, the author herself, for allowing me to read a copy of her book for free before the release date in exchange for an honest review. I’m so honored by the opportunity to read something so personal and beautiful.
@RINA | booksofthemuggleborn Read More
My Rating: 4/5 stars!
A collection of poems about love, life, death. About staying positive and being strong. I love the simplicity of these poems and it's not hard to understand the meanings and lessons behind them. The illustrations/ artwork included throughout the book were a surprising, yet amazing bonus (and some of my faves pages to look at!)
Although I didn't connect with every single poem, I did come away with a few faves -- 'Kinder', 'The Flooded Forest', 'Shoot' and 'Words' just to name a few. Overall a beautiful, thought provoking collection. Read the entire book in one sitting.
**I was gifted a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review
@Emily Read More
Thank you Salma Farook for sending me a copy to review 💛
This was such a beautiful collection of poetry. I loved all of the references to octopuses and how they tied into the story. This was honestly an emotional rollercoaster and I feel like everyone can relate to this collection one way or another. I definitely would read more from this author!
@Emma Read More
Oh my goodness - this collection of poems was just stunning. Split into 6 sections, the poems are empowering and very emotional. I found so many of them resonating with on such an intense level that I couldn’t help not sharing them... The last one in particular was such a brilliant way to end the collection and I felt really sums it all up wonderfully! Please get this collection. You won’t regret it!!
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What Your Soul Already Knows (2018)
Blurb:
We live life like automatons, moving with reckless inattentiveness through the preset motions. We have lost touch with our inner selves, the self that has all the answers, that is imbued with the natural balance of joy and productivity. What have we forgotten? What have we lost to this mechanical lifestyle?
The secrets to joy, aren’t secrets at all. They aren’t being whispered. You are just not listening loudly enough to the wisdom of your inner voice.
This book is a reminder to listen.
It is a detailed exploration of elements such as personal qualities, interpersonal skills and healthy habits that make up the path to intuitive happiness and productivity.
Buy a copy of What Your Soul Already Knows (WYSAK)!
@Emily Read More
What an incredible book!! I am on a bit of a high after reading it. Dr Salma Faro has such a beautiful gift! I’m so grateful to her (and to her encouraging husband) for following inspiration, for this book is inspired. It is full of reminders of all we have to be grateful for and that we can rejoice in all circumstances. We can find peace and even joy in ALL we experience, the great and even those experiences we may view as not so great. We can be happy because of them, not in spite of them. Can you image? Knowing the secrets to finding joy no matter what? She shares several ways in this book and she does it all so poetically!
I recommend reading this book once from start to finish and then going back and picking a section at random to read as a daily meditation. Then get a copy and share it with your friends! Let’s spread the joy!!
I received a free copy of the book from the author in exchange for my review and then I bought a copy to share with my bestie!
@Aisha Read More
I don’t like reading self help books. There, I said it. I know this sounds weird but I grew up seeing a lot of self-help books around me. A lot of Nigerians read self-help books like they are the next best thing since Jollof rice 🙄🙄 so when this author approached me, I was skeptical. Then my friend, Assia wrote a review and I decided to pick it.
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What Your Soul Already Knows live up to its name, it is full of A-Z bits of what Your Soul literally Already Knows. From attitude all the way to zeal, the book is divided into small sections that subtly remind you of all you need to be a better human to the world and to yourself. This was what I liked most about the book; because each chapter wasn’t bothersome, I was able to truly reflect on the important points.
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Also, like most self-help books, it had a feel of a memoir to it but the author didn’t outdo herself by infusing too much anecdotes. Just the right amount to remind you what you already know. The writing is also simple but well-crafted so that you learn one or two new words. I also learned some new ways of constructing sentences.
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So yes, a solid 4.5 star read that I would definitely be rereading. I recommend it to everyone. I also can’t wait to watch Salma’s writing improve and I hope she gets signed by a worthy publisher 👌🏾👌🏾
This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
@paulinereidbookreviewer Read More
I was given this Ebook, in exchange for an honest review.
From Authors Notes "We started with reconnecting with the inner child in ourselves and the benefits of feeling lost. We trekked through different aspects of positive living ranging from forgiveness to resilience and cumulatively landed on setting concrete life goals".
This little self help book is remarkably well set out. The author, herself, has stuck to a universal language that I feel even YA's can pick up and not get confused on. Although it draws on her own experiences, you could identify the situations with your own and agree upon them.
A very chatty, friendly 98 pages. The chapters had a good feel to them. Each chapter set out where you could ponder and genuflect at the end. I took this in small doses because of this. I have read self help books before and you always hear the same messages and they conclude the same thing. It's always positive to reinforce something you already know.
This comes highly recommended by me. It will suit anyone who needs a bit of an uplift, to anyone who wants to reinforce what they already know, for inspiration of any kind, to achieve life goals, to grow more confident and for anyone who wants to be more of a self balanced individual.
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