salt.

salt. by Nayyirah Waheed is a powerful book of poetry that left me breathless. There are poems that touched me on a personal level, where Waheed seemed to find the words to say something I never could (salt. also included a poem about this), poems that made me angry, and poems that just moved me. I bought my copy for my Kindle, and I have a ton of bookmarks for all the poems that wowed me in some way. salt. covers many topics; misogyny, racism, love, absent fathers, toxic masculinity, writing, and so much more. salt. reminded me just how much I love poetry. How, for the duration of the time I'm spent reading, I'm transported to a place of calm, of awe, of joy. It reminded me of the beauty that can be found in words, had me itching to write something beautiful myself. It reminded me how words have power, and how just a few words can have a profound impact, or bring about change. I was blown away by Waheed's strength to use her voice, her poetry, to talk about difficult topics, to force the reader to face the truth, leaving no place to hide. But there is also a vulnerability to her poetry, a vulnerability that takes great courage to share with the world. I was blown away by Waheed's words. I loved salt. so much, I will buying myself a physical copy to flick through and quickly find my favourites when I need them. And I am so looking forward to reading her second book, Nejma. If you are a fan of Rupi Kaur or Lang Leav, you definitely need to pick up salt.

Each poem in this rich, stunning collection is a jewel. Nayyirah Waheed's words are touching, close to the bone. The book is substantial too - solid and nourishing - with a good 247 pages she feeds us well. I have been walking around with this book in my bag since buying it. I can't put it down! I'd like to lend it out to all the people I love the most but not just yet! I have read, reread and read again, it is as though each piece deserves to be savoured. The poet is an excellent storyteller and captures the experience of Diasporic life in the most profound, brutally honest way. It is tough and warm, true and beautiful. I cannot recommend it enough. You do not have to be into poetry to enjoy this collection. It is a book made up of hard facts and love.

In a world where everyone is scrambling to be a writer and churning out poetry books, Salt stands out as a ray of soft light that illuminates, and rejuvenates. As a reader who has been following Ms Waheed's work for a while, Salt was a much anticipated anthology, and every word written is a word worth treasuring. Ms Waheed is known for her minimalistic writing and it is this very lack of frills and redundancy that causes Salt to stand out, white, expansive and pure. Salt covers a range of poetry on being a WOC writer, love and healing, highlighting experiences that are both common and poignant. Ms Waheed's skill is in saying everything that the human heart yearns in the most sublime fashion. Salt is a collection which you will yearn to devour in one reading, and yet, finishing it will only want you to return to its pages, and seek shelter in the comfort and love that the pages are scented with. Read this collection of poems, and watch your life change.

Nayyirah’s poetry really cuts deep. Her poetry is beautiful and is not fluff at all. I find that a lot of modern poetry seems to be the same thing, writing about love and appeasing to peoples’ emotions, and only scraping surface level. Nayyirah on the other hand poetry cuts beneath the surface where she fearlessly addresses diverse components that form our being and each poem compliments one another beautifully. A con I would say is it isn’t long but sometimes short is best. However I think the price should be lower considering the amount of writing it contains, as you could finish this book in less than an hour. I do find it to be too expensive if you don’t buy it on a deal or read it on offer/download.

I love, love, love this book - cannot recommend it enough! The poems are complete, thorough and well thought out. They contain heart, depth and each one is very special. The topics covered are wide but some do center around ethnicity. Some reviews have stated they don't get the poems but you have to think deep and put yourself in her shoes then it will definitely move you, which is why I think this book is exciting. Lots of other short poem books will just pass you but the poems in Salt will stay with you. This is better than Nejma but both are well worth owning.

This book is simply amazing. I didn't know what to expect from this book of poems as I saw it as something recommended while looking for a book by a different author. My interest in poems has just started and I thought to give this one a go. Filled with motivation, truth and beauty. It's not a book that you just read and put down, this is book is a re-read over and over again. It's my happy place. It takes me to a different world when reading. Nayyirah Waheed and Key Ballah are favourite writers of mine and no one else compares. I'm looking to purchase Nayyirah Waheed's other book 'Nejma'. I've been truly inspired and very happy I made the decision to purchase this book. I hope it has an effect on another individual as it did for me. Thank you Nayyirah.

This book is not just a book but an emotional journey. Written right from the heart. Honest, descriptive, punchy pieces, it almost feels like Nayyriah reaches in to the inner depths of her soul and places it on paper. As someone who writes myself, this book has not just been a pleasure to read but also an inspiration. It gives you a small window not just into the life and mind of Nayyirah but also a piece of your own spirit. So good I purchased it twice as it was a book I wanted to make sure someone else also had in their life. Well done Nayyirah, I can't wait to read more from you. Big Love.

Salt is a book that changes lives. Ever since I read it, I've bought it five times to gift to friends. Nayyirah Waheed manages to capture through her poetry, delicate subjects like Black Womanhood, love, and pain. It's hopeful and yet very clear on what the present currently is. I fell in love with the poems and I have a reason to quote at least one daily. It's accessible, and comforting in that accessibility. It's sensual in some of the most subtle ways I hadn't yet experience writing to be. Simply brilliant.