A collection of poetry and prose that offers comfort, community, and belonging through stories of love, loss, change, and rebirth.

"I want to share the stories I kept silent, in the hope that I and those who read my book will feel freer from me doing so."

"Songs" are the stories, poems, and prayers shared with a community. They include the lived experiences of those both older and younger than you, that help you grow and learn to be more yourself, celebrate your individuality, and-above all-realize that you are not alone on your journey.

The daughter of Pakistani-Muslim immigrants who moved to South Texas to give their daughter a better life, Sara Surani explores universal feelings and experiences through poetry, prose, memoir-style writing, and vignettes inspired by her work with women and girls across the globe. Each chapter uses color to evoke a feeling:

* Violet: the gut punch of loss
* Indigo: a slow, lonely grief
* Blue: anxiety, fear, and uncertainty
* Green: when spring returns to you
* Yellow: the first ray of sun on snow, a thawing
* Orange: a warm cup of tea, hope
* Red: fire, rebirth, an inner spark

So often we are told that the core of spiritual development is "inner work," but this book is about all that we share and conjures a deep sense of belonging-one that is needed now, more than ever.

About the Author
Sara Surani is an activist, entrepreneur, educator, researcher, and co-founder of She is the Universe - a global movement for girls empowerment. She has lived and worked all over the world, bridging storytelling with gender equity, health advocacy, and education, from fishing towns in Tanzania to the depths of the Amazon jungle. Sara works with community empowerment and entrepreneurship globally, collaborating with grassroots and governments across the US, Asia, Africa, and Latin America. She believes that stories move people and have the power to change the world. A daughter of Pakistani-Muslim immigrants in South Texas, Sara holds degrees from Harvard University and Tsinghua University. She is a Fulbright Fellow and a Schwarzman Scholar, and is always looking for an excuse to learn a new language. Sara finds home in many people and places, and is currently finding home in New York City. www.sheistheuniverse.org


Book Information
ISBN 9781837822973
Author Sara Surani
Format Paperback
Page Count 257
Imprint Hay House UK Ltd
Publisher Hay House UK Ltd