by Yolanda T. Marshall

Yougeeta Hansraj has recently released her debut book, “Her Thoughts Her Words: Torn, Healing, Growing and Believing,” a collection of poems that explores the journey of healing after experiencing heartbreak. The author, who is of Guyanese and Trinidadian descent, expresses that her book is a personal reflection of her thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and hopes to convey to the reader that the process of healing can be tumultuous. As she states, “healing can be a rollercoaster of emotions.” Let’s hear more from Yougeeta Hansraj.

What inspired you to share your words with the world? Your book is a true testament to your journey.

I chose to share my thoughts and words with the world as part of my healing journey.  With that said I wanted to release the book in hopes of inspiring and letting others know that it’s okay to be feeling the way they do after a breakup as healing will take you up and down paths of emotions. However, at the end of a dark tunnel, there is light.

How do you feel about being a published author, and can readers expect more from you in the future?

To be honest, I am nervous as this project is very personal and not knowing how it will be received makes me nervous.  On the other hand, I am proud and happy that I have accomplished something that I had set out to do.  Regarding the future, I am still writing, so yes there will be another book. 

Here are a few more must-haves!

Chrysalis: Stories

Congratulations to the Hamilton-based Canadian author, Anuja Varghese, on her first novel winning the 2023 Governor General’s Literary Award.

“The stories in Chrysalis, are by turns poignant and chilling, blurring the lines between the real world and worlds beyond. Varghese delves fearlessly into complex intersections of family, community, sexuality, and cultural expectation, aiming at how racialized women are robbed of power and revelling in the strange and dangerous journeys they undertake to reclaim it.” – Astoria, 2023.

Ordinary Notes

Written by Christina Sharpe, an award-winning writer, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Black at York University in Toronto.

“A singular achievement, Ordinary Notes explores with immense care profound questions about loss, and the shapes of Black life that emerge in the wake. In a series of 248 brief and urgent notes that gather meaning as we read them, Christina Sharpe skillfully weaves artifacts from the past—public ones alongside others that are poignantly personal—with present-day realities and possible futures, intricately constructing an immersive portrait of everyday Black existence. Through the striking images and words in these pages, themes, and tones echo: sometimes about life, art, language, beauty, and memory; sometimes about history, photography, and literature—but always attending, with exquisite care, to the ordinary-extraordinary dimensions of Black life.” – Knopf Canada, 2023.

Ajay’s Dreams

Written by Ajay “Dj Charlie B” Saxena & Rhodora Melton-Vanderpool. This book is illustrated by James Bada.

“The story emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique qualities and learning to overcome the inner barriers that hinder personal growth. It highlights the idea that “the biggest clouds in life are often the ones you cannot see”, but through self-reflection, self-acceptance and embracing individuality, one can find the strength to overcome them and achieve their dreams.” – Independently published, 2023.

Please visit the author’s website to purchase a copy and learn more- www. pageswithajay.com

Bisola: Finding Home

Written by Susan Rufai, a Canadian author.

“As she embarks on the arduous journey of repairing fractured relationships with those dearest to her, Bisola is also forced to confront the past she once thought she could outrun. Join her on this profound path of reconciliation and self-healing, where the wounds of the heart are nursed back to health, and the echoes of days long past are finally given the attention they deserve.” – Global Book Publishing, 2023.

Good For You: 114 Mindful Practices Every Woman Can Adopt For A More Harmonious Life

Written by Stacy-Ann Buchanan, an award-winning Black entrepreneur one of the 150 Leading Canadians for Mental Health and a TEDx Talk presenter.

“Good For You presents 114 mindful practices women can adopt to help them achieve a more harmonious life. It’s an easy guide to self-reflection, enabling you to tap into your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual intelligence while embracing a softer life!” – Stacy-Ann Buchanan, 2023.

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