Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty
Hana Shafi, 165 pgs, Book*hug Press, bookhugpress.ca, $25
Like reading a live journal blog illustrated with cute affirmations, this book gives us a look at how another human sees the world, even if we didn’t ask.
Hana Shafi’s Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty is a collection of short stories Shafi shares from her life, each with her drawings of (sometimes) off-beat affirmations. Throughout the book, Shafi doesn’t have many groundbreaking thoughts, more a light read for people who’ve lived life. I would consider this book a good companion for a young adult going out into the world, rather than for someone who has been around the block a few times. Occasionally funny, sometimes provoking, Shafi writes as if she is sitting down with you for a coffee to tell you her life story. The book is broken down into different important topics such as: kindness, bodies, politics, self-love, healing, resilience, and mental health. Topics everyone should think about, be educated on, and know different perspectives, which Shafi gives the reader.
Even though I already wrote that I consider this book for a younger audience, there are a few nuggets in here for everyone. If you are looking for a reality read or a peek into someone’s journal then this collection will work for you.