For a change of pace, for this week’s Thursday review I read the poetry book that has TikTok buzzing – Save Me an Orange by Hayley Grace. Through its Instagram-style verses full of deep imagery and emotion, this book is a work of art that will hit home for many.

I went into this expecting something similar to Rupi Kaur, and that wasn’t too far off – but honestly, I like this writing better. I read this in one sitting on my couch during Monday’s thunderstorm, and it felt like a warm cup of tea during a rough patch in life.

I particularly related to the parts in which she mentioned her little sister. Having an age-gap sister myself, it felt easy to relate; especially the feeling of envy about how we perceive our own childhood as a bit tougher than that of the younger sibling. It’s not necessarily that we actually did have things harder, but it can feel that way when you’re the older sibling whose eyes are more open to the dysfunction that surrounds your family life.

There are mentions of some pretty heavy topics in this one (like suicide, toxic relationships, and childhood trauma), so if you’re someone who is particularly sensitive to any of those topics, that’s something to be mindful of. But it’s important to note that the way she touches on these traumas is beautiful and healing, as much for the reader as for herself.

This is one that every modern young woman should read as a reminder of the importance of her own self-worth. In a society where we’re expected to be perfect, no one actually is, and that’s okay.

“To anyone who thought the world would end at 16…” 💚