Books

Back Where I Came From: On Culture, Identity, and Home

Book*hug Press, 2024 PRE-ORDER NOW from your favourite independent bookstore or wherever you buy books. Or click here to order directly from the publisher.

Description

In these literary travel essays, twenty-six writers from across North America share journeys back to their motherlands as visitors. Set against mountainous terrain, tropical beaches, bustling cities, and remote villages, these personal narratives weave socio-political commentary with writers’ reflections on who they are, where they belong, and what “home” means to them.

The result is a vulnerable, humorous, and insightful exploration of meanings and contradictions, beginning a conversation waiting to be had by the growing population of first- and second-generation Canadians and Americans who will find themselves within its pages. These essays navigate the intricacies of hyphenated identities with nuanced stories of heritage and a redefined sense of home. Back Where I Came From: On Culture, Identity, and Home is an open door to places within ourselves and around the globe.

With contributions by: Omar El Akkad, Nadine Araksi, Ofelia Brooks, Esmeralda Cabral, June Chua, Seema Dhawan, Krista Eide, Eufemia Fantetti, Ayesha Habib, Christina Hoag, Mariam Ibrahim, Taslim Jaffer, Vesna Jaksic-Lowe, Kathryn Lennon, Omar Mouallem, Dimitri Nasrallah, Lishai Peel, Omar Reyes, Mahta Riazi, Steve Sandor, Angelo Santos, Alison Tedford Seaweed, Makda Teshome, Nhung Tran-Davies, Alexandra C. Yeboah, Hannah Zalaa-Uul.

Who Am I Today? 40 Women Answer the Question

Blurb, 2022

Description

In this stunning collection of poetry, prose, flash non-fiction, and memoir, 40 talented women from diverse backgrounds and locations around the world (including the USA, India, England, China, Ireland, Canada, and Dubai) answer the question-“Who Am I Today?”-a simple writing prompt that Jennifer A. Minotti (Editor) poses at the beginning of each of her Women’s Writing Circles. This anthology illuminates the individual and collective power that arises when women’s voices are held, supported and affirmed. “These brilliant women write not just for themselves but for every woman. This is a collection to savor, to return to, and to share.” Published by the Center for Women’s Health and Human Rights at Suffolk University in Boston, MA.

Tongues: On Longing and Belonging Through Language

Book*hug Press, 2021

Description

In this collection of deeply personal essays, twenty-six writers explore their connection with language, accents, and vocabularies, and contend with the ways these can be used as both bridge and weapon. Some explore the way power and privilege affect language learning, especially the shame and exclusion often felt by non-native English speakers in a white, settler, colonial nation. Some confront the pain of losing a mother tongue or an ancestral language along with the loss of community and highlight the empowerment that comes with reclamation. Others celebrate the joys of learning a new language and the power of connection. All underscore how language can offer both transformation and collective healing.

Tongues: On Longing and Belonging through Language is a vital anthology that opens a compelling dialogue about language diversity and probes the importance of language in our identity and the ways in which it shapes us.

With contributions by: Kamal Al-Solaylee, Jenny Heijun Wills, Karen McBride, Melissa Bull, Leonarda Carranza, Adam Pottle, Kai Cheng Thom, Sigal Samuel, Rebecca Fisseha, Hege Anita Jakobsen Lepri, Logan Broeckaert, Taslim Jaffer, Ashley Hynd, Jagtar Kaur Atwal, Téa Mutonji, Rowan McCandless, Sahar Golshan, Camila Justino, Amanda Leduc, Ayelet Tsabari, Carrianne Leung, Janet Hong, Danny Ramadan, Sadiqa de Meijer, Jónína Kirton, and Eufemia Fantetti.

Heartmind Wisdom Collection #2: Courageous & Inspiring Journeys of Everyday People

Kindness is Key Publishing, 2014

Description

A must read for everyone, the HEARTMIND WISDOM Collection chronicles the courageous and inspiring journeys of everyday people. Their stories will lift you emotionally and equip you with practical insights for living your ideal life. To assist you in finding the wisdom that will speak to your soul, each book is divided into 5 Restorative Categories: Bouncing Back, Divine Connection, Hope, Healing from Loss, and Self-Actualization.

A select number of these books are available from Taslim Jaffer for $15 CAD plus shipping. Contact her at taslim@taslimjaffer.com for your copy!

What If?: 52 Questions Designed for an Entire Year of Self-Discovery

Let ME Out!!, 2014

Description

Have you ever been told you shouldn’t think about the “what ifs?” Consider this: when posed correctly, they can open up your world and shine light on beauty that may otherwise have been hidden in the darkness of not asking. This workbook is a place for you to record your answers to each question.

A select number of these books are available from Taslim Jaffer for $15 CAD plus shipping. Contact her at taslim@taslimjaffer.com for your copy!

Winter: Women’s Stories, Poems and Inspiration for the Season of Rest and Renewal

GoldenTree Communications, 2012

Description

This compilation of women’s work from around the world initiates a series of four books, one devoted to each season. In this volume, women share their journeys as they express their mystical connection with the season of dormancy and rest. The stories, poems and essays capture tender memories of loved ones now gone, glory in the beauty of bare trees against painted skies and invite you into the comfort of quiet and reflection.
This collection from Tending Your Inner Garden® reminds us of winter’s true meaning. Even when growth appears to slow, the season allows creativity to thrive in the deep soil of our souls.