Fabulous reads: Poetry book promotes optimism, empowerment

We Have Everything We Need to Start Again, Koleka Putuma, Bonnier Books UK, ISBN: 9781471413322

Press both feet to the ground. Place your hand on your heart.
You are brave and capable. It will always be your time.

We Have Everything We Need to Start Again is a groundbreaking poetry collection that delves into universal and timely themes of adolescence, such as mental health, sexuality, and identity, all viewed through optimism and empowerment.

This is a sharp and thought-provoking work that is unique in its form, language, and structure. Every line is a powerful statement by Koleka, representing what she stands for. Each poem is accompanied by a gorgeous illustration or portrait by Barcelona-born illustrator Adriana Bellet.

Perfect for young adult and adult readers, We Have Everything We Need To Start Again is an inclusive collection celebrating the power of words. People who are fans of Rupi Kaur, Nikita Gill, Elizabeth Acevedo, and The Black Flamingo will also enjoy this book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Koleka Putuma is a South African multi-award-winning theatre practitioner, writer and poet. Her bestselling debut poetry collection Collective Amnesia, received the 2018 Glenna Luschei Prize for African Poetry, was named 2017 book of the year by the City Press and was among the best books of 2017 by The Sunday Times and Quartz Africa.

Her work tackles themes such as sexuality, gender, race and politics. In 2022, Putuma was awarded the Standard Bank Young Artist Award – a first-time award for Poetry. She is also the Founder and Director of Manyano Media, a multidisciplinary creative company that empowers and produces stories by black queer women. She lives in Cape Town.