Mahnaz Badihian Ask The Wind is a collection of charming, heartwarming, and sometimes even heartbreaking poems. In them, she paints pictures of war, death, poverty, identity, immigration, belonging, and love.

Her verses are clear and concise, but they also carry an authenticity to them, as if she lived every experience within them and knew all the characters personally. I would not be surprised if some of these poems are based on her personal experiences in Iran and the United States. In these emotionally charged poems, she tackles heavy subject matter in a way that triggers introspection and the evaluation of societal norms. These poems are not meant to just be read but rather experienced and reflected on.

She challenges her readers to love one another, stand up for what is right, and do away with prejudice. Her work is a call to action. She does not want her readers to be passive and accepting of how things are. She dedicates several poems to people who have stood up and have made changes in their world, artists that have used their work for good. Beyond that, she has paid tribute to those who have died seeking a better life and those who live in a constant state of nostalgia because they can never return to their motherland.

Her expressions are light, and her language is intimate and simple, making this book easy for anyone to read and understand. Ultimately, she has managed to achieve what all great poets aim to: condense intense experiences and emotions into short sentences and paragraphs. The message of each poem is clear and beautifully delivered.

Ask The Wind is a deeply thoughtful collection of poetry that will have readers reflecting on her words. The impassioned topics that are covered will leave readers with a unique and unforgettable experience.

Pages: 92 | ISBN : 193629348X