Preparing My Daughter For Rain:: notes on how to heal and survive.

This was absolute perfection. It should be required reading for every woman, but especially women of color. A love story and a story of forgiveness at the same time.

So maybe I just needed something to gut punch me in the feels but this collection of poems got me good

This beautiful anthology of poems focuses on first the Body, then the Heart, the Land, and finally, the Soul. It is moving and beautiful. There were some random poems and lines that were hyperlinked to some loan offering domain. It ruined some of the experience of the poetry because I had to keep being redirected if I accidentally touched the link or tried to highlight the lines. It made for a more frustrating read than it should have been. But the writing was beautiful and poignant.

Kay Ballah's book of lessons written to her future daughter doesn't simply read as another collection of notes or wisdoms on what it means to be, or rather become a woman that you symbolically gift your daughter on the day of her first period or something along those lines. Ballah's words are more of a fight song, born from pain, struggle and experience, all of which are described with unparalleled beauty and rawness.What many of the reviews don't mention is how much of a healing experience reading this book can be. Delicate and pure in style, it is also strong enough to seek out and unapologetically challenge our own sometimes deeply hidden identities as women, but more importantly as daughters.She writes to the daughter inside each of us. Especially the one who whilst reading these poems can barely fathom a mother's love as deep as Ballah's, because she herself has never experienced it. The daughter inside each of us who may carry wounds that still need to be stitched up (and certainly can be after reading this book). And to the mother inside each of us who is worried that she hasn't learned the proper tools to bring her own daughter into the world. Ballah's poems will not only give you hope, but remind you of what it means to be the person your younger self needed.Read this. Read this. Read this.

It was an honor to read these poems about Kelly’s journey through her pain and joy. I loved the notes at the end and how forgiveness was apart of this book as it is one thing we don't want to do all the time. Such a book of enlightenment and truth.

Honestly, this book is everything! I purchased it a while ago and have not had the opportunity to read it until now. From the first page I loved it. The opening letter to her mother, remembering that one must always be willing and able to move on from the past. It gives a sense of optimism and is definitely something I would read to my daughter, if and when I have one. Thank you! This book came so handy at a time where things have been extremely difficult for me!

A must have for young women and men to read. A necessary perspective for myself as a growing and healing man. Thankful for the shared lessons and hope to carry these words on my heart with all the women interact with.

Key Ballah's words sews years back onto your life. the years subjected to all unkind thoughts, her words cleanses that time, and anoints you with forgiveness. her poetry makes you blush, because it is true and you have coyly refused it all your life. her poetry shapes you into softness. you just want to continue reading and rereading. for anyone who needs sun in their life, Preparing My Daughter For Rain, is the shine you are seeking. no one person could have articulated both self loathing and self love like Ballah does and that too with slow understanding, vulnerability, and non-judgment. please gift to all your loved ones.

I identified with some of Ballah’s poetry, but I identified more with Ballah’s lines – some of them contained worlds and ultimately inspired me! However, I suddenly became uncomfortable with some of her poems that came across as misandristic and heteronormative.

Super fast delivery time. In one respect a book of poems you could pick up, read in one sitting and have a few favourites. On the other hand, a book of poems reflecting a heartfelt and emotional journey which you can read into and between the lines time and time again. Vivid imagery throughout which was just beautiful.I believe it will affect you like marmite- love or not love. Me= love!

Nice poetry book with different phrases and sayings. It has alot of short poems but still very good.

Read this book during a critical year in my life and the strength soaked in between the lines in her poetry was necessary to firstly teach me to learn about myself and see my greatness and in that, grow. Has prompted me to write a little something which I will be giving to my daughter (Hopefully I have one)

A really lovely and easy read, highly recommended! I’ve read it a few times, each time taking away something new.