Strip

by Hala Abdullah

Genres: Poetry

95 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2013

About the author

Hala Abdullah is an autistic poet, performer, and intersectional feminist. Since the age of 15, Hala has only ever been able to find solace in writing. At 18 – desperate and lonely in her passions – Hala started the first Riyadh Writing Club with the help of her best friend, in search for solidarity and inspiration. The Writing Club provided a safe-haven for female writers in the country’s capital and encouraged them to dig deep in their literary and self-discoveries. Throughout the years, the club has expanded to Jeddah, Dubai, and Kuwait, and they have organized several poetry/literary events in the region. Having found that she likes performing her poetry as much as she does writing it, Hala delved into the world of spoken poetry and grasped at every opportunity to perform her poetry on stage. Her poetry is both the medium and the message.

Reviews

[Aseel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I've been putting this off for a month just so that I don't lose the feeling it brings with it. Hala is a fucking mastermind and a literary genius in my humble opinion. I honestly wanted a thousand upon thousand more poems when I got to the end because this is really good. My favourites are Coffee and Glass, but Puppet tore out my heart. I loved that poem. Hala has a way with words, a magical way with words that makes you relate to everything she writes, even if your interpretation of it is way off course of what she'd initially meant. She's got such a promising talent and I cannot wait for another instalment from this beautiful creature.

[Riham · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a masterpiece.
Hala's words are very exquisite.
I took my time with the book. Read some poems more than once (certain ones more than twice) and I can recite some parts now.
It's lovely. Painful at times, but still lovely.
(I also received this book from a loved one so it is very special).

[Rasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never felt like reading a poem multiple times till I read this book. Putting feelings and thoughts into words is something that most poets can do; but the way Hala did it was different. Her words were simple yet so beautiful. You can feel what she felt, go through it while you are reading the poem.
The only thing I disliked was the fact that it had to end. I wanted more, and more.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much of a reader, but in Hala's words I found inspiration, beauty, and dedication. Never have I been so indulged into a book before, so attracted to words. It seems like Hala's sole purpose in life is to write poems. Outstanding work and I strongly recommend it.

[Fatma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Woman. is my favorite piece !
It also reminded me of the time I turned 17 years old, overwhelmed by the change and wrote a letter for "future daughter of mine" ~
Letters. That one was absolute brilliance!

I liked the Poet's style, impressed me more than once. Although I have to confess whereas coming across few of her pieces it felt to me like watching a woman literally "Strip" all of her once covered emotions to bare nudity... I almost shied away from them. But couldn't do that to such sincerity..

[Dona Barakah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most aspiring authors I'm proud to personally know.
With your pen tip, dear Hala, you gave life to the dull white paper and enlightened our hearts with feelings we never knew existed. If only the world can hear you reading those poems..

[Basmaish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very beautiful.

[Razan H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful is an understatement. I definitely fell in love with every single piece in this book.

[عدنان العبار · Rating 1 out of 5]

Coffee (p. 57) was my absolute favorite. I really really liked it. ^^

[Shahad Al Melhem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!