Salt & Light

by Michelle Young

Salt & Light is a book of prose and poetry, shedding light onto invisible struggles and journeys through mental illness, abuse and infertility. The book is divided in two parts, Salt; representing darkness of the past and Light; representing the hopefulness of the future. Salt & Light takes readers through a journey of pain and ends with emotional healing and self-worth.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2017

About the author

Michelle Young is a Canadian author of multiple books. She has been featured in The Globe and Mail, appeared on television and podcasts, and is passionately seeking new ways to bring invisible battles into the light through her stories. Young lives in the country on the outskirts of Ottawa with her family.

Follow Michelle on Instagram and Facebook
@michelleyoungauthor

Reviews

[Nancy Laflamme · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the back cover of the book, the author describes her work as “A book of prose, a book of poems in which I fought my demons; to help those who, like me fight battles impossible to see.”

With raw candour, each poem offers the reader an opportunity to gander into the author’s life experiences in a way that is relatable. Therefore, this book could truly offer some comfort to those fighting their own battles. It is beautifully written.

[Shalini singh · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Dear Shalini, be the light" says @michelleyoungauthor autograph on the first bare page of this Poetry book titled, " Salt and Light". The classic black and white cover, eyeing you. With a promise of not a longish read but a permanent reminder of life, troubles, love and fate. 〽️ ❇️ " You cleaned my wounds And stitched them;
Gave me the blade
Told me where to find them" ❇️ WORD. 👐😶
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Breathable poetry. Easy. Easy to read, easy to understand, makes you feel uneasy at times. It's feel good, it's not so feel good, its words dripping with sadness, triumph and feelings of all kinds. Bigger, sweet, bitter-sweet. A good collection I had say. I read this in bits between some heavy non fiction and historical uprisings and it was a breather. Lately, reading good poetry has become my passion. I try to find good in a heap which is camouflaged. In a batter of emotions there is a depository of short sentences rhyming the blues out of a very passionate and realistic poet. She talks about healing the reader with her words. And the poet @michelleyoungauthor does manages to do so.
#Qotd __ Do you read poetry?
Have you read mine yet?
There's a confluence of similar pain and thoughts at times and poems like these remind me that fewer the words, more the ethos. More the connect. Read it for the connection. For the familiarity. For yourself. 👐😁 As I am critical of good poetry and I believe there can only be so much good poetry as diamonds in the sun, freshness and authenticity can make all the difference. I rate the poems ✴️✴️✴️.5/5

[Jubilee Huerta · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I was sleeping in the shade, when I should have been enjoying the sun.”- Michelle Young
I just finished this breathtaking book. I have always been a huge fan of poetry and this book did not disappoint. I am an avid book lover, and haven’t read good poetry in a very long time. Michelle paints a heartbreaking and then hopeful picture of her experiences. She fought to get free from abuse, fought to cope with infertility, and finally fought to find her light. I found myself in so many of these poems. I think everyone can connect with feeling discouraged, trapped, or broken. I really felt this way after my early term miscarriage and her poems rang true to me. What is even better, she doesn’t leave you in the brokenness. She brings you to a new place where you can begin to see the light again. What a gift this book is! The world is better because of it.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came into my life right at a time when I was talking about reintroducing poetry to my TBR, and it was exactly what I needed. Like all books of poetry, I connected with some poems more than others, but the ones that hit, HIT. I'm already looking forward to revisiting this book and taking note of the ones that really blew my mind. Lyrical, authentic, heartfelt, and pure, these micropoems inspire and support, draw out empathy, and attack demons that I'm sure we've all faced.

[Taylor W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good poetry with a GREAT message about how no matter how much "Salt" you experience in your life, you should always try to find the "Light". It will always be there when you're ready to find it. Love Michelle Young, cant wait to read her next poetry collection.

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s talk about poetry. I’ll admit, it’s not a genre I gravitate towards because it intimidates me a little bit. When Michelle Young reached out and asked if I’d be interested in reading and reviewing her book of poems, Salt & Light, I was a little nervous to say yes. I joked with her and revealed that the last time I read a book of poetry was during my high school days. That was many moons ago, my friends. Thank you, @michelleyoungauthor for sending this book my way as it allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a new genre. I was easily intrigued and whipped through the entire book in one sitting. I sometimes felt guilty and sheepish while reading this book of poems. It was like sneakily reading the author’s private diary behind her back! Young shares her personal journey of living through abuse, mental illness and infertility. Her words are powerful, emotional and extremely passionate. Michelle, I admire your ability to bring your most intimate thoughts and feelings to life on paper. You have suffered through so much pain and heartbreak and I hope that writing these poems has helped you heal. You are a very brave woman. Thank you for sharing your work with me.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part of this book was so deep yet the prose were written so anyone can understand and feel the emotions expressed by the author. The second half was beautifully written to expose the hope and regained strength behind the layers of struggle. It's a truly wonderful read and a good book to share with those who struggle with abuse and mental illness. My book is dog-eared with tons of beautiful quotes!

[Karine Landry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so raw, powerful, and captivating. The author allows readers a glimpse at the pain and suffering relating to infertility and depression, which so often go unspoken. A beautiful tribute to the journey of healing of a strong woman. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.

A must-read - and re-read. Each time, you will be touched in a new way.

[C.L. Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am unqualified to “review” poetry, but as micro-poetry goes (think Atticus, Rupi Kaur, Pierre Alex Jeanty), Young’s poetry is engaging and beautiful, hitting the heart in both the dark and bright places. An exploration of difficulties and the aftermath of survival, Salt & Light offers hope. It is thoughtful, quick and leaves an impression.

[Ashleigh Rayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting and was blown away. It left me wondering about things she was talking about very vividly. The imagery in her pieces is amazing. Highly recommendable book!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuine compilation of heartfelt emotions depicting the unspoken struggles and challenges felt by so many, offering hope and light at the end of the tunnel. A must read!!

[A.L. MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished my SIGNED copy of this book. Short, sharp punches to the gut - and I love that the light portion is not necessarily happy, it's describing the strength needed to rise up. Awesome.

[Kara Bohonowicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel floored by the way the author knew me by crafting words in a way that conjures someone poring over each and very word til they get it right. The amount of edits must be lengthy. Clearly the author painstakingly chose how to relate her authentic self to mine. What Magic!