Gather

by Octavia F. Raheem, Brook Blander (Editor)

Gather is a collection of soulful sayings, poetry, and flashes of insight sewn together into a sacred garment. Each thread was collected with reverence and care. The words here will weave their way into your heart and become a soft cover for you to land on.

Genres: Nonfiction, Poetry

140 pages, Paperback

Published April 12, 2020

Reviews

[Charla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, self reflective read. I loved the journal prompts at the end of each section. I didn't want this book to end.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

“My mama’s pain is not mine to carry. My daddy’s suffering does not belong to me. I don’t have to make my grandmama’s weariness as my own to maintain a connection to her. I don’t have to drink from the same cup of sorrow as my granddaddy to feel like we have something in common.

When I put down what is not mine to carry, I am free.”

[Loren Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a YTT dropout. I’ve never quit anything in my life before. Returning to this book for this post affirmed my decision to listen to your body when it’s telling you you’re not safe. This is a beautiful, short contemplative book with short poems/meditations and questions for you to reflect on. I really enjoyed it. I recommend to any black femme, esp those interested in yoga, ancestors, and embodiment.

[Kandace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful offering. Keep this next to your yoga space and savor the gorgeous writing and prompts for reflection to deepen your practice. A breath of fresh air, felt like being held in love and goodness even as some of the prompts really push the practitioner to grapple with our personal challenges.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful book is a wonderful complement to a daily meditation practice. I read each passage, then sat quietly, connected to breath and reflected on the writing. The inquiry questions encourage a deeper look toward one’s heart, a gathering of courage to endure this life’s challenges and joys.

[Alison G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book at on my coffee table for a year, most days I would pick it up and open to a random page and read. It is beautiful wisdom, shared in a way that have me freedom to explore - I also read it cover to cover one rainy afternoon.

[Jansyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love. Great to wistfully flip through. Thought provoking and human.

[Ashley Chowdhury · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this unique collection slowly and journaled through the process. I loved how unique it was formatted, unlike any other work I’ve read. Very insightful and reflective.

[Simmons Lettre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful gift of writings that spark authentic reflection.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely slow read with reflective prompts. I’ll definitely come back to this.

[Essence McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved the questions each section asks. Got it as a gift and it really helped during a challenging time.