Time Is the Longest Distance

by Hanća Avdić (Editor, Designer, Writer)

The Bosnian war and genocides.
Pregnancy.
Familial relationships and toxicity.
Living in America.
Trauma.
Self identity and love.
Acceptance.
Rage.
Love, hope for the future.
And much more.
Through powerful imagery and compelling storytelling, it is her way of communicating with words that Hanća, a Bosnian-born, American-raised, hijab-wearing Muslim woman, hopes to connect with readers and writers alike across the world.

118 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2021

Reviews

[Beth McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hanca is a TALENTED QUEEN! I was lucky enough to read through some of her poems before publication and OH MY GOSH. I was blown away. She has such a soft beautiful voice and her poems are nice and lengthy with attention to detail, emotion and honesty. I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy!!

[Amina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection was so beautiful and often times nostalgic for things I haven’t even experienced but sparked so much emotion. I’m so glad that I bought this and I can’t wait for more from the author. 5/5 ⭐️

[S.K. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

At all times sensory and deeply personal, this collection explores and reflects on the experience of motherhood as well as growing up with the painfully present memories of Bosnian conflict. Not a place or subject I've ever known much about, this book briefly introduced an aspect of culture and endurance with an intimate perspective. I felt as though I could see and smell and taste and hear all the places Hanća holds tenderly in her heart. Every poem in Hanća's book is a rhythmic, visceral, and intellectual connection to the world and all its intricacies through her eyes. It offered a very unique perspective that I did not anticipate. Some of my very favorite poems were ones I did not expect to feel so moved by. Her poems about motherhood held nothing back, speaking to the physicality and the emotionally exhausting marathon of pregnancy. There is so much beauty and tenderness in this collection, balanced on a tightrope taut with tension. If you have the emotional endurance and openness, this book is a wonderful expression worth experiencing.

[Amina Alagic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great collection of poems that host a healthy balance among stylistic choices and tones. I was hungry for some moving poetry and Hanca really delivered with her imagery and cultural immersion!

[AJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

bBeautifully Emotional

I loved the imagery that brought to life Avdić’s poems. They are vivid and filled with gorgeous smells, sights, and sounds. In some I could picture the pink skies, the hazelnut coffee, and smell the cool ocean breeze (that she associates with her true love/husband).

My only critique would be the order of the poems. There would be an excellent series that would all flow together and then suddenly there’d be a poem that jarred me out of the flow of the others.

Otherwise a very heartfelt read.

[Michael Gorga · Rating 5 out of 5]

If time is the longest distance, only steps forward in the right direction will have us reach our desired destination and the journey's end.