Celebrating Rupi Kaur’s books, which poetry lovers say have redefined modern verse.

In 2016, as you wean off Tumblr, Instagram's new algorithm fills your feed with exercise videos, Tiger Shroff memes, and Dangal reviews. Amidst Bigg Boss 10 gifs, you discover a snippet from Rupi Kaur’s Milk and Honey. We all saw Kaur as a game-changer in poetry. Her short, lowercase verses, perfect for Instagram, caught widespread attention. Most readers loved her work, while some still are on the fence, some even calling it cringe. While the debate continues, there’s no denying the success of it all. Milk and Honey sold 11 million copies worldwide and was translated into 43 languages. So, on the occasion of Rupi Kaur’s birthday, Local Samosa lists her most famous books that seemed to have generated a lot of buzz.

The Writer Behind The Poetry

Rupi Kaur, a breakout literary sensation and #1 New York Times bestselling author, self-published her debut poetry collection, Milk and Honey, in 2014. This was followed by the equally successful The Sun and Her Flowers and Home Body, both hitting #1 on bestseller lists worldwide. Together, her collections have sold over 11 million copies and been translated into 43 languages. In 2022, she released her fourth book, Healing Through Words, a guide filled with writing exercises to spark creativity.

Kaur also produced Rupi Kaur Live, a groundbreaking poetry special that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. Touring globally, she captivates audiences with performances that blend poetry and stand-up, exploring themes of love, loss, trauma, healing, femininity, and migration. Whether on stage or with loved ones, Rupi finds her truest joy in creating and sharing her art.

Milk and Honey

This comes from the Local Samosa team and we think that by discussing themes of love, loss, and healing, Milk and Honey finds a way to connect to every reader. The book, according to reviews, is a poignant collection of poetry and prose that explores the journey of survival through the lens of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity.

Divided into four chapters, each one navigates a distinct pain and mends a different heartache. This collection invites readers to traverse the darkest moments of life, revealing the hidden sweetness that exists within them. It’s a reminder that if you’re willing to look closely, you can find beauty and resilience even in the bitterest of experiences.

The Sun and Her Flowers

This is Rupi Kaur’s second poetry collection, The Sun and Her Flowers. This beautifully illustrated work is a vibrant exploration of growth and healing, celebrating love in all its forms.

Divided into five chapters—wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming—Kaur’s poems reflect the cycle of life and the importance of honouring one’s roots. Drawing on her mother’s wisdom, she reminds us that just like garden flowers, people must experience loss and renewal to truly flourish. This collection is said to be a transcendent journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Home Body

Rupi Kaur presented her eagerly awaited third collection, Home Body. This work invites readers on an intimate journey through the past, present, and future of the self.

In Home Body, Kaur shares raw, honest reflections that encourage self-love, acceptance, and the importance of community and family. Illustrated by the author, the collection explores themes of nature and nurture, light and darkness, urging readers to embrace change and personal growth.

Healing Through Words

Rupi Kaur's Healing Through Words is a collection of guided poetry writing exercises designed to explore themes of trauma, loss, heartache, love, family, healing, and self-celebration.

According to reviews, this book is a mindful journey back to yourself, offering a cathartic exploration through writing. Each carefully curated exercise is said to encourage vulnerability and honesty, urging you to connect deeply with your thoughts and feelings.