See a Problem?
Thanks for telling us about the problem.
Friend Reviews
Community Reviews
Q:
An Enigmatic Feeling
Once you feel any kind of feeling once, it lives forever somewhere in your heart. (c)
Q:
The Nature of Life
Imagine sitting outside in the darkness and silence of a starry night, allowing the soft heavenly breeze of the night to peacefully awaken every cell inside of you. Imagine closing your eyes and just thinking. Imagine thinking and reflecting on where you real
Q:
An Enigmatic Feeling
Once you feel any kind of feeling once, it lives forever somewhere in your heart. (c)
Q:
The Nature of Life
Imagine sitting outside in the darkness and silence of a starry night, allowing the soft heavenly breeze of the night to peacefully awaken every cell inside of you. Imagine closing your eyes and just thinking. Imagine thinking and reflecting on where you really are in your life, the purpose of what you are doing, what you want to change, keep, or just stop. Imagine coming to a resolution, changing your intentions, looking at things from a new perspective. It really does make a difference to do that. (c)
Q:
Grow Stronger
Just as a fire gives rise to new, stronger growth in a forest, every time you burn out, you have a chance to grow even stronger. Just remember to reflect. (c)
I knew nothing about author, Najwa Zebian, and randomly stumbled upon this great book on a display table at the bookstore. The cover caught my eye, I casually skimmed the collection, and knew I had to have it.
This is a book best digested a few pages at a time, and much like any book in
Mind Platter is a book filled with short expressions. I'm hesitant to call this a book of poems, as I didn't think of poems as I read them, feeling the words "observations" or "experiences" are more appropriate.I knew nothing about author, Najwa Zebian, and randomly stumbled upon this great book on a display table at the bookstore. The cover caught my eye, I casually skimmed the collection, and knew I had to have it.
This is a book best digested a few pages at a time, and much like any book in this genre, different pieces will be more relatable to different readers. These pieces touch on a wide range of feelings: happiness, love, truth, clarity, friendship, sadness, choices, and more.
I marked a handful of pages throughout Mind Platter, and the following, which is at the very beginning of the book, was one of my favorites:
"To the heart in you, don't be afraid to feel.
To the sun in you, don't be afraid to shine.
To the love in you, don't be afraid to heal.
To the ocean in you, don't be afraid to rage.
To the silence in you, don't be afraid to break."
This book, however is not what a platter looks like. There is distortion, disconnection and haphazard as far as the thoughts are concerned. But the effort is nonetheless praise worthy because writing about mind and how it works is one of the most challenging subjects.
I personally feel that a bit more of an effort would have made this book much better than what it is now.
Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Mind is powerful. It shapes our lives.This book, however is not what a platter looks like. There is distortion, disconnection and haphazard as far as the thoughts are concerned. But the effort is nonetheless praise worthy because writing about mind and how it works is one of the most challenging subjects.
I personally feel that a bit more of an effort would have made this book much better than what it is now.
Blog | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
...more
Here's a piece of advice: Read this book. It's a wonderful collection of self-reflective poetry. Majority of the poems were about life lessons. Relatable and truly meaningful. Najwa Zebian is a new to me author and her words are captivating. I shall look forward on her upcoming poetry collection.
Thank you Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.Here's a piece of advice: Read this book. It's a wonderful collection of self-reflective poetry. Majority of the poems were about life lessons. Relatable and truly meaningful. Najwa Zebian is a new to me author and her words are captivating. I shall look forward on her upcoming poetry collection.
...more
If you want them to see you shine, stay far away!
For me, this book shall always remain special since it helped me to sail smoothly through a rough patch of my life. My head was plagued with multiple questions, my life was a total mess, I kind of started doubting everything and everyone around me. And then it came to bring me out of the gloominess and provided me with clarity and cognizance. This is a kind of book that inspires and not dictates, it gives you lessons but not sermons. It is way out of the generic books and entirely different from its contemporaries in a way that enhances its effectiveness. It does not contain big paragraphs, hard language, complicated thoughts or ideas which are too difficult to comprehend and assimilate. There are simple pieces tied delicately to present the profound meaning of the world and our existence to us.
I would recommend this book to everyone who is searching for something certain in the maze of uncertainty, to someone who aspires to achieve clarity, to someone who dreams to live a happy life, to someone who is willing to live and not merely exist!
...more
"Giving up is not easy, but holding on is definitely harder."
Everyone should read this book at some point in their life. It was beautiful! Five well-deserved stars 🥳
Mind Platter left me more than satisfied and with a feeling of fulfillment when finishing it. I wouldn't call it a collection of poems because they feel more like thoughts and reflections, but they are completely worth it.
"Even if what we deserve comes easily, we let it go. Sometimes we don't even notice it because some
5/5 ★★★★★"Giving up is not easy, but holding on is definitely harder."
Everyone should read this book at some point in their life. It was beautiful! Five well-deserved stars 🥳
Mind Platter left me more than satisfied and with a feeling of fulfillment when finishing it. I wouldn't call it a collection of poems because they feel more like thoughts and reflections, but they are completely worth it.
"Even if what we deserve comes easily, we let it go. Sometimes we don't even notice it because sometimes, no matter how bright the light may be, we don't notice its existence until the darkness comes."
I wanted to take my time to read this and taste each of the words. It was a very special and even magical reading. I feel like we could all relate to at least some of the fragments... this— this was just perfect.
Highly recommended!
...more
The poems became repetitive. At one point, I had to make sure I was reading a different poem. Zebian would take the same point and repeat it over and over again in a slightly different way. There were even points that contradicted one another which made some of the points a little uncl
Mind Platter started off strong. It was full of positive entries that were encouraging and uplifting. The poems were filled with different advice about what to do and then part of the way through that all changed.The poems became repetitive. At one point, I had to make sure I was reading a different poem. Zebian would take the same point and repeat it over and over again in a slightly different way. There were even points that contradicted one another which made some of the points a little unclear or confusing.
...more
Don't tell me to follow my heart, for following my heart will burn me. Just as a butterfly's aching for light can burn its wings, my heart's aching for happiness might stop it from beating.
Don't ever make a wish and leave it, because it will leave you too. If you can't do anything about it, then start with your heart. Believe that you are worth that wish coming true so that you can be worthy of it.
Have you ever seen a thirsty ocean? Or air grasping for
Don't tell me to follow my heart, for following my heart will burn me. Just as a butterfly's aching for light can burn its wings, my heart's aching for happiness might stop it from beating.
Don't ever make a wish and leave it, because it will leave you too. If you can't do anything about it, then start with your heart. Believe that you are worth that wish coming true so that you can be worthy of it.
Have you ever seen a thirsty ocean? Or air grasping for breath? Has it ever seemed that the sky wanted to stretch out more or that the rainbow wanted more colors? Before you ask for something, look at what you already have. Don't ask for more than you need. Don't let your want replace your need, because a day will come when you will lose what you need to get what you want.
Don't break a bird's wings and then tell it to fly. Don't break a heart and then tell it to love. Don't break a soul and then tell it to be happy. Don't see the worst in a person and expect them to see the best in you. Don't judge people and expect them to stand by your side. Don't play with fire and expect to stay perfectly safe. Life is about giving and taking. You cannot expect to give bad and receive good. You cannot expect to give good and receive bad.
I can show you the moon, but I can't make you feel its beauty or appreciate its light. I can show you the pathways that you can take, but I can't make you walk down them. I can extend my hand to help you, but I can't make you hold it back. I can tell you the truth, but I can't make you believe it. I can tell you how I feel, but I can't make you care.
Once you master yourself, impossible will no longer stand in the way of your dreams....more
I originally requested this title because it was labeled as a collection of poetry. After having read it, though, I feel that calling these pieces daily meditations is much more accurate.
Many of the pieces, themes, and advice align what I am reading in Melody Beattie's book Journey to the Heart. They are introspective, full of self-inquiry and examination, and inspire self growth. The advice given within some of the pieces corresponds with the teachi
I received this book as an ARC on NetGalley.I originally requested this title because it was labeled as a collection of poetry. After having read it, though, I feel that calling these pieces daily meditations is much more accurate.
Many of the pieces, themes, and advice align what I am reading in Melody Beattie's book Journey to the Heart. They are introspective, full of self-inquiry and examination, and inspire self growth. The advice given within some of the pieces corresponds with the teachings of many eastern yogic principles. I appreciated them for these qualities, though they lacked the poetic depth, language, and elements that I look for in poetry.
I would suggest this book as a daily reader; take one piece at a time and fully dive into it. Use each piece as a mirror into the self and see what these pieces can help to uncover.
...more
Originally I hadn't planned to write a review of "Mind Platter", but around the halfway point I took down some notes I'd like to share. First of all, I have certain qualms on whether this is actually considered poetry. When I attempted to ask my sister, who is very knowledgeable when it comes to this genre, about it, I was told that my view of poetry might be rather narrow. That may well be the case, but for my part, I feel like I should point this out. The writing style is more
3 out of 5 starsOriginally I hadn't planned to write a review of "Mind Platter", but around the halfway point I took down some notes I'd like to share. First of all, I have certain qualms on whether this is actually considered poetry. When I attempted to ask my sister, who is very knowledgeable when it comes to this genre, about it, I was told that my view of poetry might be rather narrow. That may well be the case, but for my part, I feel like I should point this out. The writing style is more or less a block of often dry prose. The entries in this book read like pieces of advice or affirmations, sort of like in a self-help book. Now, this genre is not exactly my favourite, but this book was quite pleasant and the advice felt genuine and honestly helpful. My second "issue" with the book is that in certain passages, the tone was rather preachy rather than inspirational, but not to the extent of becoming overbearing.
So, there you have it, a short impromptu review of "Mind Platter". Maybe it wasn't for me 100%, but I found it interesting.
Happy reading!
...more
I took a break of a week from my reading spree to stop and think about what I am going to read next. I have decided to read some romance in next few weeks which will also include books from Chetan bhagat, Durjoy dutta, Cecilia Ahern etc.. To begin with, I picked up a long pending book by Najwa Zebian.
I was impressed with her first book, Nectar of pain, so there were high expectations and boy oh boy.. She delivers. The emotion the you feel when someone feels what you feel and p
Actual rating 4.5/5I took a break of a week from my reading spree to stop and think about what I am going to read next. I have decided to read some romance in next few weeks which will also include books from Chetan bhagat, Durjoy dutta, Cecilia Ahern etc.. To begin with, I picked up a long pending book by Najwa Zebian.
I was impressed with her first book, Nectar of pain, so there were high expectations and boy oh boy.. She delivers. The emotion the you feel when someone feels what you feel and puts it in exactly the right amount of words, not more not less, is delightful. Every chapter in this book is my heart pouring out its feelings for everyone to read. At the end of the book, I felt immense satisfaction and also felt like I have found my soul mate in the form of Najwa.
This is really good book which I feel no one should miss. If you want know and feel what my heart wants to say, read this one.
...more
To the sun in you , don't be afraid to shine.
To the love in you , don't be afraid to heal .
To the ocean in you , don't be afraid to rage .
To the silence in you, don't be afraid to break. "
Encouraging and Bold . Beautiful and inspring but little too repetitive . But keeping in mind that this was her first publication i must say she is beyond talented. The book is the guide on art of living .it gives philosophy of improving oneself , developing m "To the heart in you, don't be affraid to feel .
To the sun in you , don't be afraid to shine.
To the love in you , don't be afraid to heal .
To the ocean in you , don't be afraid to rage .
To the silence in you, don't be afraid to break. "
Encouraging and Bold . Beautiful and inspring but little too repetitive . But keeping in mind that this was her first publication i must say she is beyond talented. The book is the guide on art of living .it gives philosophy of improving oneself , developing mental strength and advancing in lifestyle through various principles . The words of author are amazing . They make you question yourself . They make you reflect upon yourself . The author is trying to convey some kind of positivity . It's like she wanted the readers to feel human again.
When we don't get what we want we quickly assume that we don't deserve it or bcz we are not worthy enough to get it . But have you ever thought that it could be because it doesn't deserve you or because it not worthy of you? The truth is that we always give ourselves less credit than we deserve . Start giving credit to yourself bcz no one will do that for you. And because at the end of the day , no one will walk your journey for you . You have to do that .
At the end of the day , no one will dream for you , you have to do that .
I must say Najwa zebian is a living proof that no matter what a person goes through you can rise and shine higher and higher . I am very thankful for the positivity energy that comes out of it .
...more
Pros:
1. I'm quite new to the outline: one page per chapter for one topic in a quite short paragraph. I like it. It's creative.
2. I can relate to some of the topics very well.
3. I love the positivity that the author tried to convey. It's like she wanted the readers to feel human again.
Cons:
1. Well, while some topics are very clear and easy to understand, there are others that ar
Pros:
1. I'm quite new to the outline: one page per chapter for one topic in a quite short paragraph. I like it. It's creative.
2. I can relate to some of the topics very well.
3. I love the positivity that the author tried to convey. It's like she wanted the readers to feel human again.
Cons:
1. Well, while some topics are very clear and easy to understand, there are others that are too vague and very difficult to relate to.
2. One topic per page is very not convenient when each page can talk about a completely opposite thing than the previous or the next. It's like, you hardly got one idea sinked in but then you were to move on to another whole new idea.
3. The author has a tendency to be repetitive. It kinda turned me off when she said the same exact thing just several pages apart! It's the very same thing, written in the same exact way, word by word. The only difference was only the title. I don't need repetition, especially not in that way! It's such a shame that they're actually beautiful words.
4. This repetitive style also happens in sentence level. I could see the author is quite fond of using a word or a phrase in one sentence and repeat it again in the next. For instance, the forbidding "Don't", the questioning "Have you" or "Would you", "sometimes" this "sometimes" that, "do" this "do" this that, I "choose" this I "choose" that, etc.
5. Some topics gave off a very contradictory feeling to others. The author might suggest one particular thing for us to do and gave advice to do its complete opposite several pages later. Some other topics gave off the "easier said than done" feeling. To swallow them whole was out of question for me.
Conclusion:
I don't hate this book. I can't hate this book. I am very thankful for all the positive energy that comes out of it and the creativity it's wrapped up with. But there are several things that hinder me to like this book wholly and I hope it's understandable.
Whereas other compilations (e.g., Rupi Kaur) may center around a common theme, their essays and poems still explore different ideas around said theme.
This was repetitive to a fault, and if it was a shorter book, with only the strongest pieces selected and presented, I would have rated it more highly.
In love with Najwa Zebian and her personality
However, this is one of those book that you read one page daily and have to analyze what you're reading, because the author makes you question about everything! About your deepest secrets, fears, feelings, thoughts, even your own point of view.
Ones
This book is so powerful, empowering... The author remainders me, Kahlil Gibran (The prophet; which is my favorite book ever)... Anyways, this author writes in a similar style... you aren't reading a classic poem, but its content tells you otherwise.However, this is one of those book that you read one page daily and have to analyze what you're reading, because the author makes you question about everything! About your deepest secrets, fears, feelings, thoughts, even your own point of view.
Ones of my favorites is titled: It's not you. So here it's:
- It's not you
When you don't get what you want, you quickly assume that it's because you don't deserve it or because you are not worthy enough to get it. But have you ever thought that it could be because it doesn't deserve you or because it is not worthy of you? The truth is that we always give ourselves less credit than we deserve. And sometimes, many times, we live in denial of what we really deserve, so we settle for what is less. There is a power much higher than us, much wiser than us, that is willing to crush our feelings sometimes so it can open our eyes to the strength that we have inside and to the reality of what we truly deserve.
"Mind Platter - Najwa Zebian"
...more
It is very easy to read and understand this piece of work.
If you consider yourself a considerate person who has been wronged by others, then, trust me, there are people just like you. You just are not seeing them, and that makes you just like those who are hurting you. You have negative people in your life? People who praise those who make them feel like garbage and then make you feel like garbage? People who refuse to support you when you need it most? So te This book was totally inspirational .
It is very easy to read and understand this piece of work.
If you consider yourself a considerate person who has been wronged by others, then, trust me, there are people just like you. You just are not seeing them, and that makes you just like those who are hurting you. You have negative people in your life? People who praise those who make them feel like garbage and then make you feel like garbage? People who refuse to support you when you need it most? So tell me this, why are you keeping them in your life? There comes a point when you need to eliminate some people from your life, not because you don't believe in their goodness or because you don't think that there is a chance for them to change, but because they do not appreciate you to begin with, and they never did. ...more
To my mind it is more of a self-help book written in stylised prose than it is a poetry book. The verses are oddly in more of a quotation format rather than more traditional poem styles, but it works.
3.5/5
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an
This begins strongly. Eloquent yet accessible philosophy, but it loses traction somewhat as it gets to be repetitive toward the end. I have nothing bad to say about the way it is written, however, and is a welcome relief from disheartenment.To my mind it is more of a self-help book written in stylised prose than it is a poetry book. The verses are oddly in more of a quotation format rather than more traditional poem styles, but it works.
3.5/5
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
...more
The search for a home—what Najwa describes as a place where the soul and heart feel at peace—was central to her early years. When she arrived in Canada at the age of sixteen, she felt unstable and adrift in an unfamiliar place.
Never
Najwa Zebian is a Lebanese-Canadian author, speaker, and educator. Her passion for language was evident from a young age, as she delved into Arabic poetry and novels.The search for a home—what Najwa describes as a place where the soul and heart feel at peace—was central to her early years. When she arrived in Canada at the age of sixteen, she felt unstable and adrift in an unfamiliar place.
Nevertheless, she completed her education, and went on to become a teacher as well as a doctoral candidate in educational leadership. Her first students, a group of young refugees, led her back to her original passion: writing. She began to heal her sixteen-year-old self by writing to heal her students.
Since self-publishing her first collection of poetry and prose in 2016, Najwa has become an inspiration to millions of people worldwide.
Najwa has become a trailblazing voice for women everywhere and was name dropped by the New York Times and CBS News among others.
Drawing on her own experiences of displacement, discrimination, and abuse, Najwa uses her words to encourage others to build a home within themselves; to live, love, and create fearlessly.
...moreNews & Interviews
Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account.
Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28598893-mind-platter
Posted by: joeljoelhachtinge0269965.blogspot.com
0 Comments