Book review- Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel by Ashish Bagrecha

Names/titles are the gateway to the world. And the same applies to the society of writings and books. Sometimes, I simply pick up a book because of its inviting title. This one was such a read.

“Dear Stranger, I Know How You Feel”, a book by Instagram poet Ashish Bagrecha, is an array of 30 letters on the essential ingredients and life dealings we go through daily. Each chapter starts with meaningful and light poem verses. This book is a praiseworthy effort to provide a literal hug from the writer to his readers, who just tend to know how others feel.

The book's concept is fabulous, but for me, it couldn't serve the purpose it was meant for. In fact, after reading a few letters/chapters, my bitter past thoughts poured in and disturbed my peace of mind. I found the letters a bit disappointing as they mostly describe what pain and anxiety feel like and are not a hopeful talk to be done with a person undergoing anxiety or stress. At times, I also felt how caring this person is who was writing these letters to me; I wish I could meet him and talk to him in person.

I recommend this book to those with a dearth of ears to listen to their issues... this book shall make them feel less lonely. This book is kind-of-relief and comforting for an emotional-shy and partial introvert like me. But,yet, it is better to medicate, if required and meditate on the problem one is facing rather than reading this no-so-hopeful book.

Quotes from the book

“The Truth is you are at war with yourself. That’s why you find yourself at war with others.”

“You are the master of your own existence and you have the power to turn your life around.”

“Forgiveness is acknowledgement. Acknowledgement that they hurt you, whether intentionally or by design, and that you had no control over their behaviour.”

“Take a moment each day to celebrate your progress (no matter how small), because what matters is that you are moving forward.”

And my favourite verse from the book:

“my words have defeated silence

i have nothing to lose,

i am chaos in its most beautiful form

i am the light if a darkened soul”