Early Reader Review w/ Giveaway!: Finding Joy by Anika Toro

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Finding Joy by Anika Toro 

Publisher: Meerkat Press
Publication Date: March 17, 2026

 

Meerkat Press | Bookshop.org

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Discover the magic of serendipity and artistic exploration in "Finding Joy"! This mixed media art book takes selections from nine different copies of the same book, showcasing Anika's transformative and playful approach to the original text.

Each page spread uses hand-selected text, left unaltered from its original position. Through a process of erasure and blackout, Anika redacts everything except a newly found message, thought, idea, or poem, without adding any new text. Analog collages, paint, photography, embroidery, and more celebrate unique narratives, exploring creativity, spontaneity, and the profound moments that emerge from reimagining existing ideas. 

Above all, Anika believes that creating should be fun! She hopes this book is a testament to the delight in making and that in exploring this book, you too find a bit of inspiration on your own path to joy.

Review: 

Finding Joy is a mixed media art book that takes selections from "An Invitation to Joy" and uses erasure or blackout to recreate. With art and poetry, Toro creates a cool concept that incites happiness.  Not something I would normally pick up, but was happily surprised by it. 

Here are a few of my thoughts from the read-through:

• I loved the concept of reimagining an older work and transforming it onto something entirely new through erasure and blackout. It felt creative and meaningful. 
• The erasure on some was also art itself not just a vehicle for words but part of the overall visual storytelling.
• The vibrant pages made the entire experience feel alive and joyful
• Sometimes the word paths were a bit hard to follow, this might have been because of the e-ARC, I have not seen a finished copy to check.
• I enjoyed the fun images added throughout with the poems, especially one that was "it is square lines with trees" it felt so whimsical and fun. Collages and images were immersive and added a lot to the text. 
• I appreciated the moments that leaned less abstract and more literal. Like the image of her on a horse paired with text about being on a horse. Those instances made me pause, giggle, and shake my head in the best way.

Overall, Finding Joy was a creative, vibrant, and unexpectedly delightful read that truly lives up to its name. While not my normal type of read, I am so glad that I took a chance on it.

 

About the Author

Anika Toro is a ____________ artist, lover of ____________, and a self-proclaimed ___________! Her award-winning ____________ can be found on the walls of ____________throughout the world and has been displayed in ____________, as well as on the walls of ____ and in the ______________ museum of art.

She resides in East ___________ with her musical __________, clever teenage _________, and the very adorable_______ known as “Pilgy”. When she’s not immersed in her studio, Anika enjoys ________, _________, and ____________ all of which bring her endless inspiration and make it a challenge to leave the house.

Although not on social media, Anika would love to hear from you! Please send any jokes, questions, or requests via _________ or by mail. She believes that genuine connection and shared creativity can only make the world a better place!

MEERKAT PRESS $25 GIFT CARD

Recent Reads: The Way Back Home by Courtney Peppernell

The Way Back Home by Courtney Peppernell   

Publisher:  Andrews McMeel Publishing

Publication Date:  August 23, 2022

 

Format: Paperback
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When a dark storm settled upon the earth, you lost many things—your hope, your strength, yourself. One day, in the middle of the darkness, you meet a spirit, washed from the ocean onto the shore. The spirit hands you a key.

 

It is time to find the way back home.

Returning with her newest poetry book, beloved poet Courtney Peppernell combines storytelling, poetry, and prose in a uniquely inspirational way. Filled with heartfelt anecdotes and insightful messages, The Way Back Home is a tribute to rebuilding our lives after loss. Divided into sections that draw on themes of courage, resilience, purpose, and hope, the collection has Peppernell once again walking us through a redemptive journey of the heart, mind, and soul.

 

Discover what it means to continue forward in life, despite all the challenges we face, to find the way back home.

Review: 

I was not sure what to expect from this book, but the cover was adorable, and the synopsis was interesting. I don't read a lot of poetry but sometimes a book just calls out to you, and you don't know why, and that is what happened here. 

This book is about loss and each section is about rebuilding yourself after loss. I have had a lot of loss in the past few years and so it seemed fitting, and the poems hit close to home for me. 

The book itself is broken up into sections including courage, support, strength, resilience, love, purpose, and faith. The poems talk about loss, loss of self, depression and grief but also how to re-love the world, life and self. The book showcases cure illustrations at each section start and while hard-hitting in theme, it was also a comfort in some ways. 

Overall, I enjoyed the book and if you are looking fro some poetry, you might think about picking this one up. 

Recent Reads: Witchcraft and Monsters by Kala Godin

Source: From Netgalley and Patchwork Press in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Witchcraft and Monsters by Kala Godin
Publisher: Patchwrk Press
Publication Date:  January 21, 2019

 

Format:  Ebook

Rating:








Goodreads Synopsis: 

If there's anything Kala knows, it's monsters.Witchcraft and Monsters is a debut poetry collection by Kala Godin.
Kala understands that the human body can be its own kind of monster. She knows the way strangers both see her and don't. 

There is magic in everything we do.And there are monsters in each of us. 

This collection is broken into five parts.Witchcraft.Fairytales.Bodies.Bad ideas.Endings. 

Review: 
I am not a huge fan of most poetry, and it isn't for lack of trying. This cover called to me and the synopsis pulled me in the rest of the way and I requested it for review. 

I adored this poetry book, it was not what I was expecting and it was strong and emotional and I felt every word of it deep in my insides. Kala did such a beautiful job pulling me in as a non-poetry reader and her words resonated so strongly. It may because I understand being/ feeling broken and overcoming that feeling. The way that she expressed herself was simple yet deep and I did't feel like I was missing a bigger picture, I felt like I was there with her. 

All that being said this is a very emotional read - at least it was for me, and there my be trigger points or words that cut and that is part of it, but if  you are not prepared it may not be for you. 

I do recommend this book, but as a casual poetry reader not an expert :).