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