5 Books Recommended by Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur, a well-known poet famous for her heartfelt and emotional writing, takes inspiration from many literary works. She has often spoken about books that explore themes of identity, empowerment, creativity, and social issues. Here are five books that Rupi Kaur recommends and that have deeply influenced her thoughts and writing.

1. The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler

One of the most groundbreaking works in feminist literature, The Vagina Monologues is a collection of monologues based on interviews with women from different backgrounds. The book explores themes of sexuality, body autonomy, gender violence, and empowerment. Eve Ensler’s work has been instrumental in breaking societal taboos and advocating for women’s rights. Rupi Kaur, known for her candid discussions of womanhood, often echoes similar themes in her poetry.

2. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Creativity lies at the heart of Rupi Kaur’s work, and Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert is a book that celebrates the creative process. This inspirational guide encourages artists and writers to embrace fear, take risks, and nurture their creative spirit without the burden of perfectionism. Kaur, who has often spoken about the challenges of being a writer and artist, finds Gilbert’s insights invaluable for anyone pursuing a creative life.

3. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Interpreter of Maladies is a stunning collection of short stories that explore themes of identity, cultural displacement, love, and loss. Lahiri’s ability to capture the immigrant experience with precision and emotional depth is something Kaur deeply admires. Much like Lahiri, Kaur’s poetry also delves into themes of diaspora, belonging, and the complexities of human relationships.

4. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

A timeless classic, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran is a philosophical work that offers profound wisdom on love, life, grief, and spirituality. Written in poetic prose, this book has influenced countless writers, including Rupi Kaur. The themes of self-reflection and emotional depth in Kaur’s work bear a resemblance to the lyrical and contemplative style of Gibran.

5. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s debut novel, The Bluest Eye, is a powerful exploration of race, beauty standards, and self-worth through the lens of a young Black girl who yearns for blue eyes. Morrison’s poignant storytelling and raw emotional depth have inspired Kaur, whose own poetry often tackles themes of self-acceptance, body image, and healing from trauma. This novel remains a seminal work in American literature and continues to spark important conversations on race and identity.