Be Not Afraid of Love: Lessons on Fear, Intimacy and Connection

(Paperback)

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Be Not Afraid of Love is a stunning collection of interconnected essays and affirmations that followMimi Zhus journey toward embodying and re-learning love after a violent relationship.

In their early twenties, queer Chinese-Australian writer and artist Mimi Zhu was a survivor of intimate-partner abuse. This left them broken, in search of ways to heal and findlove again. They found that in words.In sharing their own intimate encounters with oppression, healing, joyand community, Mimi invites readers all over the world to reflect deeply on their own experiences, with the intention of acting as a guide to undoing the hurt or uncertainty within them.

This book is a continuation of that re-learning,exploringthe intersections of love and fear in self-esteem, friendship, family dynamicsand romantic relationships, and extendingout to its effects on society and the greater political realm.Mimi's powerful andprovocative words will guide and inspire readers to lean into love with softness.

Heartrending and revolutionary,Be Not Afraid of Loveis a testament to the strength and adaptability all humans possess, anda tribute to love in all its forms.

Reviews

'A radical and revolutionary act of love, transcendently written.' Jonny Sun, New York Times bestselling author ofGoodbye, Again

'Tender, insightful and deeply affirming.' Yrsa Daley-Ward, poet and author ofbone, The Terrible,andThe How

'Zhu conveys their story with such honesty and clarity that it forges connections to your heart straight through the page.' Yung Pueblo,New York Timesbestselling author ofClarity & Connection

'This book will sit close to my heart for a long time. I am so grateful for Zhu's words, mind and existence.' Fariha Risn, author ofLike a Bird,How to Cure a Ghost, andWho Is Wellness For

Author Bio

Mimi Zhu(they/them) is a queer Chinese-Australian writer and artist who explore the many intersections of love and fear. They share their words on their hugely popular Instagram @mimizhuxiyuan and newsletter 'Write, To Heal', and they facilitate workshops that are dedicated to the healing power of the written word.Their work has been featured inThe New York Times,PAPER,i-D, The Guardian, Printed Matter, VICEand more. They are based in Brooklyn, New York.