Publisher Description

Be Not Afraid of Love is a stunning collection of interconnected essays and affirmations that follow Mimi Zhu's 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 find love again. They found that in words. In sharing their own intimate encounters with oppression, healing, joy and 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, exploring the intersections of love and fear in self-esteem, friendship, family dynamics and romantic relationships, and extending out to its effects on society and the greater political realm. Mimi's powerful and provocative words will guide and inspire readers to lean into love with softness.

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

Author Biography

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 in The New York Times, PAPER, i-D, The Guardian, Printed Matter, VICE and more. They are based in Brooklyn, New York.

Review

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

'Tender, insightful and deeply affirming.' – Yrsa Daley-Ward, poet and author of bone, The Terrible, and The 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 Times bestselling author of Clarity & 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 Róisín, author of Like a Bird, How to Cure a Ghost, and Who Is Wellness For?

Review Quote

'A radical and revolutionary act of love, transcendently written.' - Jonny Sun, New York Times bestselling author of Goodbye, Again 'Tender, insightful and deeply affirming.' - Yrsa Daley-Ward, poet and author of bone, The Terrible, and The 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 Times bestselling author of Clarity & 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 R

Details