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"Radical and revolutionary." - Jonny Sun, New York Times bestseling author of Goodbye, Again

Be Not Afraid of Love

Mimi Zhu

“A nourishing constellation of hope, truths, new light, and the words on love and fellowship that we need; have always needed.” 
Yrsa Daley-Ward, poet and author of bone, The Terrible, and The How

A collection of powerful interconnected essays and affirmations that follow Mimi Zhu’s journey toward embodying and re-learning love after a violent romantic relationship, a stunning and provocative book that will guide and inspire readers to lean into love with softness

In their early twenties, Mimi Zhu was a survivor of intimate-partner abuse. This left them broken, in search of healing and ways to re-learn love. This work is a testament to the strength and adaptability all humans possess, a tribute to love. Be Not Afraid of Love explores the intersections of love and fear in self-esteem, friendship, family dynamics, and romantic relationships, and extends out to its effects on society and the greater political realm. In sharing their own intimate encounters with oppression, healing, joy, and community, Mimi invites readers to reflect deeply on their own experiences as well, with the intention of acting as a guide to undoing the hurt or uncertainty within them. In this heartrending and revolutionary book, Mimi reminds us, be not afraid of love.

For international readers, please visit: https://smarturl.it/BeNotAfraidOfLove

“A radical and revolutionary act of love, transcendently written. Mimi Zhu writes about love in a way that is tender and caring and healing—they contextualize love not as an abstract sentiment but as a grounded and spiritual act intimately tied to every aspect of what we fight for.”
—Jonny Sun, New York Times bestselling author of Goodbye, Again

"Be Not Afraid of Love brings forward wisdom teachings like impermanence and the law of karma in a way that is accessible and relatable to a new generation. This book is bound to help those who are ready to reclaim their power.” 
—Yung Pueblo, New York Times bestselling author of Clarity & Connection
 
“Mimi Zhu writes with stunning honesty. Be Not Afraid of Love is both a question and an answer, beckoning the reader to interrogate the power of love, the utility of love. In this deeply wounded world, anyone and everyone thinking about how to improve our collective futures should read this book.”
—Zeba Blay, author of Carefree Black Girls
 
“Mimi Zhu's Be Not Afraid of Love is the kind of book that is effused with such candor and care that the words themselves become a salve. 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?

Mimi Zhu

Mimi Zhu
Photo: © Sandy Taboo and Etoile Bright
Mimi Zhu (they/them) is a queer Chinese-Australian writer and artist. They explore the many intersections of love and fear, 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.

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