Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty: Affirmations for the Real World

"This book is compelling because it seeks to provide readers with a little bit of joy while acknowledging that the world is still real and often hard to deal with. Shafi never focuses these affirmations on toxic positivity, instead choosing to root them in resilience. Reading this book is like trying to make sense of your place in the world through a conversation with a very supportive friend." —The Peak

"Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty is paramount in value. Narratives like Shafi’s are ones I wished I had at a younger age, but am ever grateful for now… This is why the stories of marginalized voices hold the utmost importance. Not only does the author deserve to take up space but also the impact it has on other marginalized people reading these narratives is monumental. Thank you, Hana Shafi, for being our Dolly Parton—in the way you know in your heart that she will accept you wholeheartedly, thank you for the belief that you will accept us as we are, too." —Canthius

"Shafi’s real, radical vulnerability and acceptance carries its power from the beginning of the book through to the finish." —Shrapnel Magazine

"Shafi writes as if she is sitting down with you for a coffee to tell you her life story." —Broken Pencil Magazine

"The book reads like a millenial manifesto on how to understand, navigate and be in the world—and I felt right at home." —Geist Magazine

"Small, Broke and Kind of Dirty: Affirmations for the Real World exposes the notion that multiple truths can exist simultaneously as a reflection of our multifaceted humanity. Shafi’s loving affirmations alongside her storytelling and visual art make for the perfect rainy day read with a cup of chai."  —Hamilton Review of Books

“I can’t say enough about Hana Shafi’s latest book, Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty. It is a treasure of a book; the balm for a tumultuous year.” —The Miramichi Reader

“Although Shafi says that “this is not a self-help book,” her work nonetheless guides the reader through an important journey of self-discovery, self-love and resilience. Small, Broke, and Kind of Dirty draws the reader into a community of care and kindness, a community that is much needed at this juncture.” —Herizons