The writer and illustrator Hana Shafi discusses her new collection of poems and illustrations People You Know, Places You’ve Been (Book*hug Press, 2023), with Joseph Planta.

People You Know, Places You’ve Been by Hana Shafi (Book*hug Press, 2023). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: People You Know, Places You’ve Been

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, British Columbia, at TheCommentary.ca.

Hana Shafi joins me now. She’s recently published a new collection of poetry and illustrations, People You Know, Places You’ve Been. It’s an engaging collection because she approaches everyday moments, and the sort of strangers we all encounter with clarity and empathy. Through her insightful writing, we the reader can think critically about community, about what’s heroic, what’s toxic, as well as friendship. She also gives voice to the ambivalence we all feel when we see somebody do good, but also do something not so good, and in the case of one poem I’ll ask her about, it’s a pretty mundane interaction that she witnesses on public transit. This collection is richly illustrated as well. Hana Shafi is a writer and artist who illustrates under the name Frizz Kid. Her work frequently explores themes such as feminism, body politics, racism, and pop culture. She’s published articles in publications such as The Walrus, Hazlitt, and This Magazine. She received the Women Who Inspire Award from the Canadian Council for Muslim Women in 2017. She lives in Toronto where she joined me from nearly one month ago. This new book is published by Book*hug Press. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Hana Shafi; Ms. Shafi, good morning.

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