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Did You Ever Love Me? Book Review: Can Rithvik singh turn heartbreak into a homecoming?

Did You Ever Love Me? by Rithvik Singh is a tender contemporary poetry collection about love, heartbreak, longing, self worth and learning to let go. Its greatest strength is emotional accessibility: Singh writes directly to readers who feel intensely and care deeply. The collection offers comfort without pretending heartbreak is simple, though its simplicity may occasionally feel familiar to seasoned poetry readers. Did you Ever Love Me? Have you ever loved someone so completely that, after they left, you were left wondering whether they had ever understood what they had been given? Not merely whether they loved you, but whether they ever noticed how much you loved them, how much patience you offered, how many small things you remembered, or how often you chose to stay when leaving might have been easier. There is a particular loneliness in that question because it rarely arrives at a dramatic moment. More often, it finds you while you are doing something completely ordinary. Yo...
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Joyful by Toks Adebyi

A concise yet powerful book packed with anecdotes from Toks own life. It is an inspirational book that guides you to succeed in life and live a quality life. Despite many failures, Toks had the courage to continue his struggle.

If you have been there, where life looks like it has reached an abysmal low, this book could be for you. It is not at all preachy, its exact and has a lot to offer. Also present are  various interesting quotes that are quite insightful.

Pages - 102
Self published

How can you implement joy into your daily life?

One of the most valuable aspects of Joyful is its practicality. Adebyi doesn’t leave readers hanging with vague advice—he provides concrete, actionable steps that anyone can integrate into their daily routine. From creating morning rituals to setting boundaries with toxic people, Joyful is packed with small, manageable steps that collectively lead to a more joyful life. 


For instance, Adebyi emphasises the importance of self-care, not just as a buzzword, but as a non-negotiable part of life. He encourages readers to take small moments throughout the day to check in with themselves—whether that’s through meditation, a short walk, or simply breathing deeply. These small practices help build resilience and contribute to long-term joy.

Does joy require sacrifice? 

Adebyi’s perspective on joy might challenge some readers’ preconceived notions. While many of us believe that joy comes at a cost—whether it’s time, money, or effort—Adebyi suggests the opposite. Joy doesn’t require us to sacrifice anything meaningful; rather, it often involves letting go of things that don’t serve us. 


This ties back to his principle of acceptance. Instead of chasing external validation or material success, Adebyi encourages readers to look inward and focus on what truly makes them happy. It’s a simple but powerful reminder that joy isn’t about having more—it’s about appreciating what you already have.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Joyful different from other self-help books?

Joyful combines memoir with actionable steps, making it both personal and practical. Adebyi’s authenticity and real-life examples make it more relatable than other, more clinical self-help books.

2. Can the principles in Joyful apply to anyone?

Yes. The principles Adebyi outlines—mindfulness, gratitude, acceptance, connection, and purpose—are universal and can be applied to anyone’s life, regardless of their circumstances.

3. How long does it take to see results from the practices in Joyful?

This varies from person to person, but many of the practices, like gratitude exercises and mindfulness, can start improving your mindset within a few weeks of consistent practice.

Final thoughts

Joyful is more than just a guide to happiness; it’s a reminder that joy is always within our reach. Toks Adebyi takes us through his life experiences, offering us the tools we need to cultivate joy, no matter our circumstances. If you’re ready to live a more fulfilled and peaceful life, this book might just be your blueprint. 

—-

Tushar Mangl writes on mental health, soul food, leisure activities, and a greener, better society. Speaker, author of Hey Honey Bunch, Ardika and I will do it.
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