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Set Free Your Flow
'Set Free Your Flow' is a vulnerably-moving and raw exploration of what it has meant for teacher, author and activist Selin Senol-Akin to be raised among various dichotomous, bi-cultural struggles in New York City.
The Turkish and American. The traditional and liberal. The academic and artistic. By sharing her personal experiences and observations through poetry and autobiographical essays, her 'centered view' between the opposing forces of her upbringing is a refreshing look at the often ignored socio-cultural and psychological difficulties faced by young immigrants in the United States.
From being teased in school and never being able to go on overnight vacations due to 'looming male predators', to overcoming sexual harassment; Selin uses tongue-in-cheek language to describe how she's held on to creativity for the sake of her young daughter whilst her husband became a political prisoner abroad, as well as for her sanity.
This sequel to the acclaimed 'Write Out Your Drops' is one that will allow for you to reflect on your own self-identity, and figure out your own flow in life.
"...Through her poetic verses and essays, Selin Senol-Akin provides readers with a rare glimpse into the lives of children of immigrant parents who find themselves torn between clashing cultures. The book opens with a poem titled "A Centered View", which encapsulates the very essence of being raised in an immigrant family in America... The book follows Selin's life in contemporary America as a modern feminist with her roots in Turkey, who is fighting a brave battle against the imprisonment of her husband by an authoritarian regime. Set Free Your Flow: A Centered View is an inspirational and thought-provoking autobiography that leaves a lot to ponder on long after you've finished reading the book. Author Selin Senol-Akin gives an unflinching account of her life as a modern Turkish American trying to navigate traditional and modern values without losing her unique identity. There are some truly heartbreaking aspects to her story, from men in positions of power trying to take advantage of vulnerable women to raising a daughter as a single mother due to her husband falling victim to a totalitarian regime's whims. I found the poems intimate and breathtakingly beautiful. Her essays give keen insight into the lives of bicultural people. Highly recommended...."
Pikasho Deka, for Readers' Favorite... Five-Star Review
The Turkish and American. The traditional and liberal. The academic and artistic. By sharing her personal experiences and observations through poetry and autobiographical essays, her 'centered view' between the opposing forces of her upbringing is a refreshing look at the often ignored socio-cultural and psychological difficulties faced by young immigrants in the United States.
From being teased in school and never being able to go on overnight vacations due to 'looming male predators', to overcoming sexual harassment; Selin uses tongue-in-cheek language to describe how she's held on to creativity for the sake of her young daughter whilst her husband became a political prisoner abroad, as well as for her sanity.
This sequel to the acclaimed 'Write Out Your Drops' is one that will allow for you to reflect on your own self-identity, and figure out your own flow in life.
"...Through her poetic verses and essays, Selin Senol-Akin provides readers with a rare glimpse into the lives of children of immigrant parents who find themselves torn between clashing cultures. The book opens with a poem titled "A Centered View", which encapsulates the very essence of being raised in an immigrant family in America... The book follows Selin's life in contemporary America as a modern feminist with her roots in Turkey, who is fighting a brave battle against the imprisonment of her husband by an authoritarian regime. Set Free Your Flow: A Centered View is an inspirational and thought-provoking autobiography that leaves a lot to ponder on long after you've finished reading the book. Author Selin Senol-Akin gives an unflinching account of her life as a modern Turkish American trying to navigate traditional and modern values without losing her unique identity. There are some truly heartbreaking aspects to her story, from men in positions of power trying to take advantage of vulnerable women to raising a daughter as a single mother due to her husband falling victim to a totalitarian regime's whims. I found the poems intimate and breathtakingly beautiful. Her essays give keen insight into the lives of bicultural people. Highly recommended...."
Pikasho Deka, for Readers' Favorite... Five-Star Review
196 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2021
About the author
Selin Senol-Akin
10 books17 followersSelin is a rising literary voice whose work continues to captivate readers and critics alike. With a portfolio that spans emotional poetry and richly layered fiction, she has established herself as a bold and original storyteller. Her acclaimed semi-autobiographical series, The Catalyst Trilogy, unfolds primarily in Norway (where she resided for a while) and skillfully blends supernatural 'urban romantasy' with occult/mystical mystery. The series has drawn significant attention for its nuanced exploration of identity, loneliness, friendships, biculturalism, generational trauma, and personal evolution—all told through an imaginative, genre-bending narrative.
Selin’s signature style is marked by emotional depth and sharp insight into the human condition, weaving stories around characters (who may not be entirely what they seem) and the “coincidences” that spark profound transformation. Her work doesn’t just tell a story—it invites readers to reflect on the unseen forces that shape and 'catalyze' our paths.
The Catalyst received the prestigious 2022 International Readers’ Favorite Book Award, honoring outstanding contributions from both emerging indie authors and established writers. In 2025, Selin garnered further acclaim with an International Impact Book Award for The Elemental Collection, a powerful compilation of poetry fused with non-fiction essays, short stories and a play that have all moved and inspired readers across the globe.
In addition to her literary achievements, Selin has exhibited her framed poetic-work at various art shows and galleries, performed spoken poetry at numerous open-mic events and continues to hold book signings at local bookstores, connecting with readers and poetry-lovers alike.
Selin’s signature style is marked by emotional depth and sharp insight into the human condition, weaving stories around characters (who may not be entirely what they seem) and the “coincidences” that spark profound transformation. Her work doesn’t just tell a story—it invites readers to reflect on the unseen forces that shape and 'catalyze' our paths.
The Catalyst received the prestigious 2022 International Readers’ Favorite Book Award, honoring outstanding contributions from both emerging indie authors and established writers. In 2025, Selin garnered further acclaim with an International Impact Book Award for The Elemental Collection, a powerful compilation of poetry fused with non-fiction essays, short stories and a play that have all moved and inspired readers across the globe.
In addition to her literary achievements, Selin has exhibited her framed poetic-work at various art shows and galleries, performed spoken poetry at numerous open-mic events and continues to hold book signings at local bookstores, connecting with readers and poetry-lovers alike.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 2, 2022
Set Free Your Flow is a beautiful testament to self perseverance and personal determination. A memoir that takes readers on a journey; through multi-cultural and multi-layered emotions and across borders; both metaphysical and geographical. I've never before felt so connected with an author through their writing.
November 30, 2021
An excellent autobiographical book that speaks directly to its readers, sharing vignettes, private revelations and intimate exposures of life's pains, gains and joys.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews