Poet and author Shirin Ariff’s and Graphic Designer Zunash Ashiq Ali's debut novel/coffee table book is a collection of inspirational and meditational poetry. This book restored the author's sense of self by helping to rebuild from past experiences of adversity and illness. Over the years, her poems have graduated from being thoughtful and fun to meditative, inspirational and spiritual.

Beautifully and richly illustrated by Graphic Designer and Advertising professional Zunash Ashiq Ali, Keepsake is not just for avid readers of poetry, it is a spiritual experience. The pause, the breath, the slowing down from your daily hustle. It’s about who we become when we learn to be fully present. Each page is thoughtfully designed to compliment the poems and stimulate the minds of the readers.

Shirin’s book launch was a tastefully planned artistic treat. The Bellerive Room at the Aga Khan Museum was hand-picked to create the ambience of beauty and inspirational art. On a Sunday afternoon about fifty people gathered to be inspired by Shirin’s work. The event began with a beautiful video on the poet’s idea behind creating Keepsake as a “Souvenir of Love”. Distinguished Professor of Islamic Studies at University of Toronto and Harvard schooled Dr. Shafique Virani, introduced the poet and the illustrator and their book. 

Zunash Ashiq Ali, a passionate graphic design professional and illustrator of the book shared her experiences of creating the visualization of each poem and her heart connect to the book. Singer and Songwriter Kathryn Merriam played the Harp and sang in her angelic voice to give the audience a delicate experience of mysticism.

The event was concluded by book signing over scrumptious samosas, delicious sweet onion bhajjiyas and freshly squeezed juices.