Book Review: From a Studio In Oakland California by Enia Oaks
- Kelly Michelle Thomas
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
Publisher: Enia Oaks Written Books
Publication Date: 5/21/2025
Pages: 178
Price: $15.99
(Also available in Kindle and Hardcover)
When I received and email asking if I would like to receive a complementary copy of, From A Studio In Oakland California: 108 Notes on Existence, in exchange for an honest review, I was more than excited. Having read the description and that it was written by Nigerian-born author Enia Oaks spoke to me. Intriguing me to see what this author had to say especially with her background being in the medical field.
When this book arrived, I grabbed my highlighter, coffee, and headed straight into my reading nook with my dog accompanying me. As I began to read through the pages, I quickly realized that Enia Oaks has truly written a beautiful piece of literary art. When it comes to reading poetry, I always have a highlighter on me, so that I can highlight titles of work or certain lines to reference back to at a later point in life. You never know when you need to revisit those words in the future. I would catch myself highlighting many gems throughout the pages often accompanied by a quiet "mmmm" as if I were eating soul food from my grandmother's kitchen.
From A Studio in Oakland California is a collection of poems and micro-essays centered on the theme of the human experience broken into six parts: Self, Healing, Love and Other People, The Journey of Life, Beauty in Existence, and Farther than thought. Each part offering words of wisdom and becoming a mirror that helps readers to learn to become the observer of their own lives. Enia Oaks emphasizes how we all have a common need we share which is the need to be truly seen and this book does just that. With every turn I found myself finding comfort and even gaining new perspectives. Enia Oaks also encourages readers to look inward and learn to take accountability when needed. One of my favorite lines from this book:
"When you externalize the causes of your circumstances, you also disempower yourself from changing them"
—pg. 56 "Emotional Accountability Will Change Your Life"
This is powerful sentiment where she assures her readers, they have more power than some may give themselves credit for. Her words empowers the reader and for someone that may be going through a difficult time, this is a book that will offer some of that healing.
I can see how Enia Oaks profession as an emergency medical physician plays a role in From A Studio In Oakland California with the theme of her book. Spending majority of her adult life caring for people has allowed her to be able to offer that same care and transcend it through her writing. This book was written with love and care with the person on the other end in mind. From A Studio In Oakland California is medicine for the weary, a compass for the lost, bread for the famished, and a reminder to everyone that we are all having a human experience.
I would like to take this time to extend my gratitude to Book Publicity Services for sending me a complimentary copy, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
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The Author
Enia Oaks is a writer, physician, and lifelong observer of the quiet beauty in being human. From a Studio in Oakland, California: 108 Notes on Existence in her debut book.
Website: https://www.eniaoaks.com
Instagram: @enia_oaks
Contact: Eniaoaks@gmail.com
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