niachin's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
scrow1022's review against another edition
5.0
Warm, funny, pointed. Loved the ghazals. Love the language. Will read again both for comfort and reminding.
ameliacadabra's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
helterskelliter's review against another edition
5.0
“you know what i’m saying
whole time i’m bending the language
like a bow every arrow is spinning itself
a new sharp tip...” (64)
This is a beautiful and profound collection of poetry written to describe the lived experiences it embodies. It’s rhythm is free, literally moving as your lips sway and your mouth turns to take in each in line. It’s not better but it’s a beat.
I really like this poetry and I appreciate Marshall’s blending of the “standard” with the “not”, his critique of this evaluation of who and what matters. “who you believe in is a matter of who you mattered to.” (94) This collection is not simply a challenge or an affront but a declaration. It says I am here and I am proud. It says so in its own tongue. It’s own voice at its own volume. “all mine.” (100)
whole time i’m bending the language
like a bow every arrow is spinning itself
a new sharp tip...” (64)
This is a beautiful and profound collection of poetry written to describe the lived experiences it embodies. It’s rhythm is free, literally moving as your lips sway and your mouth turns to take in each in line. It’s not better but it’s a beat.
I really like this poetry and I appreciate Marshall’s blending of the “standard” with the “not”, his critique of this evaluation of who and what matters. “who you believe in is a matter of who you mattered to.” (94) This collection is not simply a challenge or an affront but a declaration. It says I am here and I am proud. It says so in its own tongue. It’s own voice at its own volume. “all mine.” (100)
brianaisgoingplaces's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
I don't really feel like I can properly rate or critique a book of poetry, so I won't try just yet. Some of these poems really struck a chord with me. Most had beautiful lines or twists of words that made me have to pause and reread. Some of these poems were a little confusing. I felt like I didn't quite *get* them. All in all though, a fun journey that I'm glad I embarked on.
I half read, half listened to author narrate this book. I can't really say the author added any oomph to the narrations, but I liked listening to him read his work.
I half read, half listened to author narrate this book. I can't really say the author added any oomph to the narrations, but I liked listening to him read his work.
elizabooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
maryamrafeeah's review against another edition
4.0
Brilliant. My two favorite poems are only I for whitefolk using Black language and conceal.
ajlct's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0