georgiajames_'s review against another edition
4.0
A very personal collection of poetry, exploring the intersections of Miller’s own identity. In particular, there was a huge emphasis on religion as a grounding practice in diasporic life, presented as a constant source of identity whilst other aspects of the self seem to shift. This had some beautiful writing and thought-provoking sentiments, but didn’t quite live up to ‘The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion’ for me. Still a very decent read.
eefjes's review against another edition
4.0
Great poetry! I'd want to give 4,5 stars if that were possible.
meegan's review
challenging
hopeful
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
4.0
shirishmus's review against another edition
Faith streams in and out of these poems, though equally it's about much more - like judgements, like belonging, like noticing small things. Kei managed to give me a grasp of what it is to experience faith - I say that without believing in something like a god myself (at least, I think I don't) and that is an amazing achievement. Also, the way he manages to put injustice into words that leave you grasp for air, is incredible.
Still, like with his collection 'The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion' (and poetry in general), I'm left with the feeling that I didn't grasp the meaning of many of the poems, not knowing how to enjoy them just like that, unfortunately. Therefore I'm giving 'just' 3,5 stars, even though I would recommend everyone to read these poems.
Part of the poem 'What the evangelist should have said' p.40
"[...]is like when de river come down just like suh
and you find yuself at de bottom,
slow breathin unda de surface [...]
[...] - salvation
is de man with arms like a tractor
who reach in fi pull you out of de river,
press de flat of him hands gainst your belly
and push de river out of you."
Still, like with his collection 'The Cartographer Tries to Map a Way to Zion' (and poetry in general), I'm left with the feeling that I didn't grasp the meaning of many of the poems, not knowing how to enjoy them just like that, unfortunately. Therefore I'm giving 'just' 3,5 stars, even though I would recommend everyone to read these poems.
Part of the poem 'What the evangelist should have said' p.40
"[...]is like when de river come down just like suh
and you find yuself at de bottom,
slow breathin unda de surface [...]
[...] - salvation
is de man with arms like a tractor
who reach in fi pull you out of de river,
press de flat of him hands gainst your belly
and push de river out of you."
lichenbitten's review against another edition
"Love is how our skin breaks against each other,
how we bleed into each other; how we heal."
how we bleed into each other; how we heal."
sanchara's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
tina94's review
3.0
Wish I could give 3.5 stars since I enjoyed this more than some other books I gave 3 stars, but Miller's Fear of Stones collection got 4 and I enjoyed that infinitely more so that rating wouldn't feel justified at all
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