milesjmoran's review
5.0
Vivacious, sharp tongued, and unapologetic, Let Me Tell You This is a phenomenal collection that I fell completely in love with. Identity is a major theme in here as Jassat is mixed race, and in these poems she discloses all the things that have been said to her and her brothers by white classmates, adults, and even strangers passing her on the street. She unflinchingly presents the ignorance she's experienced and the struggle she's internally faced, such as calling out 'casual' racism said in her presence. She also discusses sexual violence and abuse, and these poems were especially raw and extremely powerful. It's personable, it discusses important topics, and the language is beautiful--I think everyone should read this collection.
annescorner's review
4.0
This collection really packed a punch. Of course, with every poetry collection there are some poems that resonate better than others with the reader. But this one really called out A LOT of things: racism, social injustice and (sexual) assault among others. I really liked the bluntness and openness of the poems, giving away personal experiences of the author or her family. I marked many poems as ones I want to return to some day, as I think this kind of collection will sadly, unfortunately, regrettably not grow old in the immediate future. I really encourage everyone to read this as Nadine Aisha Jassat is a powerful and important voice!
marshmalison's review
4.0
I think this is the first poetry book I've read cover to cover rather than dipping in and out of. Loved it.
lauraetlabora's review
5.0
I think this collection was absolutely incredible. I was trying to pace myself through it, but I couldn't help but furiously devour every page, absorb every poem. I'm sure i'll come back to it over and over again.
As a non-native speaker, I find that reading poetry in English can sometimes be hit and miss, but here the carefully selected, delicate language does not impinge at all on the fast-punch delivery of the content; these poems are visceral and immediate, and indeed immediacy of communication is very important considering the topics they touch: race, violence, discrimination, family, heritage, identity, feminism.
I think these issues should have more representation in the media — I found reading these poems was at once eye-opening and comforting. Eye-opening, in the way it showed me struggles and issues that, in my privilege, I have never experienced. Comforting, in the way it will be comforting for any survivor to see someone come out the other end whole, accomplished, and unapologetic.
As a non-native speaker, I find that reading poetry in English can sometimes be hit and miss, but here the carefully selected, delicate language does not impinge at all on the fast-punch delivery of the content; these poems are visceral and immediate, and indeed immediacy of communication is very important considering the topics they touch: race, violence, discrimination, family, heritage, identity, feminism.
I think these issues should have more representation in the media — I found reading these poems was at once eye-opening and comforting. Eye-opening, in the way it showed me struggles and issues that, in my privilege, I have never experienced. Comforting, in the way it will be comforting for any survivor to see someone come out the other end whole, accomplished, and unapologetic.
meg0207's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexual harassment, Racism, and Xenophobia
fiendfull's review
4.0
Glad to finally read this - it's powerful, accessible poetry that really draws you in.
caitlinsgarden's review
4.0
4.5/5 stars
A really powerful and unapologetic collection of poetry about racism, identity, and fighting for a better world.
A really powerful and unapologetic collection of poetry about racism, identity, and fighting for a better world.
lucyptgw's review
4.0
This is absolutely stunning. I had the pleasure of working with Nadine at a creative writing day in Manchester last November and was in awe of her talent and passion for writing, both of which shine through immensely in this collection
ayahs93's review
5.0
A wonderful collection of poems! The stories were powerful and reached out to me as a Scottish woman with mixed heritage. Every word had its own bite and flavour, and I'll soon be in need of a re-read