Reviews
Courage: Daring Poems for Gutsy Girls by Karen Finneyfrock, Mindy Nettifee, Rachel McKibbens
bubblesofbayla's review
5.0
Great collection! And shout out to Andrea Gibson specifically. Their poetry is incredible. Also, Karen Finneyfrock teaches at Hugo House in Seattle sometimes, she's pretty cool.
colleenish's review
5.0
I found this anthology at a bookstore and couldn't put it down. It's everything poems should be, startling and beautiful. A very modern collection of poems about today's problems. I can't wait to lend it out.
xtinaaws's review
5.0
This anthology is a wonderful collection of inspiring, mind-expanding, and honest poems. I wish I had this when I was younger, but anyone who was ever a woman-identified human growing up and looking for guidance will find something in these pages.
littlerah's review
3.0
The best thing about studying poetry is when your friends lend you anthologies to read. So a shout out to Katie for this good collection of poetry for young women. Inside you will find stories, lessons and hauntings of a variety of lives.
"My mouth is a fire escape.
The words coming out can't care that they are naked.
There is something burning in here. (26).
The poems in this collection urge women to use their voices and speak loudly about their experiences. Speak of race, of disability, of class, of queerness. There is a mighty range of understanding embedded in each poem that has the potential to make it special for other readers.
"pull back your lips, bare the teeth you have
sharpened to their perfect points, flick
your stinger tongue, set free your swarm" (73).
My favourites included:
I Sing The Body Electric, Especially When My Power's Out - Andrea Gibson (26).
Private Parts - Sarah Kay (32).
Swarm - Jeanann Verlee (73).
For My Childhood Best Friend... - Sara Brickman (81).
13 Ways of Looking at 13 - Patricia Smith (94).
Dear Mom - Fatimah Asghar (108).
Poem for Aimee Rose - April Ranger (119)
Discipline - Mindy Nettifee (147).
The Nutritionist - Andrea Gibson (154).
"My mouth is a fire escape.
The words coming out can't care that they are naked.
There is something burning in here. (26).
The poems in this collection urge women to use their voices and speak loudly about their experiences. Speak of race, of disability, of class, of queerness. There is a mighty range of understanding embedded in each poem that has the potential to make it special for other readers.
"pull back your lips, bare the teeth you have
sharpened to their perfect points, flick
your stinger tongue, set free your swarm" (73).
My favourites included:
I Sing The Body Electric, Especially When My Power's Out - Andrea Gibson (26).
Private Parts - Sarah Kay (32).
Swarm - Jeanann Verlee (73).
For My Childhood Best Friend... - Sara Brickman (81).
13 Ways of Looking at 13 - Patricia Smith (94).
Dear Mom - Fatimah Asghar (108).
Poem for Aimee Rose - April Ranger (119)
Discipline - Mindy Nettifee (147).
The Nutritionist - Andrea Gibson (154).
trinitym's review
4.0
I wouldnt give this to a girl under the age of 14 for content reasons. If you're sure she hasn't been exposed to the horrors of the world, dont give her this book. Despite my warning I liked this book. "My Girls" by Hollis Wong-Wear almost made me cry so that's a great one.
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