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A review by vanreads
Mythical Man by David Ly
This poetry collection by David Ly really cuts deep. David Ly is an Asian Canadian queer poet and his poetry reflects his experiences as an Asian gay man, expressing his dating experiences, experiences of racism, and experiences of being part of a larger Asian diaspora.
Racism in queer relationships and in dating as a queer person is something that Ly expresses really well, and I think is such an important issue to know about and discuss. MESSAGE RECEIVED and ANOTHER MESSAGE RECEIVED are two poems that express this really well.
Not all poems are sad though, as many of them end on a hopeful note. I FINALLY LEARNED HOW TO LOVE MYSELF is one that expresses hope in acceptance in his Asian identity. DISCO THE PUG IS MINE is just a very cute and heartwarming favorite of mine.
I'm a straight female, but so much of Ly's poetry struck a chord in me. It made me realize that racism and Asian fetishes aren't just something that Asian females experience. It's something that runs deep in western society toward Asians, and it's so problematic, particularly when it comes to dating. I hate that it's something we experience. I hate that we have to be on guard constantly and worry about whether the person we are interacting with has some sort of Asian fetish.
Some of these poems are too sexy for me (I'm very PG), but I would definitely recommend Ly's poetry to anyone who wants an emotional experience reading about LGBTQ dating experiences, dating as an Asian in North America, and queer identity. It will make you feel seen.
Thank you David Ly for sending me your poetry book for an honest review!
Racism in queer relationships and in dating as a queer person is something that Ly expresses really well, and I think is such an important issue to know about and discuss. MESSAGE RECEIVED and ANOTHER MESSAGE RECEIVED are two poems that express this really well.
Not all poems are sad though, as many of them end on a hopeful note. I FINALLY LEARNED HOW TO LOVE MYSELF is one that expresses hope in acceptance in his Asian identity. DISCO THE PUG IS MINE is just a very cute and heartwarming favorite of mine.
I'm a straight female, but so much of Ly's poetry struck a chord in me. It made me realize that racism and Asian fetishes aren't just something that Asian females experience. It's something that runs deep in western society toward Asians, and it's so problematic, particularly when it comes to dating. I hate that it's something we experience. I hate that we have to be on guard constantly and worry about whether the person we are interacting with has some sort of Asian fetish.
Some of these poems are too sexy for me (I'm very PG), but I would definitely recommend Ly's poetry to anyone who wants an emotional experience reading about LGBTQ dating experiences, dating as an Asian in North America, and queer identity. It will make you feel seen.
Thank you David Ly for sending me your poetry book for an honest review!