A review by rachellle
The Poet X, by Elizabeth Acevedo
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
2 words to describe 'The Poet X': bravely honest
When I picked up this book, I wasn't expecting the entire story to be told with poems. But this medium enhanced the story so much and each individual poem was so expressive and beautiful to read.
One of the points I found most interesting and unique is that even when Xiomara was dealing with emotions or issues her first instinct wasn't to go to her brother or her best friend; she wanted to deal with it on her own. And this internal tension stood out to me because even though it's established she has a supportive circle, she still feels insecure around them, and what makes I special is this feeling was so fleshed out and maybe thats something that can only be described through poem.
A major plot point (that a handful of people didn't find enjoyable/ realistic) that stood out to me was the relationship between Xiomara and her mother. What some readers didn't enjoy was Overall, the poems about Xiomara's mom were blunt and I enjoyed how the author explored the facets of the mother-daughter relationship.
I loved the voice of Xiomara and how her poems began as a small space to express herself and over the course of the novel developed into giving her courage and then allowing her to share her feelings with those around her. Some parts of the book her definitely difficult to read but at the end, Xiomara's happiness shines through.
When I picked up this book, I wasn't expecting the entire story to be told with poems. But this medium enhanced the story so much and each individual poem was so expressive and beautiful to read.
One of the points I found most interesting and unique is that even when Xiomara was dealing with emotions or issues her first instinct wasn't to go to her brother or her best friend; she wanted to deal with it on her own. And this internal tension stood out to me because even though it's established she has a supportive circle, she still feels insecure around them, and what makes I special is this feeling was so fleshed out and maybe thats something that can only be described through poem.
A major plot point (that a handful of people didn't find enjoyable/ realistic) that stood out to me was the relationship between Xiomara and her mother. What some readers didn't enjoy was
Spoiler
how quickly Xiomara forgave her mother after she had burned her journal. I feel the poem where Xiomara comes home and immediately goes to hug her mom is more metaphorical and is not meant to be taken literallyI loved the voice of Xiomara and how her poems began as a small space to express herself and over the course of the novel developed into giving her courage and then allowing her to share her feelings with those around her. Some parts of the book her definitely difficult to read but at the end, Xiomara's happiness shines through.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Sexism, and Sexual assault