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nenaveenstra's review
inspiring
4.5
A near-perfect poetry collection, that had me underlining almost every line and adding notes in the margins of every page. Even though I live in a different time, and a different place than June Jordan did, and I do not have the same complexion, I still found this book deeply relatable. The bisexuality of it all, and the anger, the activism - this was exactly the kind of book I needed to keep my spirits up in this day and age. All of that packaged in sometimes flowery, sometimes crude, but always spot-on language. The words were meticulously chosen to convey an exact meaning. I really appreciated the craft of this collection, and it deeply inspired me to write more myself - be it poems, or essays about this book and how it connects to life & media in this decade.
readerisha_'s review against another edition
3.0
I am my soul adrift the whole night sky denies me light without you.
3/5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3/5! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
fowzee's review against another edition
4.0
june jordan is right, love is so revolutionary. her words are passionate and sensual but angry at times too, just gorgeous overall
“it is all the willingness you lend / the world / that makes me want / to clean up everything / in sight / (myself included) / for your possible / discovery”
“it is all the willingness you lend / the world / that makes me want / to clean up everything / in sight / (myself included) / for your possible / discovery”
casparb's review
i've enjoyed I MUST BECOME A MENACE TO MY ENEMIES for a hot minute & the way she writes skin has always been lovely but this was my first! real extended time with her.
very here for it. absolutely. I feel there's a slower start with HArUKo before we get to the more assured persona of the love poems section. But it's subtle. my FAVOURITE compliment / devotion is the line nothing about you / reminds me of money.
The long Pompeii poem ('Roman Poem Number Five') is just incredible & while it's recognised I think it deserves more immediate name rec as one of the best long poems written in the last century . But she's so full, all along, so giving. She's one that can set you off so easy to work your own way too... I just rly like how this panned out
very here for it. absolutely. I feel there's a slower start with HArUKo before we get to the more assured persona of the love poems section. But it's subtle. my FAVOURITE compliment / devotion is the line nothing about you / reminds me of money.
The long Pompeii poem ('Roman Poem Number Five') is just incredible & while it's recognised I think it deserves more immediate name rec as one of the best long poems written in the last century . But she's so full, all along, so giving. She's one that can set you off so easy to work your own way too... I just rly like how this panned out
renee_alwanda's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
let the world blot obliterate remove so- called magnificence so-called almighty/fathomless and everlasting treasures/ wealth (whatever that may be) it is this time that matters it is this history I care about the one we make together awkward inconsistent as a lame cat on the loose or quick as kids freed by the bell
The most profound and well written poetry collection I have ever read. June Jordan is a master of her craft.
adelarenata's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.0