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nick_jenkins's review
5.0
Poetry collections are not generally page-turners—in some ways, speeding through a volume of verse may generally be a sign of either tedium or superficiality. But my experience with Finna was one of ravenous enjoyment: I read it all today, and while I couldn't read it in one sitting, I wanted to get back to it as soon as I had to lay it down. As I neared the end of one poem my excitement about what awaited me in the next made it difficult to focus on the last few lines (a real peril, as some of Marshall's most charged and memorable lines lie at the close).
Although not confessional in nature, there is an intimacy to Marshall's poems achieved by both self-reflection and a cherishing of the familiar. Many of the poems both feature and are principally about code-switching, but the oscillation between an academic English and a Black vernacular does not really invoke, much less get tangled up in, questions of authenticity: Marshall fully owns his poems' language, is in total control of their diction, whatever register or argot he's using. What is to me the standout poem, the eponymous "FINNA" coming near the end, is one of the more profound meditations on the way idioms embed themselves into our lives as windows on the world that I have ever encountered in a poem. I really cannot be enthusiastic enough about this book.
Although not confessional in nature, there is an intimacy to Marshall's poems achieved by both self-reflection and a cherishing of the familiar. Many of the poems both feature and are principally about code-switching, but the oscillation between an academic English and a Black vernacular does not really invoke, much less get tangled up in, questions of authenticity: Marshall fully owns his poems' language, is in total control of their diction, whatever register or argot he's using. What is to me the standout poem, the eponymous "FINNA" coming near the end, is one of the more profound meditations on the way idioms embed themselves into our lives as windows on the world that I have ever encountered in a poem. I really cannot be enthusiastic enough about this book.
niachin's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ameliacadabra's review
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
helterskelliter's review
5.0
“you know what i’m saying
whole time i’m bending the language
like a bow every arrow is spinning itself
a new sharp tip...” (64)
This is a beautiful and profound collection of poetry written to describe the lived experiences it embodies. It’s rhythm is free, literally moving as your lips sway and your mouth turns to take in each in line. It’s not better but it’s a beat.
I really like this poetry and I appreciate Marshall’s blending of the “standard” with the “not”, his critique of this evaluation of who and what matters. “who you believe in is a matter of who you mattered to.” (94) This collection is not simply a challenge or an affront but a declaration. It says I am here and I am proud. It says so in its own tongue. It’s own voice at its own volume. “all mine.” (100)
whole time i’m bending the language
like a bow every arrow is spinning itself
a new sharp tip...” (64)
This is a beautiful and profound collection of poetry written to describe the lived experiences it embodies. It’s rhythm is free, literally moving as your lips sway and your mouth turns to take in each in line. It’s not better but it’s a beat.
I really like this poetry and I appreciate Marshall’s blending of the “standard” with the “not”, his critique of this evaluation of who and what matters. “who you believe in is a matter of who you mattered to.” (94) This collection is not simply a challenge or an affront but a declaration. It says I am here and I am proud. It says so in its own tongue. It’s own voice at its own volume. “all mine.” (100)
brianaisgoingplaces's review
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
I don't really feel like I can properly rate or critique a book of poetry, so I won't try just yet. Some of these poems really struck a chord with me. Most had beautiful lines or twists of words that made me have to pause and reread. Some of these poems were a little confusing. I felt like I didn't quite *get* them. All in all though, a fun journey that I'm glad I embarked on.
I half read, half listened to author narrate this book. I can't really say the author added any oomph to the narrations, but I liked listening to him read his work.
I half read, half listened to author narrate this book. I can't really say the author added any oomph to the narrations, but I liked listening to him read his work.
elizabooks's review
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
maryamrafeeah's review
4.0
Brilliant. My two favorite poems are only I for whitefolk using Black language and conceal.
ajlct's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0