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4.54 AVERAGE
4.54 AVERAGE
I loved this collection of poetry! Smith's words were so delicate yet so raw. My favorite poems were the ones where the object or thing was writing to a black boy. Those poems were the strongest in my opinion. I also loved When Maze & Frankie Beverly Come on in My House because it made me think of my parents and how they react when a song that they love comes on. These poems made me feel sad, angry, and even happy.
Enjoyed the first third, then skimmed. It got very heavy in the middle and I gave up.
This was my first book of poetry I’ve ever read and it was phenomenal. I was surprised how long it took me, but so many of the poems left me just sitting and thinking. So beautiful and heart-wrenching.
Poetry is generally not my cup of tea. (I think I still harbor some of the "what if I don't get it" anxiety from my own HS experience and I try to break away from that with my students.) That said, I loved so much about this collection. The poetry varies in form, in length, in style, in topic and so many resonated with me. A beautiful collection, very accessible, and I look forward to rereading these and sharing them with my students.
I hope that when history books are writing about the year 2020 they don’t forget Clint Smith. This collection was so incredibly heartbreaking and beautiful. I bought this because he was featured in a podcast I listened to and he sounded so intelligent and well spoken that I had to hear more of his voice. I had high expectations for his writing and he somehow exceeded them. If I could give this collection ten stars, I would. I think it’s perfect.
I’m blown away by this collection. It’s going on the gift list for everyone I know.
I'm still learning to love poetry but it's books like this that could make that happen. Nearly every poem made me stop and let out a "Wow" in appreciation after reading it. It hits hard with topics related to being Black in the United States, Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath, and police brutality and yet holds beauty and strength and love in its telling of those topics as well as others like family, jump shots and waking up with the one you love in the morning. Certainly a book I'm adding to reread and gift to others.
Beautiful words chronicling what it's like to be an African American boy and man in America today.
The poems pack punch and gravitas as well as beauty. I particularly liked the "What the [inanimate object] told the black boy" series from a fire hydrant, cathedral, ocean, and more.
From politics to the ordinary beauty of everyday life, he captures the tensions, heart breaks, and uplifting joy in his life.
Highly recommend!!
The poems pack punch and gravitas as well as beauty. I particularly liked the "What the [inanimate object] told the black boy" series from a fire hydrant, cathedral, ocean, and more.
From politics to the ordinary beauty of everyday life, he captures the tensions, heart breaks, and uplifting joy in his life.
Highly recommend!!
reflective
slow-paced