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parker_beyers's review against another edition
5.0
From Craig Santos Perez's "Afterword":
"The editors, after years of voyaging, have guided us safely to our destination: here, upon the shore of your attention. This anthology is significant because it is the first compilation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century Micronesian writers. It is significant because it changes the perception that our literature is lacking. It is significant because it introduces our literature to an international audience. The anthology makes visible what was once invisible.”
Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection.
Do it!!
Every morning, for the past six months, I've read an excerpt from [b: Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|39816295|Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|Evelyn Flores|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589167640l/39816295._SY75_.jpg|61574042]. I discovered the book last year when I was writing a paper on Chamorro mythology. I've always wanted to read more Pacific Islander literature, so finding it was an ecstatic moment. When I told my mom about the book, her first comment was this: "That's real?" It is in fact, very real. Real enough to be a three-hundred-page anthology.
It warms my heart that this collection exists. Consisting of poetry, prose, and drama, the book explores the vastly diverse regions of Micronesia. From war anecdotes to familial journeys, every piece tells an important story. For the first time ever, I've been able to read works written by Guamanian authors, works written in Guam, and works about Guam. My love of literature burns all the brighter, welcoming this part of my heritage. In 2024, I'll set foot on the island for the first time when my parents renew their vows!!! Will I be running straight to the University of Guam, fangirling for Evelyn Flores? Who knows!
I never annotate books, but I post-it noted A LOT of pages in this book. So many of the stories, songs, and lessons touched me. I'm going to share this collection with any and all I can. I'm an English major, so you bet I'll be promoting this book until the day I die. Micronesian literature is real, and it's a tragedy people don't recognize it. It's as brilliant, inventive, and plentiful as any other subset. So please, buy yourself a copy. This was a deeply personal read for me, but I guarantee anyone can appreciate its beauty.
"The editors, after years of voyaging, have guided us safely to our destination: here, upon the shore of your attention. This anthology is significant because it is the first compilation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century Micronesian writers. It is significant because it changes the perception that our literature is lacking. It is significant because it introduces our literature to an international audience. The anthology makes visible what was once invisible.”
Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection.
Do it!!
Every morning, for the past six months, I've read an excerpt from [b: Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|39816295|Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|Evelyn Flores|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589167640l/39816295._SY75_.jpg|61574042]. I discovered the book last year when I was writing a paper on Chamorro mythology. I've always wanted to read more Pacific Islander literature, so finding it was an ecstatic moment. When I told my mom about the book, her first comment was this: "That's real?" It is in fact, very real. Real enough to be a three-hundred-page anthology.
It warms my heart that this collection exists. Consisting of poetry, prose, and drama, the book explores the vastly diverse regions of Micronesia. From war anecdotes to familial journeys, every piece tells an important story. For the first time ever, I've been able to read works written by Guamanian authors, works written in Guam, and works about Guam. My love of literature burns all the brighter, welcoming this part of my heritage. In 2024, I'll set foot on the island for the first time when my parents renew their vows!!! Will I be running straight to the University of Guam, fangirling for Evelyn Flores? Who knows!
I never annotate books, but I post-it noted A LOT of pages in this book. So many of the stories, songs, and lessons touched me. I'm going to share this collection with any and all I can. I'm an English major, so you bet I'll be promoting this book until the day I die. Micronesian literature is real, and it's a tragedy people don't recognize it. It's as brilliant, inventive, and plentiful as any other subset. So please, buy yourself a copy. This was a deeply personal read for me, but I guarantee anyone can appreciate its beauty.
hanntastic's review against another edition
Global Read 119: Micronesia, Nauru, Palau
This really cool book contains works from a lot of the South Pacific, not just the country of Micronesia. It is an interesting blend of poetry, essays, academic paper excerpts, speeches, short stories and some pieces that defy easy categorization. While I would have loved to read something longer or more in depth, this was a great introduction.
This really cool book contains works from a lot of the South Pacific, not just the country of Micronesia. It is an interesting blend of poetry, essays, academic paper excerpts, speeches, short stories and some pieces that defy easy categorization. While I would have loved to read something longer or more in depth, this was a great introduction.
amberacks12's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
I had an entire review written out and then the Goodreads app did that thing where it spontaneously combusts for no reason, so here I am writing it again.
Definitely not the same thing because I can’t do that.
I can’t believe I just read an entire anthology.
But here I am writing about my experience so I won’t lie to you and say that I skipped anything, because I didn’t. I must be a masochist. You know most people read for enjoyment. But here I am, again, reading something that is probably mostly read in universities— by choice.
And maybe more people should choose to read books like this. Although it would probably help if it was shorter. And had more pictures.
But in all seriousness, this was a very in depth collection of poetry, short stories, essays, and what I can only presume were research papers. They covered topics like colonization, history of war, the atom bomb, globalization, strip mining, climate change, poverty, obesity, preservation of culture and language, and more. Some of the pieces were fascinating, I learned so much about the region, because well, I honestly didn’t really know anything before reading this. Some were a little more slow and hard to get through, mostly because I don’t particularly enjoy reading essays.
But overall, worth the read.
Also my white guilt was strong while reading this one. And in my opinion, any book that makes me feel discomfort like that, is worth all my time to read.
Enjoyment: 3 stars
Did I learn something: 5 stars
So 4 stars overall.
Part of my reading the world challenge for: Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Kiribati, and Marshall Islands.
Definitely not the same thing because I can’t do that.
I can’t believe I just read an entire anthology.
But here I am writing about my experience so I won’t lie to you and say that I skipped anything, because I didn’t. I must be a masochist. You know most people read for enjoyment. But here I am, again, reading something that is probably mostly read in universities— by choice.
And maybe more people should choose to read books like this. Although it would probably help if it was shorter. And had more pictures.
But in all seriousness, this was a very in depth collection of poetry, short stories, essays, and what I can only presume were research papers. They covered topics like colonization, history of war, the atom bomb, globalization, strip mining, climate change, poverty, obesity, preservation of culture and language, and more. Some of the pieces were fascinating, I learned so much about the region, because well, I honestly didn’t really know anything before reading this. Some were a little more slow and hard to get through, mostly because I don’t particularly enjoy reading essays.
But overall, worth the read.
Also my white guilt was strong while reading this one. And in my opinion, any book that makes me feel discomfort like that, is worth all my time to read.
Enjoyment: 3 stars
Did I learn something: 5 stars
So 4 stars overall.
Part of my reading the world challenge for: Guam, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Nauru, Kiribati, and Marshall Islands.
fuzzyhebrew's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
I truly could not find any other literature written by Micronesian authors in English. It is wonderful that this book exists, and I hope that more will continue to be put on paper so other people can learn about this culture. My favorite entry was For the Good of Mankind.
kateabane2003's review against another edition
5.0
From Craig Santos Perez's "Afterword":
"The editors, after years of voyaging, have guided us safely to our destination: here, upon the shore of your attention. This anthology is significant because it is the first compilation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century Micronesian writers. It is significant because it changes the perception that our literature is lacking. It is significant because it introduces our literature to an international audience. The anthology makes visible what was once invisible.”
Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection.
Do it!!
Every morning, for the past six months, I've read an excerpt from [b: Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|39816295|Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|Evelyn Flores|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589167640l/39816295._SY75_.jpg|61574042]. I discovered the book last year when I was writing a paper on Chamorro mythology. I've always wanted to read more Pacific Islander literature, so finding it was an ecstatic moment. When I told my mom about the book, her first comment was this: "That's real?" It is in fact, very real. Real enough to be a three-hundred-page anthology.
It warms my heart that this collection exists. Consisting of poetry, prose, and drama, the book explores the vastly diverse regions of Micronesia. From war anecdotes to familial journeys, every piece tells an important story. For the first time ever, I've been able to read works written by Guamanian authors, works written in Guam, and works about Guam. My love of literature burns all the brighter, welcoming this part of my heritage. In 2024, I'll set foot on the island for the first time when my parents renew their vows!!! Will I be running straight to the University of Guam, fangirling for Evelyn Flores? Who knows!
I never annotate books, but I post-it noted A LOT of pages in this book. So many of the stories, songs, and lessons touched me. I'm going to share this collection with any and all I can. I'm an English major, so you bet I'll be promoting this book until the day I die. Micronesian literature is real, and it's a tragedy people don't recognize it. It's as brilliant, inventive, and plentiful as any other subset. So please, buy yourself a copy. This was a deeply personal read for me, but I guarantee anyone can appreciate its beauty.
"The editors, after years of voyaging, have guided us safely to our destination: here, upon the shore of your attention. This anthology is significant because it is the first compilation of twentieth- and twenty-first-century Micronesian writers. It is significant because it changes the perception that our literature is lacking. It is significant because it introduces our literature to an international audience. The anthology makes visible what was once invisible.”
Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection. Read this collection.
Do it!!
Every morning, for the past six months, I've read an excerpt from [b: Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|39816295|Indigenous Literatures from Micronesia|Evelyn Flores|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1589167640l/39816295._SY75_.jpg|61574042]. I discovered the book last year when I was writing a paper on Chamorro mythology. I've always wanted to read more Pacific Islander literature, so finding it was an ecstatic moment. When I told my mom about the book, her first comment was this: "That's real?" It is in fact, very real. Real enough to be a three-hundred-page anthology.
It warms my heart that this collection exists. Consisting of poetry, prose, and drama, the book explores the vastly diverse regions of Micronesia. From war anecdotes to familial journeys, every piece tells an important story. For the first time ever, I've been able to read works written by Guamanian authors, works written in Guam, and works about Guam. My love of literature burns all the brighter, welcoming this part of my heritage. In 2024, I'll set foot on the island for the first time when my parents renew their vows!!! Will I be running straight to the University of Guam, fangirling for Evelyn Flores? Who knows!
I never annotate books, but I post-it noted A LOT of pages in this book. So many of the stories, songs, and lessons touched me. I'm going to share this collection with any and all I can. I'm an English major, so you bet I'll be promoting this book until the day I die. Micronesian literature is real, and it's a tragedy people don't recognize it. It's as brilliant, inventive, and plentiful as any other subset. So please, buy yourself a copy. This was a deeply personal read for me, but I guarantee anyone can appreciate its beauty.
gitli57's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
4.0
This generous and wide ranging anthology is the first volume in "The New Oceania Literary Series" from University of Hawai'i Press. It is clearly a labor of love and is a necessary book if you are interested in Indigenous writers. Everything here is at least of historical interest and there is much that is simply fine writing by any standard. Most pieces are reprinted from other publications, so if you are widely read in Micronesia lit, this volume may have a fair number of pieces you already know. Still, you might appreciate having all of them collected in one handy volume. This book is a treasure if, like me, you are not widely read in Micronesian lit aside from a few individual writers (like the wonderful poet Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner). The second volume of the series is due in August of 2022. I am already saving my pennies...
apersonfromflorida's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content, Death of parent, Child death, and Animal death
hilaryreadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Split into seven thematic sections, INDIGENOUS LITERATURES FROM MICRONESIA is the first significant anthology published that presents a range of Micronesian literature, including poetry, fiction, songs, and essays. The pieces included within this anthology should be celebrated both as literary achievements and as a crucial remembering of history told by Micronesian voices.
As someone who never learned about the history of these islands, the stark impact of colonization and militarization upon the indigenous people and their land was startling to learn about. Nuclear waste and ongoing damage wrecks havoc on land and bodies; in "History Project," Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner reflects on "the miscarriages unspoken / the broken translations.../ i thought it was my fault. / i thought / there must be something wrong / inside me." Self-determination is withheld from the people of Guåhan; Frederick B. Quinene asks Uncle Sam, "You say I am your citizen, / Then why is it I don't feel free?" This anthology not only brings forth crucial issues that Micronesians face, but also exemplifies and preserves memory of indigenous traditions and resilience and resistance to these challenges. I particularly loved the pieces that celebrated connection and family, whether it be through food, songs, or creation stories.
Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPGRDRKrcvp/
As someone who never learned about the history of these islands, the stark impact of colonization and militarization upon the indigenous people and their land was startling to learn about. Nuclear waste and ongoing damage wrecks havoc on land and bodies; in "History Project," Kathy Jetñil-Kijiner reflects on "the miscarriages unspoken / the broken translations.../ i thought it was my fault. / i thought / there must be something wrong / inside me." Self-determination is withheld from the people of Guåhan; Frederick B. Quinene asks Uncle Sam, "You say I am your citizen, / Then why is it I don't feel free?" This anthology not only brings forth crucial issues that Micronesians face, but also exemplifies and preserves memory of indigenous traditions and resilience and resistance to these challenges. I particularly loved the pieces that celebrated connection and family, whether it be through food, songs, or creation stories.
Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPGRDRKrcvp/