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gabrielle_erin's review
3.0
A rich compilation of diverse black voices. A shame the excerpts weren't longer as I feel there was so much more to unpack with each experience, but such a unique insight to the culture and history of the black world.
scotiawawa's review
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
I had high expectations for this book due to who provided review, but there was too much black reality and not enough imagination. Because for me, when I think Black imagination - I was envisioning imagery that has no concept of whiteness. Think Black and Brown communities before contact with Europeans. What is joy, conflict, love, hate, with just us and only us in existence?
osoordinary's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Phenomenal
natashaniezgoda's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Damn, this collection of poems/essays was raw, vulnerable, inspiring, deep, poignant, touching, and beautiful.
Some of the stunning quotes I encountered:
"I once read the phrase 'Live life intentionally'. Unable to get it out of my head, I began to question my intentions for the world I live in. The conclusion I came to was to encourage people to share their stories. So often in life, we only get the abridged version, filled with agenda/personal bias of a third party... it's almost impossible for anyone to accept information unless it already confirms their experience."
"I wonder what it would be like to automatically be given the benefit of the doubt. That it would be assumed that I and my opinions have merit. That my contribution is worthy of consideration - even if it is ultimately rejected. To not be dismissed out of hand... I wonder what it's like to be considered the default."
"Sometimes, you have to put up a peace sign and a middle finger simultaneously."
"To become stronger, I studied. To become better, I dreamed. To become more powerful and to recall my strength, I learned sigils and spells. Today, I stand remembering my past - before this time and during this time. Today, even though I wear protective sigils upon my body, I continue to feel weak. Those bouts of weakness make me stronger, though I wish they would end. I can be strong with them."
Some of the stunning quotes I encountered:
"I once read the phrase 'Live life intentionally'. Unable to get it out of my head, I began to question my intentions for the world I live in. The conclusion I came to was to encourage people to share their stories. So often in life, we only get the abridged version, filled with agenda/personal bias of a third party... it's almost impossible for anyone to accept information unless it already confirms their experience."
"I wonder what it would be like to automatically be given the benefit of the doubt. That it would be assumed that I and my opinions have merit. That my contribution is worthy of consideration - even if it is ultimately rejected. To not be dismissed out of hand... I wonder what it's like to be considered the default."
"Sometimes, you have to put up a peace sign and a middle finger simultaneously."
"To become stronger, I studied. To become better, I dreamed. To become more powerful and to recall my strength, I learned sigils and spells. Today, I stand remembering my past - before this time and during this time. Today, even though I wear protective sigils upon my body, I continue to feel weak. Those bouts of weakness make me stronger, though I wish they would end. I can be strong with them."
jpark414's review
This is a collection of black voices musing about imagination, healing and their origins. Obviously some voices resonated more deeply that others, but as a collective it’s good. The origins section is my fave.
One line to remember: “see how gentle failure can be when people are watching. / Touch it like gravel, or a rough tooth”
One line to remember: “see how gentle failure can be when people are watching. / Touch it like gravel, or a rough tooth”
engrossedreader's review
4.0
To be accepted and not just tolerated. Why is that even a thing?
How is that statement something that I can totally relate to?
Each person's story was different but the similarities could be summarised as their difference made someone/ society/community uncomfortable which lead to subtle and overt punishment, discrimination and rejection.
When that society, community is the prevailing one, when that someone is coming from a place of privilege, the ramifications are immense.
Thank you for these stories, which are not just stories but lived experiences. Thank you for sharing and making it clear that whilst these experiences may have shaped you, the world that rejected you, denied you access has no part in your success and achievements.
How is that statement something that I can totally relate to?
Each person's story was different but the similarities could be summarised as their difference made someone/ society/community uncomfortable which lead to subtle and overt punishment, discrimination and rejection.
When that society, community is the prevailing one, when that someone is coming from a place of privilege, the ramifications are immense.
Thank you for these stories, which are not just stories but lived experiences. Thank you for sharing and making it clear that whilst these experiences may have shaped you, the world that rejected you, denied you access has no part in your success and achievements.