kburns2004's review against another edition
4.0
One of my reading goals in 2021 is to diversify my reading. This book is how I start. Although the style of writing took a few pages to get into, the story was great. Would recommend to just about anyone.
illbefinealone's review against another edition
5.0
2019 is off to a great start.
The Poet X made me cry so much. I got it as an audiobook, where both Acevedo's writing and voice brought this story to life. I enjoyed it so much, I connected to Xiomara almost immediately. The Poet X is easily one of my favorite books ever. I know I'll be listening to this one again really soon.
I never thought I'd start the 2019 favorites shelf on the first day of the year, yet here we are.
The Poet X made me cry so much. I got it as an audiobook, where both Acevedo's writing and voice brought this story to life. I enjoyed it so much, I connected to Xiomara almost immediately. The Poet X is easily one of my favorite books ever. I know I'll be listening to this one again really soon.
ahorelik's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
esrazk's review against another edition
5.0
It's easily on my top 5 books that I've read this year. Such a beautiful way to talk about religious trauma, inequality between genders, parental trauma and of course the best thing is her finding her own path by writing poems. Beautiful. Just beautiful.
msethna's review against another edition
4.0
Poet X is another much needed story to add to your #weneeddiversebooks list. Poet X’s story is a difficult one - one of struggles between a Latina girl and her mother. It is also a story of a bond between brother and sister that we don’t see too often in books. I see many students connecting to Poet X and can’t wait to pass this one along.
soulandspine's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
alyson7's review against another edition
4.0
Xiomara Batista has always felt as if she could express herself through writing rather than speaking. Her extremely devout Catholic mother expects Xiomara to be the perfect Catholic: to attend confirmation classes and to never get involved with boys. Now, Xiomara is fifteen and she is beginning to experience feelings she is forbidden to feel, attraction to boys and religious doubt. Through her poetry, Xiomara is able to question the world around her and express herself as the Poet X.
Like Xiomara, when I was a teenager, I found solace through writing. It was not just an escape, it was a space where I could express all the thoughts and feelings I had without judgement. It is also a place of creative expression. For Xiomara, writing is the only space that allows her to be herself and to find her identity. In her every day life, she is not allowed to have the feelings she has. Meanwhile, boys and men ogle her body without judgement from others. She is aware of the double standard where if her twin brother Xavier brought a girl home, her parents would be jumping for joy. But, if Xiomara were to bring a boy home, she would be severely punished.
Xiomara's relationship with her mother was equally fascinating and tragic. Xiomara's mother is an immigrant who wanted to become a nun, but her family forced her into marriage. So, she projects her feelings towards life and religion onto her daughter. As for her son, she does not have the same expectations.
I have been wanting to read this book for a while after seeing all the awards and recognition that it had received. After finishing the book, I found that the praise was justified. The unique format of the book, poetry instead of prose, is very uncommon in young adult books. I haven't come across very many. Also, Xiomara's perspective as Dominican and Catholic is rare in YA Lit. I am sure that many young adults will see themselves through Xiomara's eyes.
Even if you're not a poetry fan, I would highly recommend The Poet X. It's just one of those books that you shouldn't let pass you by.
Like Xiomara, when I was a teenager, I found solace through writing. It was not just an escape, it was a space where I could express all the thoughts and feelings I had without judgement. It is also a place of creative expression. For Xiomara, writing is the only space that allows her to be herself and to find her identity. In her every day life, she is not allowed to have the feelings she has. Meanwhile, boys and men ogle her body without judgement from others. She is aware of the double standard where if her twin brother Xavier brought a girl home, her parents would be jumping for joy. But, if Xiomara were to bring a boy home, she would be severely punished.
Xiomara's relationship with her mother was equally fascinating and tragic. Xiomara's mother is an immigrant who wanted to become a nun, but her family forced her into marriage. So, she projects her feelings towards life and religion onto her daughter. As for her son, she does not have the same expectations.
I have been wanting to read this book for a while after seeing all the awards and recognition that it had received. After finishing the book, I found that the praise was justified. The unique format of the book, poetry instead of prose, is very uncommon in young adult books. I haven't come across very many. Also, Xiomara's perspective as Dominican and Catholic is rare in YA Lit. I am sure that many young adults will see themselves through Xiomara's eyes.
Even if you're not a poetry fan, I would highly recommend The Poet X. It's just one of those books that you shouldn't let pass you by.
georgia_sara93's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5