Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Poet X

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The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

30 reviews

rachellle's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

2 words to describe 'The Poet X': bravely honest

When I picked up this book, I wasn't expecting the entire story to be told with poems. But this medium enhanced the story so much and each individual poem was so expressive and beautiful to read.

One of the points I found most interesting and unique is that even when Xiomara was dealing with emotions or issues her first instinct wasn't to go to her brother or her best friend; she wanted to deal with it on her own. And this internal tension stood out to me because even though it's established she has a supportive circle, she still feels insecure around them, and what makes I special is this feeling was so fleshed out and maybe thats something that can only be described through poem.

A major plot point (that a handful of people didn't find enjoyable/ realistic) that stood out to me was the relationship between Xiomara and her mother. What some readers didn't enjoy was

how quickly Xiomara forgave her mother after she had burned her journal. I feel the poem where Xiomara comes home and immediately goes to hug her mom is more metaphorical and is not meant to be taken literally

Overall, the poems about Xiomara's mom were blunt and I enjoyed how the author explored the facets of the mother-daughter relationship.

I loved the voice of Xiomara and how her poems began as a small space to express herself and over the course of the novel developed into giving her courage and then allowing her to share her feelings with those around her. Some parts of the book her definitely difficult to read but at the end, Xiomara's happiness shines through.

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discworldwitch's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

Overall a pretty great read, with a great, accessible writing style. Would definitely read again.

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gingerkathrynreads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I really enjoyed this first experience of Elizabeth Acevedo's writing - her talent and brilliance is clear, and I love the novel-in-verse format! I think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I'd read this as a teen (something I'm finding with a lot of YA, not unique to this book).

I was frequently getting really frustrated with the characters, and wish there had been more time spent on resolving issues at the end - it ended too abruptly for me! Communication is SO important in all relationships, and that was so lacking here (even in Xiomara's solid relationships with Twin and Caridad).

I also wish some of the issues Xiomara took with her faith could have been resolved better - I was so frustrated that nobody was answering her questions or letting her speak her mind. Her faith could have really flourished had she been lead in the right way and had her questions answered, in a way that also didn't stifle her voice and autonomy. From a faith perspective, this was an interesting read that I know a lot of teens will be able to relate to, I just wish more had been done to reconcile her relationship with God and the church as well as with her other relationships.

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mirandax's review against another edition

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emotional reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I read this with the audiobook on whilst following along with the physical copy. If you have the resources to be able to do so, I highly recommend it, though either option is still worth the read on its own.
This book made me cry, and it opened my eyes in new ways. I'm so grateful I picked this up.

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tinas_library's review against another edition

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4.0

This is Elizabeth Acevedo's debut novel and she is setting the bar high. A powerful read about finding your own voice, and finding the strength to use it.

It was impossible to put down once I start reading it. I found that the style of writing made this a very quick read. I had access to the audio book as well, and listening to the author read her own words was just incredible.

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