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jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review
5.0
I haven’t picked up one of the Norton anthologies since my undergrad studies, but when I saw this Native Nations poetry edited by Joy Harjo (with Leanne Howe, Jennifer Elise Foerster and contributing editors) I was immediately on my library website reserving a copy!
In opening the text, Harjo’s introduction notes the significance of this anthology: “We have always been here, beneath the surface of American poetic consciousness, and have questioned how there can be an American poetry without our voices.”
The collection spans four centuries and represents more than ninety nations, and the poems are organized into five geographical regions: “We employed the Muskogean directional path, which begins East to North and continues to the West and then to the South.”
There were many writers whose works I have on my shelves here that I enjoyed reading more from in this anthology—particularly Joy Harjo, Natalie Diaz and Louise Erdrich (some of which are pictured)—and found many more new-to-me authors including Nila Northsun and Layli Long Soldier. I really benefited from the structure of this anthology, and loved being able to see the connections between works thematically and stylistically and in form.
In opening the text, Harjo’s introduction notes the significance of this anthology: “We have always been here, beneath the surface of American poetic consciousness, and have questioned how there can be an American poetry without our voices.”
The collection spans four centuries and represents more than ninety nations, and the poems are organized into five geographical regions: “We employed the Muskogean directional path, which begins East to North and continues to the West and then to the South.”
There were many writers whose works I have on my shelves here that I enjoyed reading more from in this anthology—particularly Joy Harjo, Natalie Diaz and Louise Erdrich (some of which are pictured)—and found many more new-to-me authors including Nila Northsun and Layli Long Soldier. I really benefited from the structure of this anthology, and loved being able to see the connections between works thematically and stylistically and in form.
bog_elfin's review
5.0
I love reading poetry to settle my mind, but this collection also expanded my understanding of native cultures and perspectives. The works are incredibly diverse in time period, language, tone, and style, and I am so thankful for all the work that went into creating this anthology.
adamcarrico91's review
4.0
Great anthology. I really loved how it was laid out by region and had introductory essays. I am not well versed in the breadth of Native poetry, but it seems to be a good representation of various styles over time.
embiguity's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0