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taylersimon22's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first time reading a poetry collection written by a man. I thought the subject matter was varied, ranging from relationships to race to religion. It was very interesting to get an inside look of such a multifaceted individual, such as the author Brandon Leake.
I could sense a vulnerability shared in these poems. I think it is really important for Black men to share vulnerability like this; it normalizes talking about mental health and seeking support, even though in many of the poems Leake talks about suffering in silence and finding more “acceptable” ways to cope.
I will say, I am not a religious person, but the way Leake talks about God didn’t seem off putting or as if he was proselytizing. It felt like an expression of gratitude for his faith and the very real struggle between feeling suffering and having faith.
I really resonated with the poems about writing poetry. I fall for the trap Leake talks about of readers needing to see the blood on the page for them to see it as art. I do like beautiful sad things because suffering connects us all. However, that’s not the only thing, and art should be celebrated for the sake of art. It’s difficult feeling good enough for something that’s so subjective.
Overall, I would recommend this collection. It might not be the type of poetry I personally like, but it is important to add nuance to the Black male experience.
I could sense a vulnerability shared in these poems. I think it is really important for Black men to share vulnerability like this; it normalizes talking about mental health and seeking support, even though in many of the poems Leake talks about suffering in silence and finding more “acceptable” ways to cope.
I will say, I am not a religious person, but the way Leake talks about God didn’t seem off putting or as if he was proselytizing. It felt like an expression of gratitude for his faith and the very real struggle between feeling suffering and having faith.
I really resonated with the poems about writing poetry. I fall for the trap Leake talks about of readers needing to see the blood on the page for them to see it as art. I do like beautiful sad things because suffering connects us all. However, that’s not the only thing, and art should be celebrated for the sake of art. It’s difficult feeling good enough for something that’s so subjective.
Overall, I would recommend this collection. It might not be the type of poetry I personally like, but it is important to add nuance to the Black male experience.
biromanticbard's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality and Gun violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Toxic friendship
bibliobrittish's review
4.0
This collection is beautifully hopeful in its rage as it reaches toward healing. The rhythm of these words was hypnotic and pulsing, especially as read by the author. A bit too much religion for my taste, but chalk that up to my ambivalence as opposed to its lack.
danapr's review against another edition
4.0
Brandon Leake is “the voice of the people” in this very contemporary and timely collection. He addresses issues of race and politics in addition to issues close to his heart such as marriage, parenting and faith. This collection of his poetry expresses feelings and thoughts that everyone can relate to, regardless of race, gender or religion. Some poems spoke to me more than others so I think relating to the words and phrases will be a very individual and personal experience for each reader. I think seeing him on AGT also helped bring the works “alive” for me as I could picture how expressive he is when reciting his poetry. Thanks to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for the Advanced Reader Copy.
elidhios's review against another edition
4.0
Escuché el audiolibro gracias a Libro.fm y la verdad que es espectacular. Algunos poemas me generaron un arqueo de ceja porque no concuerdo, pero es su experiencia así que no califico menos por discrepar con él. Con ganas de leer otros de sus poemarios.
ktxx22's review against another edition
3.0
More like a 3.5. A few poems in this collection brought me to tears…. And more than a few were heavy handed on the side of religion which I don’t like but I understood. There’s nothing wrong with this collection but outside of two poems that I’ll look up again the rest are middling at best.
letstalkaboutbooksbaybee's review
3.5
Thanks to libro.fm for the complementary audiobook!
I’ll be honest. I didn’t watch this guy on America’s Got Talent. I had no idea who he was before I got this book for free on a whim because I like poetry.
But I’m glad I did!
This was really really good and hearing the author’s own voice really added to the experience.
I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a quick but impactful read
I’ll be honest. I didn’t watch this guy on America’s Got Talent. I had no idea who he was before I got this book for free on a whim because I like poetry.
But I’m glad I did!
This was really really good and hearing the author’s own voice really added to the experience.
I would definitely recommend this if you’re looking for a quick but impactful read