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rosemwood's review
4.0
This is a quick nonfiction book with varied themes and different styles of writing. It definitely leaves an impact on the reader/listener about climate change and how it impacts Guam. The only thing I have a complaint with is when you listen to this book the writings blend into each other and I was not sure when it changed to another theme right away. I recommend reading it instead of listening to it.
kays_reading_journal's review against another edition
5.0
An absolutely beautiful collection of essays and poetry, that even those who don’t love lyrical writing can enjoy.
So many great lessons about activism, life, community, and grief in such a short book.
So many great lessons about activism, life, community, and grief in such a short book.
maryrosa's review against another edition
4.75
What I wish for you is that, whatever work you do, be, as they say, your love made visible. That, and for your inner life, a good coat, because it can get very cold
Bought for mom, mother's day 24
jgverrero's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
tigerlillymelody's review
4.0
A critical and delightful book. COP27 starts today, and in a year in which they claim they are focusing on climate reparations for the global south from wealthier nations this book excellently highlights the ways in which “developed” nations profit economically and militarily from the exploitation of other countries, especially those with less economic resources and global political power. Guam is often overlooked and forgotten by Americans and I hope Aguon’s personal and political, urgent and joyous lyric essays reach a wide audience and gives Guam more space in the American and global consciousness. Also Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 4ever ❤️❤️❤️
clovelatte's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
jamjunrb's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Aguon’s writings are so potently honest and presented with such clarity that they refuse the complications of vernacular while still conveying the complexities of the presented subjects. This Lyric essay is breathtaking and invigorating, particularly as a writer of color. Aguon denies doom and instead looks at unjust destruction, death, and decay as the background to the more important project of gentle, quiet hope and resilience. It is a fortitudinous act and invocation of radical witnesses to not turn away and speak the unspeakable to push forward. This powerful read delivers a concise and emotionally compelling message in an accessible and optimistic tone that is well worth meditation. Potentially one of my favorite and most resonant reads this year!
the_readingraven's review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
“…the first step to growing a global heart is letting it break into hundreds of pieces.”
This is a short read but it packs a punch! Aguon's "No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies" is a collection of essays and poems about colonization, environmental justice, and Indigenous rights from a Pacific Islander perspective. Everything said in this book is very important and something I think all people need to be more aware of. I learned a lot about Guam and the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia areas. Specifically how the US can't seem to keep their hands out of other people's business, ugh. I appreciate how Aguon calls out colonization, even mentioning the then dynamics in Palestine! This was published in 2022 might I add! I also love how Aguon gives his flowers to all of the amazing activists and authors who came before him. I heard many names I am familiar with and wrote down a few people I am interested in learning more from.
My only issue is that I don't feel like this is a "lyrical essay". I was expecting more long poems and prose but it's more like essays with a few short poems mixed in. It's still a great collection, just not what I pictured. I would still recommend it!
This is a short read but it packs a punch! Aguon's "No Country for Eight-Spot Butterflies" is a collection of essays and poems about colonization, environmental justice, and Indigenous rights from a Pacific Islander perspective. Everything said in this book is very important and something I think all people need to be more aware of. I learned a lot about Guam and the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia areas. Specifically how the US can't seem to keep their hands out of other people's business, ugh. I appreciate how Aguon calls out colonization, even mentioning the then dynamics in Palestine! This was published in 2022 might I add! I also love how Aguon gives his flowers to all of the amazing activists and authors who came before him. I heard many names I am familiar with and wrote down a few people I am interested in learning more from.
My only issue is that I don't feel like this is a "lyrical essay". I was expecting more long poems and prose but it's more like essays with a few short poems mixed in. It's still a great collection, just not what I pictured. I would still recommend it!