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nataliedc's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
A powerful collection of poetry and prose that discusses the author's traumatic experiences with the American immigration system. Part poetry collection and part memoir, this book uses gorgeous language and unique structures to craft a harrowing story of perseverance. I loved each and every piece so much and the common theme of liberation for all oppressed peoples still proves deeply relevant today. Could not recommend this book more - Marwa Helal has quickly become a new favorite poet of mine <3
nicoleisalwaysreading's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
razor-sharp and rich. cuts away at the injustices constantly faced by immigrants and feels like a heart laid bare
hekate24's review against another edition
4.0
Read Harder 2019: A collection of poetry published since 2014
While googling the author I came across milquetoast- albeit positive- reviews calling this book of poetry things like "politically-charged." Somehow that seems even more weaselly than saying "racially-charged." 'Racially' at least has 'race' at the root-word. 'Politically-charged' reminds me of people who go "oh, you know, I'm not really political" despite having a history of voting for people who actively harm others.
To describe this work, I'd say it's full of justifiable rage. It's a searing portrayal of the way American bureaucracy dehumanizes people individually and systematically. It's about how racism and xenophobia are behaviors that can be incredibly personal and depersonalized. There's a lot of love here, too; love for her family, for America and Egypt, for nature and for people and how you can't separate them from one another.
As I write this review and mentally quibble over how many stars to give it, there are children being held in concentration camps at the border. America has a stain on its soul and this book dares to name it. This book isn't "politically-charged." The world is politically-charged (makes me think of electrical currents) and this book holds up a mirror to that.
While googling the author I came across milquetoast- albeit positive- reviews calling this book of poetry things like "politically-charged." Somehow that seems even more weaselly than saying "racially-charged." 'Racially' at least has 'race' at the root-word. 'Politically-charged' reminds me of people who go "oh, you know, I'm not really political" despite having a history of voting for people who actively harm others.
To describe this work, I'd say it's full of justifiable rage. It's a searing portrayal of the way American bureaucracy dehumanizes people individually and systematically. It's about how racism and xenophobia are behaviors that can be incredibly personal and depersonalized. There's a lot of love here, too; love for her family, for America and Egypt, for nature and for people and how you can't separate them from one another.
As I write this review and mentally quibble over how many stars to give it, there are children being held in concentration camps at the border. America has a stain on its soul and this book dares to name it. This book isn't "politically-charged." The world is politically-charged (makes me think of electrical currents) and this book holds up a mirror to that.
lifesaverscandyofficial's review against another edition
got very emotional over a poem about DJ Khaled .... who knew :(
emviolet's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25
I really enjoyed this collection. It’s such an interesting use of various sectors but I especially like the use of the biological “invasive species” in comparison with how immigrants to the US are viewed as an “invasive species”. I thought that was very powerful and so well done.