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sabrinagreene's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
theythemsam's review
4.75
Clint really loves his wife and kids and I love that for him 😭 I literally chuckled out loud to some of his poems and I love the way he curated them in a way that flowed so perfectly. I loved the poem nomenclature a lot. Here are some of the quotes I liked and noted down before realizing I love all of his words: “The river that gives us water to drink is the same one that might wash us away”; “You do not go to a garden to watch the flowers grow, you go to give thanks to what’s already bloom”; “Maybe treasure is anything that reminds you what a miracle it is to be alive”
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I read this emotional roller coaster of a book in one sitting. Every single poem in this collection is powerful. I was actually summarizing each one in my first draft of this review, but it's best if you discover them for yourself. While most of the poems are about parenthood and being a father, others make powerful social criticisms; it was the latter that made me feel the strongest emotions.
This book is a powerful reminder of why I love poetry: It can portray the mundane in lyrical terms. It can also use precise words to shed light to social injustices. It can even visually represent coastal erosion in Louisiana!
I have been meaning to read [b:How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America|56304760|How the Word Is Passed A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America|Clint Smith|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618281967l/56304760._SY75_.jpg|86766325], but reading this book definitely bumped Smith's other books into a higher position in my TBR.
This book is a powerful reminder of why I love poetry: It can portray the mundane in lyrical terms. It can also use precise words to shed light to social injustices. It can even visually represent coastal erosion in Louisiana!
I have been meaning to read [b:How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America|56304760|How the Word Is Passed A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America|Clint Smith|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618281967l/56304760._SY75_.jpg|86766325], but reading this book definitely bumped Smith's other books into a higher position in my TBR.
blakeandbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
In February, I read How the Word Is Passed, and I knew that Smith would be an author I would continue to follow and read his work. So many people I follow, including @satrayreads + @bookish.millennial + @current_tales.and.furry_tails, have praised this collection of poetry, and I was looking forward to reading it. Little did I know that it would make me so incredibly emotional. 😭💚💙 As someone who is a mother of a little one, I was blown away by Smith’s exploration of fatherhood. There is so much beauty in simply being present to see the world through your child’s eyes. They’re seeing and learning everything for the first time, and we get to be a part of this learning journey with them. I just felt so seen as a parent—moments that others don’t understand or having a partner that is wonderful and loyal and helpful.
He also takes time to discuss race + social justice issues. Smith is so articulate in his craft that it is difficult not to feel drawn to his words. I highly recommend this poetry to everyone. Even if you feel wary about reading poetry because it feels out of your scope of understanding, these poems are easily accessible and understandable.
Some of the poems that I stuck out to me were:
💚 Waiting on a Heartbeat
💙 Trying to Light a Candle in the Wind
💚 Nociception
💙 Roots
💚 Prehistoric Questions
💙 Ode to Those First Fifteen Minutes After the Kids Are Finally Asleep
💚 Look at That Pond
He also takes time to discuss race + social justice issues. Smith is so articulate in his craft that it is difficult not to feel drawn to his words. I highly recommend this poetry to everyone. Even if you feel wary about reading poetry because it feels out of your scope of understanding, these poems are easily accessible and understandable.
Some of the poems that I stuck out to me were:
💚 Waiting on a Heartbeat
💙 Trying to Light a Candle in the Wind
💚 Nociception
💙 Roots
💚 Prehistoric Questions
💙 Ode to Those First Fifteen Minutes After the Kids Are Finally Asleep
💚 Look at That Pond
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Gun violence, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Pregnancy, Dementia, and Slavery