A review by twirlsandwhirls
I Shimmer Sometimes, Too by Porsha Olayiwola

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed the poems in this book, from the familiar ones I've seen performed to the new ones that shook me to my core. Porsha's voice is unique and necessary. "God Is Good All the Time" and many others beautifully played with form and line structure. Many of the poems highlight different aspects of the Black experience through the lens of a queer woman. I loved the nuance. Nothing about this book was universal or prescriptive about blackness. It presented a particular, unique perspective, pushing back at the idea that we all go through life the same way or are some type of monolith. The poems are also about so much more than blackness or queerness. Many of them call out racism while highlighting the beauty in the world. I need to reread it, too.