A review by shantastic_reads
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I absolutely loved this poetic, emotional, authentic, cutting, angsty, and hopeful work.  In terms of YA books, this has to be at the top of its genre. The main character and narrator Xiomara Batista is 15 years old and confronts many issues common to her age - being misunderstood by her family, feeling tension with her mother, questioning her religious upbringing, and experiencing a major crush on a boy at school.  Instead of this being a basic coming of age story, though, Acevedo writes in poetry and prose, uniquely presenting Xiomara's clear and strong voice and poignant story.  Xio finds her strength and peace in writing poetry in a journal her beloved twin brother gifted her.  Ultimately this becomes an essential outlet of personal expression as well as an act of rebellion that empowers Xio to believe in herself.  It's an altogether moving and beautiful book that I can't recommend enough!  Especially listen to the audiobook, read by Elizabeth Acevedo herself - it's so compellingly told.  I'll be picking up anything she writes from here on out.  I give this book 5 stars and a whole lotta love.
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