A review by sweetrosegirl76
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

5.0

It was a quick read. I wish I knew how to write this review, as I’ve never read a poetry book, nor have I read a book that the whole narrative is told through poetry. It is a very unique book. I loved the stories and the poems. I would totally reread this in the future as it inspires me to continue to write my own poetry and to continue to engage in meaningful exploration abut my own identity. I realize that poetry looks different. Like I knew that but it wasn’t until reading this that it sunk in. The poetry I think in is different than the poetry someone else thinks in. Everyone has their own rhythm, their own beat that they think their poems in. I had never thought about that before. Of course that concept makes sense but I really never gave any thought to beats and rhythms that weren’t mine. This book gave me a new appreciation for poetry, I think it’s opened my mind to think more about the poetry of others, their writing and speaking style. I’d like to hear how the author speaks their poems, I’d love to hear their beat, their inflection, their cadence. Where do they inflect? What words do they stress and why? How do they expresses himself? I’m thankful for the reflection this book inspired me to engage in.

I’m inspired to think about my own femininity, my sexuality, my womanhood. I really liked the last poem “How to Come Out as Gay” I thought it was very reassuring. It was encouraging, understanding, and calming.

I enjoyed the story. I wish I could read more of Michael, I want to see how he continues to become himself. His battle with his identity, learning to give himself permission to be free, accepting every part of himself... Great book