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A review by lennie_reads
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
'and isn't that what a poem is? A lantern glowing in the dark.'
This book is so powerful and heartbreaking.
It kind of feels like Pride's refection; set in New York, Black Latinx MC, Latinx community & poetry but where Pride is full of loving families and a celebration of religion & culture, this book displays all the constraints that family, religion and culture can force on people, especially women and the LGBTQIA Community.
Honestly this book just made me so mad on X's behalf, and I know that's the point but my god! I just wanted to shield her from at least some of the awfulness. Even Twin could've done so much more. And yes, we're all going through our own things and yes they're only teens (I'm not saying I was a perfect sibling because I wasn't and I'm still not - you've gotta keep trying all the time) but surely the kids would form a more united front against their mother's rules?? Idk.
I loved the book and the ending but it just left me so frustrated and sad and angry at the injustice and unfairness, that's the only reason I haven't given it 5 stars.
Can someone give Xiomara a f*cking hug already?! 😭
This book is so powerful and heartbreaking.
It kind of feels like Pride's refection; set in New York, Black Latinx MC, Latinx community & poetry but where Pride is full of loving families and a celebration of religion & culture, this book displays all the constraints that family, religion and culture can force on people, especially women and the LGBTQIA Community.
Honestly this book just made me so mad on X's behalf, and I know that's the point but my god! I just wanted to shield her from at least some of the awfulness. Even Twin could've done so much more. And yes, we're all going through our own things and yes they're only teens (I'm not saying I was a perfect sibling because I wasn't and I'm still not - you've gotta keep trying all the time) but surely the kids would form a more united front against their mother's rules?? Idk.
I loved the book and the ending but it just left me so frustrated and sad and angry at the injustice and unfairness, that's the only reason I haven't given it 5 stars.
Can someone give Xiomara a f*cking hug already?! 😭
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexism, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Drug use, Homophobia, Infidelity, Infertility, Sexual assault, and Body shaming