A review by lalistwa
The Shaping of an "Angry" Black Woman by Tamara Woods

5.0

Did it really take me two years to read this book? Well, yes and no. I often start books and put them aside for another day. Sometimes it's because the book doesn't grab me, or I'm not in the right mood, or I don't have enough time. It doesn't matter. This I picked up and put down many times, read a poem here and there, flipped back and forth out of order, read straight through in the order of the book, etc. That's how I do poetry. I take my time, I turn it over and examine it a few times, I think about it.
Tamara's collection of poetry is fantastic. It is real, it is sometimes raw, and it is honest. She takes the reader on a journey through life and love that cycles between all of the highs and lows any of us experiences in life. I think what I love most about this collection is the perfect juxtaposition of hard and abrasive "street" type language with absolutely exquisite and delicate jewels - just like real life. This is stunning use of language, period.
This set of poems will touch your heart and soul in so many ways.If you read this - really read this - and savor it as poetry is meant to be, you will come away from it having experienced something truly wonderful.