A review by mthereader
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

challenging dark emotional hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book surprised, delighted, and enraged me at different turns. I was delighted at how much I loved Xiomara's voice, surprised that it took me so long to pick this book up (I was underwhelmed by Acevedo's With the Fire on High, so was hesitant on this one - wrongfully so!) and enraged at the abuse Xiomara's Mami rained down on her in the name of religion.
Xiomara & Mami's resolution saddened me. I don't know if it's a type of strength I don't have, or if X didn't have the type of strength to leave, but I wish X had left home for good. Her relationship with her mother should have been irreparably broken after all the abuse and gaslighting, and finally what she did to X's notebook. I don't understand how that's forgivable, but X did it, and stayed.
I'm so over religion being an avenue and excuse for mental, verbal, and physical abuse, so those aspects of this book gave me some strong feelings. Very well done. Highly recommend listening to this one on audiobook - the author reads it herself, and as she is a National Poetry Slam Champion, her voice gives the poetry more oomph than my inner voice ever could!
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