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A review by bookdragon217
How the Boogeyman Became a Poet by Tony Keith Jr.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.75
"How the Boogeyman Became a Poet" by Tony Keith, Jr. is a poignant, memoir in verse that will capture your heart forever. Tony's poetry has sharp edges and cuts you deeply at times but it also scoops you up in a big hug and leads you towards the light of hope. Keith makes you take a long look at the ways that queer Black youth are made to feel unsafe and forced to role play their lives in order to make others comfortable and not want to hurt them.
I loved the format of this novel. It included photos, poems and pages from Keith's notebook. This mixed media form was a perfect way to show how Keith navigated life as an anxious, queer Black boy trying to figure out his own sexual identity and make place for himself in a world that is hostile and violent towards Black people. I loved that the poems gave you a personal glimpse into Keith's thoughts and you are given the opportunity to question what he questions about society.
Reflecting on this one, I am left pondering about:
▪︎the ways that straight performance pervades every aspect of society
▪︎ the ways that queer kids have to hide within themselves and battle their own inner voices of shame because of not having safe spaces to be themselves
▪︎ the ways that poetry can speak what is in the heart and be used to break down systems of oppression
▪︎ the importance of community and acceptance for queer kids
▪︎ the ways that people pleasing create anxieties and heighten fear about showing up authentically and in the fullness of ones identity
▪︎ the ways that self-talk is important when you're learning to take leaps of faith in yourself and get over the imposter syndrome
▪︎ the"coming out" journey as a complex process that is further complicated by racism, homophobia, violence, social stigma & toxic masculinity
▪︎ how HBCU's can foster self esteem and become a safe space for self exploration
▪︎ how language and the arts can create freedom
▪︎ the importance of safe adults to development of self-worth and identity
If you loved The Black Flamingo, When We Make It, The Poet X and All Boys Aren't Blue, then run and go grab this one immediately. There are so many beautiful lines.Thanks to @epicreads for the gifted ARC.
I loved the format of this novel. It included photos, poems and pages from Keith's notebook. This mixed media form was a perfect way to show how Keith navigated life as an anxious, queer Black boy trying to figure out his own sexual identity and make place for himself in a world that is hostile and violent towards Black people. I loved that the poems gave you a personal glimpse into Keith's thoughts and you are given the opportunity to question what he questions about society.
Reflecting on this one, I am left pondering about:
▪︎the ways that straight performance pervades every aspect of society
▪︎ the ways that queer kids have to hide within themselves and battle their own inner voices of shame because of not having safe spaces to be themselves
▪︎ the ways that poetry can speak what is in the heart and be used to break down systems of oppression
▪︎ the importance of community and acceptance for queer kids
▪︎ the ways that people pleasing create anxieties and heighten fear about showing up authentically and in the fullness of ones identity
▪︎ the ways that self-talk is important when you're learning to take leaps of faith in yourself and get over the imposter syndrome
▪︎ the"coming out" journey as a complex process that is further complicated by racism, homophobia, violence, social stigma & toxic masculinity
▪︎ how HBCU's can foster self esteem and become a safe space for self exploration
▪︎ how language and the arts can create freedom
▪︎ the importance of safe adults to development of self-worth and identity
If you loved The Black Flamingo, When We Make It, The Poet X and All Boys Aren't Blue, then run and go grab this one immediately. There are so many beautiful lines.Thanks to @epicreads for the gifted ARC.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Police brutality, and Racism