"When you open my ear, touch it gently.
My mother's voice lingers somewhere inside."
This was among my favorite books of 2022, and it has stayed with me since I read it. Mosab Abu Toha's depictions of a life in siege are haunting, as are the small wonders he finds among the rubble. As a record of human experience, this collection is both vivid and essential.
This poetry collection is simultaneously a grieving for and a celebration of the world around us. We are grieving for the destruction humans have caused but also celebrating the beauty of life that still manages to thrive despite our interference. I love that this collection urged me to more closely observe the world around me and the ways in which everything is connected on some level.
This new translation by poet and vocalist Haleh Liza Gafori effuses a glorious golden light. Get this for someone you love.
This book was recommended to me by a friend and now I wish to recommend it to all of you, friends! Shire's words are monumental, compelling, heartbreaking, and simply incredible. You may need a moment to stare at a wall, in silence, after finishing this. Read this then give it to a friend to read as well.
This has to be my most anticipated poetry title of the year. Safia Elhillo writes with such disarming vulnerability. I loved every page of this collection and devoured it in nearly one sitting.
Is life too much? Too little? Do you feel numb? Do you wish for new words to pound through your chest, to fall into some unknown? Downum's poetry creates a new reality visceral and bloody with all the stillness of a clear lake (and enjambment that will make you appreciate the weight of the line like never before.) Reading this book is something like wiggling your hand between your ribs to briefly squeeze your own heart, then release, slow and strong. An enrapturing reading experience!
Ewing’s poetry is truly a gift. Real is blended with the surreal as we journey through an intensely personal afro-futuristic world. This book is a shared act of healing and gives readers a glimpse into the power of Black imagination.
“Flora” doesn't quite cover it: within these pages Kimiko Hahn will introduce you to rare life forms across all kingdoms as well as solar phenomena. Hahn's lyrical scientific observations about these dangerous and holy organisms frame her greater themes of relationships and identity. She ties broad concepts of extinction and survival together with intimate anecdotes about family and self-discovery. The collection as a whole is an elegant and intellectual species soup that nourishes the reader.
I read this in one sitting - they had to kick me out of the coffee shop. Despite the fact that this was written as Vuong was dealing with the loss of his mother, I saw so much joy and lightness in this collection. I can see he's enjoying himself; I can see he's dealing with himself. If you like his other work, you won't be disappointed in spending this time with him.
Written as a novel in verse, our main character brings Selena back from the dead to fill the hole in her life that isn't being filled by romance. Beautiful hybrid of poetry and prose brimming with personality that will actually make you laugh out loud and tear you up. Will definitely be one I'll read over and over again!
