Reviews

I Shimmer Sometimes, Too by Porsha Olayiwola

jeleigh16's review against another edition

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5.0

Simultaneously a meditation and a punch to the gut, Olayiwola’s words don’t let you look away. Not even for a moment. 

almirareads's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

I’ll always love a black dyke’s poetry, however, this felt very trauma heavy, which just isn’t my thing. 

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brnreads's review against another edition

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4.0

Black spells spoke to me and will stick with me

buttermellow's review against another edition

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informative sad slow-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

megobrien81's review against another edition

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5.0

This is my third or fourth read of Porsha’s book and I get something new each and every time. One of my favorite poets, highly recommend.

torpot2255's review against another edition

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5.0

God damn

ari__s's review against another edition

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5.0

It's a beautiful thing, when a collection of poetry swings you from early life to present day and you can feel the reverberations of every life stage and critical development resonating throughout. This reads with a rhythm that runs the full gambit of emotional notes. The structure of the poems alone remind you to slow down and digest the collection with intention – Notice the space between words, how they're juxtaposed, and where a word is missing – none of it is by mistake. Olayiwola uses prose and position to build a world, a life, and a social commentary around her readers, and you can't make it through without feeling the weight settle along your shoulders. This absolutely glitters.

carpenoctumpoetry's review against another edition

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5.0

I'm so happy that I got to wrap up the year with this fantastic collection. Olayiwola demonstrates such a masterful play with form and sound, and her imagery is always incredible. This is one of my favorites!

s_dima's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Olayiwola is such a lovely person (got to see her read live a couple years ago) and speaks openly about all the intersectionality of being a queer black woman. My favorite poem in this book was "Unamed"

michaelion's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.25

Very nice, very lovely. I didn't know what to say about the book as a while but then I saw my friend's name in the acknowledgements, so that's pretty cool!

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