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serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This was a delightful poetry collection exploring race, migration, and womanhood, with a strong focus on the realities of living in a larger body. I loved the unapologetic tone, and while Nichol’s didn’t downplay the negatives experienced by fat women, it was clear that her fat black woman loved her body and revelled in her sexuality. She was also intelligent and savvy; the antithesis of all the negative stereotypes she had to contend with. Many of the poems had a matter of fact tone. This was not flowery poetry but there was plenty of playful language, lovely alliteration, and some clever, memorable imagery. The sights and sounds of the Caribbean infused many of these poems, particularly in the third section, and they all rolled rhythmically off my tongue. This collection was vibrant, brimming with energy, and a fun and pleasurable read, but its themes and messages did not suffer or get lost in any way.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Body shaming, and Racism
vicky_booksandpoppies's review against another edition
4.0
After having to read this collection of poems for one of my university classes, I can honestly say that I am glad it is on the curriculum.
If it wasn’t, perhaps theses poems would have never found their way to me.
During these times, we need more books/poems with the same vibe.
There was one or two poems that I didn’t like, but besides reading it as a whole, I recommend skipping to my favourites : “The Fat Black Woman’s Motto on Her Bedroom Door”, “The Fat Black Woman’s Instructions to a Suitor”, “Afterword”, “Spring”, “Childhood”, and “Candlefly”.
If it wasn’t, perhaps theses poems would have never found their way to me.
During these times, we need more books/poems with the same vibe.
There was one or two poems that I didn’t like, but besides reading it as a whole, I recommend skipping to my favourites : “The Fat Black Woman’s Motto on Her Bedroom Door”, “The Fat Black Woman’s Instructions to a Suitor”, “Afterword”, “Spring”, “Childhood”, and “Candlefly”.
alic59books's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
booksjessreads's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
3.5
I thought this was a good collection of poetry which highlighted the experience of black women and perceptions of their bodies in a white society. I thought some of the poems were seamless and beautifully written, but I think others in this collection just weren't my cup of tea, but I can see why they are loved by others.
Overall I would recommend this still as it is a great collection of poetry.
Overall I would recommend this still as it is a great collection of poetry.
bookishgoblin's review against another edition
4.0
This was amazing. Everything about this anthology is deeply personal, and immensely relateable. All women, especially woman of colour, should read this book. It evokes such powerful imagery of Caribbean culture and of the general, often overlooked struggles of a black woman in western society. Just incredible.
chloe44's review against another edition
3.0
have to read all the poetry in my work book for school.
emcatbee's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Some beautiful poems about bodies in here, but some not my taste!
jade_courtney's review against another edition
3.0
I'm not an avid poetry reader and so have much to go back through :/.
lostcupofstars's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe a less popular opinion but I found the first section of this the most interesting. After that I just seemed to be reading descriptions of West Indian foods separated into new lines in the middle of sentences and it didn’t interest me.
Fairly whelmed by this.
Fairly whelmed by this.