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The Poet X
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A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. Debut novel of renowned slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara ...more
Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighborhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking.
But Xiomara ...more
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Jovon
I would suggest trying the audio version as well. There is definitely a story to follow and its one that many can relate to.
RachaelSage
Although the main character, Xiomara, is not, another primary character is.
Community Reviews
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#ThePoetX was so beautiful that I didn’t want to highlight it or dog ear pages, so I just took pictures basically every page
This was the type of book where “I’ll just do 50 pages” turned into finishing it in 2 reads
I felt very emotional reading this book, not just because the story and the words themselves were so beautiful, but because I knew it was going to make so many teens who felt like no one cares about them or listens to them feel seen.
I also knew that if I had had books like this or Lo ...more
This was the type of book where “I’ll just do 50 pages” turned into finishing it in 2 reads
I felt very emotional reading this book, not just because the story and the words themselves were so beautiful, but because I knew it was going to make so many teens who felt like no one cares about them or listens to them feel seen.
I also knew that if I had had books like this or Lo ...more
“And I think about all the things we could be if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.”
4½ stars. Wow, this was so good.
I recently read Acevedo's With the Fire on High and I found it to be sweet and enjoyable, but I felt like a little something was held back. Like the book played it too safe and didn't really excite me. It was feel-good, and that's just fine, but if I'm being honest I'm a bit of a drama llama. 🦙
This book, though. This book is heart-wrenching and powerful. Ac ...more
This was a surprising read for me!! I do not read poetry, nor do I typically like it, therefore I have avoided reading books in verse for years. I decided to pick up the audiobook from my library just because it was so short, but I’m so pleased I gave it a chance. This is a story absolutely everyone should experience.
CW: sexism/misogyny, homophobia, slut-shaming, abuse, sexual assault/harassment
I would HIGHLY recommend the audio version of this novel. I don’t have an experience with the physical ...more
CW: sexism/misogyny, homophobia, slut-shaming, abuse, sexual assault/harassment
I would HIGHLY recommend the audio version of this novel. I don’t have an experience with the physical ...more
![destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1614916030p2/15335689.jpg)
Feb 04, 2018
destiny ♡⚔♡ [howling libraries]
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
tough-topics,
diverse-reads,
owned-ebooks,
poetry,
review-copies,
contemporary,
lgbtqiap
“Burn it! Burn it. This is where the poems are,” I say, thumping a fist against my chest. “Will you burn me? Will you burn me, too?”
I’ve always been fond of stories told through verse, and I love Elizabeth’s poetry, so when I learned that she was writing her first YA novel, I knew I had to get my hands on it. I never once doubted that I would love it, but I didn’t know it could mean so much to me. I didn’t have a clue that I was in for such a raw, honest ride about how religion impacts child ...more
4.25/5 ⭐
I was honestly ready for some truth to be spoken in my face and this is exactly what happened. Thank you.
I was somehow pleasantly surprised by how this book turned out to be. I mean, I didn't really know what to expect from it, I just went for it to have a moment of "Amen, sister!". And I did have several.
I liked the fact that the poet presented the Dominican culture as it is, seen through the eyes of a girl who was not appalled by her culture, but she still wanted to experience it in a ...more
I was honestly ready for some truth to be spoken in my face and this is exactly what happened. Thank you.
I was somehow pleasantly surprised by how this book turned out to be. I mean, I didn't really know what to expect from it, I just went for it to have a moment of "Amen, sister!". And I did have several.
I liked the fact that the poet presented the Dominican culture as it is, seen through the eyes of a girl who was not appalled by her culture, but she still wanted to experience it in a ...more
Poetry usually isn't my jam but this book was part of my "Goodreads Reading Challenge for 2018" so here we are...
I ended up really connecting with the main character, her story, her relationship with her family, her struggles with religion and the abuse she went through.
There was a lot of Spanish in the book but everything was translated right after so don't worry.
(view spoiler) ...more
I ended up really connecting with the main character, her story, her relationship with her family, her struggles with religion and the abuse she went through.
There was a lot of Spanish in the book but everything was translated right after so don't worry.
(view spoiler) ...more
✨How do you describe something PERFECT?
The verse. The story. The characterization. The biographical narration.
It's so damn powerful and unforgettable.
It's about being born as a woman, not being appreciated, not being taken seriously and being taken as 'just a girl'; being forced upon the so called societal norms by the so called adults, what to believe and what to follow, leaving no place for individuality; making 'her' feel like a second choice; being treated differently from the other when bor ...more
The verse. The story. The characterization. The biographical narration.
It's so damn powerful and unforgettable.
It's about being born as a woman, not being appreciated, not being taken seriously and being taken as 'just a girl'; being forced upon the so called societal norms by the so called adults, what to believe and what to follow, leaving no place for individuality; making 'her' feel like a second choice; being treated differently from the other when bor ...more
This was INCREDIBLE. I very rarely enjoy poetry but I listened to the audiobook of this one and it absolutely blew me away. I can't wait to buy my own physical copy so I can tab up all my favorite parts. SO. DAMN. GOOD.
...more
Jan 28, 2020
NReads
marked it as to-read
it's time to be a man of culture with some poetry
...more
Contemporary YA and poetry are usually a miss for me, so I am pleasantly surprised at the near-perfection of this coming-of-age story. The verse formats feel purposeful instead of gimmicky and the writing is so good without compensating with flowery language. It's simple yet effective and does a wonderful job at portraying the complexities of a teenager finding her voice within a culture that often suppresses young women. Even though our upbringings are not the same, I greatly enjoyed reading ab
...more
Jun 22, 2020
Melissa ~ Bantering Books (On Reviewing Hiatus)
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
on-my-kindle
Be sure to visit Bantering Books to read all my latest reviews.
4.5 stars
I never knew I liked poetry.
I’ve never been drawn to it. I have only ever read it in school, where it often left me bewildered. I would stretch my brain to search for the meaning behind the words of Dickinson, Whitman, and Frost. It was such a struggle. And not a very enjoyable one, at that. I would silently hope that the teacher would not call on me, knowing that I didn’t have many, or any, thoughts to contribute to the cla ...more
4.5 stars
I never knew I liked poetry.
I’ve never been drawn to it. I have only ever read it in school, where it often left me bewildered. I would stretch my brain to search for the meaning behind the words of Dickinson, Whitman, and Frost. It was such a struggle. And not a very enjoyable one, at that. I would silently hope that the teacher would not call on me, knowing that I didn’t have many, or any, thoughts to contribute to the cla ...more
Elizabeth Acevedo, you are a goddess.
This poetry collection, told in a novel-like fashion, was what my soul needed. It was abundant and healing.
It’s about faith, family, love, forging yourself through obstacles, and pain and naysayers and finding your true voice.
It’s about coming out on top, because, ultimately, you matter. Your being matters.
This poetry collection, told in a novel-like fashion, was what my soul needed. It was abundant and healing.
It’s about faith, family, love, forging yourself through obstacles, and pain and naysayers and finding your true voice.
It’s about coming out on top, because, ultimately, you matter. Your being matters.
I read this for a second time and caught all sorts of details I missed the first time. The phrase "required reading" conjures up images of old dead dudes. But the Poet X is what required reading SHOULD be: elegant, important and gripping--a story that stays with you. Whether you are a fan of YA or not, you should pick this one up.
...more
“Burn it! Burn it. This is where the poems are,” I say, thumping a fist against my chest. “Will you burn me? Will you burn me, too?”
Xiomara Batista is a young girl from Harlem who feels like her voice doesn't matter. In the form of poetry, she puts all she cannot say into a beloved notebook.
When she finally accepts the invitation to her schools poetry club — Xiomara knows it won't be long before her mami finds out she isn't at church, where's she's supposed to be, but decides to take the ri ...more
Xiomara Batista is a young girl from Harlem who feels like her voice doesn't matter. In the form of poetry, she puts all she cannot say into a beloved notebook.
When she finally accepts the invitation to her schools poetry club — Xiomara knows it won't be long before her mami finds out she isn't at church, where's she's supposed to be, but decides to take the ri ...more
A story that will slam the power of poetry and love back into your heart!! Highly recommended!
Reread Oct 2020 - this outstanding book is even better now than it was the first time I read it. Mark my words - this is destined to be a classic.
Reread Oct 2020 - this outstanding book is even better now than it was the first time I read it. Mark my words - this is destined to be a classic.
I would like to apologize.
It turns out - bleh - I was wrong.
I was not previously aware this was something that could happen, but apparently once every 23 years or so it occurs.
I always assumed I would not like Elizabeth Acevedo, because I do not, in my own mind, like poetry. And that's kind of her whole thing.
I felt reassured in my correct jump to conclusion when I read With the Fire on High, my first foray into her world of angsty artsy teens, and didn't really enjoy it. I thought, WHY NOT END ...more
It turns out - bleh - I was wrong.
I was not previously aware this was something that could happen, but apparently once every 23 years or so it occurs.
I always assumed I would not like Elizabeth Acevedo, because I do not, in my own mind, like poetry. And that's kind of her whole thing.
I felt reassured in my correct jump to conclusion when I read With the Fire on High, my first foray into her world of angsty artsy teens, and didn't really enjoy it. I thought, WHY NOT END ...more
FEBRUARY 2020: This is my third time reading this book. I am still left speechless. I still laughed. I still cried. My heart is full. This story is sizzling with life. Elizabeth Acevedo's verses are pure magic that go directly to my heart. If you haven't already, GO READ THIS BOOK!
APRIL 2019: Okay, I'll admit it. I cried whilst listening to the audiobook. Almost for an hour straight. In public. And I read this story twice. On the same day. Yeah, a couple hours after finishing the audiobook I de ...more
APRIL 2019: Okay, I'll admit it. I cried whilst listening to the audiobook. Almost for an hour straight. In public. And I read this story twice. On the same day. Yeah, a couple hours after finishing the audiobook I de ...more
4.5 stars
I read this from the library because I was unsure if a book in verse would be worth paying full price for, but after finishing it, my answer is yes. It is definitely worth the money to get a copy of my own. I loved multiple subjects this book tackled, mainly being the daughter of a religious mother and wanting to stray from that but experiencing guilt and anxiety over it. Plenty of other important topics were addressed, and it was all within a format that was as poetic as the main chara ...more
I read this from the library because I was unsure if a book in verse would be worth paying full price for, but after finishing it, my answer is yes. It is definitely worth the money to get a copy of my own. I loved multiple subjects this book tackled, mainly being the daughter of a religious mother and wanting to stray from that but experiencing guilt and anxiety over it. Plenty of other important topics were addressed, and it was all within a format that was as poetic as the main chara ...more
“the ultimate actress because i’m always pretending, pretending i’m blind, pretending i’m fine; i should win an oscar i do it so well.”
what an EXPERIENCE! going into this, i was really unsure of what to expect. i have never read a book in verse before and chose to go with the audiobook because i have read a book narrated by elizabeth acevedo before and her narration was, yet again, absolutely fantastic. listening to her reading her own words out loud made me feel so incredibly emotional in a w ...more
what an EXPERIENCE! going into this, i was really unsure of what to expect. i have never read a book in verse before and chose to go with the audiobook because i have read a book narrated by elizabeth acevedo before and her narration was, yet again, absolutely fantastic. listening to her reading her own words out loud made me feel so incredibly emotional in a w ...more
🙎🏽♀️📓🖊 "Xiomara may be remembered as a lot of things: a student, a miracle, a protective sister, a misunderstood daughter, but most importantly, she should be remembered as always working to become the warrior she wanted to be." ❤️📝🎤
I loved how honest, raw & beautiful this book was. Elizabeth Acevedo gave voice to so many youth through Xiomara. I was her in my youth and this book took me back to those teen years growing up in NY with strict Hispanic parents. How I wish I had a book like this ...more
I loved how honest, raw & beautiful this book was. Elizabeth Acevedo gave voice to so many youth through Xiomara. I was her in my youth and this book took me back to those teen years growing up in NY with strict Hispanic parents. How I wish I had a book like this ...more
🚨 Unpopular opinion alert! 🚨
The Poet X explores several important topics with a feather-touch: body shaming (Word!), the anti-feminist foundations of organized religion (Yas, girl! Preach!), and the grueling lack of autonomy most people suffer in high school when adulthood is longed for but just out of reach (Omg, same!). Unfortunately, Xiomara's story is peripheral, hasty, and occasionally lacks a sense of synchronicity between its chapters.
In the opening pages, fifteen-year-old Xiomara lamen ...more
The Poet X explores several important topics with a feather-touch: body shaming (Word!), the anti-feminist foundations of organized religion (Yas, girl! Preach!), and the grueling lack of autonomy most people suffer in high school when adulthood is longed for but just out of reach (Omg, same!). Unfortunately, Xiomara's story is peripheral, hasty, and occasionally lacks a sense of synchronicity between its chapters.
In the opening pages, fifteen-year-old Xiomara lamen ...more
After reading With the Fire on High and finding it thoroughly underwhelming I started to doubt my memory of how good The Poet X actually was. But no, The Poet X is outstanding and miles ahead of Acevedo's sophomore work. For such a short book, it is infinitely rich in emotion and passion. You MUST listen to it read by the author.
This time I want to give it 5 stars, but again I can't get over how positive and unrealistically forgiving the ending is.
Well, ok. 4.5 stars it is...
___________
Printz M ...more
This time I want to give it 5 stars, but again I can't get over how positive and unrealistically forgiving the ending is.
Well, ok. 4.5 stars it is...
___________
Printz M ...more
I knew I'd love this one!! I just needed !! to hurry up !! and read it. (Wow I am just so behind on so many releases.) This was so heartfelt and emotional, I just truly felt my soul flooded with feelings, hopeful ones and hurt ones. It's the kind of book that can brilliantly draw you in and paint you a whole world of feelings with just a few lines. The author is a master with words and these skills...I just. It's such a good book.
I didn't realise this was going to be an exploration of religion ( ...more
I didn't realise this was going to be an exploration of religion ( ...more
5 stars!!
Poet X is lyrical, deep, and meaningful. I loved the way this book was written. It had a fantastic flow, the poetry was poignant, and Xiomara's voice and character really shined through.
This is a story about a teenage girl who lives in Harlem. She lives with her twin brother, her father, and an overly religious mother. Xiomara isn't allowed to have a voice in that house. Her mother wants her to be close to a god she's not sure she believes in and feels that should be the focus of her l ...more
Poet X is lyrical, deep, and meaningful. I loved the way this book was written. It had a fantastic flow, the poetry was poignant, and Xiomara's voice and character really shined through.
This is a story about a teenage girl who lives in Harlem. She lives with her twin brother, her father, and an overly religious mother. Xiomara isn't allowed to have a voice in that house. Her mother wants her to be close to a god she's not sure she believes in and feels that should be the focus of her l ...more
4 Stars
15-year old Xiomara lives in a world where her mother controls her life at home and society tries to limit her elsewhere. But Xiomara will not be silenced. She discovers the world of slam poetry and finds her voice.
The whole story is written in verse, and I found the audiobook particularly powerful, as Xiomara uses her poetry to articulate and fight against the daily injustice in ...more
“And I think about all the things we could be if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.”
15-year old Xiomara lives in a world where her mother controls her life at home and society tries to limit her elsewhere. But Xiomara will not be silenced. She discovers the world of slam poetry and finds her voice.
The whole story is written in verse, and I found the audiobook particularly powerful, as Xiomara uses her poetry to articulate and fight against the daily injustice in ...more
I admit I fell victim to the hype. YA and poetry is not usually my thing but I wanted to step outside my comfort zone. Given that this was so short, I thought it was worth a shot given all the 4 & 5 star reviews.
X, the main character, finds escape from her strict (some would say abusive) household through her poetry. I loved that a teenager can find solace and comfort in something so creative. She has a mother who is a turbo Catholic in all the worst ways. X is full of doubts and questions, as ...more
X, the main character, finds escape from her strict (some would say abusive) household through her poetry. I loved that a teenager can find solace and comfort in something so creative. She has a mother who is a turbo Catholic in all the worst ways. X is full of doubts and questions, as ...more
“Burn it! Burn it. This is where the poems are,” I say, thumping a fist against my chest. “Will you burn me? Will you burn me, too?”
― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
🌟3/5🌟
This was really powerful and moving, however I just couldn't connect with Xiomara and was at times, frustrated with her.
...more
― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
🌟3/5🌟
This was really powerful and moving, however I just couldn't connect with Xiomara and was at times, frustrated with her.
...more
Jul 28, 2019
April (Aprilius Maximus)
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2019
4.5 stars
Apr 24, 2018
may ➹
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
diverse,
read-2018,
library,
pov-female,
important-messages,
young-adult,
rep-bipoc,
4-star,
pov-1st,
contemporary
wow this book COMPLETELY blew me away
I’m a huge fan of poetry (whether it be slam or otherwise), and I had a feeling this would be a great book. I wasn’t expecting an emotion-packed, gut-wrenching, hard-hitting story like this. I think this is such an IMPORTANT book today; it’s from the perspective of a Dominican fat teen, it shows just how powerful words are whether they break or heal you, and it discusses all different types of relationships and learning to climb back up when everything (or ev ...more
I’m a huge fan of poetry (whether it be slam or otherwise), and I had a feeling this would be a great book. I wasn’t expecting an emotion-packed, gut-wrenching, hard-hitting story like this. I think this is such an IMPORTANT book today; it’s from the perspective of a Dominican fat teen, it shows just how powerful words are whether they break or heal you, and it discusses all different types of relationships and learning to climb back up when everything (or ev ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Grade Madn...: The Poet X - 1st March 2021 | 45 | 27 | Mar 20, 2021 06:40AM | |
| Rated YA-MA: **roll call/ spoiler-free** The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (January 2021) | 6 | 9 | Feb 28, 2021 03:14PM | |
| Rated YA-MA: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo **full discussion/ mark spoilers** (January 2021) | 29 | 18 | Feb 28, 2021 03:13PM | |
| Play Book Tag: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevado - 4 Stars | 4 | 16 | Feb 19, 2021 05:15PM | |
| Rated YA-MA: winner BOTM January ~ Poext X by Elizabeth Acevedo | 20 | 36 | Dec 29, 2020 09:05AM |
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ELIZABETH ACEVEDO is a New York Times bestselling author of The Poet X, With the Fire on High, and Clap When You Land. Her critically-acclaimed debut novel, The Poet X, won the 2018 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. She is also the recipient of the Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Fiction, the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and the Boston Globe-Hornbook Award. Additionally, she w
...more
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Ever wonder what bestselling authors like Sarah J. Maas, Neil Gaiman, Paulo Coelho, or Tayari Jones were thinking as they were writing?...
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“And I think about all the things we could be
if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.”
—
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if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.”
“The world is almost peaceful when you stop trying to understand it.”
—
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