There's a Revolution Outside, My Love: Letters from a Crisis

by Tracy K. Smith (Editor), John Freeman (Editor)

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the Covid-19 pandemic, the soaring and essential pieces presented in There's a Revolution Outside, My Love give voice to the cleavages that have shaken and uprooted American lives in an era of unthinkable grief.

We are living through an unprecedented, revolutionary era. Across the country, people are losing their loved ones, their livelihoods, their homes, and even their own lives to COVID-19. Despite the pandemic, countless protests erupted this summer over the recurring loss of Black lives. Shock and outrage reverberated. There's a Revolution Outside, My Love captures and gives voice to all of these roiling sentiments that were unleashed in a profoundly affecting time.
Beginning with a heart-rending poem by masterful poet Patricia Smith that grieves the murder of George Floyd, among others--the pieces in this anthology fan out from there, offering a kaleidoscopic and intimate view of the change we all underwent. Composed of searing letters, essays, poems, reflections, and screeds, There's a Revolution Outside, My Love highlights the work of some of our most powerful and treasured writers. They hail from across a range of backgrounds and from almost all fifty states. Between them, have brought home four Pulitzers, two National Book Awards, a fistful of Whitings, and numerous citations in best American poetry, short story, and essay compilations. They are noisy with beauty, and their pieces ring out.
Galvanizing and lyrical, this is a deeply profound anthology of writing filled with pain and beauty, warmth and intimacy. A remarkable feat of empathy, There's a Revolution Outside, My Love offers solace in a time of swirling protest, change, and violence--reminding us of the human scale of the upheaval, and providing hope for a kinder future.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Essays, Social Justice, Race, Politics, Anthologies

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2021

About the author

Tracy K. Smith is the author of Wade in the Water; Life on Mars, winner of the Pulitzer Prize; Duende, winner of the James Laughlin Award; and The Body’s Question, winner of the Cave Canem Poetry Prize. She is also the editor of an anthology, American Journal: Fifty Poems for Our Time, and the author of a memoir, Ordinary Light, which was a finalist for the National Book Award. From 2017 to 2019, Smith served as Poet Laureate of the United States. She teaches at Princeton University.

Reviews

[Kristen Claiborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

2020 will go down in history for multiple reasons. For the vast majority of the world’s population it was downright terrible, ushering in a global pandemic that kept us at home for months on end, cancelled graduations (my own daughter’s included), weddings and vacations, and had us all scrambling to find toilet paper. Millions of people lost their livelihoods and faced worries much bigger than not being able to squeeze the Charmin. 2020 also saw a reckoning in the United States; one between people of color and what felt like everybody not people of color. The summer of 2020 was one of protests, anger, fear, and demands for change. This book features the writing of prominent POC voices and how they felt and reflected on the events of that year. This book is powerful. I know how it felt to be me last summer, but I’m relatively insignificant compared to what others experienced, and this book allowed a glimpse into some of those lives. Being able to read their insights helped me to understand what they felt and how they experienced last summer. It includes poems, letters, anecdotal essays and short stories relevant to the summer of 2020 from a variety of people. I HIGHLY recommend this one.

[Alannah Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this was a short collection, it took me a little while to get through because each essay or poem felt profound enough to take my time with. It includes Indigenous, Black, Asian-American, queer, disabled, and women writers (and of course, where each other carries multiple of these identities) specifically focusing on a response to 2020, from the beginning of Covid until Biden's election and everything in between-- some surreal and some personal narrative. So far, it has absolutely been my favorite piece that looks specifically at the experience of the 2020 uprising, and I will certainly be looking into the individual artists as well.


"The thing about Twenty-First-Century Negro Firsting (TM) is that racism-- the distraction of it, as Toni Morrison warned-- is just so boring. Yet another exhausting lack of imagination. Most days America screams to anyone who will listen how it hates me so much it would rather kill us all than let me live. Home. Our first 'reopenings' were met by multiple mass shootings. We barely discussed it. I want to cry from all this freedom."

[Sarah Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, hope-inducing, lovely, powerful. These essays brought me right back to the months of pandemic, of George Floyd, of the 2020 election, introducing new perspectives and beautifully spoken sentiments. This one will be important to return to as the years go by.

[Andrew Ney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of stories and poems, each written during the lockdown of 2020. This was a difficult read, as it was a reminder of the incredibly difficult time when COVID-19 was running its most rampant. Personally, this was one of the worst eras of my life. As I worked as an LPN in a skilled nursing facility, I watched our population dwindle, and our building eventually close down. I felt hopeless as I watched my patients pass away, regardless of any intervention we took. We loss over 60 patients to the virus, 28 of them on my unit. People I had gotten to know, they were parents, grandparents, siblings, friends. And within 6 months, a statistic. I felt the pain in the words of those writing to their loved one they were forced to be away from. Reading this brought me back to a tough time, but made me appreciate the strength it took to get through it. That was something that wasn't so apparent to me at the time.

The social aspect of this book was also powerful. It gave a platform to minority writers, so they could bring to light the injustice they faced in 2020 and in years prior. While I am white and do not face the same issues, it does not mean I will refuse to acknowledge their existence. Because they are very real, and the world would be a better place without racism. While this is an unrealistic expectation, the next best thing would be to raise awareness. A major event that is mentioned throughout the book is the murder of George Floyd, and it's aftermath. Floyd's murder was one of the most brutal and senseless killings in recent memory, and it set off a nationwide protest. Many of the letters in the book detail a sense of pride for the protests, while simultaneously grieving yet another attack on people of color. A recurring theme was always peaceful protest, calling back to the days of early integration. This includes a letter directly addressed to John Robert Lewis himself, known for his participation in the Selma marches.

A tough, yet necessary read.

[Aditi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really powerful collection of short stories and poems. It was really tough to read. While it's been four years, the reality of 2020 is all too real. Even after four years, countless protests, and what felt like the beginning of a movement, things don't feel that much different. DEI programs are shuttering, which proves organizations and agencies didn't understand the importance of them to begin with. All the "progress" that was made was clearly performative and not rooted in actual desire for change, at least from the people who hold the decisions and actual ability to make change. I hope in my lifetime things will change for the better, but maybe that's still a naive belief I'm holding on to.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors of each of these essays are all excellent writers. This was a quick read because of their ability to clearly convey their thoughts and feelings on the matters of race, Covid, and Trump. But I did have one issue with this book. In just about every single story I find myself thinking back to the quote by the ancient Stoic philosopher Seneca which says: "We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." I am not a Democrat but wanted to pick up this book to see the other side's point of view. Oftentimes, these authors imaginations and what they believed was going on (instead of what the objective truth is) is what causes them so much anxiety, heartbreak, and grief. They must understand that the mainstream media is predominantly Liberal and wanting to continually push an agenda. If you don't want an encounter with police then monitor and control your behavior and actions so police have no reason to confront you. Covid was not as bad as our elected leaders made it out to be. Deaths from Heart Disease are much worse and you don't see the Gov't taking away personal freedoms and liberties to "flatten the curve" of heart disease. Now with the Ukraine and Russia conflict going on it seems as though Covid simply disappeared. Trump was not a perfect president but he was the best president I've seen in my lifetime. If you choose to have a victim mentality then you are always going to be a victim. Democrats are now becoming more exclusionary with their "inclusion" agenda, (which is anything but). Biden is by far way more racist than Trump ever was or will be. Stop Dividing and Start Uniting! #endrant.

[Levi Coffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the Covid-19 pandemic, the soaring and essential pieces presented in There's a Revolution Outside, My Love give voice to the cleavages that have shaken and uprooted American lives in an era of unthinkable grief. We are living through an unprecedented, revolutionary era. Across the country, people are losing their loved ones, their livelihoods, their homes, and even their own lives to COVID-19. Despite the pandemic, countless protests erupted this summer over the recurring loss of Black lives. Shock and outrage reverberated. There's a Revolution Outside, My Love captures and gives voice to all of these roiling sentiments that were unleashed in a profoundly affecting time. Beginning with a heart-rending poem by masterful poet Patricia Smith that grieves the murder of George Floyd, among others--the pieces in this anthology fan out from there, offering a kaleidoscopic and intimate view of the change we all underwent.
Composed of searing letters, essays, poems, reflections, and screeds, There's a Revolution Outside, My Love highlights the work of some of our most powerful and treasured writers.”

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

After just the first pages, I might have rated this book much lower, but it seemed to be more clear and relevant with each essay I read. The essays were written in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, after the Black Lives Matter movement (after the death of George Floyd under the knee of a policeman), and leading up to the 2020 U.S. Presidential election. By the end, it seemed, sadly, as if we were still at that same moment in time - just before the 2020 election. Although we have come a long way in some aspects (health-wise, give the development of vaccines and regarding economic recovery) from where we were during the times of the COVID lockdowns, there are terrible fights we are still battling in this country. I highly recommend others read this book right now - it’s chilling how little has changed politically since 2020. At least the last quarter of the book took me to a place of unique insight- but not one where I know the answers, so maybe it was only to a place of greater understanding of where we still are as a country.

[Maddie Zgonc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely beautiful compilation of letters written by people of color reflecting on the tumultuous year of 2020. I've featured my favorite letter in this post: Kamala Harris, Mass Incarceration, and Me. Reginald Dwyane Betts speaks on his experience with the criminal justice system and the complexities of incarceration. I found Betts to grapple empathetically with those on both sides of the spectrum, the victims and the perpetrators, while coming to the conclusion that there probably is not a perfect solution for restorative justice. That doesn't mean, however, that we don't continue to look for new ways to protect our communities and end violence.

This is a hard read. Authors reflect on the multiple murders of Black individuals by police, COVID-19, racial profiling, voter disenfranchisement, and more. It is, however, a very important read. I cannot recommend it enough. Take your time reading each piece and sit with it. I promise you, you will learn something.

[Caitlyn Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No empire falls without a fight… But if there’s ever a time to slay Goliath, the time is now. And I’m talking about much more than defunding the police and toppling racist statues. I’m talking about dismantling a society that thinks it needs police, or prisons, or war, or guns, or borders, or fossil fuels, or private property, or the lie that some of God’s children matter more than others.”

A collection of letters from people of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds reflecting on the crises of a global pandemic and systemic inequality. It is upsetting and uncomfortable, but that is simply the way it is when confronting the reality of modern America. This collection was easily one of the most powerful things I’ve read this year.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Disclaimer** I won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. I wasn't required to write this review, it just seemed polite to do so after getting a free book.

This is a stunning collection of essays and poetry. A multitude of voices all reacting to the tumult of 2020, here is the necessary reminder that even amidst sorrow and anger, hope remains a powerful force.
One of the editors, Tracy K. Smith says it best in her preface:
"Perhaps you will open this book and find solace during a time of consternation. Or perhaps it will serve a use for you like that of a road map for a nation that is no longer idling, but moving clearly in one or another direction."

[Emily Koester · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I've been looking for your Kilimanjaro sweetness everywhere, I need it now more than ever. I don't want it like a pill I might pop when my anger rises with the news of the day. I want it like a backpack. Something I might put on and tighten around my shoulders and not take off until it is time for bed. Something heavy that has the power to pull back my shoulders."

This is just one of many bits of writing which I felt got right to me. All the shared feelings as we all had different experiences over the past year and a half, this collection of writings is beautifully placed during a time it is needed.

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my on-a-whim library checkouts that I become increasingly stubborn about over time until the book drop-off becomes a point of pride. I enjoyed Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith and was excited to see a collection so directly addressing some of the most timely concerns resurging once more in the forever pendulum of pandemic and police violence grief. The collection absolutely did not disappoint, in terms of lyrical strength, diversity of voices, joy, thoughtfulness, beauty, and strength. With so much hope to be found beneath it all.

There is nothing more powerful or able to change the world than a series of well-written letters and I've always said that.

[Cedric Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an inspiration. Thought provoking while letting the reader see into the minds of the eloquent writers. 2020 brought so many emotions to so many people. This book helped me to see that while I was having deep thoughts of what was and what was to come, others put pen to paper for this jewel. I reocmmend this book and will tell my teachers they may want to read it.

[Jen Bojkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say I enjoyed reading this book, because it outlines so many ways society, especially US society, has gotten things wrong. It can be uncomfortable, even painful, to read at times. But I think that’s what we need to do- right? Especially as a white person- like me. This was a revelatory read. I recommend it.

[Dave Fransen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of dozens of essays is a challenge for my brain to process, but I really liked and valued this book overall. Some of the stories/perspectives were particularly poignant considering all that has happened - especially in Minneapolis - over the last year+.

[Vickie Henson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful writers and story tellers, each every essayist. I was so moved by the collection of raw truth and emotion. It was therapy for my soul and a way of healing from the last 5 years in politics, pandemic and racial reckoning.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m very glad I read this book. It’s a collection of pieces, written by poets and writers and thinkers, in response to 2020…in response to the murder of George Floyd, the pandemic, racism, anti-racism and more. These, mainly short pieces, are thoughtful and thought provoking. Very good reads.

[Wendy Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just so incredibly depressing because this was published in 2021 and the exact same s*** is still happening in 2025. White "Christian" Nationalists are destroying this country and making life miserable for everyone else 🤮. There is no hope.

[K.E. Andrews]

This book took a lot longer to read than I thought, mostly because I didn't want to rush through it. The pieces were poignet and powerful, and still timeless even though it's been 5 years since they were written.

[Brian Traveller]

Good

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful voices, valuable time capsule from the George Floyd moment. Savor slowly.

[Brooke]

This was due before I could finish.

[Amy Colbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.7

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important timely book written by BIPOC following the events of the first half of 2020. Every essay was beautiful and personal.

[jason wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Marsha Dommel · Rating 5 out of 5]

At moments hard to get through, so completely on point!

[Monica Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are wonderful, powerful, and poetic essays.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving set of reflections from the depths of 2020

[rae !! · Rating 5 out of 5]

powerful important heartbreaking