Mourning a Stranger

by Niara Perry, Victoria Muzyk (Editor), Letetia Coleman (Editor)

In the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, it was poetry that allowed Niara to process the hatred fueled racism they were witnessing and the anger that flooded their body. These poems are the footsteps left along their road towards a semblance of peace.

66 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2021

Reviews

[Joan]

I have just read Niara Perry’s amazing book of poetry for the second time, and I know I will read it again and again, to continue to understand and feel what Niara’s artful words convey. There is incredible depth to what Niara has written and her clear, honest, and soaring language presents a gift to the reader. My sincere wish is that this book be extensively read both personally and educationally. There is so much to learn, to contemplate, and to act upon. As a mature Caucasian woman, I feel privileged to be invited into Niara’s world, that of a young and deeply perceptive African American woman, to share her experience and to elevate my own. I am thrilled that Niara has produced this book and I appreciate it in its entirety, from her incisive historical perspective to her insight into the persistent, infuriating present. Her poetic and penetrating experiences and views resonate with empathy, sensitivity, and pride. Most especially, I appreciate the section entitled Growth, showing the resolution and strength of Niara’s spirit. Don’t miss these incredible revelations. Read this book, all of it, many times, and be enriched.

[Mark Weizer]

A few months ago a friend and I were chatting about what we were reading. He told me about a book of poetry that he had just finished .... I told him that I found poetry inaccessible. That's when he recommended that I give "Mourning a Stranger" a chance.

The book sat on my desk for a few weeks before I picked it up to read. I randomly stumbled upon the poem written by Ms. Perry called "Father's Love". Being both a father and grandfather, the title caught my eye. However, it was the content that touched my soul. I went to the very first poem and read every one of Ms. Perry's poems. Her poems moved me in ways that I never thought poetry could. Many of her poems resonated viscerally.

Reading this book of poems was time well spent. Thank you for sharing your art!

[Letetia Coleman]

I recommend reading this poignant book multiple times. Yes, Mourning a Stranger is that important! As an African American woman, these poems lifted me up with their celebration of our joys and depiction of our pains. Allies: Read this book for a deeper understanding of how much it takes to triumph in the face of myriad oppressions. Non-allies: Read this book to expand your mind and soul, despite how uncomfortable that can be. Now more than ever, not one of us has the luxury of ignoring the impact of race and gender on past and current lives. Thank you, Niara Perry, for your bravery and generosity in sharing these exquisite poems with the world!

[Brianna Stumpf]

Mourning a Stranger is a must read for every human growing up in America. Niara Perry brings her authentic self to life through these poems and you get to stand beside her as she processes the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. By the end of this book I was screaming and cheering for the self acceptance, the love and the unapologetic blackness that these words bring to life. MUST READ!!!

[Genevieve]

Niara Perry’s poetry grabs hold of you and the clarity of their voice makes you want to read this book all at once. Yet, each poem in Mourning a Stranger demands that you consider it thoughtfully, and sits with you long after you’ve closed the book. This is a collection of poems to bring into classrooms, to give to your relatives, to share far and wide, and to read over and over again, as I find myself doing. This is a book not to be missed.

[Reader]

Your poetry is raw and poignant and infuriating and just fabulous. I would highly recommend reading this in its entirety, whether as a POC seeking likemindedness and something to articulate feelings that might be difficult to describe; as a non-POC who seeks understanding; or as someone who wants comfort and companionship given the current political hellscape in the U.S. A fantastic read.

[Bobby Gonnella]

A look inside the mind of Niara Perry as she lives through the jarring events that began the 2020s. A wonderful read, very insightful. Gives me a new perspective on the events that I hadn't previously considered.

[Vanette Jordan-Lumogo]

Mourning a Stranger is a compilation of powerful poetry that transcends age. Niara has inspired me to "write to fill the very space that you occupy." Well done!