Tag Archives: Elizabeth Acevedo

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Book Review, , ,
Overview
The Poet X

Title: The Poet X
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Poetry, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel, Poem
Year: 2018

Thoughts

The Poet X is a seriously fantastic coming of age story. The tale itself is heartfelt and emotional. But writing it all in poetry form? Somehow that made it all that much more powerful and intense. The emotions leap of the page with every line, capturing your heart and pulling you in.

This is the second Acevedo book I’ve read, and there is something powerful and intense about her words. I love how strongly each and every choice resonates and echoes within the heart. From the first line, I felt connected, and this feeling just grew and grew throughout the story.

The Poet X for me is all about the journey to find oneself in a world that is just not always kind. It is about growing up and finding out who you are when there are so many things stacked up against you. Rising, in spite of those who want to keep you down.

I’ve only ever seen slam poetry performed through videos. But somehow Acevedo’s words really bought to life the passion and intensity of the performative aspects of this. The strength of emotional connection increased the power of each and every poem. Delivering them like bullets to the heart.

<- Family LoreWith the Fire on High ->

Image source: Amazon

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: With the Fire on High
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Food, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I’ve had a book by Acevedo on my shelf for a while, and although I’ve heard positives, I’ve never actually sunk my teeth into it. And believe me, the hype for Acevedo’s writing is well worth it. This was just so, so, so damn good. Although this book wasn’t one that I would consider to be high drama, it was still impossible to out down. There was something about the flow and story that made you want to know what was going to happen next, even without any cliffhangers.

I can’t imagine what it must be like to be a teenage mum. It’s hard enough to be a mother as a fully (I think) grown adult, but being a teenage mum? I can’t even fathom. Acevedo dealt with this idea beautifully, she highlighted the intensity of love and protectiveness that is motherhood. But also the insecurities and difficulties that a teenager goes through all on her own. Even without the same experiences, there was so much relatable about motherhood that Acevedo imparts.

Alongside the focus on motherhood, I loved how Emoni grows and changes throughout this story. It was the most perfect coming of age tale that I’ve read in a very long time. There were no massive trials and horrors to overcome, but the normal, everyday occurrences of being a teenager. Those feelings of finding yourself, deciding what you want to do with your future and falling in love for the first time. Yet, there’s a great sense of maturity over the whole tale. I’m not sure of that’s the race discussion, the teenage mother, whatever it was. I’m definitely completely in love with Emoni.

To top off the amazing story, the loveable characters and the beauty of spirit, there was a whole heap of yummy, yummy food throughout. Aside from the few recipes scattered throughout (recipes which I really want to try), there are so many delicious mentions of food. Or combinations of flavours. It definitely got my creative culinary juices flowing.

<- The Poet XMore Elizabeth Acevedo ->

Image source: Goodreads