The Poet X – 8/10

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a coming-of-age novel about a Dominican American teenage girl named Xiomara Batista, who lives in Harlem. This book captures the struggles of isolation, suppression, identity, faith, and society’s tendency to reduce her to her appearance. She struggles to express herself and her thoughts at home due to her strict religious household. Xiomara’s only way to express her feelings of anger, desire, and curiosity is through slam poetry. The author uses her poetic lyrical writing style as the heart of this book. Each poem feels real, raw, and intimate, which allows the reader to connect with Xiomara’s inner life on a more personal level. The author’s use of writing conventions makes the story feel emotional yet not too overwhelming at the same time. The themes of cultural expectations, feminism, and the balance between obedience and independence really tie the whole story together. The author makes Xiomara’s journey to self-acceptance feel real and earned, making the book authentic and different from others. The book also speaks to those who struggle to be heard, making it relatable and inspiring. All of these factors combine to make a strong read that I can definitely recommend to others.