Book Review: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a fascinating and thought-provoking story, told entirely through snapshot poems, focusing on Xiomara Batista, a young girl from Harlem with an extraordinary talent for writing poetry. The novel explores themes of family, religion, love, and self-discovery. The author uses vivid descriptions and rich language to paint a vivid picture of Xiomara's world.

Acevedo's writing style is powerful and evocative. She uses sensory details and metaphors to create an immersive reading experience. The novel is filled with complex characters, each with their own unique motivations and struggles. Xiomara’s parents, for example, are portrayed as deeply flawed individuals struggling with their own issues. The author handles these complexities with nuance and empathy, making the characters feel real and relatable. I certainly resonated with Xiomara's frustration with her Mami not listening to her, with being forced to a religion she felt she'd outgrown, with having to hide the truth of who she is. All things I grew up with.

The Poet X is a coming-of-age journey of self-discovery that is inspiring and empowering, especially for young readers, and deals with issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. Overall, The Poet X is a wonderful novel that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. Recommended!

***Read for my enjoyment