That awkward moment when it takes you over a year to finish a book. *sighs at self*

So, I've been ravenously devouring any and all YA and MG verse novels I can get my hands on. Brown Girl Dreaming was not like other verse novels, however. It read much more like a poetry collection about Woodson's childhood rather than a verse novel. I think if I'd thought of it like that sooner, I wouldn't have had such a hard time getting through it. But as soon as I made that mental shift, I really enjoyed the book! This book was made up of stunning poetry, and I can definitely see why Woodson wrote her memoir in this format. She really utilized her medium with this book in a way that I haven't seen from many other verse novels. I was taking notes. (Literally. I have a note document on my phone for this.)

If you want some beautifully refreshing poetry and a story about a young black girl growing up in the south and in the city, and the difference between the two, about a small family that is wholly real and relatable, stinging poetry about just what childhood indoctrination into extremist religions can do to some kids, and just a collection of tiny stories about what it's like to grow up, this book is for you.

Some gems:

“/You’ll face this in your life someday/,
my mother will tell us
over and over again.
/A moment when you walk into a room and

no one there is like you/.”
(pg 14)

“But I want the world where my daddy is
and don’t know why
anybody’s God would make me
have to choose.”
(pg 123)

“Already, there are so many things I don’t understand, why
someone would have to die
or even fight for what they believe in.”
(pg 303)

“Some days, she brings out cookies
tells us stories of the old neighborhood when everyone
was Herman or Irish and even some Italians
down by Wilson Avenue.
/All kinds of people/, she says. And the cookies
are too good got me to say,

/Except us/.”
(pg 305)

“I believe in one day and someday and this
perfect moment called Now.”
(pg 318)