This was a cozy sweet Christmas novella. Nothing spectacular but it would be a comforting and quick read during the holidays. 

This was a nice cozy novella, but there were some plot lines that were very sad and could be triggering, including loss of a child. 

I finished this collection so quickly.  And normally I do not read the notes after a collection of poetry but I'm such a huge fan of Saeed Jones writing that I decided to give it a look and I'm so glad I did.  This is such a quick read but there are pieces that will stay with me always.

I deeply admire Joy Harjo's writing and this memoir only increased my admiration.  There were moments that were heartbreaking, and many moments where I felt a connection and understanding with the author, despite never having experienced many of these hardships myself.  And often through the memoir, I was reminded just how similar our struggles and oppressions are even when we are from different communities.  The way the memoir was divided into four directions, North, East, South, and West, was so interesting.  I would pick up this book when you have the space to read about heavy topics.  While they aren't individually focused on, there are many traumatic and triggering events that are mentioned.

I’ve had this author on my tbr for a while and this is the second book I’ve read, quickly after the first. I have to say I am obsessed with the way Aminder Dhaliwal can comment on and showcase real and sometimes painful experiences in a way that is so light hearted and that readers can chuckle at. It’s insightful and has the potential to be healing. I loved the appendix with the characters and authors intentions. Cannot wait for more from this author. 

This was a fun and eery collection of short stories in the form of a graphic novel. A quick read but really enjoyable! 

Full disclosure, I didn’t not read the notes in the back but I really appreciate their inclusion and would love to go back and further explore the story behind some of these poems. As always an incredible collection. My favorite is definitely ‘My heart is a good heart.’

This graphic novel is an accumulation of biweekly comics the author put together of what the world would be like if men went extinct. Its not man hating at all though, it kind of pokes fun at the way women might find themselves in this new world with a different kind of freedom. 

Usually, I find writing about writing or poetry about poetry to be self indulgent and overly romanticizing of life as a writer. However, this collection felt reflective, nuanced, and authentic to Joy Harjo’s journey as a writer and poet. Each writing is short so it is a pretty quick read as well. 

An anthology can be a great way to explore a bunch of new writers. This anthology is no different, however, the way it was organized and the poems grouped was very interesting. I definitely found a few additional authors that I will be checking out, as well as the Living Words, Living Nations project. I did read the digital version and wish there was more effort put into properly formatting the pages for digital editions.