stefanicox's Reviews (519)

(I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Amazing. Nate Marshall covers so much about Blackness, language, Chicago, gender, sexuality, and more here. The lines flow like music. Marshall somehow manages to put together poems about his shared name, his hometown, the word "finna," and the Oregon Trail and have them all feel cohesive. Can't wait for this to come out and others to experience it.

I never know how to talk about poetry, just that it feeds something deep within me, that it feels vital and nourishing. I loved the poems in Khadijah Queen’s Anodyne (forthcoming Aug 18th) for their quiet insistence. I appreciated the varied structures that the poems came in and all the topics covered: family, work, Black expectation, age, love, etc. Poetry is the best kind of window and Queen’s collection shines as one. Plus, I knew it would be a good book when I saw it was framed by a Kendrick Lamar quote. Also, check out that gorgeous cover.

(I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)

Wow! I read this book in less than 48 hours. It gripped me from almost the very first pages and didn't let go until the end. I loved that this collection was so entwined with issues of addiction and gender. So many of the pieces explore these topics with care, without losing the thread of a good plot. The stories here feel empowering, and like a love song to the genre of horror itself. Compulsively readable. Can't wait to see Christa's next book!