Book Review: Somebody Give This Heart A Pen by Sophia Thakur

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 112 pages

Published: September 8, 2020

Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)

Genre: Young Adult,Poetry, Nonfiction

Synopsis: 

Be with yourself for a moment.
Be yourself for a moment.
Airplane mode everything but yourself for a moment.

From acclaimed performance poet Sophia Thakur comes a stirring collection of coming-of-age poems exploring issues of identity, difference, perseverance, relationships, fear, loss, and joy. From youth to school to family life to falling in love and falling back out again–the poems draw on the author’s experience as a young mixed-race woman trying to make sense of a lonely and complicated world. With a strong narrative voice and emotional empathy, this is poetry that will resonate with all young people, whatever their background and whatever their dreams. (Credit: Candlewick Press (MA))

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This was a unique and raw collection of poetry that holds nothing back, something that it shouldn’t do when one person is expressing their feelings. Their are some painful moments that explore the theme of race, gender, class and identity, however, through these painful moments, there are beautiful images that run across the reader’s mind. I was so entranced by her words that there were times I forgot where I was. I never heard of Sophia Thakur, but now I want to read more of her inspirational work. Teenagers who are trying to find themselves and learn how to grow will find this collection not only highly relatable but also enjoyable.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Thank you Edelweiss and Candlewick Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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