Say Her Name by Zetta ElliottMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
It isn't often that I finish an entire poetry book in one sitting. But Say Her Name was so powerful and heartbreaking and uplifting that I had no choice, because it spoke to my spirit. Ms. Elliot's collection features pieces that I could hear/see myself in. That doesn't seem like a big deal, but for a black woman it absolutely is monumental. Pieces like " Panther", "For My People", "How to Resist" and "Self/Care" resonated with me as a Black Mother, Woman and Nerd. But every single poem in this book is worth your time and discussion. It explores race, gender, police brutality, protest, activism and the essence of what it feels like to be a Black woman/girl in America. I received an advanced reader copy so unfortunately I wasn't able to see the final art for the book. But I will be purchasing a copy of her final version.
Would I Read It Again? Yes, absolutely!
Recommend: Absolutely, yes! I believe this should be in every classroom library and brought into curriculums/lesson plans. The poetry is powerful and will invoke conversations that are powerful and needed.
