The Poet X | Acevedo Blows Me Away Again

5/5 stars

Xiomara is quiet. She has often resorted to using her fists to communicate. Make no mistake. She has a lot to say. Her mom is determined to have Xiomara be a devout and religious woman and Xiomara knows it’s best not to disobey. When Xiomara is invited to her school’s slam poetry club, new doors are opened and she realizes being silent is no longer an option. 

I think Acevedo might be the. the most talented writer I’ve ever read. The Poet X was a series of poems that told the complete story of Xiomara. It was full of emotions and had me tear up a few times. Xiomara’s journey was powerful. A young woman forced to be someone she isn’t and slowly learning to fight back. Her emotions and relationships were complex and gritty. It made me uncomfortable. It made me reflect. It made me want to fight alongside her.

The ending felt a bit rushed, but not incomplete. It showed up that everyone is a work-in-progress and sometimes, it’s the people you least expect that can help. Overall, The Poet X, was a phenomenal story and along with Acevedo’s other works, one I consider a must-read!