Mahogany L. Browne – Cannonball Read 17

Social justice and poetry

Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne

November 6, 2020 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Woke: A Young Poet’s Call to Justice is a book that I really wish I did not have to rate. It is a personal experience book that everyone will get something different from it. There are elements you will find to love and to dislike; plus, things in-between. I personally am not a fan of the word “woke” in this context. But I like being “woke” to these events. I just wish there was a different word to use. And the poets, Mahogany L. Browne, […]

To be celebrated

M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child by Tiffany Rose

Black Girl Magic A Poem by Mahogany L. Browne

August 14, 2020 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Both books are hard to rate. Because if you say, “I did not care for them.” You are instantly bullied and told you are racist. No, I just feel that there was something missing. Or maybe the art was not my personal tastes. Or maybe the book is, frankly, just plain bad regardless of the subject. I will start with the one I preferred; M is for Melanin: A Celebration of the Black Child. Tiffany Rose has written, a lovely and wonderful book. If I […]

Gotta get Busy busy busy

Olive & Pekoe: In Four Short Walks by Jacky Davis

Lizzy McTizzy and the Busy Dizzy Day by Sarah Weeks

Woke Baby by Theodore Taylor III

April 15, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Once upon a time there was girl who enjoyed reading. And she enjoyed telling other people about these books as well. This girl likes stories about friendship. And while she is not a dog person, she found a must have for dog lovers in a book about two doggie friends named Olive and Pekoe. Olive & Pekoe: In Four Short Walks by Jacky Davis, is a story that is broken up into four different walks. Each of these walks highlights how different these friends are, […]

When you blend in and stand out at the same time

December 7, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

While Smudge by Mahogany L. Browne is out of print in stores and on-line, you can try for pre-loved copies or on Button Poetry’s website as well. The reason I am reviewing this book is not just because I read it, but this is a book that needs to be talked about. First, I was not the audience the book really was meant for. I am old fashioned when it comes to poetry. I like a nice box for my poetry. Granted, it can be […]

Black Girl Magic: A Poem

April 18, 2018 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Black Girl Magic: A Poem is Browne’s way of responding to the way black girls “should” look and act. Change this to: white girls, fat girls, skinny girls…. any female. The theme is not exclusive to the population Browne speaks of. We “should” act a certain way or else society shames you: “Be Different as long as it’s Different like Me” screamed off the page for me. “Society: Be Yourself. NO, not that way…” also is loud and clear. Browne challenges this “should” mentality. […]

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Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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