A Sweeter Song: Catharsis: A Poetry Collection

by Martina McGowan

The sweetest song is one that speaks to the heart of universal human experience. FROM THE AUTHOR OF NAUTILUS AWARD WINNER & BCALA 2022 HONOR POETRY AWARD WINNER I AM THE RAGE Experience the rich tapestry of life through the vibrant poetry of A Sweeter Song by Dr. Martina McGowan. This powerful collection offers a unique perspective on the lives of people of color, women, and other marginalized and oppressed people, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that shape our collective human experience. With each verse, Dr. McGowan brings to life the complex emotions and perspectives that make us who we are, inviting readers to see the world in a new light. From the joys of love and family to the pain of loss an injustice, A Sweeter Song is a celebration of the human spirit in all its diversity. For those who are moved by I am the Rage , Dr. McGowan's first award-winning poetry collection, and the seminal works of Amanda Gorman and Maya Angelou, Dr. McGowan's newest collection offers an extraordinary glimpse into the Black experience across a range of topics. The perfect poetry gift book for women and men, A Sweeter Song is a must-read for anyone seeking to connect with the universal issues that touch us all. Praise for I am the " I am The Rage is a timely look at generations of trauma and inaction."― Bustle "A raw and searing examination of America's reckoning with racism."― POPSUGAR "These poems reverberate with the powerful grief of a woman who speaks the vulnerability of living in a world where being black makes you a target."―Pamala A. Thiede, Amazon customer review

Genres: Poetry

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2024

About the author

Martina McGowan, MD is about effective engagements in life. A physician (gynecology), who has spent a lifetime engaging formidable opponents. She has been a survivor and activist fighting against social, racial, and sexual injustices, and a physician serving underserved women who have been survivors, as well as heroines in the war on women.

Effectiveness means pushing through glass ceilings and the perceived limitations of others. Whether the conversation is about social and racial injustice, personal development, spiritual enlightenment, or her grandchildren's favorite books, she's about becoming involved wherever she finds herself.

A writer, a potter, an artist, a leader at work, and within her community, Martina believes in the example of choosing, learning, doing, and improving as you go. She enjoys traveling, reading, and speaking as well as copious amounts of laughter with family and friends. She feels that the most valuable skill in life is learning to listen.

Her debut poetry collection, “i am the rage,” is a poetic and poetic prose exploration of living inside injustice being released in February 2021 by SourceBooks

Reviews

[Kayla B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly - Thank you to NetGalley for this opportunity to read and review A Sweeter Song by Dr. Martina McGowan

A Sweeter Song was a raw, honest and bittersweet read. This collection poignantly expresses the struggle to attain and maintain happiness (as experienced through the eyes of a black woman) in a world where every day is a struggle and battle. Martina McGowan is a fantastic poet and expresses herself so thoughtfully, with a depth that challenges the reader. I certainly felt that I learned from this collection of prose and I think anyone who approaches literature with an open mind and desire can appreciate the insight and knowledge that lies within the pages of A Sweeter Song.

[Jen Lunning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to start this off first by thanking NetGalley for this ARC. I first read I am the Rage by Dr. Martina McGowen a few years back which I LOVED. To this day that book lives rent free in my head and I was hoping this new collection of poetry would match that. Although this book was real, raw, honest and heartbreaking it was still missing something for me. Part 2 and 4 of the book I thought were the best and there were some poems that I went back and reread. This book actually just reminds me of how broken our world is and how broken we are as humans and that makes me sad.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I really enjoyed this poetry collection, albeit not as much as I am The Rage. I thought that the sections were divided really well, although the last 2 sections fell a little flat for me.

My favourite poems in this collection:
- Delivery: Just outside the door
- Lost Song
- Lilies of the Valley (my favourite)
- Once I Thought I'd Found True Love (A Villanelle)
- Promise
- How to Destroy the World
- Americans Won't Wear THAT Mask
- The Sea Goddess Calls (second favourite)
- Alchemy
- J'Accuse (An Ekphrastic)

[The_J · Rating 1 out of 5]

In amidst the rain of words there are some tremendous turns of phrase.
but the claim that "The truth is all we have to offer" is not borne out by the preentation.
Even though this was only published in 2024 it feels outdated and archaic in this new "Golden Age"
this is a sour discordant note, better left behind, or mined for turn of phrase with a carcass left for the culture vultures who still circle.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Martina McGowan’s I Am The Rage, I was so excited to hear that McGowan had written a new collection of poetry. A Sweeter Song was a good read, but it did not connect with me as much as her previous collection. However, there were still some powerful pieces in this collection that are still on my mind.

*Thank you, NetGalley, for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Alexia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This digital ARC was obtainable via NetGalley for an honest review!

I was really excited to dig into this one! I love McGowan's choice of words. My favorite section of this collection was part III. I also loved the "Advice to a Crafter" page. I will be looking out for any future projects!

[Kennedy Erdman · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I vehemently disliked this. I did not understand what any of the pieces were trying to say. It felt like random words on a page and I have no idea what the author was trying to do or what any underlying themes may have been.

[Chloe Lira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking poetry.

[David Mercier · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are gems in this collection that I'll definetly go back to.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The vocabulary in this is...*chef's kiss*.

[chia]

DNF. Just wasn’t getting anything from it.