Parang

by Omar Musa

Parang is the second collection of poetry from former Australian Poetry Slam winner Omar Musa. Written over four years, the collection explores Malaysian jungles, dark Australian streets, and dreams. Dealing with the issues of loss, migration and belonging, Parang is an incisive and sometimes raw lok at the here and now of a changing world.

Genres: Poetry

71 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Omar Musa is a Malaysian-Australian rapper and poet from Queanbeyan,
Australia. He is the former winner of the Australian Poetry Slam and
the Indian Ocean Poetry Slam. He has released three hip hop albums,
two poetry books (including "Parang"), appeared on ABC's Q&A and
received a standing  ovation at TEDx Sydney at the Sydney Opera House.
His debut novel "Here Come the Dogs" was published by Penguin Australia in July 2014.

Reviews

[Tamara]

I have decided not to rate poetry collections, unless I unequivocally love it.

My favourite poem in this collection was 'Fireflies' on page 38.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished: 21.08.2019
Genre: poetry
Rating: A++++++
#TBR list 2019
Conclusion:
Truly a young inspirational Australian voice!

My Thoughts

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parang has some of my favourite poems in it that has put this book into one of my all time favourites. 'My Generation' and 'Fireflies go down as to of my favourite poems that I come back to time and time again. Musa did well to get this collection of poems up and published. It is fresh, new, modern and wonderfully complex.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omar is a talented poet, his ability to fashion words together so dramatically and powerfully makes his book a fantastic read. I have only given it three stars as poetry is not a common interest or read for me.

[Tim Hoar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly consistent collection. Traversing spaces, both internal and external. Malaysia and Australia. How the influences of two (and more) places affect a person. Love the way Musa’s language and approach range from gentle, heartfelt loveliness to hip-hop infused fierceness.

[Wayne's · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fine poetry here.

[Kristin Alford · Rating 4 out of 5]

rhythm and remembrance, the relevance of place and displacement and yearning to grow up, somehow, somewhere

[poeticool · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a crush on Omar Musa

[Simon Sweetman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty remarkable talent this guy, off to read his debut novel next. Some really great stuff here. Recommended.

[Nao Dupre · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - poetry, some of it really good and touching, others completely went over my head

[Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some poems I really loved, others not to my taste but undeniably deft.