Woke Up No Light

by Leila Mottley

A poignant, rousing debut book of poetry, full of life, from the former Youth Poet Laureate of Oakland, California

woke up no light is a Black girl’s saunter turned to a woman’s defiant strut. These are the hymns of a new generation of poetry. Young, alive, yearning. A mouth swung open and ready to devour. A quest for home in a world that knows only wasteland and wanting.

Moving in sections from “girlhood” to “neighborhood” to “falsehood” to, finally, “womanhood,” these poems reckon with themes of reparations, restitution, and desire. The collection is sharp and raw, wise and rhythmic, a combination that lights up each page. From unearthing histories to searching for ways to dream of a future in a world constantly on the brink of disaster, this young poet sets forth personal and political revelation with piercing detail.

woke up no light confirms Leila Mottley’s arrival and demonstrates the enduring power of her voice—brave and distinctive and thoroughly her own.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Ebooks, Adult, African American, Audiobook, Womens

128 pages, Hardcover

Published April 16, 2024

About the author

Leila Mottley is the author of the novel NIGHTCRAWLING, an Oprah’s Book Club pick and New York Times best seller. NIGHTCRAWLING was longlisted for the Booker Prize, the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel, and the Hurston/Wright Legacy award. Mottley was the 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate and published her debut poetry collection WOKE UP NO LIGHT in 2024. Mottley’s writing has also been published in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, Marie Claire, and more. Her sophomore novel, THE GIRLS WHO GREW BIG, is forthcoming in June 2025.

Reviews

[RiRi💌 (back in January) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Leila Mottley, and it did not disappoint!!🥹I enjoyed this one and will definitely try her other book!!!🤗🤗

!!𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗳, 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗼𝗻, 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗿 & 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗰 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄!!

[Shelby (catching up on 2025 reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nightcrawling is one of my favorite books, so when I saw Mottley had a collection of poems coming out, I jumped at the chance to read it early. I read this in a single morning, and while some of it may have been a bit over my head (such is the case with a lot of poetry), I found this collection to be expressive and moving. Explores themes of Black girlhood, men/boys, identity, family, injustice, sexuality, and so much more. Stylistically there is a great deal of range here. I think this collection will really resonate with poetry readers and I'm glad I read it❤️

Thank you Knopf for the early eARC.

[emma charlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would be good because I loved Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley, but I was blown away by this transition from fiction to poetry! She is really a genius in both genres. These poems are so beautiful, unique, emotionally devastating, and sometimes fun! I especially love that the first section is 'girlhood' and the last section is 'womanhood'. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

[silas denver melvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

a stunning and powerful collection. pulls from the modern and the before in such skillful ways. good book for poetry readers of any level

[Raymond · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by Leila Mottley, many readers are familiar with her first book Nightcrawling. Woke Up No Light is a good poetry collection, my favorite poem was "winter 2020", it was very powerful.

Thanks to NetGalley, Knopf, and Leila Mottley for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read Leila Mottley's debut novel, Nightcrawling, I remember thinking how much her lyrical prose read like poetry, so I couldn't wait to read her debut poetry collection, woke up no light. And it absolutely blew me away.

The poems are divided into four categories, or phases of life -- girlhood, neighborhood, falsehood, and womanhood -- and explore the wide range of the female experience, specifically Black girlhood and womanhood. They're modern in their execution, but draw on the past to make bold statements and poignant observations about being a Black girl in America today. They are intensely personal, emotionally devastating, and fiercely unapologetic, and a few of them left me breathless.

My favorite poem was "my great-grandmother's hand in the back pocket of all your jeans," and here are just a few of my favorite lines across the collection (definitely hard to narrow down, because I highlighted something on nearly every page):

When you grow up, you will forget
it all. And isn't that a solace?

To be Black and
Girl is to not only fear the slaughter
of your body, but to fear the body itself.

If biology could explain it all
we would never know of fairies or prayers

woke up no light is a moving poetry collection that I know I'll revisit frequently. Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the complimentary reading opportunity.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I the only one that feels like all the Black authors have been snapping with their poem collections this year? I mean literally every one I’ve read did not disappoint‼️

Mottley came out the gate swinging with her collection popping things off with “A Case For/Against Reparations”. Moving in sections from “girlhood” to “neighborhood” to “falsehood” to, finally, “womanhood,” I think quite a few of the poems will resonate with many.

Favorite poems:
* A Case For/Against Reparations
* Raising Somebody’s Future Woman
* Elijah McCain’s Last Words
* Under the Tongue
* What to do when you see a black woman cry

It’s a really short collection so I think for readers to really grasp the concept and message Mottley is trying to deliver you have to savor each one. Touching on themes surrounding reparations, restitution, culture, coming-of-age, the black female body, sexuality, hyper-sexualization, healing and desire. The author does an amazing job incorporating personal experiences and relevant social issues into her verses.

Overall, it’s a collection I highly recommend. Special thanks to the author & @aaknopf for my gifted e-ARC‼️

[Carolina Ixta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leila Mottley’s “woke up no light” is a searing collection of poetry. Broken into the four sections of “girlhood” “neighborhood” “falsehood” and “womanhood”, Mottley deftly and devastatingly explores the realities of becoming.

The collection’s first section, “girlhood”, navigates the complexities of childhood, with poems like “birthday lists through the ages” straddling between its loneliness and desire.

“neighborhood” dives into a climactic political atmosphere, with “Elijah McClain’s Last Words” venturing into the heartbreaking realities of structural violence and its personal echoes within a community.

“falsehood” straddles one’s personal relationship and examination of self. It features perhaps my favorite poem of the collection, “On starting over” which reflects upon the grief of growing, and the sorrow that occasionally comes with making the right choice.

“womanhood” reads as a celebration of love for oneself and for others. Poems like “strip” examine the freedom that arrives with personal acceptance, while others like “how to love a woman sailing the sky” beautifully encapsulate the soaring feeling of being in love and accepted by another.

This collection reads as a true understanding not only of craft, but of personal growth. Each vignette presents separately, but finds ways to intersect and reconcile in a resonant tension. Leila Mottley is a genius.

[Yinka Boudreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Nightcrawling so I was thrilled when I saw this. I truly enjoyed this beautifully written powerful collection of poetry. I’ve been trying to expand my genres and poetry is something that can easily be hit or miss for me. I’m happy to say that this (like I knew it would be) was a hit.

[Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Every day i descend
from my nightmares so i
can stare you in those worry
wrinkled eyes and say
i love you”

[Jonathan David Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely gorgeous, heartfelt, and at times heartbreaking meditation on what it is to be black, queer, and woman in America. Mottley’s previous Wo stunned me with its brutal honesty, and this collection does the same— feeling almost like diary entries. You can feel her love for Oakland and her connection to the past and our present. Absolutely incredible.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: In "woke up no light," Mottley weaves a poetry collection that spans the crucial stages of growth, exploring themes of reparations, restitution, and desire. Divided into sections like "girlhood," "neighborhood," and "womanhood," each poem is a searing vignette capturing the life of Black girlhood. With descriptive language and a rhythmic pulse, Mottley's verses breathe life into the experiences of a Black girl navigating a world teetering on the edge of disaster. From unearthing histories to envisioning a future, Mottley's poetry is a personal and political revelation, delivered with piercing detail and undeniable power.


Pros:
🔥 Mottley's poetry hits like a comet—powerful, unapologetic, and leaving a mark on your soul. Her exploration of themes is both brave and distinctive, showcasing the enduring power of her voice.

💭 Each poem is a miniature masterpiece, from the fiery passion of "what a Black girl wants" to the contemplative beauty of "haikus for sunrise." Mottley captures the full spectrum of emotions, making each page a journey of self-discovery.

📜 The collection's structure, moving seamlessly through different phases of life, provides a cohesive narrative that allows readers to witness the evolution of the Black girl into a force of womanhood.

Cons:
🤔 There's a danger of spontaneously snapping your fingers in awe, causing a sudden burst of poetic admiration. Handle with care!


In conclusion, "woke up no light" is a masterpiece, a celebration of Black girlhood that resonates with unfiltered truths. Leila Mottley's debut poetry collection is a triumph—a testament to her brilliance as a poet and the enduring impact of her voice. It's the kind of collection that leaves you breathless, both from the beauty of the verses and the weight of the themes explored. As you navigate through Mottley's poems, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will ignite your passion, spark your reflections, and leave you waking up to the brilliance of each new dawn.

📚 Disclaimer: A galaxy-sized thank you to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the eARC. All opinions are my poetic musings and entirely my own! 🌌✒️

[Natalie Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Thank you to Net Galley and Knopf for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was intrigued by her first publication Nightcrawling and was very interested in her poetry especially upon learning that she had been the Youth Poet Laureate in Oakland, CA. The poems are divided into sections and the headings let you know you're going on a journey - Girlhood, Neighborhood, Falsehood, Womanhood. In these varied poems she covers personal topics such a life in Oakland and being a young black woman to wider topics of history, racial justice, and the black body, These poems are touching, powerful, honest and illuminating. I'll look forward to future writings by this author.

[Traci Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poetry is always hard to judge because some poems can be stellar while others leave you wanting and how can you know if the thing is as good as the sum of its parts? This one feels as if it is doing a bit too much and I would've liked less. There are some good ones in here, no doubt.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Alyssia]

Dit was de eerste keer dat ik poetry heb gelezen en ik denk niet dat ik weet hoe je poetry moet lezen.
Haar andere boek nightcrawling vond ik erg goed dus als je iemand bent die poetry beter kan lezen dan ik, raad ik deze wel aan.

[Asia J · Rating 5 out of 5]

she’s so good i’m almost afraid of her

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

eARC gifted by Netgalley and the publisher

In this incisive collection, Mottley dissects the lives of Black girls and women via 4 sections, Girlhood, Neighborhood, Falsehood, and Womanhood. LIGHT is at once a political work emphasizing that Black girls are often forced to grow up before adulthood and a love letter to her "hood" that nurtures Black girls and their art.

While some poems flew over my head, I loved how profound the ones I could interpret were. Some highlights are a case for / against reparations, boys will be boys will be animals will be tender will be lost will be—, Elijah McClain's Last Words, Fire Season, Cellular, what do you do when you see a Black woman cry, Respect, Futurist

[Michelle Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another POWERFUL library find.

I had skimmed a bit before checking it out, then set it aside, until today. Read nearly the whole thing while enjoying the comforting vibes of my favorite library brach.

Quiet, punctuated by the occasional hush of soft voices. A child asking about the football books on display, near my chair.

That might just be the pinnacle of ideal conditions for appreciating poetry. There, or maybe in a treasured bookstore, or cafe.

In the past, I’ve struggled with what to say about collections written by authors who belong to communities I do not, culturally, ethnically, and so on.

Some of these authors are LGBTQIA+ like me. That definitely helps bridge gaps in my understanding of their perspective.

Not that those gaps aren’t still there. I try my best, and hope not to leave behind the impression that I’ve been talking over these voices.

I can definitely see why Leila Mottley was a Youth Poet Laureate, in her city of Oakland. The images seethe. I think that’s the best way I can describe their impact.

[alondra torres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this poetry book out of curiosity at a local bookstore, and the first lines of the first poem immediately caught my attention. I could tell it was going to be good. After finishing it, I can say that this is a wonderful piece of work that puts into perspective the experiences of girlhood to womanhood, of a Black woman who carries the weight of her identity, but proudly. I could feel the isolation as a young girl and a young woman. I could feel the pain of generational trauma, some of which could never be healed because of what has been taken away. I could feel the love for a partner and a beautiful future. I could feel the freedom, basking in growth and self-love. I really do recommend this book as it is raw, unique, and real. I have a few favorites in the book, and there are multiple lines of poetry I had to highlight because they were so good and speak volumes. A couple of my favorite poems is “raising somebody’s future woman” and “After Want by Joan Larkin.” I will be looking more into Leila Mottley!

[jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

maybe a 3.5 for personal enjoyment, but think I need to let some parts marinate a bit (and also im not great at reading poetry). obviously not really a poetry reader, but nightcrawling was perhaps my favorite book of the year so i wanted to give this a try! really enjoyed a few poems, such as “haikus to lake merritt” and the love poems at the end to her wife, mo (i did a deep dive on her insta). bay area 🔛🔝

some lines i liked and highlighted:
- “i didn’t know it / but there was good buried / in the landlines of all this wanting / and i struck it / in the moment she pulls out a candle for every birthday / she wasn’t there to celebrate” like tbh at the eod im just a sucker for romance!!!!
- “memory is halfway to dying the moment it is made // there is still time / to forget / you are trying to remember”

[Skylar Miklus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mottley's first book of poetry is bold and no-holds-barred. She writes fiercely and tenderly about the challenges of Black existence in America. With lyrical free verse and impressionistic imagery, Mottley explores family lineage, sexuality, fear, joy, and desire. She has a poetic voice all her own, further cementing her as a writer to watch after the success of her daring first novel Nightcrawling. I am grateful to Knopf for the review copy.

[Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another poetry collection!! This one I downloaded because I LOVED Nightcrawling, it was one of my favorite books of 2022. I remember reading it and thinking about how beautiful the language was, and that carries into this poetry collection.

I loved reading this, the author is such a fantastic writer. The poems were so powerful, and if you’re a poetry reader, you definitely need to pick this one up.

Thank you @netgalley and @aaknopf for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jessica Milliner · Rating 5 out of 5]

These collections of poems are more than just a collection of stories. It's about life as a Black woman and living through 'girlhood.' Leila Mottley shows these poems as a way to live through life.

Thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, Anchor, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read these collections of poetry for review.

[Khepre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Urgent in message but not in power. This felt like a 1920s steam train strong at the start but needs that refuel to get to a powerful end. Still a good collection of poetry but not great or excellent.

[janeee :D · Rating 4 out of 5]

too many favorites to count . such a personal account of queer black womanhood . such a personal account of being a person in this world ! i wish i wrote like mottley but i dont so i was dry heaving reading this . i was agape after each poem !

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boys will be boys . . . Until they are men
Still shoving conveniences into their cavities

[ari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, tender, deep poems. Leila Mottley is so talented, it’s insane.

[Olivia Swindler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful and powerful collection about growing up. Motley has such a beautiful way with words.

Thank you to Knopf for my copy.