Not your Token

by Leila Tualla

I am not your Token Asian.
I am not your Token.
I am not your(s)
I am not
I am
I.

Genres: Poetry

30 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2018

About the author

Leila Tualla is a Filipino-American poet and author based in Houston, Tx. Leila’s books include a YA contemporary romance called Letters to Lenora and a memoir/poetry collection called Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me. She has a chapbook called, pmdd & me. Her poetry has been featured in several mental health anthologies and journals. Leila is currently working on a poetry collection based on Asian American stereotypes and identifies.

 
Social Media Links:
www.leilatualla.com
FB: www.facebook.com/leilatuallam
Twitter: www.twitter.com/leilatualla
Instagram: www.instagram.com/leilatualla

Reviews

[Sare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leila Tualla knows how to write in a way that is both beautiful and thought provoking. Her latest book is the first in her series on identities. This book focuses on what it's like to be an Asian immigrant in small town America. I love how the author opened her heart on this important topic and gave me, someone with a completely different background, insight into her identity and culture. This book was beautiful and I will be reading the rest of this series as it comes out!

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reviewing Leila's collection.
Her story is her honest truth and I connected with her raw style of writing because it is uniquely personal. I understand why 'Not your Token' needs to be written and read TODAY because it's so important that we hear an equal representation of voices.

Please do pick up this important book and support stories which need to be heard.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful reflection of self

This small chapbook is a beautiful collection of poems on the author’s multiple identities. With crisp style and a clear theme, her words become a rebellion against cultural appropriation.

[Fida Islaih · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of power and truth

This is a powerful chapbook of sharing her truths. We come from different places and different stories. But I have felt what she felt. I can relate and see myself in her. Thank you for writing this.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content warnings: poetry discusses racism and xenophobia, reference to PTSD and negative childhood experiences

This is a wonderful collection of poetry. I feel like Tualla’s words should be broadcasted to white people everywhere. Tbh, white people need to read this more than anyone else. But even then, why should it take a collection of personal poetry for white people to straighten up and realise our behaviours? People of colour shouldn’t have to be screaming powerful lines of poetry at us for us to wake up.

Tualla is a powerful voice that we do not deserve. I look forward to reading more from this poetry series.

[Ivy Cirillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly eye opening. For someone that’s been through sensitivity training, this chapbook is a reminder of its importance. And for those that have not undergone such training, a glimpse into how each interaction despite intent affects those around them. I truly hope others read this collection & not only recognize the work this author put in & the vulnerability it took to share this collection, but make the decision to look deeper within themselves and the biases they may be carrying.

[Sasha Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a very quick, very beautiful, very powerful, and very important read. if you read anything today, please pick up this book. i especially liked the power about people saying 'i don't see color'

[J.R. Rogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I blew through this short and enjoyable own-voices collection. It can easily be read in one sitting and gives insight into the authors day-to-day life in small town USA as a POC.