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Nectar
From beloved Malawian storyteller Upile Chisala comes the revised and expanded edition of her second collection of poetry.
In nectar , Chisala guides readers through a beautiful process of growth and renewal. These poems celebrate our always complex, sometimes troubled roots while encouraging us to grow through and beyond them toward a passionate self-love. Chisala’s hope is that her words will encourage readers to sow seeds of change in their own lives and the lives of others.
In nectar , Chisala guides readers through a beautiful process of growth and renewal. These poems celebrate our always complex, sometimes troubled roots while encouraging us to grow through and beyond them toward a passionate self-love. Chisala’s hope is that her words will encourage readers to sow seeds of change in their own lives and the lives of others.
178 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2017
36 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Upile Chisala
7 books200 followersUpile Chisala is a poet from Malawi. She prefers the term "storyteller." She is considered an Instapoet. She is often considered to belong to Malawi's third generation of writers. She has won numerous awards, including Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30. Chisala was born in south-east Malawi in 1994, and grew up in Zomba.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
October 29, 2019
"There is danger in letting people misname you.
If you are a fire,
do not answer when they call you a spark."
This book has a lot of self-love and self-worth even if some of the poems are one liners. Regardless, I loved it a lot! I honestly recommend for people to read and check this out even if you're not a fan of these modern poem format since some of these are really good advice. Some of the poems are about black lives matter as well.
Here are some of my favorites:
"I see you. You're not in this perpetual mission
to destroy yourself anymore. I'm glad you finally
think you're worth saving."
"I feel my ancestors in my blood. I am a body of
people who are asking not to be forgotten."
"I am sorry you watched your mother crawl out of
her pride for a man who only half lover her."
"Don't ignore the decay. Don't keep people around
because you're afraid of throwing things out.
You're not wasting, you're outgrowing."
"That day, over seven hundred
slept at the bottom of the sea.
Too black to remember.
Too black to make the news."
"Stop teaching girls that their voices aren't worth
listening to."
"Although I am happy that you've asked me to
be the warm thing you care for, please note that
there's nothing you can do that could ever make
me abandon myself.
I have fought too hard for this. I am finally
someone I love. I am someone I won't betray."
Overall, there are many poems I didn't include since I'd be typing 90% of the book here. So many are just so good but they're too long for me to type and I've already included a lot in this review. Please take your time reading through it since it's worth it.
"People who only wish to stifle your bloom do not
belong in your garden."
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
If you are a fire,
do not answer when they call you a spark."
This book has a lot of self-love and self-worth even if some of the poems are one liners. Regardless, I loved it a lot! I honestly recommend for people to read and check this out even if you're not a fan of these modern poem format since some of these are really good advice. Some of the poems are about black lives matter as well.
Here are some of my favorites:
"I see you. You're not in this perpetual mission
to destroy yourself anymore. I'm glad you finally
think you're worth saving."
"I feel my ancestors in my blood. I am a body of
people who are asking not to be forgotten."
"I am sorry you watched your mother crawl out of
her pride for a man who only half lover her."
"Don't ignore the decay. Don't keep people around
because you're afraid of throwing things out.
You're not wasting, you're outgrowing."
"That day, over seven hundred
slept at the bottom of the sea.
Too black to remember.
Too black to make the news."
"Stop teaching girls that their voices aren't worth
listening to."
"Although I am happy that you've asked me to
be the warm thing you care for, please note that
there's nothing you can do that could ever make
me abandon myself.
I have fought too hard for this. I am finally
someone I love. I am someone I won't betray."
Overall, there are many poems I didn't include since I'd be typing 90% of the book here. So many are just so good but they're too long for me to type and I've already included a lot in this review. Please take your time reading through it since it's worth it.
"People who only wish to stifle your bloom do not
belong in your garden."
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
August 6, 2019
I read her first book this year and I found this one on NetGalley and decided to give it a try.
I don’t know why I repeatedly read poetry from the poets I know are Instagram or Tumblr poets.
I live in an illusion that they will somehow reach that depth that they are grasping to reach.
Because the topics they write about are very serious, but the way they write about them makes the topic seem trivial.
Let’s say the topic is self-love and growth. You can’t tell me this is a poem:
Some things shatter.
Some things bloom..
Or this:
What have you learned about yourself lately:
-
-
-
-
-
The message the author tries to convey is in the form of a quote, not a poem. Separating that quote with smashing enter after every other word doesn’t make it a poem. And the second one was a list, again, not a poem.
I honestly don’t intend to bash their writing skills, writing is hard. I never had the courage to publish anything I write and I am rarely happy with what I do end up writing. It is hard work that doesn’t pay all that well but you enjoy doing it.
A collection of essays is what I think would suit these kinds of authors because I can’t see any originality nor anything that distinguishes this book from hundreds of others of the same or similar topic.
If you want to tell about your experiences in life I find that the essay form or memoir form is the best. Maybe a diary or letters.
Poetry is getting way too saturated with the same content over and over again.
You have noticed I rarely addressed the author and generalized the whole group of modern internet poets. I did. There were maybe 3-4 poems that I liked and thought: Well, this is good!
The others were a generic adaptation of a quote on Tumblr/Instagram.
And finally, 2 stars for the importance of the topics discussed in the book and those gorgeous covers.
I don’t know why I repeatedly read poetry from the poets I know are Instagram or Tumblr poets.
I live in an illusion that they will somehow reach that depth that they are grasping to reach.
Because the topics they write about are very serious, but the way they write about them makes the topic seem trivial.
Let’s say the topic is self-love and growth. You can’t tell me this is a poem:
Some things shatter.
Some things bloom..
Or this:
What have you learned about yourself lately:
-
-
-
-
-
The message the author tries to convey is in the form of a quote, not a poem. Separating that quote with smashing enter after every other word doesn’t make it a poem. And the second one was a list, again, not a poem.
I honestly don’t intend to bash their writing skills, writing is hard. I never had the courage to publish anything I write and I am rarely happy with what I do end up writing. It is hard work that doesn’t pay all that well but you enjoy doing it.
A collection of essays is what I think would suit these kinds of authors because I can’t see any originality nor anything that distinguishes this book from hundreds of others of the same or similar topic.
If you want to tell about your experiences in life I find that the essay form or memoir form is the best. Maybe a diary or letters.
Poetry is getting way too saturated with the same content over and over again.
You have noticed I rarely addressed the author and generalized the whole group of modern internet poets. I did. There were maybe 3-4 poems that I liked and thought: Well, this is good!
The others were a generic adaptation of a quote on Tumblr/Instagram.
And finally, 2 stars for the importance of the topics discussed in the book and those gorgeous covers.
February 1, 2022
"There is danger in letting people misname you.
If you are a fire,
do not answer when they call you a spark."
This book has a lot of self-love and self-worth even if some of the poems are one liners. Regardless, I loved it a lot! I honestly recommend for people to read and check this out even if you're not a fan of these modern poem format since some of these are really good advice. Some of the poems are about black lives matter as well.
Here are some of my favorites:
"I see you. You're not in this perpetual mission
to destroy yourself anymore. I'm glad you finally
think you're worth saving."
"I feel my ancestors in my blood. I am a body of
people who are asking not to be forgotten."
"I am sorry you watched your mother crawl out of
her pride for a man who only half lover her."
"Don't ignore the decay. Don't keep people around
because you're afraid of throwing things out.
You're not wasting, you're outgrowing."
"That day, over seven hundred
slept at the bottom of the sea.
Too black to remember.
Too black to make the news."
"Stop teaching girls that their voices aren't worth
listening to."
"Although I am happy that you've asked me to
be the warm thing you care for, please note that
there's nothing you can do that could ever make
me abandon myself.
I have fought too hard for this. I am finally
someone I love. I am someone I won't betray."
Overall, there are many poems I didn't include since I'd be typing 90% of the book here. So many are just so good but they're too long for me to type and I've already included a lot in this review. Please take your time reading through it since it's worth it.
"People who only wish to stifle your bloom do not
belong in your garden."
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
If you are a fire,
do not answer when they call you a spark."
This book has a lot of self-love and self-worth even if some of the poems are one liners. Regardless, I loved it a lot! I honestly recommend for people to read and check this out even if you're not a fan of these modern poem format since some of these are really good advice. Some of the poems are about black lives matter as well.
Here are some of my favorites:
"I see you. You're not in this perpetual mission
to destroy yourself anymore. I'm glad you finally
think you're worth saving."
"I feel my ancestors in my blood. I am a body of
people who are asking not to be forgotten."
"I am sorry you watched your mother crawl out of
her pride for a man who only half lover her."
"Don't ignore the decay. Don't keep people around
because you're afraid of throwing things out.
You're not wasting, you're outgrowing."
"That day, over seven hundred
slept at the bottom of the sea.
Too black to remember.
Too black to make the news."
"Stop teaching girls that their voices aren't worth
listening to."
"Although I am happy that you've asked me to
be the warm thing you care for, please note that
there's nothing you can do that could ever make
me abandon myself.
I have fought too hard for this. I am finally
someone I love. I am someone I won't betray."
Overall, there are many poems I didn't include since I'd be typing 90% of the book here. So many are just so good but they're too long for me to type and I've already included a lot in this review. Please take your time reading through it since it's worth it.
"People who only wish to stifle your bloom do not
belong in your garden."
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with the digital copy for an honest review.
September 9, 2019
Full review at https://yellowmajesty.com/nectar-upil...
“Powerful book” it mentions at the end of the book. Regardless, I didn’t find any of the poems powerful enough to make a difference and impact on me as a reader. I did have high hopes from this book since the synopsis seemed interesting, but now that I have read it I am quite disappointed.
“Powerful book” it mentions at the end of the book. Regardless, I didn’t find any of the poems powerful enough to make a difference and impact on me as a reader. I did have high hopes from this book since the synopsis seemed interesting, but now that I have read it I am quite disappointed.
May 17, 2020
The problem with IG poets is that they don't get deep enough. It's like a flower that hasn't bloomed. Maybe it's the space restraints, there's not enough space in the box or they don't think we can hang on for long enough for them to say how they really feel because we're scrolling, scrolling, scrolling. It's not surprising that Andrews McMeel Publishing has become synonymous with this style of poetry as well: it's their brand. Every book I've read out of there suffers from the same affliction.
I really loved this work for what it was at it’s surface level and it’s core, words of self-empowerment written by a black woman.
There were many stellar standout moments here that serves as great reminders for us women who need these reminders. Some of my faves:
“Stop risking your sanity
For lovers who kiss well
But don’t have a staying bone
In their body”
“I refuse entirely to be
Where you store
Your rage”
“Can’t I just be a black woman
Who loves herself in peace”
“Who else has to fight for the right
To call herself a blessing”
I loved all of these, what I really wanted more than just the statements was more connection with where these statements came from in 2020. In that moment of writing, dig deeper than just a reiteration..
I feel like women like Nikki Giovanni laid the ground work and broke down the windows to allow for baselevel commentary to pass (not saying she's baselevel, she's one of my favourite poets of all time). Women like her, broke down the door for black women to speak their truth. That was decades ago. What does our current experience in this world, decades later, how does it impact our fight for the space we continuously should/need to take up? What does our current experience as black women navigating love, how is our current experience impacted by the space we're pushing ourselves into matter what? What do our experiences say in 2020 about us holding our ground re: not having our time wasted and standing in our need to love and be loved unapologetically?
I loved this work, I wanted more.
I really loved this work for what it was at it’s surface level and it’s core, words of self-empowerment written by a black woman.
There were many stellar standout moments here that serves as great reminders for us women who need these reminders. Some of my faves:
“Stop risking your sanity
For lovers who kiss well
But don’t have a staying bone
In their body”
“I refuse entirely to be
Where you store
Your rage”
“Can’t I just be a black woman
Who loves herself in peace”
“Who else has to fight for the right
To call herself a blessing”
I loved all of these, what I really wanted more than just the statements was more connection with where these statements came from in 2020. In that moment of writing, dig deeper than just a reiteration..
I feel like women like Nikki Giovanni laid the ground work and broke down the windows to allow for baselevel commentary to pass (not saying she's baselevel, she's one of my favourite poets of all time). Women like her, broke down the door for black women to speak their truth. That was decades ago. What does our current experience in this world, decades later, how does it impact our fight for the space we continuously should/need to take up? What does our current experience as black women navigating love, how is our current experience impacted by the space we're pushing ourselves into matter what? What do our experiences say in 2020 about us holding our ground re: not having our time wasted and standing in our need to love and be loved unapologetically?
I loved this work, I wanted more.
August 16, 2020
I think the message was good but the writing style wasn’t good enough to keep me entertained enough or feel something more than you know, some quotes together.
May 10, 2020
Disclaimer: Jonathan Ball Publishers in South Africa sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I am
Black
Woman
and African
In a world that undervalues all three
For the first time in many years my physical reaction to the written word was undeniable. I picked up Chisala's book and from the first sentence I was completely blown away by how effortlessly she found her way into the darkest reaches of my heart. Of course I am sure it was not in anyway effortless. I was hoping that I could start this review without bringing myself into it, but upon reflection I simply cannot do that. If anything Nectar is possibly one of the most personal collections of prose I have ever come across. Chisala speaks to women, to black women, to abused women, to strong women, and sad women. Chisala speaks to the that little part of your soul that you imagined no one else knew about until you saw the words in black ink on white paper and suddenly your pain was every women's pain.
Broken up into five chapters the first, “House of Honey” is a kind of affirmation for women. Where perhaps the 'honey' is not just the gift you give to yourself as a woman, but it could also be you. 'You' could be the honey. Chisala alludes to abusive relationships and being able to assert yourself as a woman. As a black woman Chisala takes that identity and places it on the throne of her work, as it should be. In this first 'chapter' the reader learns where they should be in terms of relationships and their own sense of self, even though they may not necessarily be there physically. On page 8 Chisala declares:
There are things that I am that I am trying not be
There are things that I was that have no claim on me
In so may words and in so many ways the poet wants us to know that we can change our stars.
In the second chapter entitled “Soil and Roots” which could easily be accepted as the foundation phase if one were to rely on the 'gardening' metaphor, pain is the defining factor. The pain inflicted during relationships, the pain of motherhood, the pain of being a black woman. Pain , trauma and the burdens of identity are the key themes here. On page 49 the words read:
Today your heart is heavy, and you're wondering
If your God is watching the world burn too
It is here where she wants the reader to be strong, to remember the past even if it seems a burden sometimes and too painful, and to never remain silent. To speak, and to have faith.
In chapter three, “All that Grew” is mostly about relationships and Chisala is frighteningly accurate when it comes to the heartbreak and the feeling of being left behind. Her words are achingly raw as she alludes to toxic relationships and memory associated with loss. Chisala does make several references to the healing power of writing, and writing poetry specifically. As though she were writing through her own pain, which one can only imagine she is. Her words are chilling to the point of despair at times, and yet hope always seems to be waiting in the wings:
Lean into it
Get lost in it.
It might break you a bit, but, goodness, it'll be an
adventure. Love always is.
The fourth chapter “Our Garden” is about acceptance, and not just accepting the status quo but only accepting that which is of the highest good. It is about wanting more for yourself, and not accepting less than what you deserve. Once again Chisala reiterates the importance of our voice, and the act of writing as a rejuvenating tool. Though those words had to have come from somewhere and most often pain is the ultimate inspiration.
Pray for the creative whose vulnerability amuses us,
whose pain reminds us of our own,
who had to feel something again and again for our sakes.
Finally in “Fruit” the words in Nectar remind us to love ourselves. It is the final form of validation that we are here. The final chapter is an affirmation of sorts. A final list of the things to remember that will keep us alive and bearing fruit. The first being:
a. show up for yourself
Cross shit off lists
Live out your beautiful purpose.
No amount of analyzing and critiquing will do Upile Chisala's Nectar quite enough justice. As I turned each page I wept for the words, I wept for the women, and I wept for myself. Truly one of the most intoxicating and beautifully real works I have read in my lifetime. An extraordinary talent who has appeared in this world with such grace. I am stunned in all the right ways.
I am
Black
Woman
and African
In a world that undervalues all three
For the first time in many years my physical reaction to the written word was undeniable. I picked up Chisala's book and from the first sentence I was completely blown away by how effortlessly she found her way into the darkest reaches of my heart. Of course I am sure it was not in anyway effortless. I was hoping that I could start this review without bringing myself into it, but upon reflection I simply cannot do that. If anything Nectar is possibly one of the most personal collections of prose I have ever come across. Chisala speaks to women, to black women, to abused women, to strong women, and sad women. Chisala speaks to the that little part of your soul that you imagined no one else knew about until you saw the words in black ink on white paper and suddenly your pain was every women's pain.
Broken up into five chapters the first, “House of Honey” is a kind of affirmation for women. Where perhaps the 'honey' is not just the gift you give to yourself as a woman, but it could also be you. 'You' could be the honey. Chisala alludes to abusive relationships and being able to assert yourself as a woman. As a black woman Chisala takes that identity and places it on the throne of her work, as it should be. In this first 'chapter' the reader learns where they should be in terms of relationships and their own sense of self, even though they may not necessarily be there physically. On page 8 Chisala declares:
There are things that I am that I am trying not be
There are things that I was that have no claim on me
In so may words and in so many ways the poet wants us to know that we can change our stars.
In the second chapter entitled “Soil and Roots” which could easily be accepted as the foundation phase if one were to rely on the 'gardening' metaphor, pain is the defining factor. The pain inflicted during relationships, the pain of motherhood, the pain of being a black woman. Pain , trauma and the burdens of identity are the key themes here. On page 49 the words read:
Today your heart is heavy, and you're wondering
If your God is watching the world burn too
It is here where she wants the reader to be strong, to remember the past even if it seems a burden sometimes and too painful, and to never remain silent. To speak, and to have faith.
In chapter three, “All that Grew” is mostly about relationships and Chisala is frighteningly accurate when it comes to the heartbreak and the feeling of being left behind. Her words are achingly raw as she alludes to toxic relationships and memory associated with loss. Chisala does make several references to the healing power of writing, and writing poetry specifically. As though she were writing through her own pain, which one can only imagine she is. Her words are chilling to the point of despair at times, and yet hope always seems to be waiting in the wings:
Lean into it
Get lost in it.
It might break you a bit, but, goodness, it'll be an
adventure. Love always is.
The fourth chapter “Our Garden” is about acceptance, and not just accepting the status quo but only accepting that which is of the highest good. It is about wanting more for yourself, and not accepting less than what you deserve. Once again Chisala reiterates the importance of our voice, and the act of writing as a rejuvenating tool. Though those words had to have come from somewhere and most often pain is the ultimate inspiration.
Pray for the creative whose vulnerability amuses us,
whose pain reminds us of our own,
who had to feel something again and again for our sakes.
Finally in “Fruit” the words in Nectar remind us to love ourselves. It is the final form of validation that we are here. The final chapter is an affirmation of sorts. A final list of the things to remember that will keep us alive and bearing fruit. The first being:
a. show up for yourself
Cross shit off lists
Live out your beautiful purpose.
No amount of analyzing and critiquing will do Upile Chisala's Nectar quite enough justice. As I turned each page I wept for the words, I wept for the women, and I wept for myself. Truly one of the most intoxicating and beautifully real works I have read in my lifetime. An extraordinary talent who has appeared in this world with such grace. I am stunned in all the right ways.
August 19, 2019
What is the point of these types of ‘poetry’ collections? None of these were poems; they were dull and most of the time, literal sentences with maybe a random line break. I don’t know why these have been so popular recently... like, sure, nothing against this one in particular – they’re all as bad as each other – but Upile Chisala definitely just jumped on a bandwagon and realised she could publish a “poetry collection” if she wrote a few of her thoughts down in a slightly different way than usual.
All these “poets” should just get Twitter and share each “poem” as a tweet. They would probably do quite well on there...
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley
All these “poets” should just get Twitter and share each “poem” as a tweet. They would probably do quite well on there...
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley
March 27, 2018
“Can’t I just be a black woman that loves herself in peace?
Without having to explain why my skin
(be it light honey or molasses)
is a dream?
Why my hair
(coarse or sleek)
is a crown?
Can’t I just be a black woman that loves being a black
woman?
Without having to be sorry
or humble
or polite about it.
Damn it!
Who else has to justify loving themselves like this?
Who else has to fight for the right to call themselves a
blessing?
Goodness,
can’t I just be a black woman that loves herself in peace?!”
Without having to explain why my skin
(be it light honey or molasses)
is a dream?
Why my hair
(coarse or sleek)
is a crown?
Can’t I just be a black woman that loves being a black
woman?
Without having to be sorry
or humble
or polite about it.
Damn it!
Who else has to justify loving themselves like this?
Who else has to fight for the right to call themselves a
blessing?
Goodness,
can’t I just be a black woman that loves herself in peace?!”
December 18, 2017
she does it again. she's just so good.
September 23, 2019
'Love yourself tremendously
and
the second you meet someone who makes you question that love,
run fast, darling.
Run far.'
I liked reading this collection. I know I must not compare with the first collection but as this collection too talks about the same themes, I feel the first collection was definitely more hard hitting and direct.
What I love more about this collection was the simple language and the shorter lines. But once again, I feel like this collection has changed abruptly in its writing style and it feels like it's from a different author.
I liked it anyway. It's empowering. It focuses more on young girls and black women and acts as a way for encouraging them to live their lives to the fullest.
I hope the next collection comes up better and stronger.
Thanks #NetGalley for the book #Nectar.
and
the second you meet someone who makes you question that love,
run fast, darling.
Run far.'
I liked reading this collection. I know I must not compare with the first collection but as this collection too talks about the same themes, I feel the first collection was definitely more hard hitting and direct.
What I love more about this collection was the simple language and the shorter lines. But once again, I feel like this collection has changed abruptly in its writing style and it feels like it's from a different author.
I liked it anyway. It's empowering. It focuses more on young girls and black women and acts as a way for encouraging them to live their lives to the fullest.
I hope the next collection comes up better and stronger.
Thanks #NetGalley for the book #Nectar.
February 14, 2021
I chose to give it around 4 stars because I like the writing style but some ideas were repetitive (now that I read her other books too).
May 10, 2021
A friend (my brother’s girlfriend, actually) gave this to me for my birthday and it was the perfect gift. I’ve been very into poetry lately, and this was beautiful and insightful and timely. I took photos of a few poems just to have them in my camera roll to reference later, when the book isn’t with me; I can’t wait to read more Upile Chisala, and I regret not reading her work sooner.
July 24, 2024
‘Don’t keep people around just because you’re afraid to throw things out. You’re not wasting, you’re outgrowing.’
February 12, 2021
“For women who unlearned silence and the women who are still coming to terms with their voices, nectar is yours first.”
Using flower imagery reminiscent of a charming garden, Chisala takes us through a process of growth through self-love, generational traumas while speaking of roots and acceptance in the form of fruit.
So many people have shared their love for Chisala’s poetry and I wish I felt the same. I think I might have done myself a disservice by not getting my hands on soft magic first but I was impatient because I too wanted to gush over her words. I felt disconnected, and maybe it’s because now wasn’t the right time? Or it could be that I *have* come to terms with my voice and I didn’t necessarily need to hear some of these messages. I didn’t find this collection to be cohesive and felt that it often jumped from one subject matter to another. This then led me to not fully appreciating the poems that I felt were standout poems.
I had nearly given up until I reached part 5: “fruit” and I caught a glimpse of what others might have felt while experiencing her poetry. Chisala ends by leaving us with soft reminders to show up for ourselves and the women who surround us, to follow our dreams, and to remember that we’re deserving of both love and joy.
Do I recommend this? Yes, it might not have been for me but it could be for you 💛 I still plan to get soft magic by the same author , even me I want to feel what some of y’all felt.
Have you read Upile Chisala’s Nectar? How did you find it? Let me know 🥺
March 16, 2021
I was really excited when I saw that Upile Chisala had a second poetry collection coming out and even more excited when I saw it was available on Netgalley. Thank you so much Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this collection! However, I definitely enjoyed her first collection more.
This collection was hard for me. I didn’t feel like it was as well written nor as impactful as her first collection, Soft Magic. Partially, I don’t think they were edited as well, but also the subject matter just didn’t speak to me nearly as much as the first collection did. The first collection spoke more on depression, which at the time of reading was something that I really needed to read about. I needed the encouragement that the Soft Magic collection gave me. Many of the short poems spoke to me on a personal level in the first collection.
For me, this collection really only had two things that spoke to me on a personal level, whereas the first collection had many.
The first being:
“You do yourself and those who could love you a disservice when you make yourself smaller; when you eat your words or use less of your light.”
I feel like too often lately other women and myself are having to make ourselves smaller so that those around us don’t get offended. Or so we don’t piss off the patriarchy and they don’t try to take more of our rights away. Or just in general with my job because I almost constantly work around men.
The second being:
“Waiting for people to be sorry will exhaust you.”
I am not a particularly forgiving person and when people don’t apologize for injury that they have caused me in the past, I have a tendency to hold on. Letting go of these grievances is something that I am working on. It’s hard for me to let go though when I am basically enraged by other people’s actions.
All and all it is still a fine collection. I was just hoping to be as moved as I was by her first collection, but that unfortunately just didn’t happen this time. I am still willing to read any other collections she puts out, but I am hoping they will be more like Soft Magic.
This collection was hard for me. I didn’t feel like it was as well written nor as impactful as her first collection, Soft Magic. Partially, I don’t think they were edited as well, but also the subject matter just didn’t speak to me nearly as much as the first collection did. The first collection spoke more on depression, which at the time of reading was something that I really needed to read about. I needed the encouragement that the Soft Magic collection gave me. Many of the short poems spoke to me on a personal level in the first collection.
For me, this collection really only had two things that spoke to me on a personal level, whereas the first collection had many.
The first being:
“You do yourself and those who could love you a disservice when you make yourself smaller; when you eat your words or use less of your light.”
I feel like too often lately other women and myself are having to make ourselves smaller so that those around us don’t get offended. Or so we don’t piss off the patriarchy and they don’t try to take more of our rights away. Or just in general with my job because I almost constantly work around men.
The second being:
“Waiting for people to be sorry will exhaust you.”
I am not a particularly forgiving person and when people don’t apologize for injury that they have caused me in the past, I have a tendency to hold on. Letting go of these grievances is something that I am working on. It’s hard for me to let go though when I am basically enraged by other people’s actions.
All and all it is still a fine collection. I was just hoping to be as moved as I was by her first collection, but that unfortunately just didn’t happen this time. I am still willing to read any other collections she puts out, but I am hoping they will be more like Soft Magic.
March 24, 2020
'Nectar' is so beautiful and thought-provoking. I loved listening to the audiobook narrated by the author herself. Although I couldn't relate to most (probably all) of it, I love the themes that the book revolves around.
This collection is powerful and inspirational.
This collection is powerful and inspirational.
February 21, 2017
This was definitely a great read. It's definitely for black women but the transformative power of the words make it so any person of color can identify with it. I've lost count of how many poems I've earmarked. I'll keep those for the rainy days.
May 11, 2021
sometimes you have to sit on a book for a while. metaphorically speaking. you have to let the words soak in before they fully resonate. or they're resonating already and you have to let the feeling in. this is one of those books. today is one of those days. understanding is one of those feelings.
June 28, 2018
Rating Nectar was a bit of a challenge. I think I would have appreciated this book more if I read it much sooner. There are many quotable bits and it resembles the Instagram poetry aesthetic.
I have loved Upile since seeing tweets of her poems and watching her recite her work live in 2017 when she visited South Africa. The next step was, of course, to buy one of her books to fully absorb what she is capable of.
I definitely expected to be moved more than I was. The depth was there, but very little of it punched me in the gut. I want that. The poems were good, I read some of them out loud to a friend and to myself. But I didn’t feel she pushed herself enough.
I would have appreciated some storytelling and to feel like I’m better invested in her mess, her politics, her failings, etc. in the end. Not just the romance side, and even then, it didn’t fully form. While I respect her writing style, I felt abandoned as a reader. I didn’t have enough to chew on.
I don’t know how much she has grown as a poet, as I haven’t read her first book. But I definitely expected more. I’ll read the other one for my benefit.
I’d recommend the book to someone who’s a novice poetry reader.
I have loved Upile since seeing tweets of her poems and watching her recite her work live in 2017 when she visited South Africa. The next step was, of course, to buy one of her books to fully absorb what she is capable of.
I definitely expected to be moved more than I was. The depth was there, but very little of it punched me in the gut. I want that. The poems were good, I read some of them out loud to a friend and to myself. But I didn’t feel she pushed herself enough.
I would have appreciated some storytelling and to feel like I’m better invested in her mess, her politics, her failings, etc. in the end. Not just the romance side, and even then, it didn’t fully form. While I respect her writing style, I felt abandoned as a reader. I didn’t have enough to chew on.
I don’t know how much she has grown as a poet, as I haven’t read her first book. But I definitely expected more. I’ll read the other one for my benefit.
I’d recommend the book to someone who’s a novice poetry reader.
April 5, 2020
My favorite verses from the book:
The practice of letting go of gone things and saying "That wasn’t mine, but mine is
on the way."
I no longer accept anger that is not meant for me. If you come here heavy with fury
that I had no part in, please know that my hands won’t take it.
I refuse, entirely, to be where you store your rage.
They said
“Stay. Love will grow.”
Your heart said
“Go. You don’t know the first thing about gardening.”
I am
Black
Woman
and
African
in a world that undervalues all three.
Don’t ignore the decay. Don’t keep people around because you’re afraid of throwing
things out. You’re not wasting, you’re outgrowing.
Please remember,
anger swallows whole
and
spits out broken.
The practice of letting go of gone things and saying "That wasn’t mine, but mine is
on the way."
I no longer accept anger that is not meant for me. If you come here heavy with fury
that I had no part in, please know that my hands won’t take it.
I refuse, entirely, to be where you store your rage.
They said
“Stay. Love will grow.”
Your heart said
“Go. You don’t know the first thing about gardening.”
I am
Black
Woman
and
African
in a world that undervalues all three.
Don’t ignore the decay. Don’t keep people around because you’re afraid of throwing
things out. You’re not wasting, you’re outgrowing.
Please remember,
anger swallows whole
and
spits out broken.
June 10, 2020
**3.5 stars rounded up**
I've never really been one for poetry, but I liked this one. And I like the fact that I liked it.
This poetry book is by a Black author, and obviously, there are things in here that only apply to Black people, and to Black women. As a white person, I will never be able to understand these issues. But I stand with Black people.
It was a touching read and you can really tell that Upile Chisala really poured her soul into this. It was nice. And I agree. Girls, never let yourself be silenced.
I would recommend it to others, but it's not my place to say whether it's truly good or not. So hopefully, others find this truly enjoyable as well.
I've never really been one for poetry, but I liked this one. And I like the fact that I liked it.
This poetry book is by a Black author, and obviously, there are things in here that only apply to Black people, and to Black women. As a white person, I will never be able to understand these issues. But I stand with Black people.
It was a touching read and you can really tell that Upile Chisala really poured her soul into this. It was nice. And I agree. Girls, never let yourself be silenced.
I would recommend it to others, but it's not my place to say whether it's truly good or not. So hopefully, others find this truly enjoyable as well.
November 4, 2019
I received this from NetGalley for review
This didn't make me feel anything...
I want to make clear I have no issues with "Instagram poetry" and in many cases like it but this just felt like sentences and none of them hit me in anyway. None of them made me think or brought anything new and poetry, even if talking about common topics, needs to dig its way into the soul and change my mind.
This was ok but that's all, just ok. Some of these sentences were good and lovely sounding but that's not enough for me.
This didn't make me feel anything...
I want to make clear I have no issues with "Instagram poetry" and in many cases like it but this just felt like sentences and none of them hit me in anyway. None of them made me think or brought anything new and poetry, even if talking about common topics, needs to dig its way into the soul and change my mind.
This was ok but that's all, just ok. Some of these sentences were good and lovely sounding but that's not enough for me.
March 8, 2023
this was a really quick read during my morning tea and I did like the balance between anger, sadness, hope, and reflection but these are more so musings in my mind than poetry. basically a collection of thoughts which was still great but not what I had in mind for a poetry collection. I feel like a lot of this could've been summed up in little tiny paragraph short stories or essays if that makes sense. kind of like internal ramblings that take you on a journey instead of just a couple of words on a page. wasn't really feeling that vibe with the style but did enjoy the words throughout.
August 14, 2019
Overall this book was very uplifting and I was able to really connect with the author. Even though the second section was heavily written to empower the African American female population, I felt the rest of the collection could’ve been written for absolutely anybody. The writing was beautiful and I definitely would read more of her work if she continues to publish. Definitely a book everyone should read.
August 29, 2019
i was provided an arc by the publisher and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Upile's poetry is mastered with an eloquently beautiful voice. the collection delivers an emotional journey through the process of self-love and acceptance. it discusses everything—from heartbreak to loving yourself. it's both therapeutic and creative—the poetic message kisses all of your doubts away and leaves you with a promising ending. highly recommend reading this one. 4/5 stars! after reading soft magic and now nectar, i can definitely consider Upile Chisala as one of my top favorite new poets.
Upile's poetry is mastered with an eloquently beautiful voice. the collection delivers an emotional journey through the process of self-love and acceptance. it discusses everything—from heartbreak to loving yourself. it's both therapeutic and creative—the poetic message kisses all of your doubts away and leaves you with a promising ending. highly recommend reading this one. 4/5 stars! after reading soft magic and now nectar, i can definitely consider Upile Chisala as one of my top favorite new poets.
January 2, 2020
I have been wanting to get into more poetry books lately and I’m so happy I found this one. It is such an incredible collection of poems! Most are uplifting and full of self-love. I was truly moved by this book. I will definitely look for more from this author!
Here’s to my first book of 2020! 🎉💛
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Here’s to my first book of 2020! 🎉💛
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
April 21, 2020
Nectar was written very well. I listened to this on audiobook and to hear the author speak her poems, so beautifully. She talked about letting go of your anger yet having forgiveness. The author also mentioned it's okay to show pride for being black, love yourself. Love your black skin!
She touched on relationships and love and staying strong. Although short and I wanted more, it still packed a punch great writing, beautiful poetry! I will be reading more from this author soon.
She touched on relationships and love and staying strong. Although short and I wanted more, it still packed a punch great writing, beautiful poetry! I will be reading more from this author soon.
August 11, 2023
So some of these I really loved and resonated with. Some I didn’t personally resonate with but could see how beautiful and well written they were. That was the minority though, most felt kinda tumblr generic.
January 17, 2024
“I loved you so hard that I softened.”
A simple, but powerful collection of poetry. There were some that felt more impactful than others and at times it felt a mite preachy—but overall a satisfying read that can take the sting out of a hard day.
A simple, but powerful collection of poetry. There were some that felt more impactful than others and at times it felt a mite preachy—but overall a satisfying read that can take the sting out of a hard day.
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