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Stories of a Harlem Resident
This uplifting book is more than a collection of poetry. It serves a powerful tool of inspiration detailing the daily experiences as a Harlem resident. This book belongs on every poetry enthusiast bookshelf. Come along with the author on a emotional ride through reflection and anticipation.
- GenresPoetry
22 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2022
About the author
Javier Sarmiento Jr.
1 book4 followersJavier Sarmiento Jr is an Afro-Latino writer from Harlem in New York City. He is a graduate of Buena Vista University with a degree in Digital media. He is a graduate of Guttman Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts. Sarmiento Jr won first place in the collegiate sports writing category of the Robert L. Vann Media Awards for his article “The Impact and Influence of LeBron James.” Last summer, he was selected to be a part of the NABJ’s Student Multimedia Project. He produced two articles about race in the teaching and book industries.
He is an award-winning author. His poetry book " Stories of a Harlem Resident" won third place in the Bookfest Awards!
His poem, a voice from Harlem, was recently awarded an Honorable mention in the rhyming poetry category in the 90th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. He has a passion for Basketball and Social justice.
Follow Javier on Twitter @javibuckets and Instagram @javibuckets
He is an award-winning author. His poetry book " Stories of a Harlem Resident" won third place in the Bookfest Awards!
His poem, a voice from Harlem, was recently awarded an Honorable mention in the rhyming poetry category in the 90th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. He has a passion for Basketball and Social justice.
Follow Javier on Twitter @javibuckets and Instagram @javibuckets
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 21, 2023
Stories of a Harlem Resident is an amazing collection of short poetry that represents a Harlem resident's daily situation. Each poem is an account of different hardships of the average teenager coming up in his life. This collection is incredibly thought-provoking. Javier Sarmiento Jr has done an amazing job by bringing the situation in front of the reader’s life about how the streets in Harlem would really look like and the hardships that are being faced as he grew up.
What I liked most is the language used in the poetry is so simple that it can be read by anyone. But if you take a deep look at each of the phrases there are lots of meanings and emotions attached to it. The insights of this book, are that we live in a profoundly unequal society, that racism and poverty are deeply intertwined with other systems of oppression, and that breaking the cycle of poverty is extremely difficult which will probably not be new to many of its readers.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of poetry. It is filled with thought-provoking words that are relative to everyone who is struggling in the current times. I more particularly liked the chapter “Achiever” where Javier expressed his own life and the way he has achieved his goals despite the hardships faced. I felt this would give motivation to anyone who reads that there is always hope for a better tomorrow if you are ready to struggle in the present.
With that said, I truly adored this book. I recommend that you purchase and read Javier’s book by way of opening up your mind. The more of these poems that you read the more the truth shall set you free. I’ll give 4.5 out of 5 stars for this.
What I liked most is the language used in the poetry is so simple that it can be read by anyone. But if you take a deep look at each of the phrases there are lots of meanings and emotions attached to it. The insights of this book, are that we live in a profoundly unequal society, that racism and poverty are deeply intertwined with other systems of oppression, and that breaking the cycle of poverty is extremely difficult which will probably not be new to many of its readers.
Overall, I really enjoyed this collection of poetry. It is filled with thought-provoking words that are relative to everyone who is struggling in the current times. I more particularly liked the chapter “Achiever” where Javier expressed his own life and the way he has achieved his goals despite the hardships faced. I felt this would give motivation to anyone who reads that there is always hope for a better tomorrow if you are ready to struggle in the present.
With that said, I truly adored this book. I recommend that you purchase and read Javier’s book by way of opening up your mind. The more of these poems that you read the more the truth shall set you free. I’ll give 4.5 out of 5 stars for this.
July 3, 2023
Stories of a Harlem Resident by Javier Sarmiento Jr. is a short yet powerful collection of poetry that gives us a look at everyday life in Harlem through the lens of poetic and descriptive language. The author uses his poetry to show his inspirational vision of making the world a better place, making his community stronger, and helping the world to understand a viewpoint they may not have seen before.
Sarmiento Jr.’s vision and passion for social justice shine throughout, especially with “Journeyman” and “The Blue Men.” He teaches us how to be kind, to listen to one another, and to make better informed choices, all while giving us descriptive snapshots of the struggles he has experienced.
I would have loved to see a few more poems further illustrating his vision of what helping one another looks like for him. His eagerness to impact the world is palpable, and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for his readers. His gift of perception and description will continue to develop and aid his unique poetic voice.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
Sarmiento Jr.’s vision and passion for social justice shine throughout, especially with “Journeyman” and “The Blue Men.” He teaches us how to be kind, to listen to one another, and to make better informed choices, all while giving us descriptive snapshots of the struggles he has experienced.
I would have loved to see a few more poems further illustrating his vision of what helping one another looks like for him. His eagerness to impact the world is palpable, and I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for his readers. His gift of perception and description will continue to develop and aid his unique poetic voice.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This review is honest and voluntary.
May 2, 2023
This was a very short, straight to the point masterful work of art that speaks from the heart.
The ball is life,
Let me fly my kite,
It’s done, you can see who won.
The book is poetry in it's purist form and Javier is a true poet, every single person should read this, it's an important piece of art talking about the struggles of being black in America, it's inspirational, emotional and uplifting. I already read parts of it three times, definitely something I will keep close by.
The ball is life,
Let me fly my kite,
It’s done, you can see who won.
The book is poetry in it's purist form and Javier is a true poet, every single person should read this, it's an important piece of art talking about the struggles of being black in America, it's inspirational, emotional and uplifting. I already read parts of it three times, definitely something I will keep close by.
November 28, 2024
This is a short poetry book about the poet's experiences as a black person living in a white neighbourhood. Though the book is short, the experiences are detailed and impactful, revealing how difficult life had been for him. But he overcomes everything, including poverty, to be where he is today. These poems are autobiographical and inspiring, especially for those facing hardships.
January 14, 2025
"What’s important here is doing what you can to change your environment.
When you see your brothers and sisters in peril,
You got to respond and step up to the plate.
The change will not arrive overnight,
But with diligence and effort,
it will slowly come.
Changing people’s lives,
Sounds so divine, I will try to be kind..."
With brutal honesty, award winning writer Javier Sarmiento Jr., has created an inspirational book of poetry with his Stories Of A Harlem Resident.
The above snippet of his brilliance is from his poem The Blue Men. A candid look of growing up in Harlem where often the fear wasn't from other residents but from the law. I love the first line about changing your environment. If there's a shift in how we see one another maybe kindness and understanding will prevail and lives will change.
The author is a gifted young man, who in his poem, Achiever, lists his many accomplishments at a young age. He is a 14 time scholarship winner college graduate with many aspirations. His 13 poem book of observations growing up in the iconic Harlem neighborhood of NYC is one he can proudly check off his list. I just wish we had more poems to enjoy.
Reading his words gives me hope for the next generation. His poetry stories of his life will lead him to write a better world for the future.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
When you see your brothers and sisters in peril,
You got to respond and step up to the plate.
The change will not arrive overnight,
But with diligence and effort,
it will slowly come.
Changing people’s lives,
Sounds so divine, I will try to be kind..."
With brutal honesty, award winning writer Javier Sarmiento Jr., has created an inspirational book of poetry with his Stories Of A Harlem Resident.
The above snippet of his brilliance is from his poem The Blue Men. A candid look of growing up in Harlem where often the fear wasn't from other residents but from the law. I love the first line about changing your environment. If there's a shift in how we see one another maybe kindness and understanding will prevail and lives will change.
The author is a gifted young man, who in his poem, Achiever, lists his many accomplishments at a young age. He is a 14 time scholarship winner college graduate with many aspirations. His 13 poem book of observations growing up in the iconic Harlem neighborhood of NYC is one he can proudly check off his list. I just wish we had more poems to enjoy.
Reading his words gives me hope for the next generation. His poetry stories of his life will lead him to write a better world for the future.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 17, 2024
This was a different type of read for me – I don’t read poetry often, but I do enjoy it. This book of poetry is about the daily experiences as a resident of Harlem. It is short, but it starts off with a powerful bang as you experience Harlem through Javier’s eyes. You can almost picture him sitting by a window, looking out and just seeing poverty everywhere and penning his poem.
He lets you into everyday life in Harlem, what’s it like to fear. Knowing that a fellow resident may not make it home that day because of hatred due to their skin color or because a police officer thought someone was resisting arrest. How scary that must be to live life like that every day.
We also feel Javier’s triumph. His ability to go to college, to “get out”, to “make something of himself”, to win writing awards, and we celebrate with him. It goes without saying that it’s fantastic, but we can’t forget that there are still people out there living like Javier did when he was growing up. So the message can’t be lost that we need to do better, and treat people kinder.
He lets you into everyday life in Harlem, what’s it like to fear. Knowing that a fellow resident may not make it home that day because of hatred due to their skin color or because a police officer thought someone was resisting arrest. How scary that must be to live life like that every day.
We also feel Javier’s triumph. His ability to go to college, to “get out”, to “make something of himself”, to win writing awards, and we celebrate with him. It goes without saying that it’s fantastic, but we can’t forget that there are still people out there living like Javier did when he was growing up. So the message can’t be lost that we need to do better, and treat people kinder.
August 26, 2024
This was a small collection of poems depicting the daily life and struggles of someone living in Harlem. It was very heartfelt and eye opening to read. I'm not typically a fan of poetry but this was a surprisingly quick and good read. Highly recommend!
July 14, 2024
This is a book comprised of short poems. They were emotional, flowed nicely and were pleasant to read. I enjoyed the rhyming and structure of the poems too!
It's easy to see the world through his eyes from the struggles he faced to his successes. Definitely worth a read! Javier has accomplished a lot so far and I have no doubts he will achieve much more.
It's easy to see the world through his eyes from the struggles he faced to his successes. Definitely worth a read! Javier has accomplished a lot so far and I have no doubts he will achieve much more.
Read
October 4, 2023If you are new around here, then you may not know this, but poetry isn’t my go-to genre. Something about it makes me feel like I’m always missing something, and it requires me to read the poems multiple times to get some understanding. Please take this review with a grain of salt, as this book’s genre is not in my wheelhouse. 🙂
Stories of a Harlem Resident was sent to me from the author to read and review. Once read, reread, and zoomed out, this book of poetry reads as a mashup of the author’s biography and passions. In 13 poems, Javier describes his concerns and love for Harlem. He does not shy away from highlighting the realities of coming up or being raised there and is also careful to not only focus on its flaws. Javier makes a point to showcase how being a resident of Harlem has molded and shaped them into the person they are today. My key takeaway from the first few poems (before Passion) is that overcoming adversity and being tapped into one’s surroundings creates a community-focused individual and places them in roles geared for change.
Stylistically, I enjoyed the abecedarian poems (Starstruck and Rising Star) and the ones with lines of 4 or 5 words beginning with the same letters (see poems Visionary and Images).
I’m sure there may have been some meaningful poetic elements lost on me, but what I did understand of it, I enjoyed. The words are impactful and paint a picture of the life experience of a resident of Harlem.
If you enjoy poetry, give this book a try.
Stories of a Harlem Resident was sent to me from the author to read and review. Once read, reread, and zoomed out, this book of poetry reads as a mashup of the author’s biography and passions. In 13 poems, Javier describes his concerns and love for Harlem. He does not shy away from highlighting the realities of coming up or being raised there and is also careful to not only focus on its flaws. Javier makes a point to showcase how being a resident of Harlem has molded and shaped them into the person they are today. My key takeaway from the first few poems (before Passion) is that overcoming adversity and being tapped into one’s surroundings creates a community-focused individual and places them in roles geared for change.
Stylistically, I enjoyed the abecedarian poems (Starstruck and Rising Star) and the ones with lines of 4 or 5 words beginning with the same letters (see poems Visionary and Images).
I’m sure there may have been some meaningful poetic elements lost on me, but what I did understand of it, I enjoyed. The words are impactful and paint a picture of the life experience of a resident of Harlem.
If you enjoy poetry, give this book a try.
July 16, 2024
This poetry book is a game-changer
This poetry book is a game-changer! The poet is raw, honest, and unapologetic, sharing their stories and experiences in a way that's both powerful and relatable. They tackle tough topics like poverty, racism, and police brutality, but also celebrate hope, resilience, and the human spirit.
And the metaphors? Wow! They add depth and emotion to the poems, making them even more impactful.
The poet Javier Sarmiento being their true selves, sharing their truths with courage and vulnerability. It's like they're speaking straight to your soul!
Some of the poems that really resonated with me were "A Voice from Harlem", "The Blue Men", and "Rising Star". These poems spoke to me on a deep level, and I found myself nodding along, like "yes, this is real".So, if you're ready to have your mind blown and your heart touched, then this book is for you!
This poetry book is a game-changer! The poet is raw, honest, and unapologetic, sharing their stories and experiences in a way that's both powerful and relatable. They tackle tough topics like poverty, racism, and police brutality, but also celebrate hope, resilience, and the human spirit.
And the metaphors? Wow! They add depth and emotion to the poems, making them even more impactful.
The poet Javier Sarmiento being their true selves, sharing their truths with courage and vulnerability. It's like they're speaking straight to your soul!
Some of the poems that really resonated with me were "A Voice from Harlem", "The Blue Men", and "Rising Star". These poems spoke to me on a deep level, and I found myself nodding along, like "yes, this is real".So, if you're ready to have your mind blown and your heart touched, then this book is for you!
August 6, 2024
Stories of a Harlem Resident is an inspiring collection of poems that vividly captures the author's childhood journey in Harlem, showcasing the resilience and determination it took to overcome obstacles and achieve success. The emotional depth and motivational tone of the poetry make it a powerful read for anyone seeking inspiration. I enjoyed this book because it offers a heartfelt glimpse into the struggles and triumphs that shape our paths, providing both encouragement and a sense of connection with the author's experiences.
February 17, 2025
Stories of a Harlem Resident is a poetry book that really made an impact on me. As I read, I could feel the emotion behind every word—the hope, the drive for change, and the sheer determination. It’s one of those books where the poems are so much more than just words on a page; they carry a deeper meaning that stays with you.
The poems were an absolute pleasure to read—flowing beautifully and easy to connect with. If you’re someone who loves poetry, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go. It’s inspiring, moving, and filled with so much heart.
The poems were an absolute pleasure to read—flowing beautifully and easy to connect with. If you’re someone who loves poetry, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a go. It’s inspiring, moving, and filled with so much heart.
August 5, 2024
🎉🌟 If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration, Stories of a Harlem Resident is where it’s at! This poetry collection takes you on a raw and emotional journey through the author's childhood in Harlem, showing how they turned obstacles into triumphs. Each poem is packed with heart and motivation that’ll leave you feeling uplifted and ready to tackle your own challenges. Don’t miss out on this gem—it’s a must-read for anyone needing a little extra inspiration in their life! 💪📚
July 31, 2024
This is a very brief poetry book, but there are some pretty good poems by a promising writer.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC
August 2, 2024
"I'm just a kid from Harlem.
I overcame the odds and more,
Inspiring others is the goal,
Nothing less, nothing more."
To the outside world, Harlem has always had a notorious reputation. In Stories of a Harlem Resident, the poet shows the different worlds that Harlem encapsulates.
This collection of poems may be short, but they are powerful such as A Voice from East Harlem and cleverly written like the impressive abecedarian poem, Rising Star.
NetGalley and BookBuzz provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
I overcame the odds and more,
Inspiring others is the goal,
Nothing less, nothing more."
To the outside world, Harlem has always had a notorious reputation. In Stories of a Harlem Resident, the poet shows the different worlds that Harlem encapsulates.
This collection of poems may be short, but they are powerful such as A Voice from East Harlem and cleverly written like the impressive abecedarian poem, Rising Star.
NetGalley and BookBuzz provided me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
August 6, 2024There wasn’t much in this and I didn’t particularly like the style of writing.
July 9, 2024
Stories of a Harlem Resident is a collection of 12 poems by Javier Sarmiento Jr. The poems highlight the experiences of growing up in Harlem such as with the poems 'A Voice from Harlem' and 'A Voice from East Harlem.' There are also poems like 'Achiever' that show it is possible to overcome hardships and reach your goals.
Many of the poems use rhyming and repetition, which I like as it makes them accessible for many people to read and understand. Also, 'Starstruck' and 'Rising Star' are written with each line starting with a different letter of the alphabet, which I thought was unique. Overall, Stories of a Harlem Resident is a fantastic collection of poems that I recommend reading.
Many of the poems use rhyming and repetition, which I like as it makes them accessible for many people to read and understand. Also, 'Starstruck' and 'Rising Star' are written with each line starting with a different letter of the alphabet, which I thought was unique. Overall, Stories of a Harlem Resident is a fantastic collection of poems that I recommend reading.
February 27, 2024
“Kindly execute,
Leave a legacy,
Make a mark,
Next up,
Overly flamboyant,
Place your bet.”
“Stories of a Harlem Resident” is a fantastic collection of poetry that manages to completely capture the struggles, triumphs, and different moments from the eyes of a boy growing up in Harlem. Through the author experiences and reflects on different topics, from discrimination and the realities in which many people live, such as poverty and the challenges they face every day, as well as violence and threats.
The fear that they to feel in the face of the daily struggle for survival and the desperate desire for safety, in a community plagued by systemic racism and injustice. Just as mentioned in the poem "A Voice from East Harlem".
But there are also other poems that talk about pursuing your dreams and having hope, celebrating the beauty of life, about having determination, and knowing that you can get ahead, like in "Starstruck".
Truly, each of the poems is written from the heart, from what he has experienced and what has surrounded him. Without a doubt these poems are full of strength, truths, and a powerful message in search of change. It’s really a collection that everyone should read.
Leave a legacy,
Make a mark,
Next up,
Overly flamboyant,
Place your bet.”
“Stories of a Harlem Resident” is a fantastic collection of poetry that manages to completely capture the struggles, triumphs, and different moments from the eyes of a boy growing up in Harlem. Through the author experiences and reflects on different topics, from discrimination and the realities in which many people live, such as poverty and the challenges they face every day, as well as violence and threats.
The fear that they to feel in the face of the daily struggle for survival and the desperate desire for safety, in a community plagued by systemic racism and injustice. Just as mentioned in the poem "A Voice from East Harlem".
But there are also other poems that talk about pursuing your dreams and having hope, celebrating the beauty of life, about having determination, and knowing that you can get ahead, like in "Starstruck".
Truly, each of the poems is written from the heart, from what he has experienced and what has surrounded him. Without a doubt these poems are full of strength, truths, and a powerful message in search of change. It’s really a collection that everyone should read.
July 31, 2024
I admit that I am a tad bit biased because Javier was a student of mine. I love his observations of life and his optimism. I also love his word play. In the poem Visionary, I love the short staccato rhythm in the poem created by the alliteration. I can see that Javier has a great deal more inside him and I look forward to seeing his next book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews