Quiet Storm

by Lydia Omolola Okutoro

This stunning poetry collection encourages readers from all cultures to explore the many threads of their own ancestral roots. Marker poems by wel-known poets, such as Langston Hughes, introduce each themed section of the book.

Genres: Poetry

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

The collection features poems discussing issues related to the black experience, from empowerment, to a sense of self and beauty, to pride and nationalism, and the experience of racism. All of the poems are written and submitted by young adults from all over the world, as the editor puts it, because she wanted the collection to be void of national boundaries and that the experience of "being black" is experienced by black people living in different countries all around the world.

The poems range in content and issues of style such as length of the work or imagery invoked. The language is lyrical, but accessible and realistic. Though many of the topics broached may be confused as "homogenous", this would be to miss the point of the relevance of shared experience, which the collection is striving to communicate.

There does seem to be a disproportionate presence of poems from a female point of view, as well as poems that hopeful but may come off as overly sensational or optimistic; essentially, unrealistic. However, this would be a great addition for a program such as a poetry slam, or as a catalyst for inspiring young, multicultural teens to write their stories. The age "defined" for the work is too young, as they may miss more of the subtle themes and messages in many of the poems. I would suggest this for older high school students, or a sophisticated reader.

[Mylissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of poetry written by young Black people from around the world, many shared themes and experiences although these people will likely never meet. If you like poetry, undoubtably you'll find something in here for you.

Not all the poems are four star, but then rarely is a collection of poetry all at the exact level, some always gets into your soul more than others. Most of the poetry is strong, and the ones that are a bit weaker, tend to be the younger, less experienced writers. With it not being an expansive collection, this is a quick compilation to go through, good for anyone who enjoys poetry, and especially for younger readers/writers looking for more multicultural voices to experience.

[Cathleen Ash]

Each chapter begins with a well-known poet's verse and continues with the writings of young adults on a myriad of subjects: black pride and unity, home and homelessness, falling in love, and dreams of a brighter future. Jason Dion Beasley - 15 years old - is wishing to someday shed this dreadful skin, wishing for people to see what is really within (p 44). My inspiration - a poem dedicated to Gwendolyn Brooks, gave me a view of a world I don't know. This set of poems is a soft-etched view into a world of pain and joy - pride and fear - that I do not know...but I better understand because I've read it.

[Jace Jwoww · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply marvolous and the best book i have ever read in my life. It has changed my life and the way i look at my heritage of the ethiopians and hattian creoles