Sumaiyya’s Book Club discussion

Hello bookworms!
Welcome to the first ever discussion topic on Sumaiyya’s Book Club!

Quick Question for all members: Do you read poetry? How often do you read it? Any favourite poems or collections? And if you don’t find yourself inclined towards poetry is it because of a particular reason? Let’s talk about each of our perspectives!

I know some of you *might* be wondering why I selected a poetry collection for our first pick...so I have some answers!

I chose IF THEY COME FOR US for our first ever book club pick for a couple of reasons, knowing that a poetry collection isn’t my usual cup of tea. I announced the book club in late June with the intent to start discussing in the second week of July. This is the discussion schedule that we’ll hopefully follow and subsequent picks will be announced around the 15th of the month.. I realised that this late announcement did not give members much time to acquire the book and read, so a poetry collection felt like a good idea because it would be a quicker read! From a thematic perspective this book was kind of perfect because in July I’m bringing the topic of the Partition of India to the Reading Women podcast. So this collection felt like a great way to overlap my two bookish projects.
Furthermore, I read the collection and felt that it would be a great introduction to contemporary poetry for anyone who is not in the habit of reading poems and prefers prose; the language is lyrical and beautifully woven into verses and there are several pieces of prose poetry and innovative styles which work really well to raise curiosity towards the poetic form in contemporary times.

So, those are some of the reasons! I’m so excited that we’ll be discussing this wonderful book together. Please share your thoughts and updates, I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,
Sumaiyya
#ReadWithSumaiyya

I was like errr tentative with the announcement of the title but I'm a pretty book covers maniac I loved the cover! Besides, It shall b my first exposure to a poetry book so yeah why not give a go :)

Poetry is not my usual cup of tea either. I have read some, but somehow I keep thinking there are more inner meanings to whatever I read and I found myself wondering about what other meanings it could have. I am more of a story person. I need to see if I will peotries too... This is a great beginning 🙌

I don’t think I ever fully understand poetry. But i guess that’s also the beauty of it. You make your own interpretation? I’ve read a few but I don’t have any favorites, yet. Can’t wait to discuss ‘if they come for us’!

This will be my first time attempting a poetry book, I have usually avoided reading it because I feel that I might not be able to understand it. But this seems like a good start especially because I met the author and the subject is about the partition of my country :)

Should we do a round of introductions, just to know other bookworms here :)
I am new here and it would immensely help!

so many poetry books in my collection but have never really given them a chance!

I don't read poetry and a poetry collection isn't my usual cup of tea either. I'm intimidated with the play of words and I feel like I wouldn't be able to contribute much in the discussion.

What probably drew me in was Matthew Sciarappa's rave review of 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' by Ocean Vuong. It's Vuong's first novel and he's well known as a poet/essayist. I immediately searched for Ocean Vuong and I fell into a youtube-loop watching his poetry videos. I fell in love with Ocean's beautiful words and that started my curiosity with poetry.

I want to add more variety in my reading and I feel like this is a good place to start!

Prakriti wrote: "Should we do a round of introductions, just to know other bookworms here :)
I am new here and it would immensely help!"
Hello there Prakriti! I'm Zibbi from Manila. I mostly enjoy Science Fiction, Fantasy, Manga, Mystery and Literary Fiction.

I read poetry off and on throughout the year. Every year in April during National Poetry Month I make a point to read a poem a day.

Zibbi wrote: "I immediately searched for Ocean Vuong and I fell into a youtube-loop watching his poetry videos. ."

I think I have had a similar experience of being completely in awe of poets performing their work!!

Listening to a lot of recordings has helped me in navigating poetry even if a recording is unavailable. That being said, I feel like a poetry beginner, although an enthusiastic one! I was excited for this book pick both because of the subject matter and the form.

Prakriti wrote: "Should we do a round of introductions, just to know other bookworms here :)
I am new here and it would immensely help!"

Hi! I am Anna from North Carolina, US. I'm excited to read with everyone here :)

Hi everyone! I'm Ellie, I live in northern England :)

I like to try and read at least one poetry collection every month or so - and I've had this collection on my shelf for a couple of months so I was so excited to find out that it was the first pick!

I didn't enjoy poetry at school, but I think that's because of the way it was taught (and they selected some really boring poems :D). You aren't allowed to just appreciate the rhythms of it and the way it makes you feel. You're pushed to find all these tiny hidden meanings and end up feeling stupid because you don't 'get it'! I rediscovered poetry more recently and changing the way I read it has made me enjoy it SO much more.

Really looking forward to reading with you all :)

Nice to meet you all! Such a diverse group ❤️
I am from India and usually like to read fiction from authors of different countries and understanding their cultures!

Hi! I’m a Deirdre from New York. I loved reading this collection. I am not usually drawn to poetry collections. I need to read more of them!