✨Bookmarked✨ discussion

Poet X

Discussion Leader(s): Schwoomst

Reading Calendar:-
Start date: 01/08/23
End date: 31/08/23
Total no.of pages: 361 pages (hardcover)

Pages may vary according to format so we have included sections to avoid confusion.

Checkpoint A:-
Start Date: 01/08/23
End Date: 05/08/23
No. of pages- 823
Section: “Stoop Sitting” to “Why Twin is a Terrible Twin”

Checkpoint B:-
Start Date:06/08/23
End Date: 10/08/23
No. of pages- 72
Section: “Why Twin is a terrible Twin, for real” to “Until”

Checkpoint C:-
Start Date: 11/08/23
End Date: 15/08/23
No. of pages- 72
Section: “Love” to “Haikus”

Checkpoint D:-
Start Date: 16/08/23
End Date: 20/08/23
No. of pages- 71
Section: “Offering” to “Assignment 5”

Review posting: 21st-31st August

Let us know if you would like to lead the discussion.

I volunteer for section B since I'll start a little bit late

Fabitha wrote: "I volunteer for section B since I'll start a little bit late"

Hi! We have changed to having discussion leaders instead of section leaders.

Ah yes sorry! I'm waiting for the library, so I plan to join but not right away.

Fabitha wrote: "Ah yes sorry! I'm waiting for the library, so I plan to join but not right away."

No problem!

I plan to join too

I can't volunteer because my wifi is going to be so unreliable this month, but I can't wait to start reading this one!

I loved this book hope you guys enjoy

Not sure how discussions usually go since this is my first one but I guess I'll just share my thoughts so far! (Section A)

(view spoiler)[I finished Section A and I like the writing style, which I expected because I've liked this author's other books. I also like Xiomara's exploration of sexism in her community and Church, though I'm hoping the religious criticisms remain about the topic and the individuals because even though I'm not Christian I'm not a fan of books that shame religion as a whole. That being said it seems fine so far and I'm looking forward to the next sections! (hide spoiler)]

I loved this one too! Definitely my favourite Acevedo book so far.

schwoomst wrote: "Not sure how discussions usually go since this is my first one but I guess I'll just share my thoughts so far!

Make sure you post until which chapter you got, then we know until how far you have gotten and when we can read it without being afraid of spoilers

Lusie wrote: "schwoomst wrote: "Not sure how discussions usually go since this is my first one but I guess I'll just share my thoughts so far!

Make sure you post until which chapter you got, then we know until..."

Oh silly me, I wrote that it's Section A but I accidentally put that sentence in the spoiler too XD I fixed it now thanks for pointing that out

schwoomst wrote: "Lusie wrote: "schwoomst wrote: "Not sure how discussions usually go since this is my first one but I guess I'll just share my thoughts so far!

Make sure you post until which chapter you got, then..."

I thought you might have done that lol

I should be able to start tomorrow! I'll catch up to you. I already read and loved Clap when you land so...I've wanted to read this for a while and I didn't know they had an italian copy at my local library!!

Checkpoint C/D

(view spoiler)[I read Checkpoint C and D and as much as I like Acevedos I think I'm kind of losing the thread with this one. I'm just tired of books that use romance as the main way for a main character to "free" herself. Even though she does so with poetry too I just think the heavy focus on the Aman plotline kind of takes away from that. I think the fact that I'm not a huge poetry person also makes me connect with it less but I would've been able to get past that if I liked the plot, since Acevedo's use of verse is so accessible but still interesting. This one's just not doing it for me though unfortunately. I still plan on finishing it though because it's quick. (hide spoiler)]

I completed checkpoints A and B

Note: I'm reading this in Italian so it's possible I won't use the same words if I quote something. I'm thinking about buying it to read in original, since I'm sure it's totally worth it.

Aside from that, I love it!
(view spoiler)[ Loved the one about Medusa! Maybe my favorite so far. What is yours?

And I love that for her essays, X always writes a poem before, and hand in something in prose later.
I'm not one for poetry usually, but this is so fresh and new I really don't mind.

I didn't have a strict Catholic upbringing like she did, but I attended lessons for the Communion and generally we went to Church for special occasions. We still do, I attended Masses for both my grandparents' passing, and many people still marry in Church here. It's socially expected, in a way?
I think I was maybe 14 when I realize religion wasn't my cup of tea, but my parents were both totally ok with it.

So I can understand a bit the struggle between generally being expected to believe in a religion you were literally born into and realize you just...don't?
I don't think Xiomara is shaming religion per se, just the fact that she is not allowed to not believe.
And even if it may sound blasmephous, she's right to refuse the Communion since she doesn't believe in it. I do the same if I have to attend Mass for some reason; the difference is I'm allowed to do so, and no one will ever dream of question me about it. The problem is not the Church (in this case at least), but her mother.

That said, Aman seems actually cute and I would have bet my firstborn that Xavier was gay. (hide spoiler)]

Fabitha wrote: "I completed checkpoints A and B

Note: I'm reading this in Italian so it's possible I won't use the same words if I quote something. I'm thinking about buying it to read in original, since I'm sure..."

(view spoiler)[Yes, as I read further I gained the same realization regarding the religious aspects! What I meant in my first post was that I was *worried* it would be one of those books that shames religious people, because the first section seemed to hint at that, but I'm glad it turned out to be just about Xio's personal thoughts and still allowed some of the other characters to be religious but still good, accepting people. (hide spoiler)]

@schwoomst I agree! I wouldn't have liked it too, even if I'm not religious.

Like you said, (view spoiler)[ both Xavier and Caridad are religious, and Xiomara loves them dearly. I really hope for her to find a way to be accepted as a non Catholic person by her mother. I don't see how from where I'm standing, but maybe that would be the real miracle! (hide spoiler)]

Hello everyone! So, we need one or two discussion leaders for this book, who can put up some questions during the discussion or after having finished it. I believe someone can volunteer?

Well I won't be able to keep up with the discussion consistently because I'll be losing my wifi connection, but I suppose I can come up with some questions if no one else volunteers!

schwoomst wrote: "Well I won't be able to keep up with the discussion consistently because I'll be losing my wifi connection, but I suppose I can come up with some questions if no one else volunteers!"

Sure! You can put them up at the end of discussion too.

I'll just post them now while I can guarantee that my wifi works!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Section A/B
(view spoiler)[Xiomara’s poetry isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of expressing herself. Do you connect with any of your hobbies in a similar way?

Why do you think Xiomara is questioning her religious teachings? Do you think her family or environment could have a role in it?

What was the symbolism behind Xio’s name/what did you think of it? You can talk about either her real name (Xiomara) or her stage name (Poet X) (hide spoiler)]

Section C
(view spoiler)[ What do you think of the relationship between Xio and Aman? Do you think it adequately represents Xio’s inner journey? (hide spoiler)]

Section D:
(view spoiler)[Do you agree with Father Sean that Xiomara should put off her communion?

Although we don’t see the relationship/trust fully return, the book ends with Xio and her mother tentatively returning to normal. Do you think Xio has forgiven her for burning the book? Do you think she should? (hide spoiler)]

That's great schwoomst!

Section A/B
(view spoiler)[ 1. I used to draw a lot, and for me that was what poetry is fpr Xiomara. I literally doodle everywhere, even school tests lol. I don't do that as often now, but I can def connect with that.

2. I'm not so sure here. I believe is more her character, her personality. She questions things. And I believe religious belief is black or white, you have it or you don't.

3. I love that she identifies with a warrior, I really feel that. And that her name simbolize who she is in that way. (hide spoiler)]

Fabitha wrote: "That's great schwoomst!

Section A/B..."

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! I'm absolutely the same with doodling, none of my assignments are safe

I started this book but decided it is not for me. I just can't get into it. I think it is the writing style of the author