Official Review: Adulting by Lindah Mogeni

ALynnPowers · Post by **ALynnPowers** » 05 Apr 2020, 17:53

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Adulting" by Lindah Mogeni.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Adulting is a book of poetry and prose by Lindah Mogeni, who describes herself as a “Kenya-born, Africa-bred, New York-based author.” The author's personal background shines through the text, as the collection of free verse poetry brings us verbal images of a variety of places such as her hometown in Kenya, boarding school, a trip to Cuba, and New York City. The book is divided into five sections: longing, learning, womanhood, identity, and character. Each section contains multiple poems that flow easily along with the theme. Through a casual and relatable voice, bits and pieces of the author's identity and experiences can be picked up along the way.

The visual imagery of the book is the first thing that I noticed. The author has managed to take words and weave them together so that readers can easily imagine themselves within the setting. Tiny details are described in such a way that makes you realize how much is going around us and just how much we miss in any given moment. The author really has a talent for creating a scene and making that the focus of importance within her poetry.

The biggest downside of the book, for me, was that the title was a bit misleading. While the book does mention “adulting” a few times within some of the poems, I think that the author's concept of this word and my own personal concept are vastly different. I was really expecting something more whimsical, perhaps a little silly at times, to comment on the minor day-to-day inconveniences of being an adult millennial. While there are quite a few “coming of age” types of experiences in the book, I can safely say that none of them are whimsical or silly. In fact, they are all completely the opposite.

The topics are, as a whole, serious and eye-opening, from witnessing the aftermath of political uprising as a child, to struggling with depression and not identifying with one's own nationality. Multiple references to rape and sexuality brought along extremely graphic images. I can't help thinking that these are the words of a child who was forced to experience adult things way too early in life. It's enough to bring tears to my eyes.

Overall, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. While it wasn't what I expected, the book wasn't disappointing at all. This is definitely a book of poetry that modern young women can appreciate, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. There are a few religious references, but I don't believe that it is suitable for only those who follow certain religions. My only warning is that some readers might be put off by the graphic scenes of a sexual nature.

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Adulting
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Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 09 Apr 2020, 12:18

Brilliant review! I agree with you, when I first read the title, I was expecting something completely different; nonetheless this sounds like a great book. Thanks!

Zenia_Sanchez023 · Post by **Zenia_Sanchez023** » 09 Apr 2020, 14:28

Your review really makes me want to read the book. I like reading poetry, and visual imagery really is an important factor in writing poetry. I'm pleased to know that the author exhibited that technique well in her book. The topics presented by the book also rings an interest in me. I will definitely check out this book one of these days. Thanks for your review!

MrsCatInTheHat · Post by **MrsCatInTheHat** » 09 Apr 2020, 14:57

I'm so glad I read your review. At first, I thought it might be a fun gift for my young adult children but clearly, it is not.

Miraphery · Post by **Miraphery** » 09 Apr 2020, 18:32

This seems like an emotional and interesting book. Your review sheds more light on the title. Thanks for the nice review.

fadjei · Post by **fadjei** » 09 Apr 2020, 19:38

This sounds like an interesting read. I agree with you about the title being misleading based on the content of the book.
Thanks for the review!

JoyALB · Post by **JoyALB** » 10 Apr 2020, 03:35

I love poetry so I am really looking forward to reading this one. I really enjoyed reading your review!

BellaGBear · Post by **BellaGBear** » 10 Apr 2020, 15:00

Living in Kenya this sounds like the book for me! Your review made it sound like a fascinating, although challenging, story about growing up and finding yourself despite coming from difficult background.

mchao · Post by **mchao** » 10 Apr 2020, 15:40

Thanks for a great review, it sounds like a book I would really enjoy! I appreciate the warnings about graphic content, I always like to have a fair warning about graphic, potentially triggering scenes like those.

incendiotorus · Post by **incendiotorus** » 10 Apr 2020, 18:19

Thanks for the great review! I've been wanting to explore more contemporary poetry, and this book sounds right up my alley! I'll have to bookmark it for future reading

Laura Lee · Post by **Laura Lee** » 10 Apr 2020, 21:51

Wow. Based on the title, I was expecting something completely different. It's because of the title that I clicked on the review to read it. Interesting that the content is so different, but it sounds really well done. Thanks for your review. I enjoyed reading it.