Official Review: Adulting by Lindah Mogeni
Posted: 05 Apr 2020, 17:53
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Adulting" by Lindah Mogeni.]
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.
******
Adulting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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.
******
Adulting
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon