Customer Reviews

Acolytes: Poems

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Acolytes are helpers usually assisting in the administration of rites or rituals and Nikki Giovanni's newly released book of poems of the same name celebrates many of those who have served in the struggle for justice. Acolytes opens with "We Gather: An Invocation for the Underground Railroad" which commemorates those courageous people who sacrificed much to ensure freedom for themselves and others. The book stays on point praising the infamous personalities who lent their extraordinary talents and endless dedication to the cause. It honors a myriad of contributors across all genres of sports, music, politics, and literature such as Jackie Robinson, Nina Simone, Rosa Parks, Dorothy Height, June Jordan, Gwendolyn Brooks, The Isley Brothers and others. She also hails the unsung heroes with heart filled recollections and thoughtful odes to her friends, family, and those who influenced her along the way, such as Mrs. Long, her first librarian.

In classic Nikki style, she blends the old and new by keeping her pulse on current events with reflections on Hurricane Katrina, rap music, the Bush Administration, American pop culture, but keeps us spiritually grounded in the past with reflections on racism in the moving piece, The Death of Innocence, that centers on the lynching of Emmett Till.

Just like its author, the book is small in size, but contains an ample dose of thought-provoking, spirit-moving prose sprinkled with a few of her favorite recipes for good measure. Her wit, wisdom, and heart-felt compassion resonates between the lines and will stay with you long after the book is closed. Nikki's fans will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub
Nubian Circle Book Club

This book was dedicated to those close to Giovanni she had lost. She admitted recently on the "Tavis Smiley Show" (2/26/07) that she has had to adjust her view about who she writes for. Other than her adoring fans, she said she mostly wrote because of her mother. And so with her mother's death in 2006 she has had to adjust her thinking when it comes to the audience or muse that she writes for.

She also admitted in her speeches that this was a "book of loss" but she still continues on to do what she loves. She ended this book with love poems such as "Your pillow" and "I am your allergy" because she said she wanted to give the book an uplifting conclusion. And also to lead into her next book which she said would be a book of love poems.

Her prose writing in "Acolytes" is also a joy to read. After reading "The Best Midnight Snack Ever", you'll find yourself eager to accept her recommendations.

Nikki is one of my favorite writers, and after meeting her in person I can say she's a joy to be around (especially for an old lady *smile*). I'd recommend this to any lover of poetry.

The book came in brand new condition and it was half of the price I found anywhere else. It was, also, shipped in a timely manner.