Customer Reviews

Shake Loose My Skin: New and Selected Poems (Bluestreak)

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Not many people know it, but Sonia Sanchez actually taught one of the first Black Studies courses in the nation. She was also a key participant in the Black Arts Movement's during the 1960s with Amiri Baraka and several others. Her career, spanning nearly four decades, is absolutely amazing and the gift that she has given to succeeding generations is invaluable. Sonia's words are like food for the soul. They are Spirit-full and resonant with the myriad voices and influences of our Ancestors. She speaks directly to the spiritual and cultural needs of the people, lifting as she climbs, beckoning us to become whole; to root out from the Earth such evils like racism, sexism, elitism, classism, and homophobia. One cannot read Sonia's words without being moved or touched deeply to the core. She inspires us to free ourselves from our victim mentality and, more importantly, she teaches us how to 'wake.' Every poem incites one to act; to love just a little bit better or deeper; to help to maintain this Earth. Sonia raises the consciousness of all of her readers and listeners. As poet, Maya Angelou, might note, she has truly helped to make the world a much more peaceful place to live in. I love ALL of Sonia's books of poetry and recommend her to anyone who is interested in reading more about this beautiful, humble Spirit, this legendary icon and living legend. :) Catch a piece of Sonia's "fire," step into your own Divine destiny, and finally be made whole.

If you love words. The way they feel in your mouth and glide off of your tongue. If the sweet nectar of vocabulary leaves you feeling intoxicated and mello, then prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime. Step into the world of Sonya Sanchez as she teases you with the vernacular of a master poet, mother, woman, sister, professor, matriarch of the genre. Her work will leave you embracing your thoughts and lavishing in the afterglow of her words. A must read for every connoisseur of literature.

SHAKE LOOSE MY SKIN is a collection of Sonia Sanchez's poetry, past and present. Starting with 1978's I Have Been a Woman to a collection of her new recent pieces, Ms. Sanchez draws us into her unique world, one carrying a genuine wisdom and heartfelt soul. Several standouts in this collection include "Malcolm," "I Have Walked A Long Time," and "For Sweet Honey in the Rock." Each piece carries its own specific theme, style, and format and poetry fans and newcomers will not be disappointed with the offerings that lie within this book.

Shake Loose My Skin is a literary diamond from Ms. Sanchez. Her passion and style shine through her work and readers will enjoy this collection. Ms. Sanchez is one poet that truly stands out with a unique style that lies within her literary soul

Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade

She paints pictures with the words and sounds in this book. I have always loved her work.

I love Sonia Sanchez's work...her poems are simple yet profound. I agree Mr. Achebe, her words truly do make you wish you'd thought of them yourself. She's an ispiration for aspiring poets and for those who just enjoy reading poetry.

Great book! This item was received in a timely manner and in brand new condition. Over all I was pleased with both the item and the eco-friendly way that it was packaged.

Shake Loose My Skin is a collection of poems spanning a thirty year period. Through these years came poems that touch on a wide variety of subjects. In "Just Don't Never Give Up on Love", Sonia allows an elderly woman to reminisce with her about her past loves, and although she has lost them both, her story is touching and even at her age she says to never give up. In "This Is a Small Voice", Sonia speaks of the children, and how important it is to nurture them, love them, and educate them. "After Saturday Night Comes Sunday" and "Wounded in the House of a Friend" speak of love so strong that even though the subject does things almost unimaginable for love, there are no regrets because of the love that is there. Other favorites of mine from this collection include "Towhomitmayconcern" and "A Love Poem Written for Sterling Brown."
While I am familiar with Sonia Sanchez, it was mostly from conversations concerning great poets. It was not until I had the opportunity to indulge in her writing, that I experienced firsthand just how great she is. This is a poet that expresses herself so well, that even when she writes about anger or pain, you have to dig deep beyond the surface to know that is the case. Although a few poems were much longer than I considered a poem should be, they were enjoyable nevertheless. Because I love poetry, I am searching to read more from Sonia. Even for those who are not so big on poetry, I think this would be the perfect place to start.

I have found at least seven poems that were included in the 2004 spoken-word record, "Full Moon Of Sonia", so it is great to buy both, check the "lyrics" of the album, and listen to the poet's intonation. As long as I know, only "Homegirls and Handgranades" has been reedited recently, so this is a great opportunity to get an overview of early and new works of this excellent poet, I dare to say one of the most original voices of American poetry in the last half of the century. Although her influences are clear (James Baldwin, Martin Luther King, Jr., Amiri Baraka, etc.), and her "Blackness" (as she herself puts it in the story "After Saturday Night Comes Sunday") is evident throughout all her work, she discusses some truly original topics and creates new, dazzling poetic forms just for the sake of it. A great example is "Wounded in the House of a Friend", the poem that gives name to a 1995 collection; it is divided in two "sets" that include not only verse and poetic prose, but also dialogues, some narrative strategies, different personae speaking almost juxtaposed, etc. It is a "collage of forms" which works amazingly well. Sanchez's poetry is definitely innovative, and this anthology is a good proof of it.

I bought this as a birthday gift for my mom, and she loved it! Sonja Sanchez is a wonderful, but underrated poet. I'd highly recommend this for yourself, or as a gift.

This book is truly amazing. Sonia Sanchez is a true poetic soul. She does things with the haiku and the tanka other poets could only dream about. She is definitely a big inspiration to me and one of the great African-American women writers of all time. This book gives you a little taste of everything!