Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
LLBC Rating: 9/10
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Wordsmith and Change-Maker, Amanda Gorman, presents a beautiful collection of diverse poetry which tackles concepts of grief, isolation, racism and more. In the novel, Gorman takes inspiration from both modern and historical perspectives, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Spanish flu of the 1920s. Through the author's recurring use of particular phrases, structures, and literary devices, we can appreciate her skill while recognizing her thumbprint as a poet.
This collection covers several heavy topics and communicates a message and the feelings we all have and wish to convey, but cannot find the words. Our book club loved this novel. In fact, many of us felt their only critique was that they wished there were more poems about Gorman herself. However, this collection has definitely taken a top spot on our recommendations list and we are more than excited to read more of her past and future works.
THE FIRST MEETING:
We kicked off February like we usually do -- by learning a little bit about the author. Becoming a household name as the youngest inaugural poet in January 2021, Amanda Gorman continues to impress the literary community and the world. Her mother worked as an English teacher and encouraged her children to pursue their creative interests. Finding her love for poetry helped Gorman overcome a speech impediment when she was young.
We then watched Amanda Gorman's performance of "The Hill We Climb" at the 2021 inauguration. The way Gorman performs this poem not only shows the passion she puts into her work, but makes it easy to imagine the shape of the poem on the page. We recognize the breaks in lines and stanzas through the inflection and the power in her voice.
After a group discussion of the performance, we opened up her newest piece of work - Call Us What We Carry and read the first few pieces together. It was easy to tell that the poems we had chosen were written at the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. They discuss the loss of human connection and the most basic things we took for granted before lockdown. It was easy to connect to her words as they described an experience that many of us could relate to. These initial poems made us excited to read the rest of the collection and find what other topics she discusses.
We then decided to try our own hand at poetry with a 15 minute writing exercise. Mary had prepared an imitation activity based on February by Margaret Atwood. Together, we read through the poem and then individually tried to imitate the poem in some manner. Some of us just went through the poem, changing a few words and descriptions to better match our own lives. Some stuck with the theme of a month or season and wrote a separate poem about what it means to them. Some used an entirely different poetry technique to make something wonderful.
I don't know about you, but I tend to struggle when it comes to writing poetry. Whether it is due to lack of inspiration or putting too much pressure on myself to make it "good," I tend to push writing poetry aside for as long as I can. But, with exercises like these and a lovely group of women to support me, it has become easier and easier for me to challenge myself with my poetry. They remind me that poetry can be whatever I want it to be. It doesn't have to follow any rules or themes.
OUTING:
In light of Black History Month, we decided to dedicate an afternoon to supporting Black-owned businesses in Grand Rapids, Michigan where we are located! We began our day with lunch at Forty Acres Soul Kitchen. Some members had never been, and for others it was a favorite spot. They have excellent food and an amazing selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Forty Acres Soul Kitchen will definitely be a new favorite spot whether we're all together or going out on our own!
The next stop was the Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA). A quaint museum packed with amazing information about the contributions people of color have made to culture and history - specifically in our area. We encourage you to stop by if you're in the area (entry is free!) or consider making a donation online here.
Within the GRAAMA is the only black-owned bookstore in the entire city! We Are Lit! is a wonderful little bookstore that sells multicultural books across all genres. Check them out on Instagram and take a look at their website to see if something peaks your interest. They ship nationwide!
Our last stop was Pack Elephant - an amazing shop that curates goods from local, value-driven and socially-conscious businesses that you can choose from to create the perfect gift box! It makes it so easy to shop for someone you love (or yourself) because they have such a variety of products. The experience was so fun and all of us were able to find something that suited our tastes - from makeup to art to chai concentrate - and felt good to shop local.
The February outing was certainly a success and we look forward to finding more businesses and nonprofits to support all year long!
FINAL MEETING:
We began the final meeting by recapping the outing for the members who were not able to join us. Everyone talked about some of their favorite parts as well as the things they bought from Pack Elephant and We Are Lit!
Then it was then time to discuss our favorite poems from Call Us What We Carry. There were so many good ones that it was hard to choose, but certain poems stuck with us throughout February more than others.
One of the top poems we all enjoyed is called _____[GATED] on page 141. In it, she describes how as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, for the first time people with privilege (primarily white privilege) are feeling what it is like to have to sacrifice their freedom. Throughout this pandemic, these white people had felt what Gorman articulates as "for once wearing the chains their power has shackled on the rest of us". For all too long has sacrificing freedom been a part of the black and oppressed experience. They call social distancing, the taste of not being able to go wherever you please whenever you wish to, oppression. Gorman drills home that the outrage we've seen during the pandemic makes it very clear many do not understand the meaning of the word oppression. _____[GATED] is an accurate and honest take that echos the irony of the situation beyond its face value.
We then read the poems we had written throughout the month, poetry slam style. Members covered topics of self-love, childhood, and mental health, as well some following the theme of mythology and horror. Everyone came with such great poems, and you could see the growth and inspiration from just the first meeting. Snaps all around!
The final meeting of February concluded by getting excited for March! Next month's theme is historical fiction from an LLBC favorite, Kayte Nunn. We are so excited to read The Last Reunion with you, and chat about it on the forum. If you didn't join us for March through the book club box, that's okay! Just pick up a copy of the book and chat with us on the forum. If you'd like to make sure you can join us for April, the box is available now! Check out the shop to grab yours before they are gone!
As always, remember to follow our Instagram to keep up with us every day and help us choose the month's read from time to time! Thank you so much for joining us in February, and we can't wait to see what you have to say month!
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