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I was not fully hooked until Part 2, but then it really took off and I became completely engaged. It's a harrowing story about some of the extreme effects of racism on the country in general and on one family specifically.

I was going to say that it was too easy to imagine some of the things depicted in the book happening in the U.S. - but then, of course (as addressed in the book), many of the awful things have already been part of our country's history for a long time.

The book is also a rumination on the power of art, e.g. exploring the ways in which some of Margaret's poetry takes on a life of its own and a meaning beyond what she initially intended when writing it. Further, it's an exciting adventure story, from the perspective of a 12-year-old boy.

A tough but important work, and I'm glad that I finally read it. Unflinching is the adjective that keeps popping into my head when I think about the story. It was interesting to read this recent (2022) Atlantic article about the book and its continuing relevance.

This is cute and I think most birders would enjoy flipping through it. But the snarky tone wore out its welcome, so I would suggest reading it in smaller doses. The drawings are great.

I found these poems to hit extra hard in the current context of Russia invading Ukraine. Thanks to Rolling Stone (here) for making me aware of this poetry book and to Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune for introducing me to Kwiatkowski's great band Trupa Trupa (fifth review down in this article). Powerful. (PS you can get a copy from Rain Taxi at www.raintaxi.com/crops/ )