Beast Meridian

In this poetic revision of the bestiary form, I, too, "hunt the wilderness in myself," as I witness her "birth a betrayed nation." Like "time, two headed," English & Spanish, self-definition & cultural expectations all merge in the "assimilation room" unevenly. Reading her book, I think of my own Julys that were "rubied in red stars," lit by a "patrolling moon." The collection is a lunar force, "booted & bell bottomed" like my childhood. The reconstruction & critique of tradition force a confrontation of privilege and educational rhetoric. In what ways have I benefitted? How have I suffered? "Her voice is a moonbeam." You'll be thankful you read it.

These poems elevate the written word to the levels of blood and breath and body and bind the ghosts we carry to the voice with which we speak. This collection is personal, political, contemporaneous, and permanent. Villarreal's dexterity with poetic forms is impressive. One of the best works of poetry to emerge 2017.

Gutteral and raw, lyrical and true, this book unfolds in layers and is devastatingly beautiful. It is so well crafted and tells a powerful story. This is a must have.

This is a breathtaking book. I have to pause to drink in every entry after the first read-through.

This book is perfection. I love how Villarreal plays with the page and silence In so many different ways. Sometimes it felt like I was watching someone dancing or sculpting rather than reading a book of poetry.Also: this was the first poetry book that my mother ever bought for herself.

This is one of the best poetry collections I've ever read. I found myself rereading many of my favorite poems week after week. The language and the emotional range of this work is incredibly impressive. Highly recommend.

I didn't like the writing style

this book is stunning. I just couldn't put it down. It's also essential reading, and I encourage everyone to pick up a copy