This collection of poetry was beautiful, simple and impactful. Every poem seemed to pull on my thoughts and emotions. This collection is a gem that I will be sure to revisit.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for my ARC.

The poems about self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, depression and race, and the end of the collection some powerful and inspiring thoughts. I think these poems is very simple: some statements edit to poem form. If you like Rupi Kaur or Amanda Lovelace, you should read this book too.

Becoming is a collection of poetry covering serious topics such relationships, depression, race, self-worth, self-esteem and self-empowerment. I definitely connected more with some poems than others but find that is always the way with poetry collections. As with all good poetry several pieces left me in awe of a poet’s ability to say so much so succinctly. Possibly because succinctness doesn’t come naturally to me! Such regular, almost mundane words can carry so much power when combined in just the right way. Best savoured slowly. Definitely recommended.

Wow. I'm not normally a poetry person, but I decided to read this ARC on a whim. I will admit that this book as a whole didn't speak to me in ways that it would have in the past, but it gave me insight into how far I've come in my mental health journey. This book was full of irony (the best kind) and insightful thoughts that will make you revisit old wounds and past trauma. This book will convince you that you are enough and that who you are is a work in progress. I thoroughly enjoyed this book in one sitting and will be checking out this author's other work! I am definitely more open to the idea of poetry now and the waves that it can create.

Becoming is a simple yet powerful little book of modern poetry. Ranaada Williams collection is very personal and touches on subjects such as depression and self-love. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC. First off, I do not think I enjoy the modern poetry style. The lines did not have an organized pattern, everything seemed very random in the majority of the poems. Another thing about modern style poetry is that poets are not using correct capitalization! This alone drives me up a wall! One last thing I'm not fond of with these modern poetry collections is how the poets go from one topic to the next only to circle around to something they have everything talked about.

becoming. follows a lot of the same patterns. However, there were a few stanzas that struck a chord and I couldn't help but feel empowered. There were lines that had me saying 'mmmhm' and others where I felt the emotional. The one about holding people accountable for how they make you feel was especially dear to my heart. This is something I struggle with and need to start doing, truly.

"you do not feel this bad on your own.
learn to hold people accountable
for how they make you feel."


Unfortunately, this was not the case for all of the poems. The majority of the time, I didn't feel any emotional ties to what Renaada was saying. I couldn't feel her emotion from the majority of her work and I know she wanted to shed light on her feelings.

Becoming is full of sincere poetry; the simple style lends each piece a lot of potency and the build up towards the end feels very tender and well-earned. Altogether a lovely collection.

becoming. by Renaada Williams promises light at the end of the tunnel, and what message could be more relevant in today's world? This is a lovely collection that is powerful in its simplicity, and personal, while at the same time addressing the universal themes of love, feminism, and belonging. These poems provided a lyrical escape and a much needed reminder that whatever your individual experience, we are all in this together. I must add that I was initially drawn to this collection by its gorgeous cover.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I'm not a poetry person, but besides that, I really enjoyed this little book! It's packed with beautiful thoughts that made me feel like I had lost someone I really love when that actually has never happened to me and I think if a book does something like that, then it's really good!
I still don't think poetry is my thing, but I'm glad I stumbled into this gem.