Reeves is a poet and this is his first collection of essays subtitled "fugitive essays." The writing is incredibly beautiful and in some essays also incredibly moving. These essays reflect the current state of our society in terms of social and racial justice. Many of the essays are very heady (comparative literature) and I enjoy these types of essays and at the same time, sometimes felt they were over my head. (he effectively threads in Roland Barthes, TS Eliot Greek myths, Victor Jara, Toni Morrison, OutKast, Zora Neale Hurston, among others). Because these are essays, there is some repetition on themes but recognizing this is a collection, I could move past that. Some of the essays evoke James Baldwin's letter to his nephew and Ta Nehisi Coates letter to his son; in this case it is for Reeve's daughter. He also has a series of letters to Michael Brown that also are incredibly moving. As a poet, his prose is incredibly visual - I can't get the image out of my head of the brick with an enslaved child's fingerprint. One of the essays is a meditation on the actor Michael Williams dancing in a you-tube clip.- Haunting and lovely. I recommend taking your time with each essay == to let them soak in rather than read it cover to cover like I did.

Thank you to Netgalley and Graywolf Press for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy of this collection.

The essay collection "Dark Days" by Roger Reeves grapples with significant societal and cultural issues, offering a contemplative examination of the intersections between politics, speech, art, and marginalized communities, particularly within the context of Black vernacular culture. Through a series of "fugitive essays," Reeves seeks to resist the oversimplification of complex topics and explores a range of themes including public expression, community, and liberation.

Reeves' personal reflections on his intellectual journey and influences, particularly those stemming from his engagement with the Black vernacular, lend a unique perspective to the collection. His willingness to draw connections between disparate texts and cultures reflects a curiosity that underscores his ethical approach to inclusivity and appreciation for difference.

However, the collection is not without its shortcomings. Reeves' enthusiastic reliance on comparative language, the frequent use of phrases like "similar to" or "reminiscent of," at times results in a vagueness that muddles the specificity of his arguments. This imprecision, coupled with an undertone of coercion occasionally undermines the very resistance he seeks to champion, resulting in oversimplification.

In conclusion, "Dark Days" by Roger Reeves offers a thoughtful exploration of critical themes in contemporary society, particularly concerning the expression of marginalized communities and the challenges they face in an oversaturated media landscape. While the collection is marked by its commitment to resisting reductionism and fostering nuanced thought, there are instances where its presentation falls short of its ambitious goals. Nevertheless, the essays provide valuable insights into the intersections of culture, politics, and expression, encouraging readers to reflect on their own role in shaping discourse and community.