Member Reviews

A beautifully written collection of poems. Definitely worth reading during this terrible political climate.

Was this review helpful?

Special thanks to the author & @thedialpress for my gifted e-ARC‼️

This was such an amazing collection of poetry that proves only few words are needed to deliver a meaningful message. Magic Enuff delves into the magic and power of Black womanhood, physical abuse from a loved one, celebrating Black boy joy, Black life and how society treats us, and the horrific situations witnessed within the Black community.

There are poems many will find relatable and others that will pull you in because you know someone with a shared experience. A lot of the poems are short and sweet and I found myself rereading them to gain a deeper understanding of the message the author was trying to convey. As the book’s title suggests, we may go through trials, experience hardships, broken relationships, or even continued acts of oppression but at the end of it all we are still magic enuff. “A͟ B͟l͟a͟c͟k͟ w͟o͟m͟a͟n͟ i͟s͟ n͟o͟ p͟i͟c͟n͟i͟c͟.”

Favorite Poems:
•Only Read From Exodus (for Tyre Nichols)
•This Woman
•Black Boys
•Conversations I Never Had With My Father
•The Whole Sick Mess
•My Ex-Husband
•I DREAMT THE KKK WAS IN MY LIVING ROOM
•A Sonnet
•Route to Freedom

Overall, I loved this and the fact she’s from my city and the book makes references to it. I’m happy to have a copy on my shelf and definitely recommend if you’re into poetry.

Was this review helpful?

Magical collection of poetry by the author of Memphis, Tar M. Stringfellow! Some people use the English language in such a beautiful way that it moves the soul. Stringellow does just that with her poems about her history and the history of her people. The hurt of generational trauma is felt within her works. She also touches on her faith in ways that resonate. I do not read a lot of poetry, but a collection like the inspires me to take a chance.

Was this review helpful?

I adored this book's portrayal of black southern womanhood, I cannot wait to read more from this author and explore more of her prose!

Was this review helpful?

Tara M. Stringfellow’s poetry collection is a powerful exploration of Black womanhood, blending strength, vulnerability, and the complexities of love, loyalty, and anger. Bold, honest, and deeply emotional, this collection is a reminder of the magic within us. I definitely plan on getting a physical copy for my collection!

Was this review helpful?

This poetry book celebrates Black Southern womanhood, exploring the magic that exists within the relationships between women, all through the lens of Black femininity. It’s an accessible and incredibly beautiful collection, stunningly and sometimes sharply written, and deeply touching.

Was this review helpful?

Having read and enjoyed Tara Stringfellow’s novel, Memphis, I was happy to have the opportunity to read an ARC of Magic Enuff, her book of poetry. Here she presents the many faces of Black womanhood in American society, with the personal hopes and fears, the losses and loves, the celebrations and mourning. And also the anger barely held in check. These poems take place in kitchens, in bedrooms, at parties, on streets at night, everywhere a Black woman might be. There are also others written in response to events that have been happening too regularly over recent years, events you will recognize.

While I admittedly cannot fully relate to her experiences since I am a white woman, Stringfellow has given me such a good map to follow, such descriptive language that allows me insight into her life. For that I thank her. I hope to read more from her as novelist and poet.

After her poetry, Stringfellow provides an excellent summary of her background and some of her motivation to create. It’s truly inspiring and not to be missed.

Thanks to Random House and NetGalley for access to an early copy of this book. This review is my own

Was this review helpful?

This was a great book of short stories. This is the first book I have read by this author and will not be the last. I read it in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this book.

Was this review helpful?

I don't read a lot of poetry, but I picked up Magic Enuff because I enjoyed Stringfellow's novel Memphis. Stringfellow's poetry is beautiful, emotional, and powerful, though I didn't always understand the meaning. The acknowledgements had a lot of context and meaning that I appreciated. I'll keep reading whatever Stringfellow puts out.

Was this review helpful?

Magic Enuff is a raw, wrenching collection of poetry. The beautiful cover and the titular reference to magic left me expecting more Black joy than trauma, but that is not the case. This is a well done collection of poetry. Just don't go in expecting light, because most of the poems are instead very heavy and dark. So much trauma. So many content warnings. Worth it if you're in a headspace to handle it, though. I hope writing these poems helped bring more healing into Tara Stringfellow's life. and gosh, that cover really is gorgeous!

Thank you to Random House and #Netgally for an advanced digital copy of #MagicEnuff

Was this review helpful?

This collection of poems was a moving exhibit of Black, Southern family dynamics. From the joyous celebrations to the transformative experiences from childhood to adulthood and womanhood, these poems are perfect for someone interested in dipping their toe into the history of someone else's family.

Tara M. Stringfellow impressed me with her intentional imagery that wrapped these memories and reflection of womanhood through female family dynamics. It is a small, but mighty read.

Was this review helpful?

Stringfellow has a way with writing that is just so sensual, lyrical, emotional. I was really happy with this collection of poems. For the longest time Essay and poetry were my least read forms. I always felt like I needed longer to connect, love, feel saturated by a story. Oh my I was so wrong. There this collection was raw with so much emotion. I think I often forget how Poetry can really draw you in.

Thank you Tara for this collection. You inspire me to be more emotive with my words- as an aspiring writer- this is so profound.

Was this review helpful?

*Magic Enuff* by Tara Stringfellow is a powerful collection of poems that delves into both political and personal topics. Each poem is filled with the raw emotion and deep feelings of someone who has lived through the experiences they describe.

Stringfellow's writing captures the complexities of the human experience, intertwining the personal with the political in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The intensity and authenticity of the emotions conveyed make this collection a compelling read, providing a profound insight into the life and perspectives of the poet.

Was this review helpful?

Beautifully written but ultimately, I don't think I was the target audience to fully appreciate it. I enjoyed Memphis by the author and I saw many of the same themes in this book of poetry. I think the intended audience would really enjoy this.

Was this review helpful?

Each of these poems was devastatingly beautiful. Most of the poems in this book were centered around womanhood, grief, and being Black in America and stopped me in my tracks. I haven't read much poetry, but wanted to get into it more and this was such an important and impactful collection of poems to start with. I will revisit these poems again. Beautiful.

Was this review helpful?

Magic Enuff by Tara M. Stringfellow is a wonderful book of poetry written from a Black, southern feminist perspective. I loved almost every poem! Some were painful to read, but all seemed woven together by a magical thread. My favorite is "I Dreamt the KKK Were In My Livingroom" Seriously, do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book. Ms. Stringfellow certainly brought the magic when writing this book.

Thank you to Random House, Dial Press Trade Paperback, and NetGalley for a review copy of Magic Enuff.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars. Thank you to Net Galley and Random House Dial Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is a wonderful collection of poems that that speaks of Black womanhood, relationships, culture, racism and power that is held among black women. The poems are painful, uncomfortable, joyful and takes the reader through many emotions. These poems feel very personal and a baring of ones deepest thoughts and struggles. At the end, there is hope and joy and a realization that we are magic enuff. I have been thinking about these poems since reading them and they will stay with me.

Was this review helpful?

I haven't read Tara M. Stringfellow's novel Memphis, but if it's anything like this collection of poems it's going to be a beautiful gut punch filled with pain, struggle, and hope--I'm not usually a poetry person, but I couldn't stop reading these.

Was this review helpful?

If you follow Tara Stringfellow on IG already, then you might have seen some snippets of the poems that she has posted. These poems may be short but boy do they pack a punch! She chronicles her feelings as a black southern woman which includes the magic of it as well as the pain and heartache. She doesn’t shy away from any topic: racism, love, rage, grief, sisterhood, joy, disappointment, heartbreak.

I loved her novel, Memphis, and I absolutely savored this new collection of her poems. Even if you don’t read poetry, I promise this collection is still worth reading.

And lastly, please please take the time to read the powerful Author’s Note/Acknowledgements at the end. As the author states: “We are living in some troubled times in this country.”

Was this review helpful?

Magic Enuff by Tara M. Stringfellow is a beautifully written collection of poetry.
I thought it was powerful and amazing. I truly enjoyed reading this one.

Thank You NetGalley and Dial Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Was this review helpful?