I was absolutely mesmerized by this book and wanted to give each and every poem its deserved time and respect, so I read it very slowly. Which is also why I couldn't finish it in time. However, I read about half and I really loved it, so 5 stars from me, and hopefully I will get back to it when it is published! Fantastic work.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an eARC of this collection, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this collection. It's a mix of poetry and spoken word pieces that I would love to reread as an audiobook in the future. Also, for said audiobook, I hope that the authors and poets choose to read their own works. I think it would add so much to it. However, I acknowledge that it would be a bit of work, but it would be such a cool idea.

Anyways, back to the collection. This is a highly diverse collection of AAPI works discussing a range of things from colonization, racism, and identity. A lot of the poems have enough of a connection that they're able to be combined into a few categories, but the poems and the style are quite diverse. I believe that there are several somethings in here for each reader and it has introduced me to a few poets I'll be going back to in the no so terribly distant future. I think anyone to diversify their poetry would do well to start here.

I was blown away by this powerful collection of poetry. There were many poems that really resonated with me, especially the poems that explored themes of identity, culture, and social justice. I loved how the anthology blended personal experiences with broader cultural reflections, making it both intimate and universal. While some poems were harder to connect with, overall, it was an impactful and moving read. Highly recommend!

Publishing date: 17.09.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Haymarket Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

The book as a meal: Hearty stew made by my grandmother
The book left me: Curious about what has been lost from oral traditions

Negatives:
Hard time connecting to the contents

Positives:
Beautiful writing from all contributors

Features:
Lots of different perspectives and experiences, poems, tiny stories, facts about different heritages

Why did I choose this one?
Poems focusing on women and culture I wish to learn more about? Sign me up

Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between. Some parts of the book were a little harder to read than others, some parts flowed easier, and some didn't hold my attention as well.

Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. This was simply fine. I didn't connect well with all the contents, and in general I think this was targeted at a different audience. However, it was written well and beautifully. I will recommend this to people, as I think it deserves a greater audience.

5 stars

This is an absolutely outstanding collection.

I came to this collab for Franny Choi, but I stayed for Choi AND every one of the writers who contributes here.

The anthology begins with a series of letters between the editors, and this subtle choice comes with an incredible impact. The relationships and the struggles are apparent immediately, and these brief but meaningful connections put readers immediately into the vibe of this whole collection. These works are personal and run readers through an array of emotions.

Though there are some elements of shared identity among the writers, as well as enough of a tie between their works to create logically categorized motifs, there is also so much variety in tone, experience, and purpose.

Anthologies so often come with a few highlights and many efforts that are good but not quite as memorable. That's not the case here. This is a solidly engaging group of authors and writings that kept me wanting to read more and thinking about how I'll incorporate many of these works in my classes (and how much I already love doing that with a few of the works with which I was already familiar). This is a great, not-to-be-missed compilation.

This is a very diverse anthology of AAPI poetry, spoken word, and performance art pieces. The work in this collection is by turns intimate, visceral, nostalgic, political, angry, hopeful, and expansive. It dares the reader to continue trying to define AAPI people groups as solely one thing or another in the face of all these diverse and multilayered voices. While not always my particular taste in poetry (what is taste in poetry anyway?!), no one can deny how emotionally charged and incredibly personal these works are - wrapped in identity, stolen identity, loss of identity, or identity found anew.

One highlight of this collection is the true diversity it brings. AAPI rep is often solely portrayed as those with East Asian roots and while those stories are immensely important - so are all the others. So it was refreshing to have such diverse representation in this collection.

I am white, my husband is an immigrant, and my children are Asian American. I will continue to read and educate myself about the lived reality of the AAPI community for them, and for those living those realities now. In that light, I'm very grateful to have read this anthology.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Haymarket Books for the eARC. All opinions my own!

Superb. This is how to do an anthology, where the disparate voices are the point—how do we even define AAPI except as “the other,” non-white? Who is the “we” in question? To whom is that category useful? The poems are sorted into themes of “mourn,” “pronounce,” “fight,” “love,” each as powerful as the last. A cacophony, a mosaic, a whole that is more than the sum of its parts. As the subtitle indicates, it leans heavily on the oral tradition, and I would love to hear these pieces performed out loud.

This anthology features a diverse array of Asian American/Pacific Islander voices. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the authors’ varied experiences, histories, and perspectives through their poetry.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

We the Gathered Heat is a powerful anthology that brings together the voices of four remarkable poets: Franny Choi, Bao Phi, Noʻu Revilla, and Terisa Siagatonu. Each poet carries their unique cultural heritage, personal experiences, and artistic vision into the collection, creating a tapestry of poetic expression that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Franny Choi's work is sharp, politically charged, and unapologetically honest. Her poems often delve into themes of identity, race, and queerness, reflecting the complexities of navigating the world as a queer Asian American. Choi's language is both lyrical and confrontational, making her sections of the anthology both poignant and thought-provoking.

Bao Phi brings a different energy with his raw and evocative explorations of the Vietnamese American experience. His poems are grounded in the realities of immigrant life, touching on themes of displacement, resilience, and the enduring impact of war. Phi's voice is both tender and fierce, offering a deeply emotional yet critical perspective on the world.

Noʻu Revilla, a Native Hawaiian poet, infuses her work with the rich traditions and contemporary struggles of her people. Her poetry is steeped in the rhythms of the land and the ocean, offering a unique and powerful perspective on issues like colonialism, environmental degradation, and the preservation of culture. Revilla's work is both a celebration of her heritage and a call to action, making her contribution to the anthology particularly compelling.

Terisa Siagatonu's poetry rounds out the collection with a focus on the intersection of personal and political. As a Samoan poet and activist, Siagatonu's work addresses issues of social justice, climate change, and the complexities of diaspora. Her poems are deeply personal, often weaving her own experiences with broader social and environmental concerns, creating a sense of urgency and solidarity.

Together, these poets create a vibrant and diverse collection that speaks to the power of collective voices. We the Gathered Heat is not just a collection of poems; it’s a testament to the strength of community, the importance of cultural heritage, and the enduring need for social justice. Each poet brings something unique to the table, making the anthology a dynamic and enriching read.

If you're looking for poetry that challenges, inspires, and resonates on a deep level, We the Gathered Heat is a must-read. The collaboration between these poets results in a work that is as beautiful as it is necessary, offering readers a chance to witness the power of gathered voices in the fight for a better world.

This AAPI anthology collection was beautifully done. In particular, I enjoyed reading the poems about Hawaiian identity and language. The AAPI experience is so varied according to the authors and I think that was touched on very well.

This collection stands out for its engaging and diverse range of personal experiences. Each poem offers a fresh perspective, making the anthology feel like an exciting discovery. The anthology’s emphasis on orality and performance brings vibrant energy to each poem. It showcases the rich diversity of AAPI voices and celebrates a wide range of perspectives. Everything in this book powerfully unites these experiences, illustrating the unifying strength of poetry. Thank you to NetGalley and Haymarket Books for the ARC!

**We Gathered the Heat: A Powerful Anthology Illuminating AAPI Voices**

*We Gathered the Heat* is a monumental anthology that celebrates and interrogates the vast spectrum of experiences within the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. Edited with both reverence and innovation, this collection brings together some of the most dynamic and provocative voices in contemporary poetry, offering readers a rich tapestry of perspectives that challenge and expand our understanding of AAPI identities in a world shaped by historical and ongoing injustices.

The anthology is a testament to the resilience and diversity of AAPI voices, exploring themes that range from the legacy of colonization and white supremacy to the celebration of queer and trans life. The poems delve into the complexities of American militarism, the reimagining of ancestral lineages, and the reclamation of indigeneity and refugeehood. Each poem in this collection is a powerful reflection on how the past and present intertwine, and how the personal and political intersect in the lives of AAPI individuals.

Contributors to *We Gathered the Heat* include luminaries like Marilyn Chin, whose work often navigates the intersections of race, gender, and history with striking intensity; Joshua Nguyen, known for his poignant explorations of identity and cultural heritage; Teresia Teaiwa, whose writing offers insightful commentary on Pacific Islander experiences; and Haunani-Kay Trask, whose voice is instrumental in discussing Indigenous issues and activism. The inclusion of both established and emerging poets enriches the anthology, ensuring a diverse range of styles and perspectives that reflect the vibrant and evolving nature of AAPI literature.

What sets this anthology apart is its emphasis on oral traditions and the honoring of literary ancestors while making space for future AAPI literary voices. The intergenerational dialogue and the fierce love evident in the collection underscore a deep respect for the past and an unwavering commitment to future literary innovations. The poems are not just individual expressions but are woven together to create a collective narrative that speaks to both the shared struggles and the unique journeys of AAPI peoples.

*We Gathered the Heat* is more than just a collection of poems; it is a powerful statement on the current state of AAPI literature and the broader cultural landscape. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths, celebrate diverse identities, and recognize the enduring strength of AAPI communities. This anthology is a vital contribution to contemporary poetry and a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the rich and multifaceted experiences of AAPI individuals.

In summary, *We Gathered the Heat* is an exceptional anthology that captures the essence of AAPI voices with depth, nuance, and passion. It stands as a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate, challenge, and inspire, making it an essential addition to the literary canon.

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in August. Get this!! This book was beautiful and raw and I guarantee you, you need this in your life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Haymarket Books for the ARC!

"We the Gathered Heat" is an incredibly curated anthology from AAPI poets, sustained by the call-and-response energy of a great open mic night.

Edited by Franny Choi, Bao Phi, No’u Revilla, and Terisa Siagatonu, the book feels substantive without ever feeling bloated. With this many voices, the poems are unburdened by any need to “accomplish” anything; they are able to pursue themes instead of issues.

That’s not an indictment on other poetry collections, but it is a testament to the freedom afforded by this form. The vast range of personal experiences never reads as trope—"Oh, this is the food poem." "Yes, here’s the poem about micro-aggressions." Instead, when these topics appear, alongside all of their corresponding joys and griefs and complexities, they are situated in individual experience and secured in a community of other poems. Reading "We the Gathered Heat" feels like hearing a great playlist for the first time—it’s full of surprises that feel intuitive in hindsight, and it will have people writing down all the names of artists they want to look up (Note to self: read more from Na Mee and Gabrielle Langkilde). I think part of the success in creating this vibe is rooted in the editorial decision to genuinely encompass AAPI writers—not simply East Asians or Asian-Americans.

This is a book about definitional expansion, not reductionism.

In the book’s opening, the editors reckon with the impossibility of consolidating so many experiences under the simplistic label of AAPI, and this is another place where the anthology’s form shines. Most of these poems are written with orality in mind, and they are meant to be performed and shared in their immediacy. There’s a boisterousness that makes the definitional nuances of “AAPI authorship” feel like a discussion for another time.

For now, it’s enough to have so many people gathered for a momentary, meaningful community.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for providing this ARC! 4.5/5, rounded up to 5.
It is a beautiful, timely collection given AAPI Heritage Month and Pride. I was delighted to see that there were so many queer and trans poets included in this anthology. The section 'Mourn' has a beautiful poem by Palestinian-American poet George Abraham called 'Searching for a Palestinian After' that I'm glad is in this anthology. The intro is also a gorgeous way to express how the book came into being and a wonderful poem in and of itself. There were many cultures and diasporas represented in this anthology. And as someone who grew up in a multicultural place to immigrant parents, I recognised many parts of my childhood in these poems. Standout poems that broke my heart other than the one above: Taiyo Na's Let You Through (Poem for Alex Lin); Christian Aldana's Half Past King Phillip.

An excellent anthology for the times. Thank you for your work, editors!