Wow, a wonderful job by Delgado for putting all of these works together! I was already so excited just looking at the line up, but was so happy to have discovered more poets to read and learn from. Eduardo “Echo” Martinez is such a powerful voice, and I’m very glad that Sin á Tes Souhaits’ poem “TRAP” is already published so I can read it again and again. Natalie Diaz’s series in this collection is phenomenal and will stick with me for a long time, not to mention Vanessa Angélica Villarreal’s work has always blown me away, but this time she came with a whole new fire. I’m so excited to have been able to get my hands on an early copy, and will certainly be pre-ordering the book!!

I love an anthology, and I love the different voices and styles that are sampled throughout this one. I think this is a really interesting and honestly understandable way of communicating different experiences in the american prison industrial complex. I really enjoyed the poems, even when they were difficult to read.

Such a beautiful anthology -- the care put into it was evident on every page.

I really enjoyed seeing some of my favorite contemporary poets featured prominently in this collection -- Hanif Abdurraqib and Natalie Diaz were highlights for me, as usual -- and the spacing of multiple works by the same poets throughout this collection really afforded it a sense of coherence and connection that I think is necessary in an anthology of this length

My favorite part of this collection, however, was the sheer amount of fascinating and exciting experimental poetry, much of which is from poets I haven't encountered before. Among the standouts for me were Vanessa Angelica Villarreal, Gustavo Guerra, Angel Nafis, Nicole Sealey, and Marcelo Hernandez Castillo. Some of these poems (especially in Part VI) are among the best experimental poetry I've ever read, while remaining grounded, moving, and incredibly personal -- which isn't easy to do.

As with every anthology, there were poems that didn't work for me, and I felt some of the earlier sections were a bit tonally incoherent. The work builds a lot of momentum throughout its course -- I really recommend following the preface's suggestion and reading the entire thing through chronologically. If you can, having it as your only read really helps preserve its overall feeling, and keeps it in your mind while not reading it.

Overall just such a great collection, really underlines the possibilities of poetry as a community-building act, and interweaves a real sense of dignity (and even, sometimes, hope) throughout, alongside the grief and anger.

A definite reccomendation, especially to anyone interested in experimental contemporary poetry

A topic that is important and not that much written about. This collection is stunningly curated and I really loved to read it, though it's a bit dark and heavy. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

Absolutely amazingly put together anthology that does have a focus on mass incarceration, but isn't solely about misery, and focuses on community and solidarity within and without, and even includes an epic poem detailing how closely mass incarceration and America are intertwined. Pick this up this winter.

I was hesitant about whether, and how, I should even review this given its deeply personal and serious nature. However, my initial fears subsided after reading the first poems due to how well they were written. The “How to Read This Book" guide is greatly appreciated; it is empathetic and genuinely allows you to appreciate the structural elements and conversations between the poems.
I absolutely loved the insights on the similarities between prison, free living, and common solitude. The variety of syntax throughout this book makes it both challenging and refreshing, creating a genuine need to continue reading to learn more and evoke deeper feelings. A phrase that has been circulating widely on social media recently is, “What radicalised you?" I sincerely hope (and fondly believe) this will make a significant impact on someone.
It is deeply necessary while remaining beautifully crafted—undeniably one of the best approaches to such a subject and perspective. Some pieces will remain inked in my memory; I could mention Blood History by Reginald Dwayne Betts, Eclogue by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo, D.O.C. by Pat Ewok, Under Correction II by Nathalie Diaz, and the historical bits from Vanessa Angélica Villarreal.