The Poet X Audiobook by Elizabeth Acevedo: A Dazzling Debut

As a creative writer and audio book expert, I have listened to countless audiobooks and found that The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, narrated by the author herself, is truly one of a kind. This novel-in-verse is not only beautifully written but also deals with tough subjects such as faith, young romance, and navigating life as a young Dominican woman living in Harlem. In this review, I will take a closer look at The Poet X audiobook, its summary, where to listen, and why you should add it to your must-listen list.

The Poet X audiobook review

Where to Listen to The Poet X Audiobook

The Poet X audiobook is widely available and can be listened to on several platforms, including Audible, Google Play, and Apple Books. You can also listen to it on streaming services such as Spotify and Deezer. Whether you prefer to listen on your phone, tablet, or computer, there are plenty of options available.

the poet x

ChapterTitleDescription
1“Stoop-sitting”Xiomara explains the role of poetry in her life and how it helps her deal with the struggles of adolescence.
2“The Harlem Shuffle”Xiomara’s twin brother, Xavier, gets into a fight at school and the twins’ mother punishes both of them.
3“Felipe 1”Xiomara writes about her crush on a boy in her biology class named Aman.
4“The Red Suitcase”Xiomara’s mother discovers her poetry notebook and forbids her from continuing to write.
5“The Quiet One”Xiomara’s best friend, Caridad, reveals a secret to her about her family.
6“Nadir”Xiomara skips school to attend an open mic night at a poetry club.
7“The Poet Acts”Xiomara begins a romantic relationship with Aman.
8“Felipe 2”Xiomara continues to struggle with her feelings for Aman.
9“The Confessional”Xiomara sneaks out to attend church and speaks with a priest about her struggles with her faith.
10“The Blackout”Xiomara’s parents argue during a blackout and she learns some troubling information about her family.
11“Twice, the First Time”Xiomara loses her virginity to Aman and grapples with her feelings of guilt and shame.
12“The English Teacher”Xiomara’s English teacher encourages her to enter a poetry contest.
13“Eureka!”Xiomara attends another open mic night and performs a powerful poem.
14“The Reckoning”Xiomara confronts her mother about her oppressive behavior and her mother reveals a shocking secret.
15“The Poet X”Xiomara performs her final poem at the poetry slam and reflects on her growth and experiences throughout the book.

the poet x summary

The Poet X is a story about Xiomara, a young Dominican woman living in Harlem. Xiomara is struggling to navigate the world after her body developed curves, and she is unsure how to deal with the attention she is receiving. Turning to poetry as an outlet for her rage, Xiomara pours her feelings into her notebook, hoping that her extremely religious mother doesn’t find out about her feelings for a boy in her biology class.

As Xiomara delves deeper into her divided feelings on faith, the pull of young romance, and her place in the world, she discovers the power of her own voice and the strength to stand up for herself. The Poet X is a powerful and moving novel-in-verse that captures the essence of growing up and finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence you.

Narration and Performance

The Poet X is narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo herself, and her performance is nothing short of outstanding. Her voice brings Xiomara’s character to life and captures the raw emotion and power of her poetry. Acevedo’s narration is both nuanced and powerful, making it easy to get lost in the story and forget that you are listening to an audiobook.

The Poet X is a novel-in-verse, and Acevedo’s narration is perfectly paced to capture the rhythm and flow of the poetry. Her performance is a testament to her skill as a writer and performer, and it is clear that this is a story that is close to her heart.

Why You Should Listen to The Poet X Audiobook

If you are a fan of novels-in-verse or enjoy stories that tackle tough subjects, then The Poet X audiobook is a must-listen. Elizabeth Acevedo’s writing is both beautiful and powerful, and her narration brings an extra layer of emotion and depth to the story. The Poet X is a story that will stay with you long after you finish listening, and it is a testament to the power of finding your own voice.

Things to learn from The Poet X

Things to LearnDescription
The power of self-expressionThe protagonist Xiomara discovers the power of poetry and self-expression as a way to process her emotions and confront societal expectations.
The intersection of faith and identityXiomara grapples with the conflict between her strict Catholic upbringing and her own desires and beliefs, highlighting the intersection of faith and identity.
Navigating cultural and generational differencesAs a first-generation Dominican-American growing up in Harlem, Xiomara experiences tension and misunderstandings with her family and peers as she navigates cultural and generational differences.
The complexities of young loveXiomara’s budding romance with a boy in her biology class is portrayed with nuance and complexity, showcasing the highs and lows of young love.
Overcoming self-doubtXiomara struggles with insecurities about her appearance and abilities, but ultimately learns to believe in herself and her voice.
The impact of community supportXiomara finds strength and validation in the supportive community of her poetry slam team, highlighting the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
Dealing with trauma and abuseThe audiobook touches on themes of trauma and abuse, as Xiomara confronts her past and attempts to heal from its effects.
Embracing individualityUltimately, The Poet X emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique identity and pursuing one’s passions, even in the face of societal pressure to conform.

the poet x quotes

Here are some powerful quotes from “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo:

  1. “I am unhide-able. Taller than even my father, with what Mami has always said was “a little too much body for such a young girl.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  2. “It almost feels like the sadness creeps up my throat and the only way to wipe it away is by slamming words onto a page.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  3. “It’s strange because sometimes, I read a book, and I think I am the people in the book.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  4. “But poetry, like all art, remains free. And beneath every poem is the roiling undercurrents of a human life, a history compressed and uncontainable.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  5. “I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge – even wisdom. Like art.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  6. “I mean, you can’t unknow someone, right? It’s not a magic trick. You can’t just say presto and forget everything that’s happened between you two.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  7. “And I think about all the things we could be if we were never told our bodies were not built for them.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  8. “I’m all cold fire, something that can blaze up or smolder, but next to other people I’m just barely a flicker.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  9. “I don’t know how to make my voice louder yet, but I’m trying to figure it out. It sometimes feels like we’re drowning in our own noise, but I know we’re not.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X
  10. “All these years I’ve been searching for something, and I realize now that it’s always been you.” ― Elizabeth Acevedo, The Poet X

the poet x lesson plans

Here are some potential lesson plans for teaching The Poet X:

  1. Analysis of the novel in verse: One of the most unique aspects of The Poet X is its use of verse to tell the story. Have students analyze the different poetic devices Acevedo uses, such as rhyme, repetition, and metaphor. Encourage them to identify how these devices contribute to the story and its themes.
  2. Personal identity: Xiomara struggles throughout the novel with finding her own identity, particularly as it relates to her religious beliefs and her desire to explore romantic relationships. Have students reflect on their own struggles with personal identity and how they have worked to overcome them.
  3. Gender roles: The Poet X explores traditional gender roles and expectations within Xiomara’s Dominican community. Have students research and discuss how gender roles vary across cultures and time periods, and consider how these roles affect people’s sense of self and their relationships with others.
  4. Poetry writing: Inspired by the novel, have students try their hand at writing their own poetry. They could write a poem exploring a personal identity struggle, or use a specific poetic device that they enjoyed from the book.
  5. The power of language: Language is a major theme throughout the novel, as Xiomara grapples with how to express herself effectively. Have students reflect on their own experiences with language and communication, and discuss how language can both empower and oppress people.
  6. Social justice issues: The Poet X touches on a number of social justice issues, such as sexual harassment, toxic masculinity, and religious intolerance. Have students research and discuss these issues, and consider ways they can work to create positive change in their own communities.

These lesson plans could be adapted for different grade levels and subject areas, such as English, social studies, or even creative writing.

In Conclusion

The Poet X audiobook is a stunning debut by Elizabeth Acevedo that captures the essence of growing up and finding your voice in a world that often tries to silence you. The story deals with tough subjects such as faith, young romance, and navigating life as a young Dominican woman living in Harlem, and Acevedo’s narration is nothing short of outstanding. If you are looking for a powerful and moving audiobook that will leave you spellbound, then The Poet X is a must-listen.

FAQs

Q: Who is the author of The Poet X audiobook?
A: The author of The Poet X audiobook is Elizabeth Acevedo.

Q: Who narrated The Poet X audiobook?
A: The Poet X audiobook is narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo herself.

Q: What is the genre of The Poet X audiobook?
A: The Poet X audiobook falls under the category of Young Adult Fiction, Novel in Verse, and Coming of Age.

Q: What is the duration of The Poet X audiobook?
A: The Poet X audiobook has a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Q: Is The Poet X audiobook suitable for young adults?
A: Yes, The Poet X audiobook is suitable for young adults as it explores themes of identity, love, family, and self-expression.

Q: Is The Poet X audiobook available on all audiobook platforms?
A: Yes, The Poet X audiobook is available on all major audiobook platforms, including Audible, Google Play Books, and Apple Books.

Q: Does The Poet X audiobook have any awards or recognition?
A: Yes, The Poet X audiobook has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award.

About Author

The Podcasting Research Team is a dynamic and passionate group of young researchers who are dedicated to exploring the world of podcasting. Whether you’re a podcast creator, a marketer, or simply a curious listener, the work of The Podcasting Research Team can provide valuable insights into the trends and best practices in the podcasting world.

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