I absolutely tore through this collection of poetry from Akwaeke Emezi. Heresy has always been my shit, so a collection that imagines Jesus & Mary as family, that is seduced by Magdalene, that refers casually to its narrator as a little god, well, I am just saying this collection was even more my vibe than I expected.

There are some pieces that feel like callbacks to Freshwater, and I really need to make haste to catch up on absolutely everything Emezi has written.

Listen, I have spent decades treating books as sacred objects that should not be marked, spun, or mutilated, but this book had me underlining favorite lines like I had been doing it forever. (All of these are better in context, naturally):

spiritbae tells me stories over whatsapp

— from "When the Hurricane Comes the Men Protect Their Brothers"

I don't tell him how little he matters how I have his type at home

— from "Disclosure"

I am the son of god
worry about yourself

— from "What if My Father Called Jesus a Bastard"

This was such an impulse purchase but I am so glad I made it! ( )