Upile Chisala's latest book of poetry and prose, "nectar" was deep and profound. It was cutting and also tender. It had sharp truth that cut to the core of some relational dysfunction. I resonated with parts of it, and it was at times convicting of my own painful past. The book was written to women and it is a wonderful collection that I would share with my daughters when they are older. I would also invite my son to read it too.

As a man reading Ms. Chisala's poetry I felt the pain. I felt the wrongs done to her and her wounds that are on full display in "nectar." I also heard a strong, tender and fiery woman who knew who she was, knew what she wanted, and was dead set on pursuing those things because she is worth it, she deserves those things, and what she sought were all worth her effort and her toiling and her full attention.

This collection is a moving and important collection. I wholeheartedly recommend this to women and men alike. I think people would learn a lot from her words and hopefully it would bring about meaningful change in the lives that Ms. Chisala touch through her poetry.

I received this eBook free of charge from Andrews McMeel Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I read it all in one go and I found myself jotting down her thoughts because they felt like mine own at some points. It's a really well structured and well thought out poetry book that touches on the sore soul spots and heals this a little. I would keep this on my bookshelf.

I wasn’t a fan of this. I remember kind of liking this poet’s first collection but I have a hard time seeing one or two sentences, some of which where only one word has changed between them, as poetry.

nectar is a beautiful collection of poems that draw on strong images and experiences — wonderful literary working!

3.5/5

Although I really enjoy insta-poetry (poems that resemble posts on social networks), this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful poetry collections I've read in a loooooong time.

Everyone knows that I enjoy poems about heartbreak/relationships ending, etc (even though Im heartbroken) and obvious I found that kind of poems in this book:

"It’s scary to think how you were all the wrong things for me yet you felt like home."


But, the book also talks about other topics such as self-love, healing. And mainly, black women (i know i'm not qualified to talk about that).

"I see you. You’re not on this perpetual mission to destroy yourself anymore. I’m glad you finally think you’re worth saving."

"Cry.
Let that water go.
You were drowning."


It's a book that I definitely recommend. The reminders at the end were inspiring. 💖