Thank you to Net Galley and W. W. Norton for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. These poems pack a punch of the author's experiences as a black women -- learning about life from family, those who come before us, racism and heartache, and resilience it takes to be a survivor. There are many interesting and wonderful poems; my favorite was Working Title.

Loved this collection! I think it’s an approachable collect that discusses a lot of tough issues. I found Browne’s writing really engaging and visceral. Excited to reread this collection.

I'd love to hear pieces of this collection (or the whole of it!) out loud--there are some great things going on with rhythm and syncopation that must sound so fantastic in the author's voice. I think it would work better in audio than on the page--I am hungry to hear these pieces. It might be a good one to purchase for speech students.

I have a version on my faux-Kindle, so it's hard to see what would have happened with line breaks, etc., but what I see are long lines that are declarative and use of space.

Chrome Valley: Poems by Mahogany L. Browne is a stunning collection speaking of what it means to be a Black woman in the united states. Truly honest and beautifully vulnerable, this would be a wonderful edition to any library.

This is poetry that flies off the page and punches you, holds you against the wall while it tells you of tragedy, slams you down on the sofa and rails at systemic racism, leaves you sopping with sweat and tired but also angry and wanting to do something to change the world. Will you?

5 stars

In this newest collection, Browne provides exactly what those familiar with her work will expect and look forward to: fantastic poems that feature intersectional identities and experiences that are sure to stay with readers for the long haul.

Along with vulnerable moments and character/speaker insights, a standout feature of my reading experience is the sense of place that Browne develops around the Bay Area. Oakland is a unique space (and one I love), and it's exciting to see into both widespread local vibes and individual versions of this. Come for the relationships and experiences but know that this is a truly noteworthy added bonus.

I love teaching Browne's work and cannot wait to add this collection to my future courses. Obviously recommended!