This poetry collection was so beautifully written! I loved that it flowed between English to Spanish back to English again so fluidly, it really felt like I was experiencing Melania Luisa Marte's experiences. I really can't put much more thought about this collection into words, I read it so quickly.

Excellent! The author was able to capture the beauty, complexity, and hardships of being Afro-Caribbean. As I read through these wonderfully crafted texts and I found myself captivated and emotional. 5 out of 5. Please read if you get the chance.

Beautiful and stunningly written. A fresh new voice in the poetry genre that deserves all the praise!

This book is a powerful journey through a range of emotions—soulful, beautiful, and heartbreaking all at once. It's the kind of read that resonates deeply and deserves a place on the bookshelf for its emotional depth and impact.

Thank you Netgalley for readers copy. This collection was beautiful, honest, and moving. I first heard of Melania Luisa Marte when she narrated Elizabeth Acevedo's book, Clap When You Land and her debut did not disappoint.
Although I'm not Afro-Latina myself, as someone from the African diaspora and the child of immigrants I related to so many themes.
Part story, part history, part memory this collection deals with colorism, discrimination, depression, and struggling with assimilation.

Powerful, soulful, beautiful, heartbreaking. There are so many different emotions that I went through while reading this. Definitely something to put on the bookshelf.

Like many, I previously knew Marte only from her work performing the words of others, like in her narration of Elizabeth Acevedo's novel-in-verse Clap When You Land.. This was a pleasure.

Wow. This collection is beautiful!
Plantains and Our Becoming is something that should be on the shelves of a lot of high schools. the way it deals with issues of identity and belonging is something I believe a lot of young women would be able to see themselves in her story.

A really stunning and evocative collection expertly written by Melania Luisa Marte, exploring identity and all the ways it intertwines with our understanding of the self.

I loved this poetry collection it will be one I look back on constantly. I can’t choose a favorite poem just can’t wait to reread it. I want more Afro Latinx poetry

Wonderful collection of poems from an Afro Latina about racism, colonialism, colorism, and celebrating who you are. Part memoir, autobiography, and musings of coming of age. Melania Luisa's words will put that fire on your tongue and the sway in your hips for anyone who dares ask What are you mixed with? I thoroughly enjoyed this one and wish I could get it in the hands of all my mixed race babies on this planet.

Not being apart of this minority group it was very enlightening experience. I enjoyed learning more about this topic because I lacked information before. I loved this and I can’t wait to read more

This collection of poems is so powerful. As being Afro-Latina myself, I related and found myself getting emotional multiple times while reading. I felt seen. I loved the flow of the 3 sections and how it all connected. Highly recommend reading and look forward to more by this author.

This was a pretty decent collection of poems some are like mini short stories and memories, and personal experiences from the authors life. But overall the collection focuses on themes of identity, culture, home, and belonging. A few of the poems were very relatable and I loved the emotional depth and honesty shown throughout. Special thanks to the author, netgalley, & @tinybookreps for my advanced copy!!!

Favorite poems:
* Who Am I
* On Colorism
* Hecha Complete
* Future is a Space
* Dance With Me

Rating: 4/5⭐️

A perfect mix of personal storytelling and insight into the Afro-Latina diaspora. I think these poems can be very healing and empathetic for anyone who has the same identity as the author and enlightening for those who do not. This is the longest book of poetry I've read that isn't a collection or completed work of an author and it was daunting. I usually can read a poetry book in one day but this one took me several weeks.

I learned a lot while reading this in a way I did not expect! I also felt the rage and frustration behind the author's words. That being said there is still a lot of joy, humor, and love of her culture in these poems. I also liked how many of them have pop culture references. With a mix of prose and varying poetry structures, Melania Luisa Marte is a poet to keep up with! I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

"Plantains and Our Becoming" by Melania Luisa Marte is a thought-provoking and beautifully written collection of poems. Marte's exploration of identity, culture, and personal growth is both insightful and engaging. Marte's storytelling is compelling, and her ability to evoke emotion is undeniable. Overall, a highly recommended read, deserving of 4 stars.

I absolutely loved this collection of poetry. We have an Afro-Latina author being unapologetically honest about her feelings and experiences. It was raw and relatable, bold with expression and emotion. Then you had poems on love that moved me to tears with its softness. Such an enjoyable read! Loved it!

Plantains and Our Becoming is a stunning debut dealing with a mix of what felt like personal essays and poetry. Melanie Luisa Marte embodies what it is to be a Latina/x woman in her delicate prose. She paints a vivid picture of her experiences while maintaining a reader’s engagement. Throughout each page, there is never a dull moment. It was an enjoyable read. Thank You, NetGalley, Penguin Group Dutton, and Tiny Reparations Books for the chance to read this wonderful arc.

This poetry collection opens with the dedication “For all the lovers born the color of earth. This book is for us.” And that is what this collection does highlight the richness of culture and life experience of those with a darker hue especially from the Caribbean. The poet experiments with various forms: some short, some long. In the poem, mashing platanos, it can be read multiple ways: horizontally and vertically. Other poems acknowledge literary heritage, the poet pays homage to Lucille Clifton, Toni Morrison, Claude McKay, Suzi Q. Smith. The poems also incorporate recent tragedies like the death of Breonna Taylor. This collection is truly rich in depth and style. I plan to revisit it often.

Actual rating 4.5 stars

I really enjoyed the poems, especially with the mixture of Spanish sayings throughout. This was an informed, cultural moment that I’d recommend over & over again!