~ Citizen: An American Lyric — by Claudia Rankine ~

Review from Eloise: In keeping with shifts of all kinds, Claudia Rankine presents a powerful exploration of race, identity, and systemic injustice in modern America. She works to present and confront encounters of racial microaggressions, violence, and the weight of history through a blend of poetry, essay, and visual imagery. While not necessarily a ‘comfortable’ read, we are drawn to reflect on how racism shapes the emotional and psychological landscape of individuals and communities. Rankine helps us see the layers behind pop-culture events, asking us to engage with the pain, anger, and exhaustion of living in a society that marginalizes and dehumanizes. Engaging with texts, such as these, we are able to further (or challenge) our own perspectives.