Thick with Trouble by

Thick with Trouble by Amber McBride is a powerful and haunting poetry collection that delves into the multifaceted experiences of Black women in the American South. Through the lens of Hoodoo spirituality and tarot cards, McBride crafts a chorus of unapologetic women who embody strength, defiance, and resilience. The collection summons the supernatural to explore themes of death, rebirth, and life outside the male gaze, offering a strikingly original perspective on Black womanhood. Each poem is a spellbinding journey that challenges societal norms and celebrates the unyielding spirit of its subjects.

Reviews

The Mommies Reviews · 2025-06-05

impactful 3.50

The collection delves into deep themes of home, hauntings, desire, survival, and Black womanhood, leaving a lasting impression. Some poems are particularly impactful, while others may not resonate as strongly.

This reviewer found the collection to be a powerful exploration of various themes, particularly home, hauntings, desire, survival, and Black womanhood. They appreciated the depth and emotional resonance of some poems, which they found deeply moving. However, they also noted that not all poems left the same impression, with some feeling less impactful. Overall, the collection is seen as a significant work that will stay with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

A collection of poems about home, hauntings, desire, survival, and Black womanhood.

I read the entire book but some of the Poems left me ...

A significant work that will stay with the reader long after finishing it.

The Crimson · 2024-02-22

captivating 4.50

The collection beautifully balances the incomprehensible with the everyday, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read. The imagery and syntax are particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the exploration of complex themes.

This reviewer found the poetry collection to be a masterful blend of the mystical and the mundane, making it both intriguing and relatable. They particularly appreciated the use of imagery and syntax, which they felt elevated the collection above typical poetry. The reviewer also noted that the collection gracefully navigates themes of home, hauntings, and Black womanhood, making it a compelling read. While some poems may be challenging, the overall impact is profound and memorable.

Quick quotes

"Thick with Trouble" gracefully toes the line between the incomprehensible and the quotidian, creating a beautiful and intriguing poetry collection.

The imagery and syntax are particularly noteworthy, adding depth to the exploration of complex themes.

The collection gracefully navigates themes of home, hauntings, and Black womanhood.

Southern Review of Books · NYurtsaba · 2024-02-22

provocative 4.00

The collection brings America's scarred past to the forefront with provocative language and a unique perspective. It is a haunting and spellbinding exploration of complex themes.

This reviewer was struck by how the collection brings America's scarred past to the forefront with provocative language. They found the perspective unique and the exploration of themes such as death, rebirth, and life outside the male gaze to be both haunting and spellbinding. The reviewer appreciated the boldness of the language and the depth of the themes, making it a standout collection. The overall impression is one of a powerful and unforgettable read.

Quick quotes

In Amber McBride's Thick with Trouble, America's scarred past emerges to the forefront in provocative language.

A haunting, spellbinding, and strikingly unique perspective.

The collection brings America's scarred past to the forefront with provocative language.

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