Super Sad Black Girl

Diamond Sharps' Super Sad Black Girl is a collection of poems that explore the experiences of Black women, seeking solace and community in Chicago and addressing the question of what it means to be free. The poems are self-assured, playful, and imaginative, reminiscent of Langston Hughes, and explore purgatorial spaces as the speaker struggles to find a place and time where she can live safely and freely. The book is a compassionate and ethereal depiction of mental illness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

Diamond Sharps' Super Sad Black Girl is a heartfelt tribute to her beloved hometown of Chicago, a place where she finds solace and a sense of community among her literary idols. In this collection of poems, Sharps explores the depths of her own depression and delves into profound questions about the "Other Side." She draws inspiration from a diverse range of Black women, including Lorraine Hansberry, Gwendolyn Brooks, Sandra Bland, Rekia Boyd, and many others who have tragically lost their lives at the hands of police violence.

Sharps' poetry exudes confidence, playfulness, and a vivid imagination, reminiscent of the iconic Langston Hughes. With precision and brevity, her words dance across the pages, capturing the essence of her experiences and emotions. The book delves into purgatorial spaces, those in-between moments where the speaker struggles to find a safe and liberated existence. Through her skillful use of repetition, particularly in her series of concrete poems, lines and voices echo throughout the book, creating a sense of suspension and immersion in Sharps' lyric moments.

Super Sad Black Girl is a compassionate and ethereal portrayal of mental illness from a promising and powerful poet. Sharps' words offer solace, understanding, and a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience. This book is a testament to the power of poetry to heal, inspire, and challenge societal norms. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the depths of the human spirit and the ongoing struggle for freedom and equality.

Weight: 120g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642598384