For those familiar with some of this generation's greatest Black poets, "This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets" is practically a must-read experience.

Edited by Kwame Alexander, "This is the Honey" is a remarkable collection of poetry that practically demands repeated visits with a breathtaking and vibrant journey that ranges from angry to tender, inspiring to challenging and so much more.

"This is the Honey" features work from such poets as Alexander himself along with Rita Dove, Jericho Brown, Ross Gay, Morgan Parker, Amanda Gorman, Warsan Shire, Tracy K. Smith, Terrance Hayes, and Nikki Giovanni among many others.

At times, "This is the Honey" feels like a rally. Other times, it feels like a worship service. Still other times, "This is the Honey" feels like we're surrounded by family. The language is extraordinary here, immersive and abundant and remarkable in tone and atmosphere.

There's so much to love here and those who love language, cultural experience, and full-on immersion will be enthralled from beginning to end. At times, I found myself having to stop reading simply to let it all soak in.

Immensely moving and yet beautifully organized by Alexander, "This is the Honey" starts off 2024 with what is easily one of the first must-have poetry anthologies for the year.

Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic