Tula: Poems Paperback – November 1, 2016

I love this book so much. As a child of immigrant parents, I related to this beautifully well-written poetry book. I wish more people knew of it.

This collection is stunning. It followed me long after I put it down. Santiago explores the nuances of language, the way it can comfort and destroy, with an exquisite mastery of rhythm and sound. I had to do some research, since I don't speak Tagalog or know much about the complicated history of the Philippines, but this just reinforced the richness and complexity of this collection. Santiago's poetry is closer to music here, and the wonder and pain behind each poem need no translation. I would recommend this book to anyone longs to be left breathless by poetry.