Xolo Score 4/5
Cassie Holguin-Pettinato’s The Five Stages of Stuttering is a profound and moving collection of poetry that parallels the five disfluencies in speech - repetitions, prolongations, blocks, interjections, and revisions – and the stages of grief. Through her evocative and carefully crafted verses, Holguin-Pettinato invites readers into a world where words carry the weight of struggle and the beauty of resilience. Each section explores different emotional and psychological landscapes, offering a nuanced portrayal of the author’s life. From denial and anger to bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance, Holguin-Pettinato’s poems resonate with authenticity and vulnerability.
*** SPOILERS AHEAD ***
This collection’s most striking aspect is how Holguin-Pettinato uses language. Her words are often mimicking the interruptions and hesitations characteristic of stuttering. This stylistic choice enhances the reader’s experience and creates a unique and compelling rhythm that separates her work. She excavates the most intense emotions of living with her brother’s death, having a child, and standing firm in her Chicana identity. It also shows how people are beautifully complex, with contradictory emotions such as deep gratitude for being a mother but carrying deep fear. For instance, in the section on Prolongations, her poems bristle with frustration and defiance. Conversely, the Revisions section offers a sense of peace and self-compassion that is uplifting and cathartic. This emotional honesty is one of the book’s greatest strengths, allowing readers to connect on a profoundly personal level.
In conclusion, Cassie Holguin-Pettinato’s The Five Stages of Stuttering is a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone interested in the human experience. It is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant collection that will stay with readers long after turning the final page. The Five Stages of Stuttering is a collection of poetry and a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Her work speaks to anyone who understands the nonlinear progression of grief and offers solace and hope through the power of words. It leaves this reader with a sense of comfort and motivation in understanding her own grief.
Holguin-Pettinato’s ability to transform personal pain into art is both inspiring and humbling.
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| To what extent are there BIPOC leading characters or perspectives? | How well does the author avoid writing BIPOC experiences through the white gaze? | To what extent does the author challenge white-centered beliefs? | How well does the book explore nuances between intersectional identities? |
Score | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
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