BOOK REVIEW: Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed, edited by Saraceia J. Fennell

In Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed, diverse writers--some well known, others newly emerging authors--explore the myths and stereotypes about the Latinx diaspora. The collection includes 15 original pieces that delve into numerous topics, issues, joys, and struggles. Wild Tongues is both an examination and a celebration of the rich and diverse community within the Latinx community. 

The essays in Wild Tongues Can't Be Tamed are really phenomenal. I absolutely love anthologies and the opportunity to sample different writers whose work you can then go on a hunt for!

Wild Tongues explores ALL of the ways to be Latinx. Biggest Takeaway —there's no single way! Duh! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring and learning about different Latine identities and heritages through these essays. They were all profound in their own way.

While unable to encompass all Latinx heritages, the representation throughout the essays was intentional, including Dominican, Puerto Rican, Colombian, Honduran, Cuban, Haitian, Mexican, Panamanian, Biracial, Multiracial, Afro-Latinx, and adoptee identities and perspectives. I learned so much about belonging, multiplicity, tradition, heritage, and family within the diverse Latinx communities.

Overall, I really loved this entire collection and have a student who is Garifuna who I plan to lend my copy to if she's interested. Here are a few of my top fave essays, particularly from new-to-me authors that I DEFINITELY have to check out:

• "#Julian4Superman" by Julian Randall
• "More than Nervios" by Lilliam Rivera
• "Alaiyo" by Jasminne Mendez
• "Invisible" by Ingrid Rojas Conteras (this this is the TOP-top fave)
• "A Mi Orden" by Elizabeth Acevedo