On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe. Her poem “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country” can now be cherished in this sp On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe. Her poem “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country” can now be cherished in this special gift edition. Including an enduring foreword by Oprah Winfrey, this keepsake celebrates the promise of America and affirms the power of poetry.
The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country
On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe. Her poem “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country” can now be cherished in this sp On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration. Taking the stage after the 46th president of the United States, Joe Biden, Gorman captivated the nation and brought hope to viewers around the globe. Her poem “The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country” can now be cherished in this special gift edition. Including an enduring foreword by Oprah Winfrey, this keepsake celebrates the promise of America and affirms the power of poetry.
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melhara –
I've never watched any of the past US inaugurations, but when Amanda Gorman shared the glorious news that she was selected as the official inaugural poet for the 2021 inauguration, I knew I had to tune in (and I did)! If you haven't watched it, you can find it here. I've been following Gorman in social media since last summer and (for some reason) feel immensely proud of her well-deserved fame and success and am super happy that all three of her books ( Change Sings - a picture book set to I've never watched any of the past US inaugurations, but when Amanda Gorman shared the glorious news that she was selected as the official inaugural poet for the 2021 inauguration, I knew I had to tune in (and I did)! If you haven't watched it, you can find it here. I've been following Gorman in social media since last summer and (for some reason) feel immensely proud of her well-deserved fame and success and am super happy that all three of her books ( Change Sings - a picture book set to release later this year, The Hill We Climb - the collection of poems under the same title as this one, as well as The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country ) took the top three spots on the Amazon bestseller list!
Alison –
Breathtaking. I watched this performed live along with my husband and child, and we all wept openly. Cannot wait to read more from this brilliant mind!
Rainer –
This poem seems to have made Amanda Gorman into a household name overnight, and she absolutely deserves it. What an incredibly talented writer - we are blessed by her words.
morgan –
hearing it for the first time was breathtaking and now reading it for the first time was moving
GONZA –
That's the way to become the first Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. That's the way to become the first Youth Poet Laureate of the United States.
Laura Hoffman Brauman –
Just perfection. So glad to have a copy now. Her performance of this at the inauguration was outstanding and I hear her voice every time I pick this up.
Luis –
“All art is propaganda; on the other hand, not all propaganda is art.” -George Orwell Well...this is clearly propaganda. I would consider any MLK speech as much more poetic and artistic than this cheesy and bland "poem". “All art is propaganda; on the other hand, not all propaganda is art.” -George Orwell Well...this is clearly propaganda. I would consider any MLK speech as much more poetic and artistic than this cheesy and bland "poem".
CAG_1337 –
It's a good thing Harold Bloom is already dead because hearing this poem would have killed him. Gorman's work was an utterly dreadful, cliché-ridden piece of juvenilia that had all the charm and sense of craft as a mediocre slam poem. It's a good thing Harold Bloom is already dead because hearing this poem would have killed him. Gorman's work was an utterly dreadful, cliché-ridden piece of juvenilia that had all the charm and sense of craft as a mediocre slam poem.
Tommaso Emiliani –
Oh America, you can do better than this. The poem is verbose, unimaginative, condescending, self-indulgent, didactic and - what is worst - cliched. It is understandable that American hearts may need reassurance and guidance after years of darkness and chaos - yes, the poem does provide those. But if one strips the poem of its envelope of powerful oral delivery, colourful cloths, ethnic jewels, identity politics associated with the author and the specific context of delivery, one is left with a bunc Oh America, you can do better than this. The poem is verbose, unimaginative, condescending, self-indulgent, didactic and - what is worst - cliched. It is understandable that American hearts may need reassurance and guidance after years of darkness and chaos - yes, the poem does provide those. But if one strips the poem of its envelope of powerful oral delivery, colourful cloths, ethnic jewels, identity politics associated with the author and the specific context of delivery, one is left with a bunch of cliched verses that could be taken straight from a 10th grade assignment: “Write something symbolic and solemn about Thanksgiving Day”. Everyone is entitled to its own feelings when it is about art. To a lesser extent, everyone is also entitled to its own ideas about art. The dilemma is that when cliched art is celebrated as profound and meaningful, and is made mainstream and institutional by the public endorsement, that means that (political) ideas are also cliched. It may not be so terrible for many that the effort of the nation’s youth poet graduate produces little more than that of a generator of trite expressions and cheap allegory. It may indeed be more troublesome for many that a new presidential administration that is vehemently underscoring its departure from the past uses cliched art to make its message resonate with the people.
Dinah Moore –
Stunning . I will be gifting this book often. I adore Amanda Gorman and her voice. She is an incredible role model for the next generation and a shining light for this one. I could quote the entire poem as the review. Every line is profound and gratifying. It is hopeful in the best kind of way. “Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved, we grew, That even as we hurt, we hoped That even as we tired, we tried. That we'll forever be tied together. Victorious, Not because we Stunning . I will be gifting this book often. I adore Amanda Gorman and her voice. She is an incredible role model for the next generation and a shining light for this one. I could quote the entire poem as the review. Every line is profound and gratifying. It is hopeful in the best kind of way. “Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true: That even as we grieved, we grew, That even as we hurt, we hoped That even as we tired, we tried. That we'll forever be tied together. Victorious, Not because we will never again know defeat, But because we will never again sow division." "...Because being American is more than a pride we inherit- It's the past we step into, and how we repair it."
Lacey Mubanga –
After hearing this poem, I just had to have it. This teeny beautiful edition arrived today and I teared up all over again reading it. This poem has a special place in my heart and in my living room. :)
Kellie Marie Monahan –
Horrible print and binding. Looks like it was made at home. Cash grab of an overrated poem. 15 minutes of fame are up.
Joshie Nicole readwithjoshie –
A short audiobook of Amanda Gorman reading her poem The Hill We Climb. Still as inspiring as it was when I first heard it in January.
Alexandra –
“There is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.” ♥️ Can’t wait to see this young woman in the Oval Office some day!
Joanne Knouf –
A very moving poem
Wulf Krueger –
I’m German. I’ve never watched an inauguration of an American president. The one of today’s President Joe Biden was no exception even though I was hoping for something better than what had come before… ("It seems to me that I have been dreaming a horrid dream for four years, and now the nightmare is gone.”) Amanda Gorman’s amazing poem hit the German news very quickly, though, and I got curious and looked it up, watched Gorman perform it at the inauguration. It hit me unexpectedly hard; so hard, I’m German. I’ve never watched an inauguration of an American president. The one of today’s President Joe Biden was no exception even though I was hoping for something better than what had come before… ("It seems to me that I have been dreaming a horrid dream for four years, and now the nightmare is gone.”) Amanda Gorman’s amazing poem hit the German news very quickly, though, and I got curious and looked it up, watched Gorman perform it at the inauguration. It hit me unexpectedly hard; so hard, in fact, I cried. Her presentation was so powerful, emotional, touching and uplifting; representative - to me - of all that is right and just about the United States. Gorman envisions a country “committed To all cultures, colors, characters, And conditions of man” and while, of course, she primarily addresses the USA, she also spoke to the world and of the world. If we, the peoples of the world, made into reality in our countries what Gorman wishes for her own one, if we truly and honestly, sought “harm to none, and harmony for all” - regardless of gender, skin colour, sexual orientation, etc. - then, yes, then “We will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.” Today, I was finally able to read the poem in its own ebook while simultaneously watching Gorman’s recitation which lent the experience further depth. Try for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz4Yu... Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Corey J. Davidson –
I have always thought that Amanda Gorman is a grossly overrated poet and this piece is a textbook example why. There is nothing of real substance here; it is riddled with clichés and platitudes. I understand perfectly well what she was going for, but the execution is just so bland. I read better poems by my classmates in high school. I mean, “...just us...” and “...justice...”? REALLY? That is an Instagram poetry line if I have ever read one. That akin to saying “You can’t spell ‘disability’ wit I have always thought that Amanda Gorman is a grossly overrated poet and this piece is a textbook example why. There is nothing of real substance here; it is riddled with clichés and platitudes. I understand perfectly well what she was going for, but the execution is just so bland. I read better poems by my classmates in high school. I mean, “...just us...” and “...justice...”? REALLY? That is an Instagram poetry line if I have ever read one. That akin to saying “You can’t spell ‘disability’ without ‘ability’. Her life story does not mean she is profound. If this poem was submitted to a journal under someone else’s name, I think there would be a significant chance that it would be rejected for publication.
Cookie –
When I saw this audiobook on libro.fm, I jumped on putting it into my cart. Like many people, I was introduced to Amanda Gorman during her reading of this poem for President Biden's inauguration. She brought me to tears that day and I wanted to be able to listen to the poem again. I am not a poetry fan but I connected with this poem in a way that I have never connected with poetry before. Listening to it a second and third time, it continues to captivate me and fill me with overwhelming emotions When I saw this audiobook on libro.fm, I jumped on putting it into my cart. Like many people, I was introduced to Amanda Gorman during her reading of this poem for President Biden's inauguration. She brought me to tears that day and I wanted to be able to listen to the poem again. I am not a poetry fan but I connected with this poem in a way that I have never connected with poetry before. Listening to it a second and third time, it continues to captivate me and fill me with overwhelming emotions. HOPE. LOVE. LEARN. GROW. These are the important messages from this poem that I am taking away. I am hoping that these continue to be themes after this turbulent year that we have had. The audiobook has a forward read by Oprah, which is a nice addition! Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio and Libro.fm for a gifted copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Lynette Gile –
What can be said about “The Hill We Climb”. When first hearing this poem read at the Inauguration of Joe Biden, each word was thoughtful said and told. It’s unbelievable that someone could eloquently read this poem and captured a Nation. Reading it now brought back the memory of hearing the author read it to a Nation and transforming it. Bravo!
Rachel –
The audio includes a brief introduction by Oprah Winfrey, which explains when the inaugural poem was given. Amanda Gorman reads her poem with the same strength, power, and conviction as she did at the inauguration. This is a poem that is often spoken about, and already taught in classrooms, for good reasons. For this reason, I won’t write of it much except to say it hearkens to earlier work of African American poets and artists like a call and response. Most notably, I hear Langston Hughes “I, To The audio includes a brief introduction by Oprah Winfrey, which explains when the inaugural poem was given. Amanda Gorman reads her poem with the same strength, power, and conviction as she did at the inauguration. This is a poem that is often spoken about, and already taught in classrooms, for good reasons. For this reason, I won’t write of it much except to say it hearkens to earlier work of African American poets and artists like a call and response. Most notably, I hear Langston Hughes “I, Too, Am America” and “Let America Be America Again.” Poems that speak of the condition set forth by racist policies. Although this hasn’t disappeared, Amanda Gorman focuses on unification. She acknowledges the tyrant without naming him, the disruption to America moving forward, and emphasizes who she is as an American. She doesn’t disavow her history, but embraces it and focused on pushing toward a better America. Her word choice and delivery, for I have heard recordings of Hughes’ reading these works, felt in itself like a momentous leap in poetry. Highly recommended. Thank you to Libro.fm for gifting an advanced copy.
Katherine –
Chills!! I want more 😢 Amanda Gorman your words are so special. What a beautiful poem 💗
Kristina Clement –
Loved seeing these words in print and having the opportunity to savor them.
Sue Barnes –
This poem makes my heart sing.
Laura's Book Addiction –
“Somehow, we’ve weathered and witnessed A nation that isn’t broken, but simply unfinished.” I watched Amanda preform this poem on Inauguration Day and was utterly captivated by her talent so when I heard this poem was being released I had to add it to my book collection. I’m so glad I have as the edition is stunning.
Rachel Kelly –
I don't normally rate nonfiction, but obviously this is amazing! I don't normally rate nonfiction, but obviously this is amazing!
Christine –
Her words, her voice, so inspirational!
Once Upon a Hope –
Beautiful poem. The first time I heard it, I was blown away. I am so glad to own this special edition. “For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it”
Earl –
I remember hearing this poem for the first time and how I was immediately taken in by the words and filled with a sense of promise and possibility- like listening to a sermon I had nothing but praise for- that I instantly put it on repeat. Reading a poem in one's own voice as opposed to listening to the poet or a good orator is a different experience. This was part of my Inaugural Poems Reading Challenge which you can read here: https://thechroniclesofachildrensbook... I remember hearing this poem for the first time and how I was immediately taken in by the words and filled with a sense of promise and possibility- like listening to a sermon I had nothing but praise for- that I instantly put it on repeat. Reading a poem in one's own voice as opposed to listening to the poet or a good orator is a different experience. This was part of my Inaugural Poems Reading Challenge which you can read here: https://thechroniclesofachildrensbook...
Kristin Kay –
I will never forget watching Amanda Gorman recite this poem at President Biden’s inauguration. And more importantly, I will never forget how her words made me feel. The whole world held their breath as she was speaking, collectively in awe and collectively moved by her passion and hope for the future. I’m so happy to own this book now so I can own a piece of history.
Tiffany –
PHENOMENAL I have not stopped thinking about her beautiful poem and recitation from Inauguration Day 2021 and Amanda Gorman can do no wrong. I am here for whatever she chooses to bless us with in the future. Forever fan!