"According to Soto, three elements were considered in choosing the more than 100 poems included here: a poem’s emotionality, the risks a poet is taking, and whether the poet has been “absolutely pivotal to development of other queer of color poets.” Soto also recognizes the limitations of such an anthology, particularly in regards to the nebulous nature of defining terms of identity and ways included poets self-identify, as well as the various ways the work may be seen by other members of related communities in the U.S. and internationally. Despite these caveats, Soto succeeds in assembling an expansive, sonorous, and literarily significant volume that reveals the broad range of engagements queer poets of color have undertaken over the years."
—Publisher's Weekly"An historical anthology, not only because it is the first major anthology of its kind, but also because it concerns itself with the act of constructing a kind of communal history."
—Torrin A. Greathouse, The Rumpus"An anthology that ambitiously champions our differences as queers of color, our ranges of experience and styles and voice, allowing them to thrive in one book."
—Marcos Gonsalez, Los Angeles Review"By my standards,
Nepantla: An Anthology Dedicated to Queer Poets of Color contains more than a handful of those profound turns of language that create a heart-stopping feeling. To call them out individually would do disservice to others—not just the other poets, who, as we know, are sensitive souls, but other readers, who may mistake my soul-stirring moments as exclusive to theirs. It is an anthology worth reading, and a rich vein for discovering new poets for yourself."
—Sarah Rose Sharp, Hyperallergic". . . Despite its heavy subject matter, I would go so far as to call
Neplanta required reading for not only queer people, but anybody who will not be negatively affected by the triggers listed above. The stories told in this anthology are painful in their truth, gripping, and eye-opening. I felt different after reading it."
—Megan G, Lesbrary
