The Truth About Pussy


Poetry - Inspirational
68 Pages
Reviewed on 04/10/2018
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Truth About Pussy by LaVianca Ledbetter is a compilation of the author's poetry and illustrated, contextual pieces (both painted and photographed) provided by visual artists. Ledbetter takes on the word "pussy" and reminds us how this source of life, this source of pleasure, this source of power has morphed into a word that implies profanity. Through a collection of dynamic prose, Ledbetter reclaims the word for herself and for women everywhere, and offers an unapologetic, beautifully dactylic narrative in four distinctive sections: Siren - Celebrating the Sexuality; Gardener - Celebrating the Sacrifice; Damsel in Distress - Celebrating the Tenderness; and Amazon - Celebrating the Strength.

The Truth About Pussy by LaVianca Ledbetter is exactly the type of book that should line the shelves of any girl/teen/woman's space. I called my teenage daughter in and we both took a moment's pause when I read out loud, "And there she was; planted - refusing to be just his delicate rose - she rose in elegance and strength - Firm, she stood - reaching and growing - growing and reaching - into the universe..." Ledbetter is so masterful in her writing, her words have the capacity to burrow deeply into something inside us - it's poignant and raw - while at the same time bathing a reader in the elegance of her syntax. Secondary to the poetry but certainly noteworthy is the art contributed by painters known to the author, which is all in celebration of women. Ledbetter accomplishes a feat she makes abundantly clear...she seeks to speak to your soul.

Haley B.

I have enjoyed taking the time to read, and re-read, "The Truth About Pussy". This is definitely a book for all women of all ages. I would definitely purchase this book for my mom, aunts, and best friends because there is something here, that they need to hear.

It makes the connection between pussy and fearlessness; it also created a desire for me to explore myself more as a woman. It encouraged me to look at my truth without holding back.

Depending on how far along someone is on their spiritual journey may determine how much they receive from this book. The background is moving, the text is inspiring and the art just pushed me deeper. Any negative connotation surrounding Society's view of pussy is shattered here and everyone should know the truth about pussy.



Krishana Santiago

This book is amazing! I love the way all areas are discussed and emotions put on paper about the power a woman holds. I encourage everyone to take the time to go through each poem with an open mind and learn from every word written. I have quite a few favorites but my favorite two are Wake Up and Steel Beauty.

Lowell Hensley Jr.

They say never judge a book by its cover but in this case its the title, well in this case I underestimated the whole thing. This book needs to be read by every man and woman of EVERY race! This book captures what it truly means to be a woman vs how society want them to be, its so powerful it need to be that manual to women we’ve all been looking for. Its something powerful when a group of women get to gather and just empower each other in such uplifting words of encouragement but also helping each other feel comfortable in their own skin understanding that their flaws aren’t a curse but a true gift. I've read it already twice and I was gonna chose a quote from it but I don’t wanna spoil it because I feel like everyone needs to pick it up and read it and not just once but on a daily basis.

Natavia Morris-Lambo

The poetry is relevant for each stage of personal development and reinforces the importance of

self-worth. It tastefully addresses common issues that occur thought out a Woman’s life. The

inclusion of independent artist, and their depictions of women adds warmth to the literature.

Concluding with Sitting in my truth is represent of a Women’s coming of age, and understanding

of self. Finally, we can see a women’s development that has nothing to do with her breast.

While each poem can stand on its own you organized them well, it reads like a novel. A reader

will miss the intensity if they attempt to read them out of order.

Favorite work: Legs Gapped, Laid Back Relaxing, and shit- this depicts the struggle between

not only young and old but society. Women are taught that we are directly responsible for

another person’s sexual desires and because of that, our own comfort should be tossed to the

side.

Mariah Webber

The Truth About Pussy represents the multiplicity of Black womanhood. LaVianca uses her words as a canon to explore the seemingly juxtaposed notions of Black femininity, while reminding us that cookie cutter representations of Black womanhood are tools of white supremacy. Mourning, worshiping, and exalting the Black femme form, she challenges and transforms the one dimensional way that we think about...well, pussy. The center of this work is in it's name: the truth.

This is exemplified in my favorite piece of prose from the work, "Sitting in my Truth," piece, it reads:



Finally I decided to have a seat,

to kick my feet up and breathe.

I sat and got comfortable

in my own skin

and that is when

the journey

truly began



The Truth About Pussy is a reminder that the erotic is the sacred, the masculine is the feminine,and the feminine is the divine.

Alice Padgett

This Book specks poetically to the Soul of Women, stressing our Strengths as we grow in and through out our lives..