In October, I had the pleasure of attending the author of Words of a Goat Princess, Jessie Reyez’s book reading event in the very cozy Porter Square Books in Boston. This wasn’t just any event. It was a celebration of her debut poetry book and an intimate look into the soul of a multi-talented artist, author, activist, and philanthropist.
The atmosphere in the bookstore was charged with excitement and a comforting sense of community as the audience gathered to hear Reyez’s poetic words in person. The event began with a warm introduction, setting the stage for a very harmonious evening. Jessie Reyez, known for her captivating voice and songwriting, soon took center stage as a poet and beautiful storyteller. As Jessie read some of the pieces in her book, her vulnerability and emotions shined through. She shared her personal journey into poetry, and it was visible that it came from the heart and soul. She shared that she had only told one person about Words of a Goat Princess before completely finishing the creation of the book.
As a fan of Jessie, I’ve enjoyed watching her connect with fellow fans online through her fan-inspired poetry. Witnessing Jessie’s ability to be vulnerable and connect with live audiences on an emotional level was beautiful.
The collection of poems she read were handpicked by the audience, my personal favorites are “A Trying Failure,” “Acid Whisper,” and “A Goat.” Reyez told the audience that some of these poems were originally songs while also hinting that some pieces that weren’t in the book may be used in a future creative endeavor.
Another speaking point that stuck with me was the explanation that some of these poems and some songs have come so easily to her, which can be a difficult thing to accept. We tend to overthink or second guess ourselves, but sometimes things do come easy and work out the way they are meant to.
She encouraged questions during the event, creating a very welcoming and engaging atmosphere for attendees. The questions asked and her responses revealed not only her willingness to share and connect with fans but also showed her own understanding of her work. This also welcomed self-reflection, as does her book Words of a Goat Princess. This added a personal touch to the night, making it even more memorable. Her ability to go beyond the boundaries of being a well-known singer and be known as an artist in itself is really impressive.
For fans of her music and newcomers alike, this event was the perfect event to see a glimpse of Jessie’s undeniable power in her words. Jessie Reyez has proven she’s not just a singer; she is a poet, a storyteller, and a beautiful soul. I enjoyed the reading so much that I purchased a copy of the book to take home. This event was very special, and I was very grateful to have been a part of it.
You can purchase your copy here.
