One of the most original performance poets of her generation, Melissa Lozada-Oliva has captivated crowds across the country and online with her vivid narratives. Humorous and biting, personal and communal, self-deprecating and unapologetically self-loving, peluda (meaning “hairy” or “hairy beast”) is the poet at her best.
The book explores the relationship between femininity and body hair as well as the intersections of family, class, the immigrant experience, Latina identity, and much more, all through Lozada-Oliva’s unique lens and striking voice. Peluda is a powerful testimony on body image and the triumph over taboo.
Praise for Melissa Lozada-Oliva
"In Peluda, Melissa Lozada-Oliva examines what it means to be a woman and American when you are not white and smooth-skinned. She writes “our bodies have always made love to shame” and in this stunning debut she writes the shame out of her body, out of her hairiness, out of her womanhood. An anthem and lovesong to all the hairy girls out there, these are poems I crave, and a voice that leaves me cheering for more."
Melissa Lozada-Oliva's 'peluda' is celebrated for its humorous and powerful poetry that explores themes of femininity, body hair, and identity. The book is praised for its inspirational poems and engaging read.
Summary topics
Engaging Read: 16%
Powerful Poems: 19%
Review topics: [].
Review highlights
"A good read for anyone still figuring themselves out and loving every hair-pulling minute of it." — Margaret H.
"It's a beautiful read full of humor, strife, and strength." — Liliana B.
"All the poems are very motivational and super relating to myself and my experiences." — Odalys I.
Reviews
READ THIS BOOK!
"I don't think there's a poem by Melissa that I don't like, I have highlighted almost every line in every poem of this book. She's so detailed about her surroundings and her family that I feel like I'm right there living it with her. My favorite poem was "You know how to say Arroz con Pollo but not what you are" She uses so many senses and descriptions, I didn't want it to end!"
— Sammi (5/5)
I loved this collection. It
"I loved this collection. It was raw, real, and honest. It was gritty, but in the best way. I devoured it in one sitting. My favorite poem in this collection was “the women in my family are bitches,” but “Wolf Girl Suite” was a close second. Lozada-Oliva makes you FEEL with her poetry."
— Katy B. (5/5)
My new favorite book!
"Absolutely loved every page. Some of the strongest connections I’ve felt to poetry, super relatable content and excellently written ❤️"
— Katherine A. (5/5)
Peluda Speaks to my little kid self
"I never understood why all the young blonde and hairless girls growing up never had body hair the way I did. Lozada-Oliva made my little Arab brown girl self feel seen and validated."
— Nikole B. (5/5)
thank you melissa for reliving
"thank you melissa for reliving into whats it’s like to be a brown person in america."
— Lauren B. (5/5)
peluda
"This collection by Lozada-Oliva is breathtaking! Her experiences and emotions surrounding her childhood and family life really speak to me especially as a child of Middle Eastern descent. Her words are haunting and her descriptions are spellbinding, a lovely way to spend every afternoon."
— Morgan H. (5/5)
PELUDA
"I cannot express in words the emotion these poems arouse in me. . . . . . one of the most authentic books of poetry I’ve ever read!"
— Nicole T. (5/5)
Great Read!
"I've had my eye on this book for a while, and am so glad to have finally gotten it! Melissa's poems really resonated with me."
— Kaitlyn A. (5/5)
As a latina, this hit
"As a latina, this hit home on so many levels."
— Nel R. (5/5)
Can’t wait to read again
"A wonderful read. I’ve been recommending this to all of my close friends. The author has a refreshing style, great sense of humor and poignant sense of purpose. I look forward to reading more from her!"
— Morie M. (5/5)
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