$a You take in things you don't want all the time. The second you hear or see some ordinary movement, all its intended targets, all the meanings behind the retreating sounds, as far as you are able to see, come into focus. Hold up, did you just hear, did you just say, did you just see, did you just do that? Then the voice in your head silently tells you to take your foot off your throat because just getting along shouldn't be an ambition. --from back cover
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Claudia Rankine is an acclaimed poet, essayist, and playwright, known for her innovative exploration of race, identity, and social justice within contemporary society. Born in Jamaica and raised in the United States, Rankine's works reflect a deep engagement with the complexities of personal and collective identity. Her notable works include the award-winning poetry collections 'Citizen: An American Lyric,' which was a finalist for the National Book Award, and 'Don’t Let Me Be Lonely.' Additionally, she is the author of the essay collection 'Just Us: An American Conversation.' Rankine's writing style is characterized by a unique blend of lyricism and prose, often incorporating multimedia elements to challenge the boundaries of traditional literary forms and provoke critical discourse.
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Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, is a U.S. Congresswoman representing New York's 14th district. She gained national attention after winning her seat in 2018 at the age of 29, making her one of the youngest women ever elected to Congress. Ocasio-Cortez is known for her progressive policies, advocating for issues such as Medicare for All, climate change action, and economic justice. She has become a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and uses social media to engage with constituents and the public. Her rise from grassroots activism to Congress has inspired many young people to get involved in politics.
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