This month, the BMCC Book Club read Ward Toward by Cindy Juyoung Ok — a reflective collection that provokes thought about the many ways language and identity intersect. Ok’s poetry isn’t straightforward, and that’s precisely what makes it so powerful. Each piece invites readers to sit with uncertainty and embrace the discomfort of not having easy answers. One of the most striking themes is how Ok plays with form and space, almost as if the poems themselves are reaching toward something just out of grasp — mirroring how people search for understanding and belonging. The emotional vulnerability throughout the collection stands out, especially in how Ok explores cultural heritage and personal resilience. The collection challenges the idea of what storytelling can be. Ok’s words don’t just narrate; they create an experience, making readers feel the spaces and silences just as much as the words on the page. Ward Toward is a beautiful example for anyone seeking a book that pushes the boundaries of traditional poetry. It’s a reminder that poetry can be messy, beautiful, and deeply human — and that sometimes, the journey through the unknown is where the most meaning is found.
Contributed by Library Peer Ambassador Sara Hinduja Obregon
