National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo is drawing on her personal history as a D.C. youth center instructor and family experiences with mental illness for her new novel, Anger Is Only a Shadow, while highlighting literary recommendations through ELLE’s books column, Shelf Life.
Elizabeth Acevedo Draws on Real-Life Experiences for Anger Is Only a Shadow
Author Elizabeth Acevedo utilizes her background as a former instructor at an adjudicated youth center in Washington, D.C., and the emotional realities of having a sibling diagnosed with schizophrenia to shape her latest novel, Anger Is Only a Shadow, according to ELLE’s Shelf Life column. The story centers on Lil, a teenager on probation and wearing an ankle monitor, who wants to turn her life around while navigating the emotional withdrawal of her college-student brother, Aldwin, as he deals with mental illness.
According to reporting from WBUR, the narrative tracks Lil’s mounting pressure as court dates approach, strange text messages pile up, and she must decide whether to follow strict probation rules or risk her future freedom to help her brother. Acevedo told ELLE that the book bridges two seemingly separate parts of her life by exploring a central question: how families love each other through changing versions of themselves, and whether the desire to save someone can yield something fruitful.
Literary Influences and Career Background
Born and raised in New York City to Dominican immigrant parents, Acevedo first gained widespread literary acclaim with her 2018 debut novel, The Poet X, which drew from her conservative Catholic upbringing and early roots in poetry slams and open mics. She holds a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from George Washington University and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland, College Park, and previously worked as an adjunct professor teaching undergraduate creative writing courses.
Alongside her fiction release, Acevedo shared her personal reading list with ELLE, detailing the books that shaped her life. Her selections include Tamsyn Muir’s Gideon the Ninth, Abraham Verghese’s 800-page The Covenant of Water, and Michelle Zauner’s Crying in H-Mart, which she listened to via audiobook while walking around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.
Pro Tips: Elizabeth Acevedo’s Ideal Reading Setup
- Audiobooks: Acevedo recommends James Fouhey’s narration of the Pete the Cat collection, noting its appeal to toddlers and adults alike.
Upcoming Events and Community Engagement
In addition to her writing projects, Acevedo engages with literacy advocacy through organizations such as Split This Rock and We Need Diverse Books. She is also slated for public appearances discussing her work, including an upcoming event hosted by WBUR’s CitySpace in partnership with Brookline Booksmith and the 826 Boston nonprofit writing and tutoring organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elizabeth Acevedo’s new book about?
According to WBUR and ELLE, Anger Is Only a Shadow follows Lil, a rebellious teenager on probation in Washington, D.C., who tries to help her distant brother, Aldwin, as he struggles with mental illness.
What are some of Elizabeth Acevedo’s literary inspirations?
Acevedo has frequently cited her upbringing in New York City, her background teaching at a D.C. youth center, and poets like Lucille Clifton, whose work Blessing of the Boats she has turned to since age 16 for solace.
Where does Elizabeth Acevedo prefer to read?
According to her interview with ELLE, her ideal reading experience involves a cabin in the woods, a cozy chair, a fireplace, coffee or tea, and dark chocolate.
What are you reading this month? Share your favorite book recommendations in the comments below, or explore more author interviews and literary columns on our site.