Inside My Chart-Topping Debut: The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
In late July, I finally published my first two books: The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression and Taking Back My Light: Original Poetry on Isolation and Depression. Within twenty-four hours of launch, both were charting as the top two new releases in African American Poetry on Amazon.
Thank you to everyone who has already shown support—sending encouraging messages, buying my books, spreading the word, and leaving reviews on Amazon. It means more than I can say.
These books have been years in the making, and I'm so grateful to finally share them with you. [To learn more about Taking Back My Light, click here.]
Why I Wrote The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression
As an African American woman who has both witnessed and lived through many forms of discrimination, and as someone who is socially conscious of the injustice that continues to unfold across this world, I feel these wounds deeply.
I wrote The Onslaught of the -Isms first to heal and process my own pain, the weight of bearing the brunt of these isms and of witnessing them inflicted on others. Publishing it became a way to extend that same healing outward, to inspire more understanding, compassion, empathy, and solidarity.
This book is for open-hearted allies who want to see how oppression actually operates—on the interpersonal, institutional, and systemic level—and the toll these prejudices take on marginalized communities across the U.S.
It's also for the oppressed demographics who have been gaslit and tone policed into silence and discriminated against in ways meant to dim their spirit: I want you to know that you are not alone. We are stronger together.
About The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression
Written across fourteen years, my poems trace my stories and personal pain of experiencing and witnessing racism, sexism, classism, capitalism, religious prejudice, ageism, and more.
The collection doesn't stay at the surface. Several poems confront the behaviors that keep oppression running: gaslighting that questions your reality, scapegoating that shifts blame elsewhere, and allyship so shallow it protects the status quo more than it challenges it.
And the scope widens from there. What starts with everyday microaggressions eventually reaches segregation, slavery, sex trafficking, and war—tracing an unbroken line from everyday cruelties to historical and global injustices. The Onslaught of the -Isms offers readers an invitation to sit with what inequality actually costs.
“The Lottery of Birth” Poem from The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression
None of us chose where we landed—what family, what country, what class, what caste, what safety, what rights, what circumstances we were born into. Not one of us had a say. The only thing separating so many of our circumstances is chance, like a lottery.
Two years in a row, I was commissioned to write and perform my poetry for the One Planet Summit. While flying to California to perform, I couldn't stop thinking about this topic.
So, somewhere between states, I wrote "The Lottery of Birth."
The reel captures just the opening lines—my full poem, along with many more exploring social justice, is in The Onslaught of the -Isms, available now on Amazon.
What Readers Are Saying About The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression
“This writer, Radiance Talley, takes you on a poetic, multi-layered, deeply personal journey of her lived experiences. It is also a very American journey that impacts and compromises us all. It skillfully highlights the consequence of choice. Choices we all make every day. It begs the question: Do we choose KINDNESS and LOVE, or HATE and FEAR?
She pulls no punches on the impact and onslaught of oppression as she lays her heart and soul all on the line. Not to intimidate but, in this reader's opinion, to invite the others to trust the pure intention of her sharing. To see this creative work as an opportunity to examine one's own thoughts and feelings on this most potent, sensitive and misunderstood subject matter in hopes to bring about a more empathetic, intellectual, inquisitive and sensitive perspective toward the onslaught of the oppression of the 'isms'.
A highly recommended BINGE MUST READ, for all who care to make the world a more kind, loving, sensible place to thrive as one humanity.”
“One of the most brilliant young poets of our time and all time.”
“So many of your stories made me feel deeply and gain a clearer perspective and understanding into the isms. Your words are insightful, powerful, and inspiring🙏🏼💕 this book needs to be a #1 NY Times bestseller 🏆📕 It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read 📖 thank you for your vulnerability, courage, and bravery in sharing your story and the stories of others 🙏🏼 You are a blessing to the world…”
“Beautiful poetry on systemic racism we may be blind to.”
“This is one of the best books I’ve read on oppression and its impact. When Radiance’s poetry book arrived today, I was struck by the beautiful cover and design. I love how the book is laid out so organized and cohesively.
The book is filled with powerful, heartbreaking, and moving poems written so beautifully. You feel the pain and emotion behind her words as someone who feels and cares deeply in a world lacking empathy and compassion. Radiance strings together words in a melodious tone that capture and resonate with her audience.
She is the voice of her generation, and I believe everyone (especially white people) should read this book. Her stories are authentic, genuine, and touch your soul. Radiance is a phenomenally gifted and talented poet, writer, and speaker. I am grateful for her contribution and offering to a world in need of healing, peace, and unity. Definitely recommend!”
Order Your Copy
If you'd like to be part of the conversation, [click here to order The Onslaught of the -Isms: Original Poetry on Oppression on Amazon].
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