If your family was being abused, would you feel relieved or hurt? What if you had to live in a place where you watch your brother getting hit or hear your sister’s moans through the walls of your room? Would you try to stop it or hide in the shadows and try to ignore the problem?

Because I am Furniture, written by Thalia Chaltas,  is a powerful story written in poem form following the life of Anke. Anke’s father is abusive to her brother and sister but never to her. Anke’s brother Darren can get hit in a second purely for an action his father despises. Anke’s sister Yaicha recieves nightly visits that are unspoken of in their house. Anke’s own mother chooses not to see what is happening in her house even if the truth is staring her in the face. It is not only Anke’s mother that seems oblivious. Both her brother and sister choose not to think their father is doing any wrong. As for Anke, she is invisible to her father. Oddly enough, this lack of attention troubles Anke. Anke believes that she does not have an opinion that matters. However, when she makes the volleyball team, she slowly realizes that she does indeed have an opinion, but more importantly a voice.

I have to say that Because I am Furniture is one of the greatest books I have ever read. I was a little worried that I would hate the book because it is a poem, and I usually absolutely hate reading poems. However, this one made me have a change of heart. After I read the first page, I was amazed at how powerful the story was. The way Thalia Chaltas depicted each event made me want to sit in my bed all night and read the book from cover to cover. You can’t help but read the poem over and over again, without ever getting tired of it. The story makes me want to help the less fortunate in that same situation.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story, as well as anyone who is a poem enthusiast. Because I am Furniture is an inspirational work that truly touched my heart. This book receives a deserving 5 out of 5 stars.