stunnerz25's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
iffer's review against another edition
3.0
This book was an interesting dip into the life of Billie Holiday, but probably not the best book for readers, especially the age group at which it is directed, who do not have much of a background about jazz and blues. The poems didn't floor me, but there were some beautiful ones, and it was a creative and imaginative touch on Weatherford's part that each poem was the title of one of Holiday's songs, which carried on the theme that begins the book in the form of Tony Bennett's quote that Holiday "didn't sing anything unless she had lived it." The illustrations in the book are gorgeous, and somehow packed with the emotion described in the poems. As a sidenote, I didn't like the fact that the poems were printed on speckled paper, as it just seemed unnecessary and made the words slightly more difficult to read.
suzannedix's review against another edition
4.0
What a tragic yet talented woman Billie Holiday was! This short, free verse biography is beautifully written and doesn't shy away from all the grit and grime in Billie's young life: rape, working in a brothel, abandonment by her father, transient living...Talk about rising up!
Grades 8 and up.
Grades 8 and up.
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fictionalized memoir-in-verse of Billie Holiday. Beautiful, lyrical poetry and art, but I think I would have liked it better if I knew more about Billie Holiday going into it. It's somewhere between a novel and a biography. Also, the art is beautiful but the poems are all printed on pages with a gray, gritty background which makes it hard to read the text. I appreciate the symbolism, but wish it had been easier to read.
yogideetz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
A really lovely, poetic journey into the life of Billie Holiday. The ups and downs are inspiring and heart wrenching. I really appreciated this mode of story telling.
greenbeanteenqueen's review against another edition
4.0
I have never been a big biography fan, but this book impressed me. I love novels written in verse and I thought the idea to write a biography in verse worked out wonderfully.
Many of the poems have the feel of a jazz song that Ms. Holiday could be singing. The illustrations are sepia-toned and worked well with the book-they had a smokey feel and made you feel like you were in a jazz club with Ms. Holiday. I really felt as though Ms. Holiday was there with you sharing her life story.
I really enjoyed the format of this book. A biography told in verse was the perfect way for me to enjoy it. The poems provided an intimate look into this singers life and were musical in their own way, which blended well with the fact that the subject was a singer. I was impressed with this title and I'll be requesting that my library purchase a copy-I had to obtain my copy for class through ILL.
Many of the poems have the feel of a jazz song that Ms. Holiday could be singing. The illustrations are sepia-toned and worked well with the book-they had a smokey feel and made you feel like you were in a jazz club with Ms. Holiday. I really felt as though Ms. Holiday was there with you sharing her life story.
I really enjoyed the format of this book. A biography told in verse was the perfect way for me to enjoy it. The poems provided an intimate look into this singers life and were musical in their own way, which blended well with the fact that the subject was a singer. I was impressed with this title and I'll be requesting that my library purchase a copy-I had to obtain my copy for class through ILL.
super_librarian's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fictional verse memoir based on Billie Holiday's early life and rise to stardom. In a creative twist, most of the poems in the book share titles with Holiday's songs. Billie (who was born Eleanora) had a difficult childhood, and this novel does not shy away from any tough topic. The novel really gives you a sense of the hardship Billie endured as she grew up and the prejudices she faces as she began to tour. The artwork by Floyd Cooper is amazing as well. Definitely check this one out!
arisbookcorner's review against another edition
4.0
The poems were so lovely and it was great to learn more about billie Holiday and imagine how she must have felt at certain times in her life. carole Weatherford is a gifted poet and she does a fantastic job of presenting Billie Holiday to a group of readers who don't usually listen to her (I had only heard 2 of her songs before reading this book).I have a new appreciation for Lady Day.
Another review will be posted at my blog later in the week :)
Another review will be posted at my blog later in the week :)
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