I Put a Spell on You: The Autobiography of Nina Simone

Rating:
Summary: I LOVE this book
Review: This is a most fabulous book! I could not put it down! It's a fascinating account of Nina's life.....which is never a dull moment. Lots of incredible insight into what it's like to be a performer. Beautifully written, as though she's in the room with you, telling you her own story. Nina was such an amazing person, and there is so much depth in this book. I highly recommend this book....I can't say enough. If you love Nina, if you love autobiographies.....this is THE book!

Rating:
Summary: Spans several eras leading to the Af. Am.cultural evolution
Review: Vivid descriptions of the life and times of a genius, role model, liberator who helped to create the paradigm for the emerging African American middle class. The book justaposes the constant tension between family dignity/aspirations and commonplace assults on innocent African Americans in the pre- and post-civil rights eras. Thrust into the mainstream, insulated only by the safety net she created, Ms. Simone carved out an identify for herself and, indirectly, for the African American race. In spite of numerous setbacks and disappointments from a fickled public, personal stresses and relationship problems her talent and courage endured and helped to raise the bar on racial pride at a crucial time in African American history. Through her artistry, she demonstrated her possession of a higher truth and a vision for a just world.