Rise Up Singing : Black Women Writers on Motherhood

Rating:
Summary: Rise Up Singing Brings Honest Look At Black Mothering
Review: Rise Up Singing , with its storied list of contributors such as Maya Angelou, Alice Walker and Maxine Clair and with the foreword written by Marian Wright Edelman, seems well-intended to serve as a celebration of black motherhood, with all of its triumphal victories as well as its copious and devastating defeats. Serving as a brutally honest look at mothering and motherhood, Rise Up Singing's collection of poems, essays and fiction reveal not only a celebration of mothers, but even more so an overwhelming tinge of sadness about motherhood that is incomprehensibly balanced by an ever-present notion of the strict ability to overcome.

With its rich stories and superb writing, Rising Up Singing proves to have the weight and breadth of a true classic anthology that deserves recognition notably for its pioneering role in addressing the need for black women to write about motherhood but primarily for its unapologetic candidness.

Rating:
Summary: A Stirring Tribute
Review: RISE UP SINGING is a collection of short stories, poetry, and essays that encompass the many defining roles of black mothers. Cecelie Berry has pulled together a dazzling array of noteworthy writers for this collection, and the result is a read that is as diverse as it is satisfying. The book includes such contributors as Maxine Clair, Rita Dove, Maya Angelou, Edwidge Danticat and June Jordon. Among my favorites was Tananarive Due's piece that described both her relationship with her mother and the journey the two of them took together in an effort to say goodbye to her grandmother and settle her affairs. Reverend Dr. Suzan Johnson's piece highlights the need for mothers to juggle their various roles and responsibilities and was one I related to in spite of the fact that I am presently a stay-at-home mother rather than a mom who works outside of the house. Faith Ringgold's "My Daughters and Me" speaks to the difficulties involved with getting through the teen and young adulthood years as a parent. And Alice Walker's "Everyday Use" is sure to remind children to appreciate their mothers and to avoid taking them for granted.

All in all, this was an enjoyable collection. While readers may not be able to relate to every piece, there are sure to be several that will call to them loud and clear. I found a couple of the contributions a bit laborious to read, but overall, I enjoyed this collection. The purpose of this book was to pay homage to black mothers, and it not only achieved this goal but went several steps further, by highlighting many of the issues with which mothers contend. Fans of poetry, prose, and short fiction alike, will find something that speaks to their specific reading tastes.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers