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Popular Culture January 2021
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What's inside: Kathie draws on personal experience to counsel women on how to navigate life-changing milestones while speaking out and staying true to oneself. Reviewers say: Expect lots of publicity and rest assured that Kathie Lee's many fans will be delighted.-Booklist
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What's inside: In the grand tradition of oral history, West African griots and griottes used the power of storytelling to pass down family tales from generation to generation. Retired pediatrician Kearse, her family's eighth griot, traces her lineage over two centuries. Reviewers say: "A compelling saga that gives a voice to those that history tried to erase...Poignant and eye-opening, this is a must-read." -Booklist
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More myself : a journey by Alicia KeysWhat it is: An intimate, revealing look at one artist's journey from self-censorship to full expression What it's about: As one of the most celebrated musicians of our time, Alicia Keys has enraptured the nation with her heartfelt lyrics, extraordinary vocal range, and soul-stirring piano compositions. Yet away from the spotlight, Alicia has grappled with private heartache-over the challenging and complex relationship with her father, the people-pleasing nature that characterized her early career, the loss of privacy surrounding her romantic relationships, and the oppressive expectations of female perfection. Why you may like it: With the raw honesty that epitomizes Alicia's artistry, More Myself is at once a riveting account and a clarion call to readers: to define themselves in a world that rarely encourages a true and unique identity"
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The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir
by Jenifer Lewis
What it is: an uplifting account of actress Jenifer Lewis' childhood, career trajectory, love affairs, and struggles with mental illness.
About the author: Currently appearing in the television show Black-ish, Lewis is known for portraying mothers (hence the title), and writes with both humor and honesty.
For fans of: Lewis herself, of course -- but also anyone who appreciates candid, frank stories of women who have overcome obstacles on their way to success.
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The last days of John Lennon by James PattersonWhat it is: Published to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Lennon’s assassination and based on insider interviews, a chronicle of the iconic music artist’s final days includes coverage of his last album and the life of Mark David Chapman. Why you might like it: The greatest true-crime story in music history, as only James Patterson can tell it. Enriched by exclusive interviews with Lennon's friends and associates, including Paul McCartney, The Last Days of John Lennon is the thrilling true story of two men who changed history: One whose indelible songs enliven our world to this day--and the other who ended the beautiful music with five pulls of a trigger.
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Spotlight on: Grammy Award Winners
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Unbreak my heart : a memoir by Toni BraxtonWhat it is: The six-time Grammy award-winning artist and the star of Braxton Family Values reveals the measures she took to make herself and her family whole again after heart ailments and a lupus diagnosis forced her to let go of her past and take charge of her own healing - physically and spiritually. Who it's for: Readers who want and enjoy candid, honest reveals about the star's life and struggles. Reviewers say: For fans who loved her in her heyday or recently found her on her reality show, Braxton Family Values, this is a must-read.
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| Queen Bey: A Celebration of the Power and Creativity of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter by Veronica Chambers (editor)What it is: a balanced collection of 19 essays that thoughtfully celebrates and critiques Beyoncé's cultural impact.
Contributors include: Luvvie Ajayi, Brittney Cooper, Michael Eric Dyson, Kid Fury, Lena Waithe, and more.
Don't miss: Melissa Harris-Perry and Mankaprr Conteh debate the merits of "Beyoncé feminism" in "Grown Women: A Conversation About Coming of Age with an Icon." |
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| Delta Lady by Rita Coolidge with Michael WalkerWhat it is: a lyrical memoir from singer-songwriter and rock muse Rita Coolidge, who won two Grammy Awards with then-husband Kris Kristofferson in the 1970s.
Is it for you? Although Coolidge's reflective account of her rise to stardom is light on gossip, she offers an intimate glimpse into the 1960s and '70s rock scene, chronicling her collaborations with Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, and Stephen Stills, as well as her volatile relationship with Kristofferson. |
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| Let's Go (So We Can Get Back): A Memoir of Recording and Discording with Wilco, Etc. by Jeff TweedyWhat it's about: Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy's artistic coming-of-age, fueled by his battles with anxiety and addiction.
Book buzz: A New York Times bestseller, Let's Go was named a Best Music Book of 2018 by Pitchfork and Rolling Stone.
Try this next: For another funny yet moving memoir from a 1990s alt-rock musician, check out Ben Folds' A Dream About Lightning Bugs. |
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| Liner Notes: On Parents & Children, Exes & Excess, Death & Decay & a Few of My Other... by Loudon Wainwright IIIWhat it is: a witty memoir from folk musician Loudon Wainwright III offering self-deprecating musings on his well-to-do yet turbulent upbringing, his famous family (including his four children, all fellow musicians), fame, and creativity.
Want a taste? "When I'm not thinking of myself as the greatest singer-songwriter who ever lived, I consider myself to be a talentless fraud." |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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