Life According to Motown

By Patricia Smith and Cleo Qian

Book Overview

In the 1960s, the live of black children were shaped by the glittery specter of Motown--a world of furious flash, undeniable glamour, and impossible romantic ideals. Some discovered the truth before it was too late. Others still drape their blues in the silken sounds, swirling in dimly-lit rooms in an endless, blinding slow dance. Patricia Smith, born and raised on Chicago's West Side, grew and thrived on the bright promise of Motown. Life According to Motown, the new collection by the five-time champion of Chicago's famous Uptown Poetry Slam, recounts in vivid imagery the lessons taught by and learned from Motown, as well as a thrilling collection of new works.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0962428728
• ISBN13: 9780962428722
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Tia Chucha Press
• Length: 76 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

All I can say is thank you....

I haven't the language to tell you what this book has done for me. All I can say is in these words I have found the quiet resolve to continue putting pen to paper in a world where everything screams stop. Her words rise off pages, sit next to you, and ask "Why won't you use me for beauty like she does?" I can tell you that when I first read this book sitting alone on the EL, I turned to the woman next to me and told her " Look, I know you don't know me and I don't know you but HEY you need to read this RIGHT NOW cause this woman know us both..."

I am blessed to have found this book!

I could go on and on about how this book has changed the way that Ithink about writing or how I am blown away by the way this woman uses language but it won't matter until you've read it yourself. I am so thankful that God has given this woman these words to write because she has now given me the inspiration to take the words that God has given me and write. I think that if you are looking for a book of poetry that is dripping with real emotion and real stories you need to get this book and all of her books. Poetry Widow is a standout piece that still gives me chills everytime I read it. THANK GOD FOR PATRICIA SMITH!