Yellow Black: The First Twenty-One Years of a Poets's Life

By Haki R. Madhubuti

Book Overview

Powerful prose, poetry, and jazz riffs chronicle the first 21 years of the life of Haki R. Madhubuti, formerly Don L. Lee: poet, publisher, editor, and activist. He was raised by his mother Maxine, whose life is also recounted--including gritty details of how she used her body to feed, house, and shelter her children without help from their absentee father. Despite the obstacles in his childhood, music and literature molded the young Don Lee, effectively saving his life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0883782618
• ISBN13: 9780883782613
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: Third World Press
• Length: 253 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Perspective From A Relative

I am a relative by marriage. I am the wife of Haki's sisters son. This book was an insightful journey into the hearts and minds of my in-laws. It gave me a deeper understanding of where they came from and who they are. When I look at the book cover, I see my daughter, her cousins and their grandmother. This is my childrens history. From humble beginnings.....

Inspirational

Mr. Madhubuti cleverly uses prose, poetry, and narrative vignettes to tell readers about his life. He describes in great detail how life experiences, artists, writers and other people of influence have shaped and molded his character and stirred his creative juices. I especially enjoyed the poetic tidbits. Mr. Madhubuti's memoir is truly an inspirational story that shows with hard work, vision and determination you can reach your goals and make a difference in the world.

A Must-Read

I found out about this book on someone's blog and was not disappointed. This is a very well written memoir that reads almost like poetry. I truly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to others. He is real.