I love how poetry can aid in revealing human nature. We learn more about the poet, or more about ourselves, or more about what it means to be human. In Carole Boston Weatherford’s book of poetry, Becoming Billie Holiday (Wordsong, 2008), we can learn, via poetry, about Billie Holiday as a child, teen, and adult.
These poems are characterized as “fictional verse memoir.” They help reveal fragments of Billie’s character and past. These poems may even help readers explore Billie’s music in a new way. For example, listen to Carole Boston Weatherford read “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie” and see my favorite line below. You’ll hear it come alive as Carole seems to channel Billie Holiday, revealing the mischievous side of the famed jazz singer.
Listen to Carole Boston Weatherford reading “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie” and two more poems
A favorite line from this poem:
“a pair of silk stockings called my name:
Eleanora, wanna dance?”
The original book reading with Carole Boston Weatherford was created as part of the Coretta Scott King Book Award Curriculum Resource Center.
Poetry Friday is hosted at Liz in Ink this week.
Posted by Danika Brubaker, MLS, Web 2.0 Content Producer
mmm-mmm, do I LOVE that reading! Thanks for this!
Nice review of a great book. Thanks!