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sean67's review
4.0
Readable, engaging but very strange book of author who kept some gum that Nina Simone had chewed and turned it into a relic.
To be honest when I picked it up I thought it was a novel and realised quickly it was non-fiction.
It does raise a lot of questions, the books doesn't answer on fame, on "idols" on what is valuable and precious and on relics - another book could easily be written commentating on this one. Interesting and a very easy read, and for good or bad it did leave you with nagging questions.
To be honest when I picked it up I thought it was a novel and realised quickly it was non-fiction.
It does raise a lot of questions, the books doesn't answer on fame, on "idols" on what is valuable and precious and on relics - another book could easily be written commentating on this one. Interesting and a very easy read, and for good or bad it did leave you with nagging questions.
lmshearer's review
challenging
reflective
fast-paced
2.0
I found this book incredibly frustrating and its author a bit conceited and thoughtless in his storytelling. The main focus of this book - a piece of gum stolen away after one of Dr. Simone's last performances - would be an excellent jumping-off point to discuss ideas of artistic ephemera, what belongs to a 'celebrity' and what's fair game for the public, et al. Unfortunately, the author explores none of these ideas, and basically chronicles the piece of gum from theft to art exhibit. The book centers the author instead of its subject; in fact, we only get a Wikipedia-style overview of Dr. Simone's life. Aside from one reference to Lisa, her daughter, and a conversation they had about the gum, no one in the family seemed to be aware/involved in this process, which felt both colonial and misogynistic. The book unsettled me in all the wrong ways. Instead of this, I highly recommend the Netflix documentary, "What Happened, Ms. Simone?" for a thorough and honest look at Nina Simone's life and legacy.
jriscado's review
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
olovr's review
5.0
I read this book in two uninterrupted sittings. I've never done that before and I'm not entirely sure why. I've left the book on the table and I have a warm and powerful feeling in my chest. Thank you Warren!
zachwerb's review
4.0
A look at how an object becomes imbued with meaning and becomes something more(a holy relic perhaps?) Its a short book, but delves into so much, including pictures that give as much a view into warren as the writing.
mcribsy13's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This is such a special ode to the creative life. Please read it.