Oral history, autobiographies and spoken word make literary listening easy - audio - Brief Article - Bibliography

Black Issues Book Review, Jan-Feb, 2002 by Cynthia A. Roby

Audio books are an excellent way to introduce African American children to their history and literature, or simply learn more about our culture. Here are a few picks to start the ball rolling:

A Call to Conscience; The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Edited by Clayborne Carson and Kris Shepard. Time Warner Audio Books, January 2001, $42.98, ISBN 1-586-21046-7 (CD) Time Warner Audio Books, January 2001, $34.98, ISBN 1-570-42573-6 (6 cassettes) Approximately 8 hours total running time.

All of the speeches are unabridged, original recordings with introductions by various readers, including Walter E. Fauntroy, Ted Kennedy, Martin Luther King III, Yolanda King and Andrew Young.

This collection of moving speeches by Dr. King evokes the power and deep emotions of the Civil Rights era. From his address before a mass meeting of the first Montgomery Improvement Association, which helped organize the bus boycott, to his "I Have A Dream" speech, listeners will bear witness to some of the most powerful and turbulent years in American history, and hear one of its greatest orators.

Black Boy by Richard Wright. Read by Brock Peters. Caedmon, August 1989, $18.00, ISBN 0-898-45917-6 (2 cassettes) Approximately 2 hours total listening time.

Best-known for his performance as Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird, Brock Peters delivers an inspired reading of Richard Wright's autobiographical character in a voice that is passionate and compelling. The abridged version of this classic will make most listeners want to pick up the paperback. It is a must-listen, especially for those unfamiliar with Wright's work.

Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now by Maya Angelou. Read by the author. Random House Audio Books, September 2001, $19.95, ISBN 0-375-42016-9 (CD) Random House Audio Books, Sept. 1993, $19.95, ISBN 0-679-42735-X (cassette) Approximately 90 minutes listening time.

Angelou's autobiographical work brings to readers the lessons that she has learned by living an incredibly full life. Her voice flows rhythmically--much like her poetry--as her work pulls you in deeper. A great companion on a long commute.

The Maya Angelou Poetry Collection by Maya Angelou. Read by the author. Random House Audio Books, October 2001, $19.95, ISBN 0-375-42017-7 (CD) Random House Audio Books, Feb. 1999, $19.95, ISBN 0-375-40596-8 (4 cassettes) Approximately 2 hours total listening time.

A must-have for poetry lovers, The Maya Angelou Poetry Collection includes more than 100 poems from Angelou's previous volumes. Angelou's voice is cool, and at times borders on the sensual, gliding fluidly through each poem. The collection is an almost anthology of her best poetry.

The Measure of a Man: A Spirited Biography by Sidney Poitier: Read by the author. Harper Audio, April 2000, $32.95 ISBN 0-694-52196-5 6 cassettes, approximately 8 hours total listening time

Sidney Poitier's audio autobiography is a good choice because of its spirituality. As always, his voice is smooth and melodic--a real treat for the actor's fans.