I had never heard of Pearl Cleage until 1992, when a friend saw her in a lecture she gave on the campus of Central Missouri State University. My friend gave me her copy of Mad at Miles to read. It sat on my table for 3 weeks before I finally got around to reading it. Being a fan of Miles Davis, I couldn't figure out what reason anyone would have to be mad at him. When I finally read the book, I understood. This book is excellent!! Cleage writes sort of a handbook for women to guard them against being the victim of abuse. She talks about her own abuse at the hands of a former lover, and the abuse suffered by Cicely Tyson at the hands of her former husband, Miles Davis. This book should be read by anyone who has been the victim of abuse and even by those who haven't been abused. Cleage's strength comes across to the reader. She makes me proud to be a woman, an African American, and a strong human being. I admire her for her courage in speaking out against such a beloved music figure, such as Miles Davis. I have become a fan of Pearl Cleage and recommend her to anyone looking for a new and exciting author to read.
