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The Mee Street Chronicles: Straight Up Stories of a Black Woman's Life

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The Mee Street Chronicles takes you on a journey through Frankie's childhood, and what it took to become the woman she is today. She bares her soul, in an honest straight forth fashion, that is beneficial to both men and women. You will love the little girl with the big imagination, the somewhat adventurous college coed, and finally claiming what we all need, to be loved for who we are.

Thankfully I got to see the process of this work being produced but even being in on that aspect of it didn't prepare me for the impact it would have in the world of literature and me personally. Frankie is adept in weaving stories that are at both times personal and communal. What I mean by that is when I read these stories I know I am reading about Frankie but the feeling that they give me lets me know I am reading about my sisters, mother, grandmother, aunts, friends, and on a certain level even myself. The stories transcend so many categories in an outstanding way. You owe it to yourself to get this book and be fulfilled...

The Mee Street Chronicles: Straight Up Stories of a Black Woman's Life by Frankie Lennon has been one of my favorite books that I have read as a college student. The author uses an authentic way of telling her stories by using anecdotes and descriptions of the events that happened in her life and the lives of the important characters she introduces to the audience. All the stories in this book have been very exciting to read, but one of my most favorite is "The Code", in this story I feel a deep personal connection to the author due to our cultural similarities. Overall it was a great book to read since I originally thought I would not find a connection to the stories due to our different cultural backgrounds, but it was a shocker to familiarize with some of the stories. I have already recommended the book to a couple friends and would recommend to a lot more people because it's such a great book to read.

My favorite story in this book is "Pandora's Box" I found this selection entertaining and informative. In this story the narrator realizes the importance of accept yourself the way you are and not to pretend to be someone else, even if that is what pleases people. This is a very important lesson, because many people try to please other people like friends and family by doing or being who others want them to be. We are always trying to please other and we tend to forget that "I" comes before "you". The story was entertaining because the story kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. I was anxious to know whether the narrator would make the phone call, or would she listen to Pete and forget the whole thing? But when I finally reached the end of the story I felt relieved that the narrator chose to do the right thing and that she was happy with who she was.

The Mee Street Chronicles
BY FRANKIE LENNON
REVIEWED BY KOLA BOOF
April 2007




"In many ways Frankie Lennon carries on the torch left by
Audre Lorde...

Frankie over turns the parts of us that reveal a
richer if more painful underside...and with tenderness, love
and clarity, her type of sharing helps to heal and empower us.

In recalling Audre Lorde's haunting refrain that--'our silence will not
save us', Frankie Lennon's work reiterates that tradition and is very dear to me and I think should be to every woman."

I love you Frankie and so look forward to your coming works.




--Kola Boof, author of "Diary of a Lost Girl"

I have known Frankie as a colleague for ten years, but I didn't know her at all. She has taken the ultimate risk, to tell her personal story, and what a gift that is. Frankie and I grew up at practically the same time, but we lived in different worlds because of the color of our skin. I really appreciated her Jim Crow-era memories and feel they are invaluable historical testimony.

High school and college teachers, want your students to enjoy reading and have your class discussions pop? Try using "Chronicles" to frame essential questions and critical conversations about race, gender, power and personal efficacy. Recommended for US history, English, psychology, multicultural, and Intro to Student Life classes.

This book speaks of Human Revolution. A Buddist term for growth, the process of becaoming a better you. Learning to love who you see in the mirror each and every day. It shines a wonderful light on the saying, "That which does not kill you, makes you stronger." I urge everyone to read this book, The Mee Street Chronicles...

Black or White, young or old, male or female, gay or straight can appreciate the glimpses of life portrayed in The Mee Street Chronicles. Ms. Lennon artfully transports the reader to times and places that come alive through superb storytelling. This author captures the ambience so well that the reader becomes an invisible spectator within every scene.



Demonstrating courage possessed by few authors, she has been willing to share some of the most intimate details of her own life struggle. If you have traveled similar roads, you will nod in recognition. Whether your life includes comparable experiences or not, put this book on your "must read" list!

Frankie and I went to Indiana University together. She showed her writing talent during the her college days. Life has perfected those talents. I can relate to her stories of her childhood because regardless of where you grew up, as a Black child at that time our parents all taught from the same book. Once I started reading, I almost could not put the book down. The stories were woven in such a way that you will feel as if you are standing in a corner watching the action. I am proud of the strong woman she has become.

This memoir brings up many issues presented in our society. I identified with the narrator through the authors use of description, and anecdotes. The way Lennon uses detail in her memoir, really makes the stories come alive. I feel that the detail helps the readers identify with the narrator. I would recommend this book to people, and I have already recommended it to my family members. I think that everyone gets lost in life, and this book can help you find your way, or find a sense of belonging. This book lets people know that everyone struggles in life, and it only helps make you stronger and help you find who you are, " If you don't get lost, there's a chance you may never be found." -Unknown