Customer Reviews

Talk to Me: Travels in Media and Politics

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If you have read (or if you're lucky, seen) any of Anna Deavere Smith's theatre works you know she can use the words of others to inspire and empower. "Talk to Me" shows that Smith can do the same with her own words as well.

In "Talk to Me" Smith tells not only the stories of others, but her own stories as well. From being a kid growing up in segregated Baltimore to a successful theatre artist taking on the task of documenting power and politics in Washington, DC and making many stops around the nation in-between. In her journey Smith is constantly in the middle of political and media-oriented events. Yet as opposed to other books dispatching on politics and media "Talk to Me" tells tales from these arenas through the eyes, and with the voice, of a true artist.

Smith has proven herself to be an original and skilled documentarian of American character in her theatre works. This skill continues through "Talk to Me" as Smith's interview subjects end up spouting off golden bits of wisdom. Among the highlights: Adriana Huffington on the marriage of theatre and politics, George Stephanopoulos on the personal side of the presidency and Studs Terkel on technology and American history.

Anyone fascinated in a fresh perspective on politics, art and the intermingling of the two would be wise to pick up "Talk to Me" by Anna Deavere Smith.

Anna Deavere Smith is a well-educated, well-connected, talented, scholarly African American woman, recipient of many honors, minor movie and television roles, her own one-woman television specials and theatrical performances. The problem with this book is that she NEVER lets us forget how wonderful she is. She is SO impressed with herself that it's amazing to me that she ever got around to interviewing her, uh, subjects. (SHE seems to be the real subject.)

The book is a fairly interesting look at what goes on in Washington political circles, where most of her interviews take place. If you can get past the parties in her honor and all the other self-focused hoo-ha, you might enjoy reading it. Otherwise, find something to read by an African American writer who is a little more scholarly and a little less self-enthralled.