i live in music [Hardcover]

Ntozake Shange (Author), Romare Bearden (Illustrator), Eric Baker (Author), Linda Sunshine (Author)

Book Description

Series: Art & Poetry | Publication Date: September 1, 1994

Shange's lyrical poem is a tribute to the language of music and the magical, often mystical, rhythms that connect people. Music defines who we are as individuals, the places where we live, and how we exist within our communities. Music is life.

Written in a syncopated style that has its own melody, the poem is perfectly married to twenty-one extraordinary and diverse works from Romare Bearden who once said, "I paint in the tradition of the blues."

Here is a unique and visionary book that speaks, indeed sings, to both children and adults and is, at once, compelling, profond, and entertaining.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ntozake Shange (b. 1948) is the author of for colored girls--who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf, Sassafras, Cypress & Indigo, Betsey Brown and many other works. Her column appears regularly in Philadelphia's Real News and her most recent novel is Liliane: Resurrection of the Daughter.

Romare Bearden (1912-1988) is one of America's pre-eminent artists. His works are in the collections of every major museum in New York City as well as more than a dozen across the country.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Welcome Books (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0941807096
• ISBN-13: 978-0941807098
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 0.4 x 11.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #386,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Artful synergy., March 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: i live in music (Hardcover)

Ntozake Shange's poem, "i live in music", along with Romare Bearden's collages are presented together in this appealing book. The text and the visuals are skillfully paired and they feed each other's expressions.

"i got 15 trumpets where other women got hips

& a upright bass for both sides of my heart"

Shange's words are in turn playful, soulful, artful. The music she describes is encompassing and tangible - a real thing to be felt and true part of our beings.

Bearden's collages and paintings are vivid, engaging images of African American life and culture. The images are expressive and rich illustrations of musicians and singers. "Show Time" and "Fancy Sticks" are nearly audible - one can see the rhythm and song.

Shange and Bearden's talents complement each other so well one would think this had been a concurrent, collaborative effort rather than subsequent assemblage.

Along with i live in music, I highly recommend all the books in this series by Stewart, Tabori & Chang's Art and Poetry series:

"Life Doesn't Frighten Me", poem by Maya Angelou, paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat..... "may i feel said he", poem by e. e. cummings, paintings by Marc Chagall...... "Dance Me to the End of Love", poem by Leonard Cohen, paintings by Henri Matisse

Each one would be a wonderful gift for a teacher, art lover, musician, poet,.... or anyone seeking inspiration. Treat yourself to one - or all.

For all ages.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fell in love, September 23, 2003

By 

Grace Horne (Northfield, MN + Eagle Butte, SD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: i live in music (Hardcover)

Someone read this book to me when I was young. Ever since then I've been inspired to write. I love this book. The word use by Ntozake is refreshing. Her poetry is very original. She has accomplished a lot, because it's suitable for all age groups.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for teachers to use in a poetry unit, June 29, 2000

By 

Tony Cinquino (Rochester, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: I Live in Music (Hardcover)

This is a remarkable book that paints a masterpiece of feelings. I read this poem many times to my second grade class and asked them to imitate its nature. They did a remarkable job using the "i live in..." starter. Get it out of the library if you can't buy it. Inspirational for 2nd grade up to adults !