While at times these can distract, they cannot dim the incandescence of the poetry, or the keen-eyed glimpse into one small...
In 1798, Fortune, a slave owned by Dr. Preserved Porter, a bonesetter, died; rather than bury him, Dr. Porter rendered his corpse and preserved his bones for anatomical study.
Nelson remembers and celebrates Fortune in this slim funeral mass, moving from grief to joy, envisioning Fortune’s moment of death as his deliverance from slavery to the ultimate freedom. As in Carver (2001), the poems of the cycle have multiple voices, from the doctor who owned the body but not the man within it, to Fortune himself and the enslaved wife who is forced to clean her husband’s bones. The central question—where does humanity reside?—receives thoughtful, fervent consideration: it’s a glorious reclamation of a man whose identity had been assailed from the moment of his birth to beyond his death. The poems are printed on the recto; facing them is an ongoing prose narrative of Fortune’s life and afterlife, punctuated by photos, illustrations, and archival materials.
While at times these can distract, they cannot dim the incandescence of the poetry, or the keen-eyed glimpse into one small moment in the American “Peculiar Institution” it provides. (bibliography) (Poetry. 12+)Pub Date: Oct. 31, 2004
ISBN: 1-932425-12-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Front Street/Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2004
PERSPECTIVES
An author experienced in depicting different occupations (Magazine: Behind the Scenes at Sports Illustrated, 1983) makes a quantum leap with this detailed portrayal of a highly regarded senator and his job. Beginning with a glimpse of Bradley making a commencement address, Jaspersohn flashes back to summarize his education, youth (Rhodes Scholar; Olympic gold), and career in pro basketball before returning to the book's dual purpose: detailing how a senator is elected and functions and depicting this particular senator's unique qualities and how they relate to his office. Especially for young people, Bradley makes an excellent example: education is one of his primary concerns; Jaspersohn uses his ``Student Athlete Right-to-Know'' bill to demonstrate the legislative process and shows Bradley leading students from his home state (N.J.) in debates on vital current issues. The author, who interviewed Bradley and his staff extensively and observed him in Washington and during his 1990 campaign, offers a wealth of revealing incidents and direct quotes, including excerpts from several speeches. Thorough, well researched, and extensively detailed: a heartening portrait of a hard-working, intelligent, independent- minded, conscientious public figure who, better than most, balances idealism and practicality. Bravo to Jaspersohn—and to Bradley. B&w photos; notes; index not seen. (Nonfiction. 12+)
Pub Date: July 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-15-272880-5
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
As briefly documented in this closely focused treatment, the electronic media—especially TV—have transformed our political system, resulting in shallow coverage that ignores serious issues for attention-grabbing sensationalism. After chronicling previous instances of image-focusing in US history and the process of media takeover of politics, Sherrow doesn't shrink from a depressing conclusion: candidates who might do an excellent job are driven out by those who are better media manipulators; voters who care about issues will continue to become cynical and drop out while those swayed by shallow appeals dominate politics. Maintaining an attitude of scrupulous fairness, she allows the media consultants (the ``handlers'' or ``spin doctors,'' often blamed for the situation) to have their say and presents ideas for reform. The issues are laid out clearly, but given the analysis here one wonders: Is anyone likely to follow her recommendations? Extensive end notes; up-to-date bibliography; list of organizations to contact. B&w photos; index. (Nonfiction. 12+)
Pub Date: Sept. 15, 1992
ISBN: 1-56294-075-9
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Millbrook
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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