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The Wind in the Reeds
From acclaimed actor and producer Wendell Pierce, an insightful and poignant portrait of family, New Orleans and the transforming power of art.
On the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina barreled into New Orleans, devastating many of the city's neighborhoods, including Pontchartrain Park, the home of Wendell Pierce's family and the first African American middle-class subdivision in New Orleans. The hurricane breached many of the city's levees, and the resulting flooding submerged Pontchartrain Park under as much as 20 feet of water. Katrina left New Orleans later that day, but for the next three days the water kept relentlessly gushing into the city, plunging eighty percent of New Orleans under water. Nearly 1,500 people were killed. Half the houses in the city had four feet of water in them--or more. There was no electricity or clean water in the city; looting and the breakdown of civil order soon followed. Tens of thousands of New Orleanians were stranded in the city, with no way out; many more evacuees were displaced, with no way back in.
Pierce and his family were some of the lucky ones: They survived and were able to ride out the storm at a relative's house 70 miles away. When they were finally allowed to return, they found their family home in tatters, their neighborhood decimated. Heartbroken but resilient, Pierce vowed to help rebuild, and not just his family's home, but all of Pontchartrain Park.
In this powerful and redemptive narrative, Pierce brings together the stories of his family, his city, and his history, why they are all worth saving and the critical importance art played in reuniting and revitalizing this unique American city.
On the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina barreled into New Orleans, devastating many of the city's neighborhoods, including Pontchartrain Park, the home of Wendell Pierce's family and the first African American middle-class subdivision in New Orleans. The hurricane breached many of the city's levees, and the resulting flooding submerged Pontchartrain Park under as much as 20 feet of water. Katrina left New Orleans later that day, but for the next three days the water kept relentlessly gushing into the city, plunging eighty percent of New Orleans under water. Nearly 1,500 people were killed. Half the houses in the city had four feet of water in them--or more. There was no electricity or clean water in the city; looting and the breakdown of civil order soon followed. Tens of thousands of New Orleanians were stranded in the city, with no way out; many more evacuees were displaced, with no way back in.
Pierce and his family were some of the lucky ones: They survived and were able to ride out the storm at a relative's house 70 miles away. When they were finally allowed to return, they found their family home in tatters, their neighborhood decimated. Heartbroken but resilient, Pierce vowed to help rebuild, and not just his family's home, but all of Pontchartrain Park.
In this powerful and redemptive narrative, Pierce brings together the stories of his family, his city, and his history, why they are all worth saving and the critical importance art played in reuniting and revitalizing this unique American city.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 8, 2015
41 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Wendell Pierce
5 books13 followersWendell Edward Pierce is an American actor. He is known for his roles in HBO dramas such as Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire and trombonist Antoine Batiste in Treme, as well as portraying James Greer in Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, as high-powered attorney Robert Zane in Suits, and as Michael Davenport in Waiting to Exhale. Pierce also had roles in the films Malcolm X, Ray, and Selma. Pierce performed the lead role of Willy Loman in the 2019 production of Death of a Salesman on the West End in London at the Piccadilly Theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
October 8, 2015
The Wind in the Reeds
I almost didn't read this book because of all of the books I had already read in the past two months with the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in August 2015. If I would have known before I started reading this book that this was about Wendell Pierce's life, our New Orleans hometown actor who acted in "Treme" and also "The Wire" I would have made this the first book I read. This was the best memoir that I have read in a very very long time. Wendell Pierce is one of my favorite actors and to read his life story just makes me appreciate him so much more. He is an incredible man. I found myself crying throughout this book and I learned some things about New Orleans that I never knew before even though it is where I have lived my entire life and I was born and raised there. I can not give this book enough praises. Thank you to the author for writing this and to Mr. Pierce for sharing his story. If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
I almost didn't read this book because of all of the books I had already read in the past two months with the ten year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in August 2015. If I would have known before I started reading this book that this was about Wendell Pierce's life, our New Orleans hometown actor who acted in "Treme" and also "The Wire" I would have made this the first book I read. This was the best memoir that I have read in a very very long time. Wendell Pierce is one of my favorite actors and to read his life story just makes me appreciate him so much more. He is an incredible man. I found myself crying throughout this book and I learned some things about New Orleans that I never knew before even though it is where I have lived my entire life and I was born and raised there. I can not give this book enough praises. Thank you to the author for writing this and to Mr. Pierce for sharing his story. If I could give this book more than five stars I would.
September 27, 2015
Actor Wendell Pierce ironically starred in the terrific HBO series "Treme" about New Orleans slowly bouncing back from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Who would have thought this solid actor could write like this!?!? THE WIND IN THE REEDS not only talks about Pierce's childhood neighborhood that was devastate by Katrina but also shows how it was able to bounce back. Interspersing stories, family lore and bits of history he is able to breath life into this close-knit neighborhood and make the reader feel along with him.
I especially liked the parallel he draws to the play he was in at a New Orleans theater --- "Waiting For Godot". A great non-fiction book that makes you feel good.
Who would have thought this solid actor could write like this!?!? THE WIND IN THE REEDS not only talks about Pierce's childhood neighborhood that was devastate by Katrina but also shows how it was able to bounce back. Interspersing stories, family lore and bits of history he is able to breath life into this close-knit neighborhood and make the reader feel along with him.
I especially liked the parallel he draws to the play he was in at a New Orleans theater --- "Waiting For Godot". A great non-fiction book that makes you feel good.
March 15, 2017
This is so much more than a memoir.
Having known Pierce only through his major work in The Wire and Treme, and occasional glimpses of him in auxiliary roles in other films, I was drawn to this book by an interview I heard in which he described his New Orleans roots and most notably, his efforts to found a grocery store chain in what is called "supermarket deserts," providing healthful low-cost foods to poorer neighborhoods. Even to providing taxi service, for free, for customers unable to drive their purchases home. That was only the beginning of my realization of what a truly special person Wendell Pierce is, and this book only enhances that impression. Included here is not only his journey from his loving, middle class upbringing, through his Julliard education, to his recognition of an actor of depth and quality, but also the history of New Orleans, his family's saga starting with his great-grandfather as an infant sold with his mother and torn from his family in the mid-19th century, also the history of jazz, plus the on-going meditation of the value of art to the world. And the redemptive villain of the story, Katrina. I will also never be able to think of Waiting for Godot in the same way again. He has opened its enigmas and given it a meaning I never associated with it before. His personal life remains opaque while his inner life is exposed in all its richness and generosity. Well done, Sir.
Having known Pierce only through his major work in The Wire and Treme, and occasional glimpses of him in auxiliary roles in other films, I was drawn to this book by an interview I heard in which he described his New Orleans roots and most notably, his efforts to found a grocery store chain in what is called "supermarket deserts," providing healthful low-cost foods to poorer neighborhoods. Even to providing taxi service, for free, for customers unable to drive their purchases home. That was only the beginning of my realization of what a truly special person Wendell Pierce is, and this book only enhances that impression. Included here is not only his journey from his loving, middle class upbringing, through his Julliard education, to his recognition of an actor of depth and quality, but also the history of New Orleans, his family's saga starting with his great-grandfather as an infant sold with his mother and torn from his family in the mid-19th century, also the history of jazz, plus the on-going meditation of the value of art to the world. And the redemptive villain of the story, Katrina. I will also never be able to think of Waiting for Godot in the same way again. He has opened its enigmas and given it a meaning I never associated with it before. His personal life remains opaque while his inner life is exposed in all its richness and generosity. Well done, Sir.
November 2, 2021
I think I would have gotten sooooo much more out of this book if I had watched The Wire and/or Treme—which are both very much on my to-watch list.
I loved the NOLA parts; just wanted more of those.
I loved the NOLA parts; just wanted more of those.
February 10, 2023
Wendell Pierce's memoir. I didn't realize it was a memoir and I don't often read this genre, but it was great!. Native of New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina, family/African-American history, Obama election, Catholic faith. What caught me off guard and pleased me the most was his extensive sections on the art of acting, his self-awareness, jazz -- and most of all, the VALUE of art, theater, music. As I read, I kept thinking of the people I need to recommend this book to.
I loved him in Treme (HBO) and had the opportunity to meet him after his lecture at Chautauqua Institution around 2016. Have the autographed book, but listened to his narration of the audiobook. Made it even better.
I loved him in Treme (HBO) and had the opportunity to meet him after his lecture at Chautauqua Institution around 2016. Have the autographed book, but listened to his narration of the audiobook. Made it even better.
February 10, 2016
I was already a big fan of Wendell Pierce after watching him play Bunk in The Wire & Antoine in Treme. I had no idea he was such a great writer or speaker until I happened to see him at Wordstock in the fall, and I was also unaware that he had trained in acting at Julliard & had a theater background. If you haven't seen the two shows, you might not be as excited about this book as I was. The book's premise is about producing a play in New Orleans after Katrina, but it's really more of a memoir of his life & the important role that family & New Orleans played in creating him. I really enjoyed learning about his neighborhood in New Orleans and how it was significant - both to his family & N.O. in general. A
He also writes a lot about the importance of art - the biggest picture of why he acts and takes part in efforts to revive the cultural scene of New Orleans. These were some of my favorite parts. Some great quotes that I snapped photos of with my phone:
"This is what the art of acting - and indeed all true art - is about: to recognize the truly human, to authenticate it, to express it, and to document it in a way that makes it accessible to other human beings. What every artist will tell you is that we're all searching for the truth about humanity, to help ourselves and each other become more authentically human."
"This is how many of us see art: as something that's nice to look at or listen to, maybe, but separate from the real business of life, which is practicality. This is tragically shortsighted. It assumes that decisions are made strictly from bloodless cost-benefit analysis, as if human beings were creatures of the mind alone and not also of the heart."
"Art is not a sideshow to the real business of life, it is at the heart of what it means to live as a human.... art clears our vision so that our hearts and minds can follow the right path out of chaos and hatred and hopelessness, toward order, love, and redemption."
He also writes a lot about the importance of art - the biggest picture of why he acts and takes part in efforts to revive the cultural scene of New Orleans. These were some of my favorite parts. Some great quotes that I snapped photos of with my phone:
"This is what the art of acting - and indeed all true art - is about: to recognize the truly human, to authenticate it, to express it, and to document it in a way that makes it accessible to other human beings. What every artist will tell you is that we're all searching for the truth about humanity, to help ourselves and each other become more authentically human."
"This is how many of us see art: as something that's nice to look at or listen to, maybe, but separate from the real business of life, which is practicality. This is tragically shortsighted. It assumes that decisions are made strictly from bloodless cost-benefit analysis, as if human beings were creatures of the mind alone and not also of the heart."
"Art is not a sideshow to the real business of life, it is at the heart of what it means to live as a human.... art clears our vision so that our hearts and minds can follow the right path out of chaos and hatred and hopelessness, toward order, love, and redemption."
January 19, 2021
I’ve always thought of Wendell pierce as a great actor (that doesn’t get much credit) so once I realized he wrote something I wanted to read it. I have also always had a love for New Orleans because of the culture and hurricane Katrina and the stories always intrigue and haunt me at the same time. He writes as an artist and uses beautiful language and writing when describing things. I learned a lot about historical Nola and Pontchartrain Park(where he grew up). It started off slow for me but it became really good as it went through. How he equates feelings after hurricane Katrina is how I’m sure many residents felt. I also like how he treats his mother’s passing; the language and stories he tells. I didn’t realize it would be a memoir of sorts before I read it, but I liked it, but that may just be my love of the culture of New Orleans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2015
This was quite an enjoyable read--perhaps far more than I expected. I picked it up because I've admired Pierce as an actor and for what I have read he has done in New Orleans since hurricane Katrina. Reading about his family's history and how he came into his life as an actor was quite intriguing. I love the way he views the role of art in society and the possibility for change that it has. This is what makes me crave art in all its forms the most. It is also quite moving to read about how he went back home to be a part of the rebuilding of New Orleans, and of course, how the best television show ever--Treme--emerged in that context.
March 7, 2017
Wendell Pierce is currently best known for his roles on both "The Wire" and "Treme" although, at only 53, he probably has many more notable acting gigs in his future.
"The Wind in the Reeds" is less an autobiography and more of a journey. Pierce's narrative follows his slave ancestors as well as many other members of his family tree who ultimately made a life for themselves in New Orleans. And Pierce is as much about New Orleans as New Orleans is about Pierce.
I was very impressed with the level of research Pierce did to tell his story, particularly about the history of New Orleans. The book is broken down into several defining moments in his life: his childhood in Ponchartrain Park among his close family members, moving to New York to become an actor (where Wynton Marsalis, a childhood friend, helped widen his exposure to art and culture), performing on Broadway, and getting casted in "The Wire" as Bunk Moreland. But, the true defining moment occurred when he was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and had to protect his parents by ushering them out of the city. Deeply effected by the death and destruction, the isolation from other city dwellers, and the sadness facing his parents, Pierce does an amazing job expressing his feelings and fears. His words and emotions are both polished and raw as he shares many truths about those dark days.
The hurricane led to another major event in his life, which was his appearance in an outdoor production of "Waiting for Godot" in his destroyed New Orleans neighborhood. Pierce spends a lot of time putting Beckett's classic play in the context of the post-hurricane culture of his city, as well as what the production means to the viewers. In the end, it's clear why the play helped both Pierce and his community heal.
The final chapter, about what Obama's inauguration meant to him and his family, along with Pierce's mother's passing, will leave you with a big lump in his throat.
I almost gave this book 4 stars because, at times, like Louis Armstrong, Pierce is prone to ramble. But his convictions are real, as is his passion for his art, his family, and his fellow man.
"The Wind in the Reeds" is less an autobiography and more of a journey. Pierce's narrative follows his slave ancestors as well as many other members of his family tree who ultimately made a life for themselves in New Orleans. And Pierce is as much about New Orleans as New Orleans is about Pierce.
I was very impressed with the level of research Pierce did to tell his story, particularly about the history of New Orleans. The book is broken down into several defining moments in his life: his childhood in Ponchartrain Park among his close family members, moving to New York to become an actor (where Wynton Marsalis, a childhood friend, helped widen his exposure to art and culture), performing on Broadway, and getting casted in "The Wire" as Bunk Moreland. But, the true defining moment occurred when he was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina and had to protect his parents by ushering them out of the city. Deeply effected by the death and destruction, the isolation from other city dwellers, and the sadness facing his parents, Pierce does an amazing job expressing his feelings and fears. His words and emotions are both polished and raw as he shares many truths about those dark days.
The hurricane led to another major event in his life, which was his appearance in an outdoor production of "Waiting for Godot" in his destroyed New Orleans neighborhood. Pierce spends a lot of time putting Beckett's classic play in the context of the post-hurricane culture of his city, as well as what the production means to the viewers. In the end, it's clear why the play helped both Pierce and his community heal.
The final chapter, about what Obama's inauguration meant to him and his family, along with Pierce's mother's passing, will leave you with a big lump in his throat.
I almost gave this book 4 stars because, at times, like Louis Armstrong, Pierce is prone to ramble. But his convictions are real, as is his passion for his art, his family, and his fellow man.
July 6, 2018
Why read this book? If you start it, you will soon realize it is not written as elegantly or with the power of a great writer. Okay. Few books are. What it does convey to us is a large part of the answer to the question, "What does it mean to be an American?"
Pierce and his co-author, Rod Dreher, well manage disparate stages of the National scene and of Pierce's life. As is common in biographies, we journey back into his families' past, then his boyhood, exploring the routes by which he came into my life and the lives of so many others. Suffice it here to note his background is powerfully American.
What I wanted to know about when I went looking for material on Wendell Pierce was his roles in "The Wire" and in "Treme'." Both television productions are examined in sufficient detail to satisfy me. I admit it was "Treme" which most trenchantly affected me because of the terrific storylines, the Everyman character Pierce played, the old and new music I discovered (John Boutte is a genius I regret having missed for decades), and the central subject, the City of New Orleans. NOLA is an old friend, and like many old friends, it contained concealed characteristics I delighted in discovering.
Besides the television classics, Pierce devotes valuable and enlightening space to a production of 'Waiting for Godot' he acted in, delivered to the people of New Orleans among the ruins of Katerina. "Godot' is a powerful play: I remembered it well although I only saw it once, in the late 60s. Yeah, 50 years ago. But it was a perfect choice for post-Katerina and Pierce explains its interaction with New Orleanians well.
Moving past the whole personal and professional aspects, Pieces tells us about his efforts to rebuild the neighborhood of his youth, the religious questions he has wrestled with in his life, and the meaning Obama gave to the lives of many in this country.
So why read this biography? Because it reeks of humanity and has much to teach.
Recommended.
Pierce and his co-author, Rod Dreher, well manage disparate stages of the National scene and of Pierce's life. As is common in biographies, we journey back into his families' past, then his boyhood, exploring the routes by which he came into my life and the lives of so many others. Suffice it here to note his background is powerfully American.
What I wanted to know about when I went looking for material on Wendell Pierce was his roles in "The Wire" and in "Treme'." Both television productions are examined in sufficient detail to satisfy me. I admit it was "Treme" which most trenchantly affected me because of the terrific storylines, the Everyman character Pierce played, the old and new music I discovered (John Boutte is a genius I regret having missed for decades), and the central subject, the City of New Orleans. NOLA is an old friend, and like many old friends, it contained concealed characteristics I delighted in discovering.
Besides the television classics, Pierce devotes valuable and enlightening space to a production of 'Waiting for Godot' he acted in, delivered to the people of New Orleans among the ruins of Katerina. "Godot' is a powerful play: I remembered it well although I only saw it once, in the late 60s. Yeah, 50 years ago. But it was a perfect choice for post-Katerina and Pierce explains its interaction with New Orleanians well.
Moving past the whole personal and professional aspects, Pieces tells us about his efforts to rebuild the neighborhood of his youth, the religious questions he has wrestled with in his life, and the meaning Obama gave to the lives of many in this country.
So why read this biography? Because it reeks of humanity and has much to teach.
Recommended.
February 18, 2024
While I don't agree with some of the author's politics and a few of his observations of the Catholic Church (specifically a few misunderstandings around doctrine), THIS BOOK WAS A PAGE TURNER. Rod Dreher helps Wendell Pierce share a beautiful story about his family, his faith, and the city he loves so dearly - our New Orleans. Wendell is open and honest and real and raw about his upbringing as a Black boy in New Orleans, giving a glimpse of the struggles he and his neighbors face in a Civil Rights Era southern town. Still, New Orleans is a bit different from the rest of the South, as his passages about the birth of jazz and Congo Square relate. The faith of his mother, Tee, is a golden thread running through the book, and his appreciation for art as a way to bring hope to the suffering is palpable. Pierce gets that truth, goodness, and beauty transcend the banality of everyday life and lift bruised and battered and waterlogged peoples above the mundane to the Divine. I stumbled on this book and I am so glad I did.
August 5, 2017
I just couldn't get through this one. The first couple of chapters are interesting as the writer details his family history in the area. But, even then, there's nothing to pull you back into the book. Memoirs often have this problem with keeping interest on the reader's side. That said, I didn't mind the cursing (I think I would curse if I had lived through Hurricane Katrina too.) as it is a memoir and I find that language acceptable in this format. I wish I would have liked it more but some books just don't grab ahold of you and this was one of those for me.
Note: I received a free paperback copy of this book via the GoodReads First Reads Program in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank them, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to do so.
Note: I received a free paperback copy of this book via the GoodReads First Reads Program in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank them, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to do so.
June 10, 2021
I read this book for several reasons: I have a good friend who lives in the same New Orleans neighborhood that Wendell Pierce grew up in and where his parents lived at the time of Katrina; I love all the roles Pierce has played, and this was one of the books about Katrina I had not yet read.
The section about Treme was my favorite - it’s my favorite TV show of all time - I’ve binge-watched it three times already and I enjoyed getting a lot of the characters back stories.
The section about Treme was my favorite - it’s my favorite TV show of all time - I’ve binge-watched it three times already and I enjoyed getting a lot of the characters back stories.
April 21, 2023
I have always enjoyed Wendell Pierce as an actor, but he really out did himself with his book. I could not put it down. For starters I love jazz and there are many musical elements as well as the inclusion of the Rebirth brass band. I love the journey he takes the reader on with his family history, Katrina and more. His book even prompted me to watch his New Orleans based show, Treme. I could talk up his book all day, but definitely check it out.
February 1, 2020
Most people remember Wendell Pierce as Bunk Morland from the acclaimed series The Wire. With this book, he becomes literary storyteller, and weaves his personal, professional and family story into the New Orleans story, specifically Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. What's particularly poignant is Wendell's relationship with his mother, Althea Edwards (Tee) Pierce.
August 22, 2020
This book destroyed me with its impact. Actor Wendell Pierce talks about his family's history in Louisiana, racial segregation, Hurricane Katrina and its impact, his experiences as an actor and especially on 'The Wire' and 'Treme', and so much more. It is a devastating book but amazing and impactful.
November 19, 2021
I wish this was properly marketed as Wendell Pierce’s memoir and not a book about Katrina. I think he would have been able to find his correct audience if that was done. I really enjoyed the history and learning about Jazz and the Second Line. I did not agree with him comparing Katrina to The Holocaust.
January 12, 2017
This was my second read of this book. I get so much more on a second read of a great book. This is one of those.Such an inspiring book especially those living in southern Louisiana and were here for Katrina.
June 29, 2018
Found this great book at the Dollar Tree only because it about NOLA, the town my parents retired to. Looking forward to checking out his work (Treme and The Wire). Wish he had included some pictures, even if it was after 2005.
December 17, 2019
Just listen to W.P. read the audiobook.
Proof of talent? Take away an actor's visual presence, and let their control/subtleties of their voice convince you.
Interesting, constantly shifting blend, discussing the arts, personal narratives, and the history of New Orleans.
Proof of talent? Take away an actor's visual presence, and let their control/subtleties of their voice convince you.
Interesting, constantly shifting blend, discussing the arts, personal narratives, and the history of New Orleans.
March 17, 2021
Fantastic, inspiring read
A beautiful and inspiring personal and family memoir. The most surprising part might be the last half of the final chapter, where the author discusses his love for his mother, and her devotion to the Blessed Mother. Deeply moving.
A beautiful and inspiring personal and family memoir. The most surprising part might be the last half of the final chapter, where the author discusses his love for his mother, and her devotion to the Blessed Mother. Deeply moving.
August 16, 2023
3.5 stars. Only lowered stars because sometimes he is repetitive with explaining or describing something. For example he may take a couple pages to describe something and it could be said in a paragraph or two.
June 7, 2017
Really a 3.75 I'd say, totally worth reading if you're interested in New Orleans, art, US history, the African American experience, families, etc. etc. (i.e., many of us).
November 5, 2017
Listened to this book. Interesting insight into Pierce’s roles in The Wire and Treme.
March 7, 2018
I needed a Treme fix and this delivered. Very good writing but it needed a better editor. The history sections were my favorite
July 13, 2018
Stumbled upon this book and so thankful I did. What a great story Wendell Pierce has- I already loved him in Treme, but learned so much more about him.... incredible.
June 13, 2019
Loved Loved Loved this book. Needs to be read by everyone to learn about how we should work together and how we should treat each other.
February 12, 2020
A beautiful love story to art, New Orleans, and all combinations of the two.
July 4, 2020
I was surprised by how much I loved this book. I have never sobbed so much at the ending of a book. I highly recommend it.
July 17, 2020
Just a delightful book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews