Force of Beauty

by Mikki Taylor and Deborah Riley Draper

My family. My Newark.

The story of three generations of Black women, one extraordinary friendship, and a not-often recalled history of the city that made them.

In Force of Beauty, Mikki Taylor, editor-at-large of Essence magazine and longtime activist, introduces us to her gifted grandmother, Bessie, her glamorous mother, Modina, and how Modina’s friendship with the legendary Sarah Vaughan shaped Mikki’s childhood. Taylor’s mini-memoir is a tribute to Newark in the '50s and '60s, of cool jazz clubs and close-knit neighborhoods, a handsome house on Avon Avenue, and one family’s tale of perseverance and ingenuity in a city they all loved.

At a time when Black women were marginalized, disrespected, overlooked, and unseen, Bessie and Modina showed Mikki how beauty and style can be a force for good.

The recording includes an introduction by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and a reading by Mayor Baraka of the poem his father, the esteemed Amiri Baraka, wrote about the Newark rebellion, which Taylor discusses living through as a young girl.

Genres: Audiobook, Memoir, Nonfiction, History

Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must listen if you want to learn more about the history of Newark, one of the oldest black communities outside of Harlem.

[Danger Kayutak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the topic was compelling, the narration came across as superficial bragging and name-dropping. Perhaps some of this could have been avoided if the author had not chosen to narrate her own work, but I'm not sure.

There were moments, mostly in chapter seven, that managed to elevate the story. When Mikki comes home to the neighborhood she has grown up in and loved, now destroyed and in shambles, I could hear the heartbreak in her voice.

It's a short, about three hour, listen through Audible. Light and frothy, had some fascinating historical references. Pretty forgettable though.

This is when I wish I could do a 2.5 rather than a 3 star rating. There are books I've liked much better that I have given three stars, but I didn't hate it so two stars seems harsh.

[Angela M. Artis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely, not what I thought it was going to be. Gave great information and the narrator was enthusiastic.

[Vernon Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot better than I expected and I really didn't know what I expected. Other than the chipper voice narrating the book. Which was like you fairy God Mother talking to you, making everything seem upbeat and good. The book for anyone wh0's known Newark, ( including me being born there ). Are taken into a time warp of what Newark was like in the past. An informative and insight book, it seemed to call me when I was looking for something new to read. Thank You....

[JLR · Rating 2 out of 5]

I REALLY wanted to like this book - the subject is interesting, the authors are both fascinating and accomplished individuals...but this book is so boring. I can’t even describe how boring - it’s an Audible Original so only 3 hrs long but it was the longest 3 hours I can remember. It doesn’t help that the narration wasn’t great either - it removed all emotion and authenticity from Ms. Taylor’s story.

So, overall - I did learn some things about Newark and the Black experience there in the mid-20th century but the writing was not compelling.

*DISCLAIMER* I try to review books on their own merit or against the author’s other works. I recognize that it is not equitable or useful to compare emerging authors against long-established authors.

[Creme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the personal accounts of what Newark was supposed to be opposed to what the government has turned it into.

[Ben Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not know where I picked up this book, but I will tell you that I was pleasantly surprised by it and gave it 5 stars. I love memories, biographies and autobiographies, but with some autobiographies I lose what the author is trying to say because I get caught up in their some times writings of self praise or self accolades. This book is not one of those autobiographies.

I love how Taylor talked about her family starting with her grandmother and then to her mother. There are others mentioned, but the relationship these three women had with each other and the history they brought was so amazing to see come to life on the pages of this book.

I'll be honest, I didn't even know who Mikki Taylor was until after I finished this book. I did a deep google search and learned more about her, and again, I was pleasantly surprised. I am so glad that this book was in my collection, it was an excellent read and introduced me to a wonderful woman.

A must read if you are into memories, biographies and autobiographies.

[Jean]

Interesting listen about 3 generations of Black women by Mikki Taylor, editor of Essence magazine & a civil rights activist; her mother who was Sarah Vaughan's childhood friend and later her stylist; and her grandmother, who cared for Mikki while her mother traveled with Sarah Vaughan. Taylor's live in Newark NJ in the 50s & 60s provided interesting info about when Newark was a thriving Black community

[Eccentric Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there was a hardcover..I do agree with some...the authors voice over is a bit over the top however the storyline of Newark and Mikki journey is fascinating beacuse she watched and witnessed multiple black women excell growing up so it was destiny for her to build strong confidence and walk into her excellence.

[Debbie Howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic window into the Great Migration and Civil Rights Movement set in historical Newark, New Jersey. The story was framed by an extraordinary family and their impact on fashion and entertainment as generational change agents. A great read for those who love history!

[Parkway · Rating 1 out of 5]

...

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful story and fantastically written.

[Laveda Culver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to hear a little history of the town I was born and raised in, maybe gain a little insight. I gained a little, but the book just wasn't that fascinating for me. It was just ok.

[Nicole · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this, but it was a yawn. And the author's narration was terrible: breathy and chirpy and excited throughout the entire book. Plus, a grown woman repeatedly talking about "mommy," especially in that voice she used, is off-putting. Too bad as it seems like her life story could have been interesting.

[Tory Lindberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short and sweet memoir. 9/10.

[Charlie L · Rating 2 out of 5]

The historical information was too brief. The name dropping was too much.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Bev Bridges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm it was OK

[SUSAN MCDONNELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story of racism from a child point of view

[Caryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Mikki has a lovely voice and did a nice job narrating her story. Her mother was a very inspiring person, and the women in her family set good examples of being strong women.
Taylor included history of Newark, NJ which related to her story and was a good addition, both setting the scenes and to learn about.