cover image I Hear a Symphony

I Hear a Symphony

Paula L. Woods. Doubleday Books, $27.95 (334pp) ISBN 978-0-385-47502-0

This compilation of fiction, poetry, essays and letters collected by Woods and Liddell, authors of I Too Sing America, emphasizes the positive feelings African Americans have expressed for one another and their community. Bebe Moore Campbell sets the tone in the first piece, ``Black Must Be Beautiful Again,'' arguing that self-love is the healing antidote to racism. Other selections deal with the enduring relationships between parents and children, lovers and friends by a wealth of African American writers including Audre Lorde, Terry McMillan, John Edgar Wideman and James Baldwin. The editors' archival research has produced several interesting historical documents, such as love letters written in 1889; Toni Morrison's inspiring Nobel laureate speech is reprinted here. An eclectic and engaging collection. Illustrations. Author tour. (Oct.)