Life Notes: Personal Writings by Contemporary Black Women

This involving collection gathers more than 50 excerpts (some previously published) from the diaries and journals of black women from North America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean islands. The writings are arranged by loose subjects such as childhood, the search for self, hardships and love. Bell-Scott, who co-edited Double stitch: Black Women Write About Mothers and Daughters , has made her selections with an emphasis on diversity. Included are pieces written by women of varying ages, backgrounds and expectations, women with disabilities and lesbians. Some of the writers are well-known (Alice Walker, Rita Dove, Audre Lorde); others are new voices. In an unusual testimony, Faith Aidele describes the time she lived as a Buddhist nun. These personal writings offer a unique look at the experience of being black and female. (Feb.)