Black Bottom Saints

A Novel

De: Alice Randall

Narrado por: Prentice Onayemi, Imani Parks

An enthralling literary tour-de-force that pays tribute to Detroit's legendary neighborhood, a mecca for jazz, sports, and politics, Black Bottom Saints is a powerful blend of fact and imagination reminiscent of E.L. Doctorow's classic novel Ragtime and Marlon James' Man Booker Award-winning masterpiece, A Brief History of Seven Killings.

From the Great Depression through the post-World War II years, Joseph “Ziggy” Johnson, has been the pulse of Detroit’s famous Black Bottom. A celebrated gossip columnist for the city’s African-American newspaper, the Michigan Chronicle, he is also the emcee of one of the hottest night clubs, where he’s rubbed elbows with the legendary black artists of the era, including Ethel Waters, Billy Eckstein, and Count Basie. Ziggy is also the founder and dean of the Ziggy Johnson School of Theater. But now the doyen of Black Bottom is ready to hang up his many dapper hats.

As he lays dying in the black-owned-and-operated Kirkwood Hospital, Ziggy reflects on his life, the community that was the center of his world, and the remarkable people who helped shape it.

Inspired by the Catholic Saints Day Books, Ziggy curates his own list of Black Bottom’s venerable ""52 Saints."" Among them are a vulnerable Dinah Washington, a defiant Joe Louis, and a raucous Bricktop. Randall balances the stories of these larger-than-life ""Saints"" with local heroes who became household names, enthralling men and women whose unstoppable ambition, love of style, and faith in community made this black Midwestern neighborhood the rival of New York City’s Harlem.

Accompanying these “tributes” are thoughtfully paired cocktails—special drinks that capture the essence of each of Ziggy’s saints—libations as strong and satisfying as Alice Randall’s wholly original view of a place and time unlike any other.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

History through character studies

As a white Detroiter I was familiar with many places and moments but unfamiliar with much about my beloved city. I believe It’s essential to learn more about black history and culture - this book is steeped in it. Its filled with amazing stories of dynamic, smart and talented (often famous) people. Their portraits are at times poignant, graceful and at others gritty and resilient.

The structure is creative and fun with a cocktail for each “Black Bottom Saint”. I want to try some of these cocktails!

Thank you Alice Randall for another lovely novel!

An Incredible World Hidden In Plain Sight.

With sumptuous narration and vivid imagery, this book took me back to the Detroit and the America that history dodges because it shows the reality of mid-century Black America.

The real Black people do not exist only as a reaction to white evil or white compassion. We are our own soul and we live in no shadow cast by sin. This book stands as evidence of our humanity and no false history or Hollywood perversion can change that.

Interesting and Deep

very compelling story. I loved learning about so many historical figures in a moving and compelling way. the female narrator is halting and strange. I don't understand it, I assume it is meant to be artistic, I just didn't understand. But, this shouldn't deter you from listening to this dynamic book.

A fabulous listen.

This was a nostalgic walk through Detroit royalty and black history and entertainment.

I selected this book for entertainment and ended up getting educated too. This was one of the best if not the best narrated book that I’ve ever listened too which only added to the experience. Absolutely wonderful read!

Amazing book

If you want to read something that gives you an entertaining perspective on the richness and difficulty of Black life in America in the middle of last century, listen to this book.