Force of Beauty

A Newark Family Memoir

By: Mikki Taylor, Deborah Riley Draper

Narrated by: Mikki Taylor

Length: 2 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

 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.

©2021 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

Cadence of narrator's voice is odd

I was really looking forward to this book because I love biographies. I was especially looking forward to the multigenerational stories. I turned off the book after the first couple of chapters, though, because the narration was so distracting. The cadence of the narrator's style was not for me. It's a strange combination of too chirpy and choppy. I think the story is important, so I'll be looking for a paper copy to read instead, I guess.

I Had No Idea abt the Richness of Newark

I was born in 1962 raised in the West Oak Lane & Mt. Airy area of Phila . Living that far north of Phila. Is almost not living in Philly. My mother grew up in South Philly and the stories always held my interest. However, the stories, exposure, experiences, and community, left me feeling almost sad that I was a part of the wonderful opportunities that were taken advantage of and not left on the table. Until now... Newark was just another black community with many people having no where out. I understand in many situations, for whatever the reason.... that was the case and that could have been the case for your family. However, it was almost like failure... was not an option. Yes, the struggles are different today in many ways, but they are also alike in many ways.
SOMEONES OPINION OF ME OR MY DAUGHTER... is NOT our Reality! IT’S NOT WHAT OTHERS THINK OF MY DAUGHTER AND I... IT’S WHAT WE... think of ourselves!!
THANK YOU :)

Extraordinary history of Newark,NJ

Very interesting and enlightening. I always thought Susan Taylor was related to Mikka Taylor.
Essence has been my magazine since 1972. It’s a great listen

Inspirational Daughter of Newark Story

Thank you for your comments on my Grandmother and her restaurant Steward's on Avon Ave., you brought a smile to my face throughout but specifically with your 'shout out' for her!

Excellent story!

I throughly enjoyed listening to the story of Mikki Taylor. As a native New Jerseyan, It was great to hear about your childhood memories with your family and how you skillfully braided in Black History. Loved the mentions of so many Newark landmarks like Stewar’s, Avon Ave, Bambergers, Weequahic High School and so many more!

narrator's voice

this was an inspiring story and historically interesting; I liked it a lot. however I was never able to get used to that narrator's little-girl voice. the only reason I was able to make myself listen to the whole thing is that my daughter liked the story. I find it very odd that the story of woman's empowerment would be read by someone that sounds like a little Lolita. she did a good job with the reading, she just has an unfortunate voice.

Good Story

Ms. Taylor's story of family, community, racial strife, overcoming barriers,and success is a good story, I had a hard time listening due to the narration. The book is short, but it took me several days to get through. Her voice sounds like she is talking to a young child the entire time.

Reader takes away from the story

I am not sure why the reader chose to read in this style, but it was hard to listen to.

Black Girl Magic in Newark

This a magnificent love letter to Newark and a story of an exceptional Black family. Extraordinary Essence beauty editor Mikki Taylor shares the story of her childhood which created in her the passion and skill to curate and reflect the beauty of Black women.

A Lovely Memoir

I thought this book was a good Audiable that help you visualize back in the time place the book was about.