With Love From Harlem
With Love From Harlem - ReShonda Tate
Rating - 4⭐️
This is a historical fiction novel based on the life of Hazel Scott. Hazel was a trailblazer during the 1940’s! Being the first black woman to host her own television show, and an amazing pianist who also spoke up for civil rights and equality in the entertainment industry.
Learning her story was so inspiring. She not only built her reputation herself, but she advocated for others that looked like her to deserve the same chance. She declined shows and opportunities because she wanted her presence and craft to be respected. No matter how much money was offered she only performed where she felt safe, which happened to be in black dominated spaces.
I really enjoyed the cameos of James Baldwin and Billie Holiday! With all of Billie’s own personal mishaps she managed to be an amazing friend to Hazel. The author wrote this story in a way that kept me engaged. The chapters were super short so every time I told myself “just one more chapter” I found myself in the same spot for hours.
This was almost a 5 star to me, but I felt like so much focus was put on Adam and how terrible of a man he was. Granted this was Hazel’s life and her story, but I felt like we deserved to read so much more positivity and the many accomplishments she achieved rather then spending so much time on a man that treated her poorly.
Reading "With Love From Harlem" truly opened my eyes to the resilience and strength Hazel Scott embodied during a transformative era. Her story goes beyond just being a talented pianist; she was a symbol of dignity and resistance in a time when opportunities for Black performers were severely limited. One aspect that deeply resonated with me was Hazel's unwavering commitment to performing only in environments where she felt safe and respected. This was more than a career choice—it was a quiet act of protest against systemic racism in the entertainment world. It reminded me how important it is to honor one's values even when faced with tempting offers, a lesson still relevant today. The portrayal of other iconic figures like James Baldwin and Billie Holiday added rich layers to the narrative, illustrating the tight-knit community of artists navigating the challenges of segregation and discrimination. Their camaraderie and mutual support reinforced the theme of solidarity that runs throughout the book. While some parts of the novel delve into the negative aspects of Hazel’s personal relationships, I found that it helped underscore the difficulties she overcame to maintain her dignity and success. Still, I agree that more focus on her achievements and positive impact would have enhanced the story. Overall, this book made me appreciate the role of artists like Hazel Scott who used their platforms to fight for equality and pave the way for future generations. If you're interested in historical fiction with powerful social themes and inspiring real-life figures, this book is a must-read.
Oh wow you have so many book selections and they all sound so amazing I’m definitely going to read the reviews you provide and decide which one to read first 🥰