The Maker of Saints

Thulani Davis captures the heart of independent-thinking black women in America from "1959" and now "Maker of Saints." This story is told through the eyes of a struggling artist in our society. I connected with everything about Bird and her struggles -- both with her own lot in life and the murder of her best friend. The book went from being and insiders look at the visual arts, jazz, media and urban life to a thriller of the highest order. The edges are singed with race, anger and fear while the core is focused by a driven women. By tracking the murderer of her freind she manages to get back on track with her own life work and reason for being.The story seems to parallel the tragic death of Anna Mendietta. I couldn't put it down and couldn't stop thinking of all these elements. What a great movie it would make but read it first!

1959 was a rich, and haunting book, and this second novel by this author is as well, I think it just wasn't reviewed or it would be hard to keep on the shelves. I rather expect to see it made into a movie...it's that kind of story. Some of the images from this work will stay with me always - and it's a book I could read again. It's about a complicated friendship, a loss, New York City, and a resonant time that's just past.