39. Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel

Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing by Ann Angel

ISBN: 978-0-8109-8349-6

Amulet Books, New York, 2010

120 p.

Plot Summary

During the 1960s, Janis Joplin broke through the barriers for rock musicians, becoming the first woman rock star with her blend of blues and rock, as well as her command for the stage.  When her dependence of alcohol and drugs ultimately led to her death in 1970, at only the age of 27, Janis’ music career ended after only about three years.  However, there are still many today that are fascinated by this woman, in part because of her talent and also because of the tragedy of her death coming at the pinnacle of her career.  Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing delves deeper into Janis’ life, finding numerous contradictions, such as dichotomy of the confidence she had on stage and the insecurities she had in her everyday life.  Through interviews with Janis’ sister, Laura, as well as Janis’ friends and colleagues, author Ann Angel gives readers a glimpse beyond the famous persona and attempts to understand the real Janis Joplin from Port Arthur, Texas.

Critical Evaluation

Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing is a truly enjoyable book to read.  Although many say, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” in the case of this book, the cover gives the reader a good indication of what to expect.  It is designed with three pictures of Janis Joplin—one from a photo shoot and the other two taken during a concert—and each of the pictures explains a little bit about what made Janis famous.  The fonts of the title and author name, as well as the design around the pictures, are bright colors, swirling around the cover.  The swirl design in mimicked throughout the pages of the book, as well.  Just like Janis embraced the hippie movement, the book mirrors this feeling and the colors help make the book stand out amongst less vibrant literature.  While the biography is not that in-depth, the numerous interviews with friends and family allow the reader to see Janis as something more than just the tragic rock star she appears.  Also, the pages are filled with pictures of Janis throughout her life, as well as album covers and posters of gigs at which she played.  As someone that is mildly aware of Janis’ impact on rock music, I feel that the book serves as a good stepping-stone into moving past the persona and learning about the real person, insecurities and all.  While many may assume that Janis’ alcohol and drug problems were simply the result of her fame, the book reveals the true hopes and fears that stem from her childhood that brought Janis to her fate.  I believe that many teens will be able to relate to Janis, recognizing themselves in her rejection of social norms and her ability to embrace and celebrate her differences.

Reader's Annotation

Still heralding as a rock legend, Janis Joplin broke the barriers placed on female musicians with her wild, free-spirited performances.  Through interviews with friends and family, as well as pictures from Janis’ journey, Ann Angel attempts to discover the true person behind the persona.

Information About the Author

Ann Angel is a writer, journalist, and teacher.  She currently teaches at a women’s college in Milwaukee, Mount Mary College.  She is married with four grown kids and grew up in an extremely large family of nine children.  She went to a Catholic grade school and high school and went on to receive her bachelor’s in education from the college she currently teaches at, Mount Mary College.  After that, she earned a master’s in journalism from Marquette University and an MFA in writing from Vermont College.

In addition to the biography of Janis Joplin, Angel has written biographies for young adults on Amy Tan and Robert Cormier, as well as edited a collection of short stories about beauty titled Such a Pretty Face.  She has published articles in The ALAN Review and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  For an adult audience, Angel co-edited a book titled Silent Embrace: Perspectives on Birth and Adoption. (information from author’s website: http://www.annangelwriter.com)

Genre

Music Biography

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

1. Focus on differences between Janis Joplin’s stage persona and her home life.

2. Discuss the expectations placed on Janis Joplin, as well as other young women, growing up during the 1950s.

3. Talk about Janis Joplin’s performance style as something people had never seen before.

4. Address the impact that drugs and alcohol had on her life and relationships.

Reading Level/Interest Age

14+

Challenge Issues

The book contains many references to drugs and alcohol, especially concerning Janis Joplin’s death.  Also, a few curse words are present in the text and there is a topless picture of Janis.

When confronted with complaints about this novel, librarians should become familiar with the material and its content.  Turn to reviews from publications such as Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist, as well as reviews from teens that have read it.  Also, it is beneficial for librarians to present reasons backed by the ALA in support of intellectual freedom.  As stated in the Library Bill of Rights:

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Why Include Book in Selection? 

With more fiction than nonfiction in my collection, I wanted to include another nonfiction material and, after noticing this book at my local library, I was interested in learning about Janis Joplin’s life.