I read this in awe of Dr. Harris and the access she had to some of the greatest contributors to the arts of our time. Her raw and uncensored descriptions of people we had only heard snippets about added depth not only to the novel, but to those individuals as well. It was a beautiful testament to how artist collectives are not just advantageous, but necessary.

As a memoir detailing the life of a New York City-based Black woman writer and editor in the 1970s, 'My Soul Looks Back' promised a rich, captivating story. However, Harris's narrative fails to provide an intimate look into the author's own life. Instead, the memoir focuses on Harris's relationships with other Black intellectuals (such as James Baldwin and Maya Angelou) and draws attention to these individuals' celebrity as opposed to their relationships with the author. There were few recounts of interactions and conversations of consequence. The memoir often felt like an extended essay full of superficial details and name dropping.

Imagine living a life when you are constantly encircling a presence that radiates like the sun, sucks the air out of the room, yet leaves you simultaneously inspired and exhausted? That’s the life that culinary historian Jessica B. Harris recounts in her mesmerizing memoir “My Soul Looks Back”. As a young educator, Ms. Harris has a relationship with a much older and experienced professor. His world gives her access to the capital letter names of the Black Intelligentsia.

The term ‘soul’ in the title is pertinent and spot on. This is a soulful book and it is as warming and comforting as any soul food cooked in a cast iron pot on a Sunday afternoon. Harris skillfully walks the precarious tightrope of letting us into the lives of legends without exposing or removing any of their varnish. It is a wonderful record of a life well-lived in the company of literary and cultural gods.

Very interesting and powerful memoir it really go me into reading more books on African American's from the era of her youth. It was very eye opening and educational I highly recommend it.

Review posted at link

This book was well written, but the subject matter falls outside of my personal knowledge and so the narrative was difficult for me to follow. For someone who is familiar with NYC during the 1970s, I think that this would be a good read!

My Soul Looks Back

A Memoir



by Jessica B. Harris

Scribner

Biographies & Memoirs

Pub Date 09 May 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing My Soul Looks Back through the Publishers and Netgalley:

In this new memoir award winning author Jessica B. Harriss recalls the vibrant New York of her youth. She talks about the city before AIDS and the economic downturn. She tells of a circle of friends that included James Baldwin,

In the seventies, she was friends with the great minds of the day Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou.

I give My Soul Looks Back five out of five stars.

Happy Reading...

Good book. It reminded me of growing up, when people cared for each other and any occassion (sometimes none at all) were a reason to get a group of friends together for friendship and bonding. Ms. Harris' life was a joy to read. It was interesting and made you want to keep reading. It even brought back memories for me from the 70's that was very nice to re-visit. This is a remarkable woman with a remarkable story to share with us the reader. Very good and feel good book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this awesome book in return for my honest review.

Jessica Harris has written a delicious memoir about her time with Sam Floyd and the entree that gave her to a circle of friends that is legendary. From James Baldwin to Maya Angelou and most of the African American intelligentsia of the 1970s forward, she was a part of a truly vibrant time in art, writing, and other creative endeavors.
I really enjoyed the personal tone of the book. It was juicy without becoming mean or gossipy. I loved that each chapter ended with a recipe - it tied her academic interests beautifully with her personal life and how important shared meals were.
I read this book in one sitting. I didn't have the self-control to pace myself and savor each chapter. I plan to re-read it more slowly in the near future.