If You Can't Be Free, Be a Mystery: In Search of Billie Holiday

I watched the movie on Prime Video and it inspired getting the book. Very enlightening.

I wanted to know her truth very good book very interested

Illuminating examination of Holiday that demystifies her public image. She is neither a tragic victim nor a sinful corrupter. The case is well made that she wasn't an untrained or undisciplined voice but a serious musician who knew exactly what she intended for her art. If she is a victim at all, it is of societies punishment of strong women, especially strong Black women.

This book drips with passion and admiration for the great Billie Holiday. I loved reading about not just the tragedy of her death but the joys of her living. She was a huge influence on American culture and a giant that many greats so eagerly stand on. I fell in love with Miss Holiday all over again and the poetic flow of the narrative. Thank you for sharing your labor of love and admiration!

I found the book to be a lot like a history book. Frankly it was boring to me. The author talked more about herself and other artists than she did Lady day. Not an easy read. Too sorry like a term paper!

Very Good Deal

This is exactly the type of book I usually like -- a mixture of personal narrative, history, analysis, art -- but it just did not work for me this time. One learns a great deal about Billie Holiday and her place in jazz history, but that is often overshadowed by meandering commentary by Farah Jasmine Griffin (whose book on John Coltrane and Miles Davis is one of the best I have ever read). A straight biography of this mysterious singer probably would have been better.

This is a must read. The author makes it personal and yet not too indulgent, historically accurate and interesting. I deeply enjoyed the read. It made me happy to see Lady Day from this perspective. She is an excellent writer.