February 5, 2008

Free Bird

“Song Yet Sung,” by James McBride

We all know about the tie around the doorknob and Hammurabi.

Some codes we totally get; the others we’ll leave to the experts. In the case of James McBride’s Song Yet Sung, those experts would be slaves in Pre-Civil War Maryland.

Upon escaping from biotchy slave owner (or, rather, thief) Patty Cannon, Liz is given “the code” by a nameless old woman (appropriately called The Old Woman with No Name) that will supposedly help her find freedom.

The hunt for Liz begins, as word spreads that she sees the future in her dreams, earning her the nickname “The Dreamer.” During her escape, she meets Jaguar Paw-esque The Woolman, a sage blacksmith, and sweet, babelicious Amber in this beautifully written and intricately detailed story that has big screen adaptation written all over it.

Dying to know if Liz escapes?

Celebrate Black History Month and read the book: We’ll never crack.

Available at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables (305-442-4408 or booksandbooks.com); online at amazon.com.