Janis Joplin: Rise up singing

Angel, A. (2010). Janis Joplin: Rise up singing. NY: Amulet. This biography about Janis Joplin was written using letters acquired from family and friends and interviews with those closest to her during her short life. The book starts in the 1950’s when Janis is struggling to fit in. During that time it was more important to fit in and be a good, churchgoing American that it was to be smart. Janis didn’t see herself as all the other girls. She tried to fit in by joining all the popular groups, but that did not help. Her clothes were different. Her hair was different. She even laughed differently. And she definitely didn’t listen to the same music as the others. This book follows her short 27-year life and the ups and downs she experienced along the way. I am not a child of the 60’s so Janis Joplin is not someone I know much about. Her music is not my favorite so I was dreading this read somewhat. I was thoroughly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Janis Joplin lived a lot of life in her short 27 years. Young adults, especially those that are already fans of her music, will enjoy seeing this in depth look at her life and all the pictures are an awesome addition. They will sympathize with the awkward teen she was and then turned that into one of the most vibrant rock stars of all time. This biography was told through the eyes of the family and friends of Janis Joplin. The author allows us into her life by more than just the music. I was drawn in by the pictures and stories of a girl from Texas that just struggled to fit in.