To be Young Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography, by Lorraine Hansberry. I have loved every play this woman has written. (Most are familiar with her other work “A Raisin in The Sun”). They are a transporting and phenomenal look into black life and black culture. So, pulling this one off the piles. I found myself filled with joy and gratitude. This book is valuable, and not just emotional as the book is a first edition family heirloom print! I felt like I had to wear a white glove to read this book (I did not). In a serendipitous moment while looking for my wallet at the antique shop. I pulled it out and the owner asked if he could see it. He did don white gloves, and was impressed with the pristine condition, smell, and authentic print smudges. He informed me he knew a bibliolater who would maybe pay $300 for it. I silently laughed at the price on the book jacket, which reads $1.50.

Unfortunately, this did not persuade me to finish this book.  I stopped reading on page 131. This is not your typical Autobiography,. The format does not flow. The book is filled with what feels like personal journal entries, letters (personal correspondence and fan mail), poetry, photographs, critical reviews, interviews, and sketches intertwined with the plays she wrote during her short life. It is so much piled into 269 pages that it is hard to track. I found myself asking way too many questions, and not getting enough answers, which was why a perfect ending for me started on page 128 when an interviewer says to Hansberry, “The question you may be asked times – you may be tired of it – someone comes up to you and says: ‘This is not really a Negro play; why this could be about anybody it’s a play about people!’ What is your reaction? What do you say?” (128). Her answer is beautiful and elegant, and I will not share it with you here and encourage you to read the book, or if you’re familiar with Hansberry’s work. I am sure you know her reply.