JUMP BACK, PAUL The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Listening to Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poetry is truly a delight. Narrator Dion Graham reads the poems to perfectly mirror their intended tone—each poem interspersed in the biographical narrative is given its own lyrical performance. Bahni Turpin expertly delivers the voice of the grandma, who inspired the author to research and write Paul’s story. Her conversational tone, aimed directly at listeners, draws the audience close and creates an authentic storytelling experience. Dunbar’s life is fascinating, and even the author’s notes are well worth a listen. E.A.B. 2016 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2015]