JACKIE ROBINSON

In the mood for baseball? Let Jackie Robinson's memorable biography start the season. Rampersad, who also wrote Arthur Ashe's biography, Days of Grace, presents an insightful portrait. He follows Robinson from his early life and success as a college athlete to the Negro Baseball Leagues and his breaking of baseball's color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers. Exploring relationships with people who influenced Robinson, like Dodgers owner Branch Rickey and Martin Luther King, Jr., this biography gives an approachable historical context for listeners. Levar Burton's voice reflects a sense of awe. His obvious admiration of Robinson keeps him from effectively presenting the nuances of some of Rampersad's observations. The audio format makes the biography appeal to audiences who might not otherwise get around to reading the book--but admirers of Robinson should seek out Rampersad's full text. R.F.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 98]