ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS How Harlem Became the Center of the Universe, Vol. 1

Former Harlemite Kareem Abdul-Jabbar explores the Harlem Renaissance (1920-1940), touching on social history, literature, music, art, and, of course, basketball. In the introduction the author says, "History is a living road map. It allows us to learn from the mistakes of others and be inspired by what others have done well.” The main narrator is Avery Brooks, whose delivery sounds like jazz. He varies the pacing and gravity of his tone depending on the material. Abdul-Jabbar reads his own reflections. This work sounds more like an audio documentary than a reading of a book. Instead of having Brooks read extended quotations, the producers use clips from archival interviews. Jazz is used to bridge segments. R.C.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2009]