Death of a Black Star

by Sharday Cage

Sharday Cage has given the world a gift. Her debut book of poetry, entitled "Death of a Black Star," offers a beautiful perspective on the duality of culture. Drawing from her African heritage and pulling from her Chicagoan upbringing, Sharday provides passionate prose and rhymes about what it's like to be black and living in America while having dreams of Africa. Along with this, her words debate what it means to be troubled by life, to be inspired by love, and most of all, to shine bright as a black star. Sharday Cage began reciting her poetry at Saint Xavier, whereat she reached a pivotal moment: reciting her poem "Forgiveness" to Sister Helen Prejean, who has become a leading American advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and who was played by Susan Sarandon in the film based on her life, Dead Man Walking. What has been said about "Death of a Black Star: " "Her poems are wise, edgy, funky, relevant, and universal. Best of all, to steal a phrase from the old jazzmen, her poems "swing." She has impeccable pace, rhythm, and timing. Sharday's poetry is a joy to read." - Milo Samardzija "Her poems are the voice of African Americans living in a new century that is still trying to deal with an enormous amount of change and acceptance of culture. I prefer to look at these poems as letters from the front line of these changes for all people, African or otherwise." ---Dan Picone, Poet and author of "Lost Evidents," which is also available on Sakura Publishing at http: //www.sakura-publishing.com

190 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2011

Reviews

[Derek Vasconi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of poems that are an amazing, compassionate insight into what it is to be African American and Chicagoan in today's society; she shares the two sides of her culture through her words. Her poetry will move you, and leave you breathless. Great material for the person who likes to ponder the meaning of life.

[Sam Frier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Black Star is an ambitious work in that it covers a range of volatile topics intimately connected to the author. From the psychology of a minority to the intricacies of emotion, Sharday Cage does not write poetry for poetry's sake. She writes from her unique life perspective in a way that is both moving and thought provoking.

[Mary Raudenbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational, passionate, and insightful look at all aspects of life from a unique African American / Chicagoan perspective. A very enjoyable read and one I would recommend to anyone.