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Hot Books: 'Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing' for young readers a great musical history

By April MacIntyre Nov 16, 2010, 22:35 GMT

Monsters and Critics' Christmas 2010: The coolest, hottest most unique gift ideas and best new products for everyone this Christmas and Holiday season. From clothing to jewelry, spirits to skincare and everything in between, here is one of the tried and true finds for the Monsters and Critics Best of Holiday Gift Guide for you to check out:

American singer Janis Joplin was equally known for her troubled personal life offstage as she was her expressive and soulful voice.

In Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing, young readers will learn about every aspect of Joplin’s life, from her humble upbringings in 1950’s Port Arthur, Texas to her reign as the first queen of rock ‘n’ roll during the 1960’s.

Through the use of archival photos and interviews with friends and family, Rise Up Singing provides an intimate portrait of Joplin, a pioneer in the male-dominated rock scene of her time.

This tome also provides insight into the 60’s sound and illustrates how the music of the time shaped the culture.

Despite her rockstar status and many addiction troubles, Joplin was kind, earthy and possessed an extraordinary blues-tinged voice that would forever chance the face of rock ‘n’ roll in the U.S. and beyond.

It was 40 years ago this past October that Joplin died from an overdose of alcohol and drugs at the age of 27.

From interviews with her friends and letters that Joplin wrote home, author Ann Angel creates a compelling narrative of Janis' short life, contrasting her conservative upbringing in a small Texas town with the tumultuous 1960s, vividly portrayed both in descriptions and in excellent full-color and black-and-white photos on almost every page.

Joplin's distinct voice was appreciated by peers and fans worldwide. She loved Bessie Smith and Odetta, American soul and gospel icons.

Also the book serves as a cautionary tale, as Joplin's insecurities ultimately consumed her, who abused drugs and alcohol.

Teens will be mesmerized by this iconic American cult figure who died far too young.

This is an excellent book to gift a music lover this holiday season.  Janis Joplin includes more than sixty photographs, and an assortment of anecdotes from Janis’s friends and band mates. This thoroughly researched and well-illustrated biography is a must-have for all young artists, music lovers, and pop-culture enthusiasts.