Today's Featured Book:
The Weary Blues
by Langston Hughes
Genre: Poetry
Published: 1926
Page Count: 98 pages
Summary:
The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes is a landmark collection of poetry and one of the defining works of the Harlem Renaissance. First published in 1926, this volume introduced Hughes as a major American poet and gave voice to Black urban life with a style that blended lyric poetry, blues rhythm, jazz cadence, and everyday speech.
THE WEARY BLUES
Droning a drowsy syncopated tune,
Rocking back and forth to a mellow croon,
I heard a Negro play.
Down on Lenox Avenue the other night
By the pale dull pallor of an old gas light
He did a lazy sway....
He did a lazy sway....
To the tune o’ those Weary Blues...
Langston Hughes. The Weary Blues, p. 1. Kindle Edition.
THE FRIDAY 56 is hosted by Anne of Head Full of Books. To play, open a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% on your e-reader). Find a sentence or two and post them, along with the book title and author. Then link up on Head Full of Books and visit others in the linky.
POEM (To F. S.)
I loved my friend.
He went away from me.
There’s nothing more to say.
The poem ends,
Soft as it began,—
I loved my friend.
Langston Hughes. The Weary Blues, p. 92. Kindle Edition.
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The Weary Blues by Langston Hughes is a perfect book for me to read in February as a celebration of Black History Month. All my favorite Langston Hughes poems---"Dream Variations," "The Negro Speaks of Rivers," "Harlem Night Song," "The Dream Keeper," "Epilogue," "Mother to Son," and "Poem"---are in this volume. We used a couple of these for kids to recite during Poem in a Pocket Day at school. I also used to have my second graders memorize "Poem."
The Weary Blues is on my Classics Club list, and it also qualifies as a book published one hundred years ago for several challenges.
The purpose of THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, and befriend other bloggers. THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.
How do you feel about the current state of romance novels? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee-Addicted Writer)
I'm old school, but I'd be happier if my characters weren't so potty-mouthed these days, and if the bedroom door was kept closed.
I prefer my romance to be a side element myself. I rather the story not be solely focused on the romance. It can be hit or miss sometimes in the beginning when I am looking for such a book but have gotten a better feel for things over the years. I don't like it to be supremely spicy either.
ReplyDeleteHere's my BBH
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
Yes, I agree.
DeleteThe hard and true authors still give us beautifully written, heartfelt romance. Low-key, emotional, character-driven stories are exactly why romance is the foundation of my blog. Happy Reading! 💛
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are helping others navigate the wide river of romance.
ReplyDeleteI've never read much poetry except Mary Oliver (since college -- does that count?). This looks like a wonderful one.
ReplyDeleteYes, college counts! lol
DeleteLangston Hughes is truly a towering figure in America lit. I’ve read both biographies and also works by him.
ReplyDeleteI used to read a bunch of romance books way, way back, but I do prefer them to have an element of mystery or family issues or redemption or historical themes. I'm glad that people enjoy them these days (I have 2 nieces who definitely do enjoy them), probably not for me so much. And I would likely agree about the swearing and the spicy content - ha!
ReplyDeleteI love Langston Hughes' poetry! :D
ReplyDeleteThis looks great, Deb. I am not into poetry but there are some that speak to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing ❤️
Happy Friday!
ReplyDeleteI've dipped into Langston Hughes' poetry from time to time over the years. It certainly has a musicality to it and always invites me to reread, often several times.
ReplyDeleteI much prefer closed bedroom doors. I'm far more interested in the emotional connection between the characters than the physical aspects. We read some of Hughes' poetry in high school and while I am not a big poetry fan I always enjoyed his. I should reread some of his work as an adult.
ReplyDeleteIf books are too spicy I get bored. I want proper story not to read about all that stuff 🤣
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2026/02/13/book-blogger-hop-how-do-you-feel-about-the-current-state-of-romance-novels/
Never having read a romance novel, I’m add a disadvantage here.,
ReplyDeleteFebruary is the *perfect month for poetry! I'm embarrassed to say I haven't read a single poem yet this month, though. Eek! Luckily, there's still time!
ReplyDelete