This week’s Nonfiction November festivities are being hosted over on Rebekah’s site, She Seeks Nonfiction, with the prompt being:
“Diverse Perspectives: Nonfiction books are one of the best tools for seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. They allow us to get an idea of the experiences of people of all different ages, races, genders, abilities, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, or even just people with different opinions than ours. Is there a book you read this year from a diverse author, or a book that opened your eyes to a perspective that you hadn’t considered? How did it challenge you to think differently?”
I have been excited about this Week Four ever since I finished reading Citizen Printer by Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr.
You guys are going to have to forgive me if I fanboy for a bit, as I am a huge fan of Amos Kennedy and his work. I have quite a few posters and have been following him ever since our conversation at the 2009 Alabama Book Festival. I have to say that this book (which came out in 2024) more accurately captures Kennedy’s view of the world and his processes than any other book or interview that I’ve read about him. If you enjoy typography, letterpress, and handcrafted art, you should check out his book. If you like your art to communicate with clear, bold, and inspiring images and color, then you need to own some of his art. Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. has never strayed from his mission of social justice, Black history, and culture.
It’s pretty amazing how so many books about race in America can be distilled down to a single broadside poster printed with a true artist’s eye.
Citizen Artist does a solid job of not just showing how Kennedy shares what he’s saying (lots of people dig his art), but the essays in here do a good job of highlighting what Kennedy is saying through his art.
Kennedy is at his best when he is giving weight and emphasis to other people’s words. Some names you’ll know, but many are voices that often get left behind as time marches on.
And, if you’re not sold on him yet, Amos Paul Kennedy, Jr. loves books! He gets the need and power of having books close at hand and lining the bookshelves at home.
The book features more than 800 pieces of art, a fold-out poster page, and a few thoughtful essays by a handful of scholarly folks. But Kennedy’s art and message always stay at the front, helping you see the struggle, work, pain, and hope for social equality here in America. As many times as Kennedy’s work pokes me in the eye demanding I pay attention, it is often sad, but never painful, and always feels like fresh air.
I hope we all find some new books this week to help gain some hope and a fresh perspective on the people around us.
BONUS: Here is a flip-through video that Kennedy’s publisher made and posted online. It gives a wonderful view of just how great this book is.