After reading The Spectacular by Fiona Davis in 2023 and going to Radio City Music Hall in 2021, I was really interested in hearing the story of the first Black woman to become a Rockette! Her story is such an American story of success with its subsequent ups and downs that I really enjoyed delving into her world for a time. Jennifer Jones is a really strong woman and I have so much respect for her journey.

The ‘Radio City Rockette’s’ have been a staple of American entertainment for ages! We all know them, have watched them kick their way across stages, football fields, and the streets of New York City, but until 1987 it was predominantly white women who were cast as dancers. In ‘Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette’ Jennifer Jones recounts making history by being the very first African American Rockette and did so performing during the 1988 Super Bowl halftime show with Chubby Checker, 88 pianists and 2 large marching bands. She went on to fulfill her dream of being a Broadway performer, all while traversing a series of life events that consistently provided challenges. Jones recounts her childhood and how determined she was to become a performer, but what struck hardest was her battle with cancer and how her positive attitude truly affected not only her treatment, but those around her. She is a shining light in all that she has accomplished and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to peek inside this beautiful life of Jennifer Jones.

Thank you NetGalley and Amistad for this eARC.

I feel better meh about " Becoming Spectacular" by Jennifer Jones but it's a cute lighter nonfiction.