Janis Joplin: Rise Up Singing

Angel, A. (2010). Janis Joplin: Rise up singing. NY: Amulet. In this biography the subject of exploration is Janis Joplin. The book explored the different aspects of her short life of 27 years by composing a story using quotes, letters, photos, album covers and magazines. It is in a way a coming of age story set with the backdrop of the 60’s and rock n’ roll. There is exploration into the difficulties of identity and fitting in that Joplin both sought and rebelled against. Her love life, drug use and creativity are all explored. The book is very visually appealing with design and layout of words, photo placement and boarders. I really did not know much of Joplin’s songs or story but now I feel like I should purchase songs from iTunes and listen. Music is a strong influence to teens and while Joplin is old school, she is worth connecting to because her soul that she has pored into her music is very still relevant and relatable. Looking at Kohlber’s theory of moral development it would seem that Janis Joplin was at a preconventional level where her decisions where based on reward or punishment with drugs and her self-esteem. This would offer the reader to decide how her rewards ultimately led to her overdose.