The Boy from Nine Miles: The Early Life of Bob Marley (Young Spirit Books)

Bob Marley's music is known around the globe. The BBC selected One Love as the anthem of the millenium and Time magazine declared EXODUS the album of the twentieth century. However, while much has been said about the man and his music, very little has been written about his childhood and the influences that made him into the most important artist to give voice to the third world. Alive with the vivid colors of Jamaica, The Boy From Nine Miles begins in the small village where Nesta Robert Marley opened his eyes to the world. The story moves to the markets and streets of Kingston. Here, separated from his family, the five-year-old boy first felt the pain and sorrows of poverty. During his year-long stay in Kingston, the young Marley also found the music that was in his heart. By the time he returned to Nine Miles, he knew he would be a singer. Eloquently told by Cedella Marley and Gerald Hausman, The Boy From Nine Miles is illustrated by Mariah Fox in the folk art style of Jamaica. Complete with additional biographical material, a discography, Jamaican glossary, and a brief time-line, The Boy from Nine Miles is a wonderful introduction to Bob Marley that readers of all ages will cherish and enjoy.