Welcome Aquarius Season with these Famous Aquarius Writers
 |
| Many noteworthy names this season. Graphic design by Cheyenne Trujillo. |
“Age of Aquarius” is probably ringing in your head right now (especially if you played Just Dance 2014). Welcoming in this Aquarius season, the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) blog is highlighting Aquarius writers you can find in the catalog.
Check out the Pinson Library's post for more Aquarius authors!
Aquarius Traits
Aquarius have their own anthem because they are the sign emblematic of change. They are known as the rebels of the zodiac calendar. These traits are often associated with this star sign:
- Idealistic
- Eccentric
- Contemplative
Their season reigns from Thursday, January 20—Friday, February 18 for 2022. This astrological sign is represented by the water-bearer constellation, or a person pouring water from a vessel.
Much like the sea-goat, surprisingly Aquarius are not water signs—they are air signs. As an air sign, they are restless and sociable.
Their spot in the zodiac calendar as a fixed sign gives Aquarius their stubbornness. But this also makes them incredibly loyal individuals.
Do you think these traits match these writers? Check out one of their books to find out!
 |
| Portrait of Angela Davis. Photo by Oregon State University from Wikipedia. |
Angela Davis is a Birmingham native born on January 26, 1944. You can find a portrait of her in a mural memorializing several other notable black Birmingham residents along 41st St S in Avondale (not far from the Avondale Regional Branch Library).
She is a political activist, philosopher, academic, and author. Davis writes about feminism, class, race, and the U.S. prison system. She has one of the most storied lives on this list, ranging from making the FBI's most-wanted list to being in Time 100: Most Influential People 2020.
Find out more about her in the documentary Free Angela. Form your own opinions on this contentious Aquarius by reading one of her books!
 |
| Portrait of Jonathan Larson. Fair use photo from Wikipedia. |
Jonathan Larson was born on February 4, 1960. He is the subject of Netflix's recent movie musical adaptation of tick, tick...BOOM!, starring Andrew Garfield as Larson.
Larson was a composer, lyricist, and playwright who worked as a waiter for nine years while waiting for his big break on Broadway. His frustrations with life and struggles with poverty inspired the semi-autobiographical musical tick, tick...BOOM!
He finally got a break in 1996 with Rent. However, he died in the early morning of the premier from an aortic dissection and never saw the award-winning success Rent would have.
You can find these copies of Rent in the catalog:
 |
| Portrait of Toni Morrison. Photo by John Mathew Smith from Wikipedia. |
Toni Morrison was born on February 18, 1931. She was a novelist and the first black female editor for Random House publishing company.
Morrison's books are as acclaimed as they are contested. Her third book, Song of Solomon, won the National Book Critics Circle award, and Morrison won a Pulitzer Prize for Beloved. Despite her prestige and influence, The Bluest Eye and Beloved are often challenged or banned from schools for graphic content.
You can find these books and more by Morrison in our catalog:
 |
| Portrait of Audre Lorde. Photo by Elsa Dorfman from Wikipedia. |
Audre Lorde was born on February 18, 1934. She was a writer, poet, womanist, civil rights activist, and librarian.
Many biographies introduce Lorde with her own words as a self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet." Her works often explore and analyze sexuality, race, and her own battle with breast cancer. She used her words to challenge racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia.
You can check out collections of her poetry, essays, and other works in our catalog.
 |
| Portrait Art Spiegelman. Photo by Chris Anthony Diaz from Wikipedia. |
Art Spiegelman was born on February 15, 1948. He is a cartoonist, editor, and comics advocate.
Spiegelman's best-known work is his graphic novel, Maus. This semi-autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of Spiegelman's father, a Holocaust survivor, as his son interviews him for the creation of Maus.
Maus was the first graphic novel to win a Pulitzer Prize. Spiegelman continues to advocate for the importance and impact that comics can have.
You can find Maus Ⅰ and Maus Ⅱ in our catalog as well as other works by Spiegelman.
Aquarius season is full of revolutionary writers!
You can find books and plays by these Aquarius writers at any member of the Jefferson County Library Cooperative (JCLC), including all BPL locations.
Follow the BPL on Facebook (Meta), Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and the JCLC on Facebook (Meta), Instagram, and Twitter to get more updates like these.
Join us for our next astrological season on the Pisces!
By Cheyenne Trujillo | Library Assistant Ⅲ, Public Relations
Comments