Born Blue

In the book Born Blue by Han Nolan the main character Janie is put into a foster home after her biological mother decides she doesn't want to take care of her. Janie lives with Patsy and Pete in this old stick house, so she calls it. Patsy always seems to care such more about the babies that always come in and house of there. The only person Janie has is Harmon. Harmon is a few years older then her, but not long Harmon got adopted by the James's. One day while Janie is getting off the bus, the next thing she knows is she is in a bush with her Mama Linda. Mama Linda is her biological mother just so you know. Mama Linda tells Janie to get into the car, so she does as she is told. Two other people are in the car with Mama Linda and Janie, Daddy Mitch and Mama Shell. The reason that Janie who now calls herself Leshaya, is in the car with them is Mama Linda traded Janie "Leshaya" for heroin, and Daddy Mitch sold it. Soon after that Daddy Mitch gets caught selling drugs, Mama Shell and Daddy Mitch gets thrown into jail. Leshaya took about 10,000 dollars that they have hidden. Leshaya finds where Harmon lives, she stays with them for awhile till they find out she is stealing their things. She packs up her things in her laundry bag from Mama Shell's and Daddy Mitch's. While staying at the James's she joins a band and plays at a local bar. After all her partying she gets pregnant by some guy she doesn't even know. She meets this lady named Joy; she stays with Joy till she has her baby girl, Etta Harmony James. Instead of her keeping Etta she runs off to the James's saying that Etta is Harmon's baby girl. Leshaya leaves and decides that singing is all that she wants. She joins a band named Kind of Blue. This guy heard her singing says she is good enough to join another band; she leaves Kind of Blue with no thought. She records at a studio, she so far has what she wants, but not long after she got kicked out of Paul's. Paul teaches her how to read music and play on the piano, not only that but he teaches her how to write music. She disrespects him, the next she’s living on the streets. Leshaya calls up Mama Linda, who finally answers her phone. Mama Linda gives Leshaya her address. Five long hours later, she arrives at Mama Linda's. She walks into Mama Linda's house; she searches for her and finds her in her room. She is lying on her bed; she lifts her head up to look at who she calls Janie. Janie opens the shade as Mama Linda asks. Janie thinks she's going to leave in about a day or two but it seems to be longer then that. She stays around till Mama Linda dies which is about three and a half months. Mrs. Trane tells Janie stories about Mama Linda when she is a child. Mama Linda went into a coma, even though she can't hear Janie, she still tells Mama Linda about her life. Mrs. Trane over hears Janie talking to Mama Linda about her daughter Etta. Mrs. Trane says that Janie is heading down the same road that her mother headed down. Janie denied it, since Mama Linda dies; Janie stays one night with Mrs. Trane. She takes 150 dollars from her. She takes a taxi to the James's. As Janie stands outside the window of the James's, she sees a little girl standing next to Mr. James. She realizes that it's Etta. She sees Harmon walk into the kitchen, a lady who Janie thought is a maid turns out to be Harmon's girl friend. Janie can't make up her mind if she wants to ask for Etta back or not.