5 comments about The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

1. from the first page I was hooked and stayed up too late many a night because I didn't want to put it down.



2. I found the beginning of this utterly captivating, very hard to put down. Skloot does a good job of addressing the science behind the subject without making it too technical. The part where the story derails is when the family gets involved, particularly the time spent with Mrs. Lacks' daughter, Deborah. The author seems to focus more on the struggles of Deborah and her apparent disabilities, maybe in a human-interest sort of way, but I felt that it began to become a bit more exploitative. I think it is very important to shine a light on the unethical way the black population was treated by the medical profession and how shameful it is that the Lacks family has not benefited in any way from the massive scale of production of the HeLa cell line. If this book had merely contained the first half, or left the drama of the second half out or at least shortened it some, I think this book would have appealed to me more as a whole. I would certainly recommend this to friends, but with a disclaimer of the soap-opera like drama that comes in at the end.



3. This was a book order for my son. He started school on the 25th.
   Item was ordered on the 23rd of August.
   Amazon sent shipping information to FedEx on the 23rd of August.
   FedEx did not receive the actual item from Amazon until August 30th.
   Today is 9/1/2010 and shipment estimated to arrive 9/4/2010.
   
   Amazon's systems should have alerted someone that an order is too late. Someone at Amazon should have called me the customer on the front side to notify me of the delay, and the plan to fix the issue.
   
   I will not be using Amazon for purchases going forward. Amazon should learn about QUALITY customer service from companies like Wal-Mart.



4. I as others have stated can't believe that this is her first book. I was moved to tears because once again we african americans have been deprived of our rightful place in history/research. I wonder with the politically hateful climate we find our in today, how many white folks have benefited from this research. I daresay that not many would turn down treatment developed from this research. will be giving this book as a christmas gift. should be added to black history and research classes.



5. Well researched and an intriguing story, but the book is bogged down and mired in unnecessary details and asides. The author's passion for the subject shines through, and her strong, clear sentences help, but overall, the book was a let-down.

5 comments about Setting the Record Straight: American History in Black & White.

1. Well written. Short and to the point. Easy to read. Great information with foot notes.



2. I was aghast at the amount of history that I was denied in high school. David Barton has a great gift of being able to explain portions of our history so as to describe the how's and why's. I never knew how much I was denied educationally. I am thankful to Mr. Barton for helping me to understand the relationship between slaves and representation. What a turmoil. I recommend this book, in fact, I've bought this book for my mother who is also interested in the American History that was too inconvenient to teach.



3. Full disclosure, I consider myself a limited government Constitutional Christian conservative with some liberal social leanings (perhaps Libertarian in some ways?). I don't think the modern Republican party or Democratic party serve the needs/wants of We the People, both parties are corrupt and I think they have been infiltrated by big government Progressives (example: Obama has been honest and transparent with his beliefs, read his books and listen to his words "fundamental transformation" and "spread the wealth around", can't be more clear than that.....however McCain and Bush wear the GOP label, but does anyone believe that that are NOT big government Progressives??? Really??? Puhlease!).
   
   That said, knowing our history is very important, so I think this book is a must read if you want to understand the political history of Black Americans. Very well documented and references are clearly listed. The only thing lacking was a better understanding of how/when Black Americans were convinced that the Democratic Party was for them given the history of that party's hatred for Blacks. Case in point, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would never had been passed if the Republicans had not supported it overwhelmingly. Yet Black Americans (and Latinos) vote overwhelming for Democrats!
   
   Bottomline, register to vote, educate yourself on the individual candidates and vote for who you think is best for the Country first, then your own self-interests second.....who cares if they have an "R" of "D" after their name. I think this is even more important for groups who have been taken for granted by one party or the other, Country is greater than Party!



4. I found this very informative. It is very well written with a lot of detail. What an eye opener and sad that our country who was escaping its own sense of persecution would inflict the same on others. It's amazing what we did not learn in school. I believe every school should be teaching this today.



5. History you have never read or heard. History that has been white washed (pun intended) History that every person in America should know!

5 comments about Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together.

1. The Same Kind of Different As Me, by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, is a compelling true story about two completely different lives--one, a homeless drifter who grew up enslaved by a plantation owner picking cotton, the other, an upscale art dealer living the good life--and the woman who brought them together to become friends forever.
   
   This story is told by each of the two men about their lives and how their lives changed because of the art dealer's wife. Deborah had a heart of gold and a vision for the homeless in her city. How her vision played out and affected the lives of all who knew her is a fascinating story that reminds us that we need to listen to the messages God puts in our hearts and never give up. She had enough faith for everyone. From the relationship between the two men, we learn that we aren't so different from others as we think we are.
   
   I loved this book! It was very well written from the heart and perspective of each man. They were both brutally honest about their lives and their thoughts along the way and you walked away feeling like you knew them and their struggles. I don't want say much more but make sure you do have a box of kleenex handy when reading this.
   
   Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Thomas Nelson to provide my honest review. This review contains my honest opinions.



2. There just aren't enough words to capture the impact of this book. The emotions it evokes, the enlightenment it provides, the depth of wisdom is holds. This book is told through the mouths of the very men that lived what is probably the most profound, incredible and moving transition and transformation I've ever heard of. Reading as they share their experience in meeting, befriending, transforming and loving each other, is without a doubt, the essence of true christianity and definitive of what unconditional love is. As these men tell the story of their lives, this book allowed me to witness with my heart as I followed their journey, just how beautifully miraculous God is, and how he shapes us with his love and grace, through the love of others. Reading this novel was so captivating, moving and touching ... so enriching and eye opening, and incredibly humbling. It's a true spiritually visible miracle of God's amazing love and the ability of HIS love, to transform anyone, and any heart.



3. Denver Moore is a homeless man who grew up as a modern-day slave in a plantation in Louisiana. Ron Hall is an international art dealer with preconceived notions about homeless people. Debbie Hall is the tenacious woman who brought these two men together. It is an almost unbelievably true story about the impact one life can have on another.
   
   By telling their own story in this memoir, Moore and Hall share significant aspects of their lives, demonstrating a jarring contrast as they are juxtaposed chapter by chapter. Worthy of noting is Denver Moore's authentic, engaging, and down-to-earth writing style and voice, reminiscent of the language of some of Flannery O'Connor's characters.
   
   What I found particularly interesting was the way Denver Moore taught Ron Hall nuggets of wisdom through their friendship. Societal expectations would place Hall as Moore's benefactor, so to speak. Not in this story. God uses the despised of this world to teach the world His wisdom.
   
   This book brings to the fore the ever present issue of homelessness plaguing our country and the many individual lives that are overlooked on a daily basis. As for me, it is a call to action as much as it is a story about friendship, faith and love. If you want to be inspired to live a life that matters, then pick this book up. It has already garnered a place as one of my favorites, not because of any literary laurels received, but simply due to the applause my spirit has given it.



4. So all the reviews are quite similar..... Changed my life.....made me anew person..... makes you want to change..... So if it is a book that will make you SEE the bad things or wrong things or the things that you indeed know are heartbreaking.... I suggest this world get to reading! There are so many many situations in life that people are going through. that it is truly sad you only open your eyes to this kind of stuff though a book! Look around people it's everywhere..... Street corners and redlights are littered with the homeless! This apparently has no effect on you unless you read it in a book and are face to face with it? Listen to the news, see it on the street and quit be so shallow as to letting a book "change" you! Open your hearts to the whole world..... not just a book! So the next time all of you that are sooooo ...... changed- see a homeless person .....HELP them out. Someway, anyway, even if you have to have one less Starbucks during the week! Geeeezzee.... What a sad world we live in. Hope you all sleep well tonight!



5. The Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore is truly a life changing book. It is a true story about two very different lives that are brought together to make a difference.
   This is a book that challenges those of us who says we are living our lives as "Christians", but our actions are not quite up to par. It truly explores the saying "actions speak louder than words". It's a book about love, acceptance, trusting God, and making a difference.
   This book brought me pure joy, sadness, and conviction. It is a very honest book and I've already passed it on to others! Definitely a must read!
   
   "Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing. " -Mother Teresa
   
   Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 <[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

5 comments about Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass: An American Slave, Written by Himself (The Bedford Series in History and Culture).

1. We had to read this in 11th grade when I was in high school. Like many people, I just skimmed it and now I regret the decision so I decided to try it again. This is a fantastic edition. First, to hear about slavery in America from a former slave's own words is powerful. Many times we just hear slavery was horrible and that's it. This narrative makes it personal. You see an individual and what has happened in his personal life and that always makes it more real. Secondly, the reason why this edition is so fantastic, is the footnotes that it provides. It tells you who the people in the narrative are and even points out mistakes that Douglas made which makes it more authentic for me. I literally read this in a few hours as it is a short book but I have gained much from the exercise.



2. This is a brief life story, written in 1845, by an ex-slave. At the time of writing he was technically an escaped slave. He later had his freedom bought for him by some English people.
   
   Douglass is a very intelligent, brave and resourceful man and he describes slavery in Maryland, a state supposedly kinder to slaves than the deep South.
   
   Apart from the horror of the living conditions and treatment, what stands out for me is his denunciation of the Christian society which the slaveowners subscribed to. This is in the Appendix, which I think some editions don't have. (The Penguin does). According to Douglass the more pious they were, the more likely to be cruel. I hasten to add Douglass himself was a Christian too. Towards the end of the book is a long quotation from the New Testament about Philistines and hypocrites.
   
   It's powerful stuff.



3. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass is one of the few books that every American should read and is also essential for anyone even remotely interested in American history, African Americans, or slavery's sad story. It is a fine piece of writing in itself and also of immense historical value - a true American classic.
   
   The most obvious aspect is of course autobiographical. American literature has a long, prestigious autobiographical tradition, and this is one of the best entries. Douglass' account of his life is profoundly moving and immensely thought-provoking. He begins with his first memories and carries his story all the way to what was then the present. Needless to say, the inside look at slavery from a slave's perspective is the most valuable part; there are numerous such narratives, but this is surely preeminent. The story is heart-wrenching, vividly and unforgettably detailing humanity's inhumanity; we see what it was like to be a slave in regard to everything from food, clothing, and shelter to labor. Many of the incidents are almost painful to even read; actually living through them - or even being alive when such things happened - is now thankfully unimaginable. Douglass gives several examples of physical cruelty, but the most harrowing stories may well be those of psychological torture and simple denial of basic human feelings, as in the heartless breaking up of families. Such things are inherently moving, and this would be one of the most emotional works ever if it were fiction, but the stunning fact that it is not makes it all the more meaningful. The dread weight of its truth is particularly shocking when we realize that Douglass came from one of the areas where slavery was least harsh. The horrors here related are thankfully long past, but such books will always be immensely valuable as reminders of just how cruel people can be - and have been quite recently. We must never forget, lest they happen again.
   
   Douglass in this way is more representative than individual, and he indeed took it on himself to speak for all slaves. The book was in this sense propagandistic and did its job better than anyone could have expected, laying slavery's evils bare to many who were previously unaware or unable - possibly unwilling - to believe. It was an abolitionist milestone and had a real effect in moving slavery toward its end. Yet Douglass' story is extremely interesting in itself; indeed, in many ways he was the spiritual successor of Benjamin Franklin, founder of the American autobiographical tradition. Franklin practically invented the American dream by showing how hard work and perseverance could raise one from humble beginnings to wealth, fame, and acclaim. Douglass had infinitely worse circumstances yet managed to rise far above them - not only teaching himself to read but becoming a genuine autodidact, not only escaping slavery but becoming a noted abolitionist, orator, writer, black leader, and racial authority with world fame and reverence. Few stories are more inspirational, and the work is thus on top of everything else the best kind of self-help book. Douglass unforgettably shows that it is possible to overcome even the most adverse circumstances and gives a good idea of how to do so.
   
   One must not neglect to mention that, incredible as it is, Douglass is a premier prose stylist. Considering his circumstances, the fact that he was able to write at all is amazing; anyone would make great allowance for poor or even semi-literature writing. In fact, though, Douglass is a top-level writer; this is not only one of the very few autobiographies that is true literature but simply great writing per se. The writing is simple in the best sense; Douglass truly embodied Jonathan Swift's good style definition: "Proper words in proper places." He is admirably clear and concise. That said, he works himself up to a rhapsody when appropriate, reaching near-lyrical heights; the passage where he compares himself to the free is one of the most affecting and best-written I have seen in the hundreds or thousands of books I have read. That Douglass' Narrative has this totally unlooked for virtue in addition to all others is thoroughly impressive.
   
   Simply put, anyone who has not read this should do so as soon as possible; few books are more important or memorable. Douglass is an American giant, and this is his enduring fame's base. No one who reads it can forget it, and that may be the highest praise of all.



4. Amazing.
   Inspiration for your life regardless of the kind of trials you face.
   Highly recommended.



5. In the classic slave narrative genre, Frederick Douglass' narrative of his life brings to life, in all its horrors, American slave society, and one slave's life-long protest against it.
   
   When we read Frederick Douglass in his own words, he is less the radical and more the reformer than we've been led to believe. He is also more the Christian statesmen and less the Christianity critic than we might imagine. Douglass' oft quoted comments about Christianity had much more to do with a righteous critique of distorted Christian living practiced by white masters than with any critique of Christianity or of Christ. In reality, Douglass, like so many enslaved African Americans before and after him, saw in Jesus a Savior they could identify with--a suffering Savior.
   
   Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians, and Spiritual Friends.

5 comments about The Color of Water 10th Anniversary Edition.

1. This was a fascinating and well-written story about the identity of a "black" child growing up in Harlem with a white mother. It made me think about two issues:
   
   1. The Recipe for Academic Achievement
   All twelve children went to college and many went on to be doctors, lawyers, or professors. Clearly, the mother's emphasis on education and careful choice of magnet schools (with long bus rides outside of Harlem) were factors. The first 7 children achieved more than the last 5. Was this biological (the 1st father had a higher IQ than the 2nd father)? Birth order (older children received more parental attention)?
   
   Just for fun, if I had to guess what factors influence academic achievement, I would guess:
   
   Academic Achievement = f (parent participation and expectations; parent education level; quality of school - class size, teacher salary, teacher training, teacher reward system; bio-IQ; emotional stability?)
   
   Did I miss something?
   
   2. Racial Identity
   
   Growing up in the "white" majority, my race has never been part of my identity nor something my family ever talked about. But this was a BIG emotional deal in the life of this child growing up in Harlem with a white ex-Jewish Mom in the 1960s. It took him years to integrate his white Jewish and black Christian sides. Is a positive racial identity a good thing? Only for minorities? Or, is the "we're all Americans" way of thinking better?
   
   Other options:
   
   Evangelical Christians - "Us" (evangelical Christians who are forgiven sinners) v "Them" (everyone else in the world who is not a forgiven sinner)
   
   Hindu Priest who taught at our church - we (humans and animals) are all sentient beings created and loved by God, in various stages of spiritual development (a spiritual pecking order)



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started reading it one day and couldn't stop. I finished it the next day. It is a tale of human perseverance and love overcoming all obstacles. It is a tale of responding to the worst in human nature and finding a way to survive. The fact that is a real biography and not fiction makes it all the more poignant.



3. 
   The Color of Water was recommended by a colleague. It is a very intriguing read. The author pulls you into the story immediately. The story is amazing with alot of history and fact. I have told several people about this book and how it will change their life. Read it and you will see.



4. This book is a great read. It tells a wonderful story while also connecting each event to the time period to give readers of sense of life during this age. It is truly heart felt and at times tends to be a tear jerker. It takes you on a journey of a boy who is becoming a man and his mother who struggles with her past but is constantly doing the best she can.



5. The author's mother abandoned her Jewish family after having become pregnant by a con man, never contacted her family again after she abandoned them except to ask them for money, never went to see her mother even as the mother lay dying in a hospital a quick train ride away. She married a black man, converted to Christianity and then spent a lifetime concealing information about her past from her children. When one son, a sometime-reporter, decided that her story would make a good book, he took down uncritically a completely unbelievable story about a miserly, money-hungry, child-abusing, wife-abusing, violent rabbi father, someone who seems to have stepped off the pages of a medieval anti-Semitic tract. The Jewish family life described in this book comes right out of the pages of the "Jew of Malta," complete with bloodthirsty and barbaric rituals, mindless rules, usury, and hatred of others. The son made no effort to contact his living extensive Jewish family, including his aunt or many living cousins who might have cast any doubt on his mother's story. Given that even to the casual reader it is apparent that the mother's tale is a carefully constructed rationalization and justification of her own decision to cut all family ties, the son's uncritical acceptance of this fable is shocking. The author's attempt to undercut the obvious anti-Semitism in the book by stating that some of his best friends are Jewish and that his mother sees a "wonderful Jewish heart doctor" makes this even more sickening, as does his bragging that due to his efforts his mother has become one of the "most inspirational figures in contemporary American literature." McBride's use of the word "literature" to describe his efforts is actually very telling, since the dictionary definition of "literature" is "imaginative or creative writing." The reader should take this as a work of fiction until proven otherwise.

5 comments about The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates.

1. This book could not have come at a better time for me. This is a point in my life where my choices could ultimately decide where I go in life. I'm about to begin one of the most crucial years of my career as a student. Never one to take school too seriously I would usually procrastinate, and honestly, as I finish this book for summer reading, my junior year is less than a week away. Moore has planted within me a desire to succeed, to see myself pursue happiness, a right which Moore himself has fought for me and others both in the line of fire and between the lines of this book. This is an inspirational book that demonstrates the reality that action is paired with reaction, that cause cannot be without effect, and that choices come with consequences. By studying their lives in parallel, Moore demonstrates how choices led two mirror lives, his and the other Wes Moore's, to diverge on a path of success and accomplishments and a path of corruption and penitence.



2. This is an unusual book. It is not in any way a traditional biography or autobiography but is the story of two people who happen to share the same name, and a similar background. I came to know of the book through the JHU alumni book club.
   
   Different people may be thinking about reading this book for different reasons. One group may be people who are currently living in troubled neighborhoods or difficult environments, and who are looking for inspiration or support in efforts to escape and live a better life. Another group may be people living in secure environments both economically and socially who are interested in the problems facing impoverished crime-ridden areas, both in terms of understanding them and understanding how to help.
   
   A third group may be students and researchers who are interested in doing a report or are involved in research of urban problems. Even if from a research point of view one cannot take individual stories as concrete evidence for larger trends these books provide flesh and blood examples which one cannot get from dry academic discourse.
   
   Many people who read this book may be volunteers or in jobs working with at risk individuals.
   
   I think for students whether in high school or college who are interested in doing a book report this could be an excellent choice. I found the stories dramatic and interesting. It is well written throughout and I was not at all bored reading about the lives of these two people. It was exciting to see how their lives unfolded in different ways based on the play of different forces, expectations, and drives.



3. I have recently written a summary of a session we had here at the jail (where I work) with hard core addicts and with workshop presentors- David Miller and La Marr Shileds of the Urban leadership Institute- in my opinion- the experts in town on the issues of black male crime and black youth crime. I'd be glad to share it with any one who wants it- it was quite revealing.
   
   I heard Wes Moore on Dan Rodricks program on Wypr today- 8/26- and I have to say it was shallow. Good as far as it went- but, in the end...?
   
   The solutions proposed? having a support system like the one that the "good" Wes Moore had- which has ended him in Afghanistan and now working for Citigroup.
   
   Yes- the other Wes Moore lacked that family support system- as they said- a child wants a parent that cares. But what creates the system of poverty that makes that impossible for inner city kids. Neither Wes nor Dan explored deeply enough to get into it.



4. This book was a very enjoyable & quick read, as well as providing a look into our society's problems. It's not hard to conclude that the author had more familial support, as well as access to money to help pay his tuition & it is these factors which were in a large part, why he succeeded in life. This is surely not a revelation for me, so in some respects I am disappointed that the author did not make any suggestions about how we can help to change society. Perhaps that thought is just way too daunting. I do commend him, however, for suggesting that we volunteer & he provided a list of reputable organizations out there who are devoted to helping urban youth.



5. Wes Moore's mother had come from Jamaica. Young Wes grew up in Washington, DC, in modest circumstances. His mother's father was a pastor and had come to New York to study. The family became American and Wes' grandfather ministered to a congregation in the Bronx.
   
   The focus shifted to Washington when Wes' mother Joy went to study at the American University. She met Bill, who became her first husband, but turned out to be an alcoholic and wife-beater. After getting out of that, a better life was established with Wes Moore, also a college graduate. The author was their firstborn, named after his father. The elder Wes was a radio commentator who died when young Wes was only three.
   
   Wes went to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where his life intersected with another family named Moore. The week of his graduation, a news story brought to his attention another man named Wes Moore, a member of a local family. The other Wes Moore was now in prison for robbery and the shooting death of a police officer.
   
   Our Wes became intrigued with this other Wes, made contact and explored the life story of the second Wes Moore. This book details the two disparate lives that share so many similarities yet turned out so differently.
   
   Our Wes spins out the details he gathers as he visits the other Wes Moore in prison, as well as family and neighbors, to understand the life of the other Wes Moore. The story is well told as author Wes interweaves the different stages of the lives of the two Wes Moors.
   
   I found the story interesting largely because it is true. Being written in first-person testimonial format that provides power and presence. The topic itself, however, did not grab me, and I found it hard to maintain focus as the story developed.

5 comments about Coming of Age in Mississippi.

1. This book will really suck you in. It's hard for people who aren't from the South to understand the family dynamics, the method of speak, the rural center of it all, etc. But the time period covered while (possibly) somewhat far-removed from today's standards of living is what drives the story forward. The conditions described are both deplorable an' fascinating, an' anyone who thinks slavery ended in 1865 would be greatly challenged by the childhood stories recounted by Anne Moody. One'a the most vivid to me being her description of the chicken factory she worked at in New Orleans. There's no traditional arc here either an' no false hope, possibly because it was published in 1968 at the height of social unrest, but I wouldn't call it a downer either. Its as straightforward as it gets; tumultuous, surreal at times, filled with disillusion an' ultimate uncertainty. But, you will be better for having explored it. I've passed it on to several friends and (if I ever get it back) I intend to read it again.



2. This book is so clearly written and so interesting that I wanted to read on and on. Every so often I would stop and think that the storyline is so good and then I would remember that it's a true story which would further amaze me. I would forget that I am actually reading it for history class. We've always heard of the achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. but this gives us the story of one female activist who was in action during that time. We learn in more detail about how some of the less mentioned people in history conducted protests and sit ins and strived towards uniting African Americans to gain equality. The life story of Anne Moody is sure to keep you interested.



3. If you want to understand truly the insanity of the prejudice in the south, this book is the truth. Written from a woman who lived it and fought for her freedom and that of her race. It is difficult to read at times. I had to put it down in disgust at the hatred and cruelty that white men have shown to Blacks in our country. It is so well written and should be used as a historical novel in English classes in our schools. Moody had so much courage at such a young age. Pass this one on. Use it in book clubs. Excellent.



4. Great Book. I had to read it for my History Class, my mom later read it and loved it.
   
   This is American History, everyone should read it.



5. What an amazing book!! To know this book was bravely published in 1968, when the Civil Rights issues were still a hot topic, is telling of how Anne (Essie Mae) Moody unabashadly tells the stories of her life in Mississippi. She didn't wait for controversies and prejudice to cool down. She let her voice be known at a time when immediate influence was necessary.
   
   She draws readers into this autobiography that reads more like a novel than a memoir, with tales of herself, a little girl exchanging work for milk for her family. She then shares her teenage years, as a beautiful girl struggling though work, school and family upheaval. Then as a young adult putting her life and that of her family at risk fighting for Civil Rights.
   
   This is a touching story of leadership, accountability, struggle and victory.
   
   Having missed this historical generationmyself by being born in the 70s, it is incredibly angering to know that there was such a distinction made between races. Even worse,that it was a LEGAL distinction.
   
   This book was really incredible. I can see why it continues to be ppular more than 40 years after it's original publication.

5 comments about Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets.

1. i read this book on a beach in Jamaica. Very quick read, easy to get into and out of. It kept my attention and was very interesting. I could recommend to anyone interested in sociology in general or to learn more of the gang culture of Chicago. Amazing work, I hope to see more from the author in the future.



2. Awesome read. Dont think there are that many books that give you an opportunity to se this side of gang life



3. I loved this book. When we think of the poor/working-poor African American experience, the curious have few options. We have BET, the radio, and obviously television. I like how the reader gets a product that's obviously not to the benefit of the gangster or police officer.
   
   Simply put, you get the experience of what goes on behind the scenes. I feel like many questions I had were answered, but I did have so many more after the read. Sudhir Venkatesh will be the next author I buy ever book for. Much like many others, I learned of this author from Freakonomics (another important read), but this book really goes further than the numbers of Freakonomics.
   
   Sudhir really goes beyond to explain the dynamics of living with a crack distribution syndacate. If my promise to you the reader of being informed is not good enough, allow me to say this: Sudhir Venkatesh is more entertaining as a sociologist than most comedians as comedians. BUY THIS BOOK AND YOU WON'T REGRET IT!



4. This book would make an interesting 100 page book, but drags on a bit and can be overly preachy. Alex Kolowitz's there are no children here...a far better read.



5. Excellent, scary, thought provoking, intriguing! This was an excellent sociological study of urban gang relationships and structure.

5 comments about The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley.

1. This book is wonderful. The writing is excellent, and Malcolm X's life story is as amazing as anyone could imagine. Incredible highs and lows are vividly portrayed (for me, one standout is the degradation of Malcolm having to rinse the chemicals out of his hair in toilet water--this incident makes me physically cringe and feel pain for him), and thrilling and fascinating episodes leave me marveling that one person could achieve and experience so much. Later in his life, as his understanding of humanity expands and deepens, my respect and admiration for him likewise grows. I can't adequately describe either the book or the way I feel about it.
   
   I first read this for school, but as I was reading it I knew it was something that I'd truly appreciate and come back to over and over again.



2. A timeless classic. This book tells the metamorphasis of a strong Black man, from boyhood to manhood. Through all of his trials and tribulations, Malcolm always found a way to gain strength and grow in both mind and spirit. A must read for all Americans. We must not forget his contributions to our society.



3. This is a book everyone should read. It's a book you can't seem to put down. There is a part of this book that i love.."I read aimlessly, until I learned to read selectively, with a purpose". This book changed the way i viewed certain things in life!



4. I must have clicked on the wrong item, because I did NOT purposely order Max Notes. I already have two Master's Degrees and a year of Law School. So, I do not need "notes."



5. it was not clear to me upfront: this book is not the acutal autobiography. These are the notes for the book. they summarize chapters and importance of them. so if you want to read the actual book, do not purchase this one.

5 comments about I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

1. I bought the book used and it came promptly and was in good condition. I would use this seller again.



2. This is one book I cannot even finish. I do not like Maya's writing style at all. She seems to repeat herself, at least in the first part of the book. I do not recommend it at all.



3. I received the book is great time and it was in great shape. Nice price too. No problems with order



4. I normally don't go for nonfiction. I had previously read sections of this books for some of my classes in college, but never read the whole thing. After reading it though I'm wondering why it took me so long. This book is really amazing and the way that Angelou writes is wonderfully refreshing. I thought the ending was great and fit perfectly with her style. She has this fabulous way of writing that is both wonderfully poetic and yet manages to smack you in the face in a tell it like it is sort of way. Anyway, this book is definitely worth reading even if you don't normally read nonfiction. Her story seemed to me to be about how important the relationships in your life are. Through every place she lived, Maya had those people in her life that influenced her for good or bad. Anyway, you should read this book!



5. I loved this book. Written very simply and straightfoward, yet poetic. It drew me in almost immediately. Only complaint is that it left me wanting more information. For example, Maya and her brother had been incredibly close and were the only constant in each other's lives, but at one point they live apart and there is no mention of how this separation impacted either one of them. At several points in the memoir, I had questions like this that were never resolved. But overall I would definitely recommend. Maya has a unique and beautiful voice.