5 comments about It's No Secret: From Nas to Jay-Z, from Seduction to Scandal--a Hip-Hop Helen of Troy Tells All.

1. I feel sorry for theses women's children (Carmen & SuperHead). Why are they putting their kids names & pictures out here for everyone to see. It's not a good look. I maen I didn't really beleive 50% of this story. I don't beleive that she had a realtionship with SC for 5 years and they never went out or took pictures. She just sounds like an idiot. I mean the book kept me reading because I thought it would get better I guess, but I was very disappointed.



2. After reading Carman Bryan's book, I honestly saw that this woman did nothing but spend her time being promiscuous with anyone that seemed to be in the business while Destiny ,her and Nas'daughter, was constantly being watched by Sha Sha, Nas' mother, and anyone else that would agree. It saddens me that this woman, who had at least 4 abortions in this book, felt the need to drag everyone's character through the mud.She constantly blamed her behavior on something that Nas' father said about not committing because they were not married. Besides having a hard time sympathizing with Bryan, I had a hard time sorting out the friends that she kept throwing into the book. It seems like she talked more about her travels and her random friends then how she had attempted to better her daughter's life. Her mother, whom she calls Sha Sha, was the only rational person in this immature woman's life. I believe that she should have let Sha Sha raise her daughter to give the girl a normal life. This woman moved all over the place without the regard of her young daughter.
   I can go on and on about how bad this book was, but I just want to say that if you are going to be promiscuous, own up to it! Stop blaming others, ladies. If you have a child, raise him/her. Stop chasing these good for nothings; you have someone else to think for/about besides your shallow self. If you are constantly being burned by a man (she claimed Nas beat her, went through her things, lied to her, cheated on her,on and on and on) then LEAVE. Stop using him as a crutch, so you can act a damn fool. Get a job! Stop waiting on your monthly check! Lastly, stop writing these tell-all books about full of lies to make yourself feel better.
   
   Next time, I will stick to Eric Jerome Dickey when I want a little African American Literature.
   
   Don't waste you time on this one!



3. If I could this book would have recieved 1/2 a star that is only because there were some interesting photos in the middle of the book, otherwise this was a poor excuse for a tell all. First of all, I don't believe much of what was written should have been written, is Carmen completely unaware of the fact that her daughter will have to live with this for the rest of her life. What child do you know wants their mother's sexual escapades splashed in a book for the world to read. Secondly so many of her words toward the end of the book tended to be cheap shots at the women who won the hearts of the men who just used her. It seemed like alot of sour grapes. I mean does anyone really believe that she kept Jay Z at arms length? All in all, this was a pathetic attempt.



4. I did not get a good impression of this young woman and wondered what those two high profile hip hop stars saw in her. She thinks nothing of her promiscuity, and seems to enjoy describing her sexcapades with all these different men. And anybody who allows her apartment to be turned into a crack lab can't be too bright, especially the glib, matter-of-fact way she describes this in her book. She makes the same mistakes over and over again, which becomes really annoying, but then again, this woman is not the sharpest pencil in the box.
   
   The only reason she was able to get published is because of her affiliation with two high-profile hip hop stars. I feel sorry for her daughter Destiny, because this woman is not a good role model for her little girl.



5. I bought this book because I was tired & bored of reading "serious" literature. It took 6 months for me to finally pick it up and read it and all I can tell you is that it's a waste of time. If you have graduated from high school or have even obtained a GED - don't read it. Its an insult even to a mentally challenged persons intelligence. This chick is nothing but a bird. Three quarters of the book made me angry at her. One that she is a woman and two she is black. She is no Helen of Troy - she's not even a Flavor of Love chick.

5 comments about Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer.

1. This book sat on my shelf for two years before I finally read it. I was suspicious that the writing would be workmanlike or that it would be merely admirable. Similarly, I'm not a big reader of sports biographies as many tend to be shallow. All of those concerns were quickly allayed when I began reading the book. Not only is the story extremely compelling, but Ritchie actually does a wonderful job of exploring Taylor's life and times. I found it difficult to put down, and upon finishing it I can say the book definitely merits another read. The story is painstakingly researched (and Todd Balf's biography on Taylor that is immanently coming out must rest on Ritchie's shoulders). Occasionally Ritchie does squander potential usage of suspense and sometimes he repeats himself. But these are minor quibbles. The only real difficulty with the book is reading about Taylor's demise. After reaching protracted heights of fame and heroism, the way his life ends is very sad indeed.
   
   If you liked this book, also see "Unforgivable Blackness," the documentary by Ken Burns about the boxer Jack Johnson--an amazing film about another black champion living in racist America.



2. As Ritchie points out himself, it is surprising that it took a white englishman to compile such a comprehensive history of an American black man who was one of, if not the first black world champion in any sport and one of cycling's orginal superstars.
   
   While the book makes for a good short history of the early years of cycling as a sport and how it has evolved, Taylor's transcends the sport of cycling and provides a rich glimpse into early 20th century racial issues, the development of transportation in the US, the twighlight of the Guilded Age and the onset of the Great Depression. Ritchie weaves all of these together in a compelling manner.
   
   In hindsight, while the likes of Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson are often credited with being the original trailblazers for black athletes, they owe much to the brave steps taken by the now sadly little remembered Major Taylor. This book is long overdue.



3. This book was originally published by Bicycle Books in San Francisco. I would hope that it would still be available, even though 5 years ago hardback copies were selling at chain bookstores for as little as $4 a copy. The Ritchie book is written not just from the perspective of bicycling history (although it is well-researched from that point of view), but as an important social history. In addition, it reminds us of the history of the development of transportation and how bicycles were eventually pushed out of the public vision of having right-of-way to being relegated to the closed track of the velodrome so they wouldn't get in the way of the growing automobile culture. Major Taylor's career is important in the history of racism and attempted and often effective exclusion of Blacks not just from racing opportunities, but from the subsequent business opportunities that followed on the heels of the age of the turn-of-the-century racers. The largest reason that Major Taylor died a pauper was because he was not allowed to participate on an equal level with White businessmen in the developing automobile industry, according to Ritchie's research. Turn of the century bicycle racers, as Ritchie points out, were instrumental in contributing to the design of the shock system and the use of pneumatic tires, among other features, of the emerging American automobile. They also were some of the large investors in the industry upon their retirement from active racing status. Taylor wanted to participate in the design process and applied to a university for formal education in engineering, but was denied access, despite his hard-won efforts, previous inventions in bicycle design and testing, and celebrity status. The fact that the man died early of a stroke and alienated from his family and community in the end can only speak of a man who, after putting out his entire life, had finally been broken by the pressure of living in a racist society. Yet, writing his autobiography and selling it door to door evokes the phoenix-like quality of many members of the Black community who survive and thrive in spite of great hardship, even in our present times.



4. This is a very enjoyable book. Very well researched and documented (almost to a fault). Anyone who is serious about the history of bicycle racing in the USA must add this book to their library. After reading this book one must wonder how great Major Taylor would have been if the playing field was equal. Highly Recommended!!



5. I found this story of a black man in this early 1900 era extremely fascinating. His beliefs in fair play, extrodinary dedication to his faith and his hobby made him a role model for any and all to follow. his persistance in perfecting his beloved sport despite all of the negativity of this era, to me was unbelieveable. I read few books cover to cover but I have had the pleasure of reading this one 4 times. Ritchie has this book so well documented that anyone reading it would have no problem of becoming totally engrossed in it. A well done from me.

3 comments about Lanterns: A Memoir of Mentors.

1. Marian Wright Edelman, in pleasing prose, shares the experiences she had growing up surrounded by a community of mentors, both formal and informal. Edleman talks about the importance of parents, community elders as co-parents and mentors, and the powerful role teachers can play in the development of character. Her college years were greatly influenced by the civil rights leaders of the time, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Robert Kennedy among others. Edelman shares lessons learned from influential faculty and family friends and helps readers understand what it is like to be a part of something larger than themselves.

   This book, which focuses on the powerful influence that mentors can have on children and young adults, finishes with Edelman's "Parent's Pledge" and "Twenty-Five More Lessons for Life". She shares the wisdom gained from her parents and elders as well as her many years of experience working with children. Pearls such as "Always remember you are God's child. No man or woman can look down on you and you cannot look down on any man or woman or child" and "Keep your word and your commitments" provide valuable advice for those seeking a strong moral center. This book is a recommended read for anyone interested in life lessons learned from a woman of faith whose experiences have been enriched by her interactions with the mentors in her life.




2. For centuries sailors have relied on the constellations of heavenly lanterns to guide their way. In crisp, vivid prose, Marian Wright Edelman tells us about the heroes who provided beacons of hope and inspiration, helping her find her way through the many moral dillemas of life and stay on course.

   What is interesting is the sheer variety of backgrounds Dr. Edelman's heroes have. Nevertheless, they all share the author's passion for human rights and social justice. As a bonus, Dr. Edelman gives a brief history of the civil rights era, a nice complement to two other fine books on that fascinating topic, Taylor Branch's "Parting the Waters" and David Halberstam's "The Children."

   This book is much more a memoir. It is a call of action and an inspiration for all of us to act for the common good, to serve the community. It is up to the current generations to act as a positive role model for the next, much as Dr. Edelman's mentors did for her.

   Mentors, lanterns, are important at all times, during the economic boom of the late 1990s, when this book was written, as well as in the troubled initial years of the 21st century. There are already too many ships out there lacking a sailor to read the stars. And some ships don't even have a rudder.




3. The unexpected return of her long lost college diary set Marian Wright Edelman on a quest to recall the mentors who helped her grow from a girl of the segregated south to the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar. If this book were to be viewed only as a further contribution to the history of the Civil Rights movement it would be a valued addition to a growing corpus. Offering an intimate glimpse of the young participants in that struggle for justice she further provides a poignant testament to the critically important role of the not so young who inspired it. Introducing both the celebrated and the obscure Edelman permits a rare insight into the formation of character and commitment. Long the best friend America's children have ever had, in this book, Edelman serves an older clintele who are likely to find in it a powerful pull to accompany the young on the journey to adulthood. In recalling childhood teachers as well as the dominant figures of the 1960s Edelman brings wisdom, insight and strong spirituality to a much needed reflection on intergenerational sharing.

5 comments about Miles and Me (George Gund Foundation Book in African American Studies).

1. I just picked up the "Bitches Brew Complete Sessions" on CD. Troupe has a long essay in the liner notes that are seemingly taken right from this book (or vice versa). Given there are so many Miles Davis books out there, I have to say I really like Quincy Troupe's approach because he is not some music professor or cultural critic analyzing or deconstructing Miles and "the meaning" of his music, blah, blah, blah. Rather, Troupe was there with Miles in the same room, in the car, eating dinner, wherever. That's the real value of this book. If you put Miles on that high pedestal you may not want to read the book: Troupe details some incredibly awkward and tense situations with Miles's temper which made everyone run for cover; but there are also moments of showing Miles with his force field down. One can only imagine how fascinating and frustrating it would be to meet, let alone have a friendship with, one of your idols.



2. I enjoyed both books written about Miles by Quince Troupe. In my opinion Troupe has the uncanny ability to write from a perspective that allows a reader to see the personal side of his subject. Troupe's "no holds barred" approach permits the reader to form their own opinion and paint their own picture. This book portrays Miles as both a legend and human being who confronts life's challenges in both positive and negative ways. Be sure to read this book with an open mind. Sometimes it hurts to see our heroes, who we've placed on such a high level fail in some areas of life.



3. I picked up this book not knowing what to expect, hoping mainly to get some insight into one of my favorite musicians. On that level this book delivers. The author was very close friends with Miles through the later stages of his life and the book centers around the time they spent together and Troupe's perceptions of Miles during this time. We learn that Miles, while a brilliant and influencial musician, had his share of flaws and Troupe makes no attempt to cover these up - this book is not for those who cannot conceive seeing their hero portrayed in a sometimes negative light. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars was because sometimes the author let his personal views and beliefs get in the way. Personally I would rather read about Miles than Troupe, but oh well, it is his book.



4. I've been a fan of Miles Davis since hearing "Kind of Blue" in 1992. Miles legend precedes him and this book helped me gain a better understanding of him as an artist, musician and man.

   I especially liked the way the author used Miles music to recollect his own life--what he was doing and how he felt about each new release. For a fan like me, that gave me a idea of how it would have been to anxiously await each new Miles Davis album.

   Quincy Troupe was obviously a fan and a friend. I'm glad he wrote this book.




5. Troupe is an outstanding poet and performer of his words, he was also Miles Davis's biographer, and has written a memoir of that relationship which is redundant, self-serving, fan-mag ooze which makes one reconsider the biography Troupe assembled from taped interviews with Davis, perhaps the most durable and ominpresent jazz soloist since Louis Armstrong. Published by a University press obviously trying to hit the trade marketplace, this slim volume reads like it were much longer.

No comments about Dreaming Me: Black, Baptist, and Buddhist - One Woman's Spiritual Journey.

5 comments about Open Mike: Reflections on Philosophy, Race, Sex, Culture and Religion.

1. Unlike the first reviewer of Dyson's book who said he was a "pinhead" I find this book an extrodinary review of the social conditions, in which our society subjects us all too. And please, can we not call authors demeaning names when we write reviews??!!! The person who wrote the first review using the word "pinhead" must be an adolescent and sounds jealous and angry. Thanks.



2. Much is made of dyson's intellectual prowess; this just goes to show you that all things are relative. There are organisms shuffling down the street to whom dyson's intellect would, one assumes, seem impressive. But that don't necessarily make it so. You may, at some point, have heard the term pinhead. The term signifies that the owner of such a head has a tiny little brain, a "peabrain" if you will. This, in a nutshell, is dyson. He meanders around offering weak commentary and observation that appeals chiefly to the MTV and BET crowd. This is to say, he offers nothing of value other than allowing Penn to make their quota. Do yourself a favor and avoid at all costs.



3. Open Mike is a book that I picked up on accident and I thnak whatever angel was sitting on my shoulder that day. I had never been blessed enough to have been exposed to Dyson before and I was quite surprise about what I found. This man is BAD. He has the same theoretical and intellectual presence as Malcom, Martin, Carmichael, etc. In Open Mike, a series of interviews Dyson gave, I found that I was surprise that anyone could speak this way from the hip. I often wondered if he'd practiced what he had to say. Then I heard him speak at the State of the Black Chruch conference in Detroit, MI 2003. He's for real.

   Open Mike is an honest and revealing account of Dyson's life, his thoughts, and the controversies that he's started. No one is safe from this man 's tongue---no one. Pick it up and be enlightened.

   Also check out Race Rules: Navigating The Color Line; Holla If You Hear Me; and Why I Love Black Women.




4. As a mentee of Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, I can certainly attest to his rhetorical genius, his intellectual compassion, his scholarly depth and his cerebral authority on a wide range of cultural, philosophical and theoretical themes. But as it occurs, many acadamicians (i.e. Adolph Reed) have questioned his scholarship, and even if he is a serious intellectual, suggesting that his writing tends to gravitate toward petty motives that deal with popular culture and the commercialization of societal issues. Nevermind that one of the most noted philosophers, Antonio Gramsci proposed the notion of the "organic intellectual" as one who could arise from the people but never become so esoterically connected to some ebony or ivory academy. That is Dyson--the organic intellectual--and we Dysonians appreciate him as a defining intellectual acrobat regardless of the commentaries put out by PEDANTIC scholars who resist mainstream culture, pretty much because they, themselves, fail to identify with it.

   But still, Dyson answers his critics with Open Mike, a scholarly enterprise of the highest order. The book is a collection of conversations on philosophy, race, sex, culture and religion, that definitively evinces the "seriousness" of Dyson's scholarship. Dyson effortlessly registers his deepening intellectual and moral convictions on every subject from poststructuralist theory to the polyrhythmic structures of African American musical traditions and from Nietzsche's view of God to the prism through with Nas analyzed black social plight.

   As Mark Anthony Neal stated in the foreword, "Open Mike is a critical beat-down!" I recommend that this scholarly contribution be digested by every intellect for its complex exploration into the various layers and dimensions of black radical discourse, politics and ethics. And I even further, invite all general readers to add this book to their reading appetite, as Dyson's consistent flow and vivid portrayals are sure to delight your thirst for an impassioned discussion of the social dynamics that affect us all.




5. He is truly One of the Greatest Writers that I have Ever Read on.Brother Dyson has a way with words&bringing so much Groove in His Presentation.I truly applaud the way He tackles so many subjects&never misses a beat.He is a Deep Cat&always someone you have to Read a Couple of times to fully Digest His Knowledge&Wide Scope of things going on.

5 comments about Marvin Gaye, My Brother.

1. In this bio about his brother, the late Frankie Gaye makes constant references to the Seventh-day Adventist Church as being the church the Gay family grew up in. As a lifelong Seventh-day Adventist myself, I can safely tell you that this poor man has us mixed up with someone else. The Gaye family actually belonged to the House Of God, Inc. (a Hebrew Pentecostal sect); while they are similar to Seventh-day Adventists in their beliefs about the Sabbath, dietary laws, and the state of the dead, there are other differences. When he started talking about the dos and don'ts of their faith, I said, "Oh no! Those weren't Adventists! We have our standards, but they are nowhere near that strict (not even for the era he grew up in)! I have read the official website of the House of God, and they do not site their origins as having any connection with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I'm so sorry that the author is deceased and unable to correct this error, although I'm quite sure he meant no harm.
   
   I will say this, that I enjoy the music of Marvin Gaye, especially as an adult. His was a wonderful talent. I was 11 years old when I heard of his murder, and I thought it was such a sad way for his life to end. If only his family wasn't so dysfunctional, if only he hadn't gotten hooked on those stupid drugs (what a robber of human life drugs are in our communities!)! What else can we say but "Makes Me Wanna Holler", "Mercy Mercy Me", and "What's Going On"? Thank God we have his music as a legacy!



2. WHen I read this book, I was a little disappointed with a few things. First to know that Marvin Sr. got really no time for commiting murder. Weather of not, Marvin pushed him did not give him any excuse to pull the trigger. I felt that Marvin Sr. was probably jelous of all the attention or that some of his songs were about sex.
   I honestly thought that Marvin My brother was pretty well written and pretty interesting.



3. This book is very intersting, it let me know more about Marvin Gaye and his brother. I'm going through the book again.



4. This is the second book I have read about Marvin. This book had far more insight as it was written by his brother. Very good reading for fans of Marvin, Motown or Music.



5. I've read Divided Soul twice, once when it was first published and again in the late 90's. For me, it was the definitive Marvin Gaye book, until I read Frankie Gaye's book!
   
   Frankie Gaye's book is so compassionate and tender, so factual. After all, he was Marvin's best friend and confidante. Whatever you do, do not skip to the end. Read the entire book and when you get to the ending, you will have gone through Marvin's struggle with him, with Frankie. My only regret about this book is that I never bothered to know more about Frankie Gaye.

5 comments about To Be Young, Gifted and Black.

1. This is a good compendium of the author's letters, essays and short prose that comments of reaction to her as a writer, her plays and the socio-political climate during the final years of her life.



2. There are a lot of lazy ignorant people in our society who believe that black people should be all accomodating and not be too complex, in other words, human. How sad for them. Hansberry was ofcourse a genius. Bless her short life and her work.



3. I remember reading this book thinking that I could relate to the author perfectly well. Though I am not a playright, I do understand a lot of what she is saying. There should and will never be a borderline or a glass ceiling or anything else to hold me down. You are who you are regardless of what is . . . There is no turning back only that which is to be gained and won.

   When I think of Lorraine Hansberry I think of a woman who achieved the impossible in an impossible time. She completed her plays with such intensity and flair . . . As if she lived and researched each every act.
   
   Nevertheless, I feel that Hansberry was stating that to be "Young, gifted, and black," is clearly to be aware of who and what you are . . . and to take this knowledge of who and what you are and to run with it. Taking a chance when given a chance, or rather taking a chance and creating an opportunity with merely a bit of the gift that you had.

   I will always remember what Thurgood Marshall, he basically stated that "He did the best with what he had." Is that being merely good or is that being the best. I believe that the concept of this book is not to be mistaken. I believe Hansberry is saying, "Hey sister, hold your head up high. It does not matter what this world thinks of you. It only merely matters about what you can do for yourself and your fellowman. Do you know your gifts? Hey write it down. You are worth perfecting."

   Lorraine Hansberry did wonders in her lifetime she did so much for her community and her fellowman. My question to myself and others is . . . What about your gifts? Hey write them down. They are worth perfecting.




4. I found this book in the library and fell in love with it instantly. The passages from Hansberry's plays and journal enteries were quite powerful- witty, yet moving. She truly had a gift for describing the human condition- AS IT IS, rather than how it "should be." However, I must admit to finding myself at a bit of a cultural disadvantage at times, as the author assumes that most readers will be familiar with African American lingo from the '50s. While some readers like myself may have difficulty understanding certain expressions, etc, the sharp overall messages and delightful writing style make this book both a learning experience and a pleasure to read. I hope others will gain as much from this book as I have.



5. Getting inside the head of such a great thinker is a wonderful opportunity. The only negative comment I could make about this book is that a few of the passages included from Hansberry's lesser-known plays were not as powerful as the passages from speeches, journals, and A Raisin in the Sun. It is tragic that the world lost a truly gifted and spirited writer at such a young age. If you enjoyed A Raisin in the Sun, you'll also find this a rewarding read.

5 comments about A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords.

1. Much can and has been written about how important this book is, especially now. Few things I've ever read have said so much about the ability to transcend one's circumanstances and the opportunity to employ that momentum toward tremendous social change. Strangely, far less has been said about how wonderfully told the story is. Nation of Lords is an energetic and stirring read and is among the most charged social biographies ever written.



2. A NATION OF LORDS tells a story that is -- on its face -- viscerally compelling and exciting, but below the surface examines humanity, the nature of social change and how people (or a single person) can have a positive affect on one's environment. The Vice Lords were a gang that redefined inner-city violence, but they ultimately became a social and political force to be reckoned with -- nonviolently fighting corruption in local Chicago government and elevating their impoverished community. It is a story of triumph and sacrifice for a greater good. And it is an inspiration -- one that will hopefully call future generations to similar action.
   
   The book is very well written -- from a collective "we" perspective that serves as a voice for the body of Vice Lords. It is a heartfelt memorial to those that died along the way. And it is a time capsule of one of the most interesting and volitile political periods in American History.
   
   I cannot stress enough how strong this book is -- and how much of an impact it has made on me and those to whom I've recommended it. I hope more people pick it up, learn about the Vice Lords and David Dawley and consider how they can be just as brave and make an impact on their lives and the world around them.



3. A NATION OF LORDS chronicles the transformation of one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs from ruthless criminals to community leaders and activists. It is at once a horrifying and inspiring account, a must read for anyone with an opinion on the racial and economic oppression that plagues this country.



4. A violent but inspiring journey into what seems like Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." Much has changed since the Sixties, but A NATION OF LORDS remains instrutive as Dawley's success in moving an outlaw street gang into constructive community action offers lessons and encouragement for taking on the toughest challenges in urban development. A great read for anyone.



5. This book I thought would be entertaining to me. I found out it was written by a white man from New England who grew up in an upper class family and went to a fine university. He moved to the ghetto for 2 years to "hang" with the Black people and "try to get things done" as he says. I found it to be a book of propaganda sending messages to people about how blacks are mistreated. I am black myself and thought the book had some ok stories from news clippings but overall the book was junk. I wouldn't get this one. Try Uncle Tom's Cabin.

3 comments about The Black West: A Documentary and Pictoral History of the African American Role in the Westward Expansion of the United States.

1. This book is great and very informative. It tells how the West was won with the help of African-Americans, the things they had to endure during slavery and after freedom and how they establish productive communities.



2. Just a collection of informative vignettes detailing the Brothers and Sisters contributions to the creation of the Old West. Yet another piece of the historical African puzzle that everyone (but especially Blacks) need to become aware of.



3. THE BLACK WEST is a revised edition of an older book by William Loren Katz. He gives us a definitive history, not only of the Black people who helped settle the West, but also of the machinations of the United States to steal the land from the indigenous people. He includes the brawl with Santa Ana of Mexico regarding Texas as well as the struggle to take California from the Mexicans and the Indians. Katz lets us know that although Blacks were prominent in the settling of the West, they were not welcome additions. Many territories that later became states, passed "black laws" to restrict the entry of Blacks into the territories and to regulate their behavior once they were there. Two such laws were keeping them from voting and preventing them from attending the local schools.
   
   On the plus side, Katz gives the glittering history of the Black cowboys who herded the cattle, tamed the ponies and found gold. He even covers the lawbreakers who rustled cattle and gave Billy the Kid a run for his money in terms of bad behavior. Also there were those Blacks who were not willing to quietly accept the discrimination that they had left the states to avoid. Many of these individuals left a legacy of protest. Two women were told in a bar in Seattle, "We don't serve niggers here." They tore that place up. Then there was the sheriff who falsely arrested a Black Buffalo Soldier in Texas. Not only did his fellow soldiers protest, they ripped open the jail and took their comrade with them.
   
   The heartbreaking side was those Blacks who worked hard and long to buy their freedom. Once they had the money and gave it their owner, their owner would accept the money and then continue to keep them in bondage. Also, when Blacks discovered gold, irate gangs of Whites who wished to steal from them frequently ran them off the claim.
   
   This was an excellent book and in my opinion should be required reading for every school child in America. Katz does not sugar coat history as we've come so used to seeing in regular history books. He tells the good along with the bad. He makes the West come alive with his tales of individual courage as well as covering the ugly racism that has colored this country's history.
   
   Reviewed by Alice Holman
   of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers