No comments about Bella Coola Man: The Life of a First Nations Elder by Clayton Mack.

5 comments about I'm Not Dancing Anymore.

1. I think Terri was brave to write this book. It seems to be a very honest account of her family, and their relationship to OJ. From what was written, OJ seemed to remove himself from HIS family, who obviously love him, and create a new family with Nicole and the Brown family, rarely having contact with his family, except it seems out of obligation. I think it is very telling of how OJ treated his family after the murders also,they ran to his side to support him,attended the entire trial,and yet he seemed dismissive of them.Terri recounts how he barely communicated with them, leaving the home a day after the murders and never telling them where he was.The Simpsons camped out at his home to support him, and were left in the dark,having to rely on the news to see what was going on.They were devoted to him at this time,and he seemed to prefer the company of his friends.He seemed to treat his family shabbily,and didn't seem to want or care about having their support.I think it is a telling account of what he is like,and his priorities which didn;t seem to include his own family. Terri also recounts how close he was to the Brown family,and how painful that was to her and her family. I think it is an honest account of her feelings about her Uncle OJ, and I think she tried to be fair about his guilt or innocence.She seemed to want to beleive he was innocent, but struggled with alot of questions and had some doubts.I do think that on the subject of Nicole, and her family,particularly her sisters, Terri seemed to be envious of them, reveals some not so nice stories about them, and left me wondering if her account was rooted in jealousy,which I can't say I blame her if you compare how Simpson seemed to favor the Browns. I think she felt angry about how the Browns were such a big part of OJ & Nicoles life,while her own family was left out of so much. I have read elswhere things about Nicole such as her temper, and how participated in fights etc. with OJ, but I don't think that makes her a bad person, and doesn't mean she deserved to be murdered. I think alot of it was Nicole trying to have some control of her life,defend herself,and fight back against the treatment she got from a very violent man. I don't say Nicole was perfect, just that Terri's account of Nicole & family is a bit shaded by jealousy,and from her desire to believe her uncle was innocent.
   All in all, a very good book, and I have alot of respect for Terri having the courage to write it. I believe overall it was an honest account of her story.



2. Terri, you did a beautiful job. I rented the book from the library and now I must own it. Your expresed yourself clearly about what it is like to have a famous person in your family. I know that Nicole was no angel and was even worse when she drank. I wondered how many people knew that she was under therapy for her temper. She pushed your uncle's buttons and one day she pushed to hard. It is just that simple. Just the things she would say to him about pushing a man around in a wheel chair one day. Well sweetheart that man that you are pushing around in that wheelchair made it possible for you to live the life that you did live. I will never understand this though, if she was oh so afraid of him, why did she go back to him?? He was doing very well with Paula until she wanted to come home, like some spoiled brat. Now I am not saying what happened to her should have happened to her; but I am saying that once you are divorced and have a one-half million dollar settlement plus child support, then you move clear across country. No but she had to stay up under O. J. For what love??? I don't think so.



3. When the OJ Simpson trial was being shown on television every night, I was about 12 years old, and never gave it my full attention. I was cognizant that most people thought that he had murdered his wife and her friend, but I didn't take the time to watch the happenings of the trial; it's just not a topic that will typically hold a 12 year old's attention. Now that I am 21, I am interested in knowing the facts as well as the skepticisms of the trial and murder. Terri Baker, (OJ Simpson's niece) did a great job of filling me in.
   
   
   
   Terri candidly informs her reader that OJ Simpson never really took up much time with his blood relatives. He preferred spending his leisure with Nicole Brown's family and his celebrity friends. On special occasions, the Simpson family would come together as a family, everyone except OJ. His visits were sporadic, and when he was around, his mind was somewhere else and everyone catered to his needs. She also says that the family had always put OJ on a pedestal, and no one ever confronted him with anything, even if they felt that he was doing something wrong. His money? Well, he made sure that he and Nicole lived lavishly, but he wasn't very generous with the Simpson family. In fact, they really didn't reap any financial benefits from OJ.
   
   
   
   OJ was physically abusive and very possessive of Nicole. The book states that there are recordings of Nicole calling the police because OJ had struck her. There are also photographs illustrating a battered Nicole.
   
   
   
   Terri was very vocal about the deaths of Nicole and Ron Goldman and the infamous "trial of the century." Although the Simpson was not very forthcoming with their feelings concerning the murders, Terri had a very difficult time coping. She was having problems at her job and eventually stopped working, and got heavy into alcohol. To this day, she is unsure if her Uncle committed those crimes, but it is something that will bother her for as long as she lives.
   
   
   
   She also let us know how spaced out her uncle was, namely during and after the trial. The day the verdict was announced, they threw a party at OJ's house, and someone congratulated him and asked him how it felt to be home, and he looked at them like they were insane. Terri also mentioned that during the trial, OJ had a very impassive look on his face which drew even more skepticism as to whether or not he is guilty.
   
   
   
   I really, really enjoyed this book and all it said about OJ and the lives of he and his family. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to become more knowledgeable of the trial of the century.



4. I thought this book was very good. Terri did not take sides in this book. she stood by her family even when she had doubts about her uncle. terri tells us over and over in the book how OJ has little to do with his family. I am glad to see that she saw this and was not blind like most of her family was. it is good to hear she has her life back on track. good book with lots of info about OJ and his family.



5. Terri Baker has produced a well written book based on her eyewitness account of the O.J. Simpson murder trial and all that followed. I feel that to say I "enjoyed" the book would be somewhat sadistic, but it was worth the read for anyone that had any type of interest in O.J. Simpson and/or the murder investigation and trial.
   
   This appears to have been a labor of unconditional love, self-analysis, loyalty, forgiveness and healing. It took courage to write a book that is so personally revealing of herself, The Browns, The Goldmans, The Dream Team, Kato Kaelin, Paula Barbieri her Uncle O.J., Rockingham and the rest of the Simpson family. As I read this book, I felt as if I was there among all the family, friends, groupies, media and those that were along for the celebrity ride. Ms. Baker has given her readers an up close and personal view of everything one could imagine and then some things one probably had not thought of. At times I felt she gave the reader more information than we really needed to know, but in order for the reader to fully understand...she had to let the reader into those sacred, private and personal moments.
   
   Her compelling accounts of the various incidents, conflicts, awkard moments and private moments made me feel her every emotion. She provides information about Nicole that not even the tabloids exposed. However, she did not provide a lot of information about Justin and Sydney, but I can understand her respecting the innocent children that have lost more than anyone in this entire ordeal.
   
   If you take away the "celebrity" from the Simpson Family...you have just about any family in the world. The issues and family secrets that the Simpsons share are typical of many dysfunctional families. But most people probably have never really analyzed things as deeply as Ms. Baker did.
   
   Upon finishing the book, I felt that Ms. Baker has made peace with her dysfunctional family, confronted and conquered her demons, picked up the pieces of her life that were lost during the trial and learned how to make lemonade out of lemons.
   
   The book left me wondering though...has O.J. ever shown any gratitude to his family for their dedication, love and loyalty during his ordeal. Did he learn anything from all of this? Has he read this book? How does he feel about this book? Some family members lost jobs and money by choosing to stand by his side all those months. The traveling back and forth, the great financial expense and personal scarifice was a high price to pay. I do hope that he eventually lavished his family with some financial blessings as he did for The Browns and others over the years.

2 comments about Barack Obama: The Politics of Hope (Shapers of America) (Shapers of America).

1. The bubble has yet to burst on Barack Obama's campaign to get the Democratic nomination for president, but whether he returns to the U.S. Senate or becomes the first president of African-American descent, this juvenile biography will provide a solid introduction to Obama for any young reader who is inspired to find out more about the man. Although copyrighted for 2008, "Barack Obama: The Politics of Home," has already been published and it tells the story of how a "Kenyan Kansan" ended up in Washington, D.C. Author William Michael Davis provides a look at Obama's entire life, spending as much time on when "Barry" was in school (like his young readers) as when Obama starting running for office to "create a better politics."
   
   Davis begins this biography at the moment that many Americans were first introduced to Obama, when the obscure state senator from Illinois delivered the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and suddenly gained a national reputation. Obama's speech was reminiscent of Barbara Jordan's keynote at the 1976 Democratic National Convention and Mario Cuomo's keynote in 1984. Both of those celebrated orations thrust their speakers into national politics--there was talk of putting Jordan on the ticket as vice-president and Cuomo was considered a potential candidate for a decade after his dazzling oration--but only Obama actually became a candidate for the highest office in the land. So even if young readers do not remember the speech or its coverage, telling the story of the impact it made is a great starting point for this biography.
   
   After looking at Obama's speech, chapters are devoted to Barack Hussein Obama being raised in Hawaii by a mother from Kansas, a father from Kenya, and a step-father from Indonesia, going to college, becoming a community organizer, and attending Harvard Law School, where he was the first black president of the "Harvard Law Review." The second half of the book looks at how Obama set down roots in Chicago's South Side, became a state legislator, and was then elected to the U.S. Senate. The final chapter, "We've Got to Create a Better Politics," covers the decision to run for President, the main opponents he faces for the Democratic nomination, and what running a presidential campaign is like these days. Davis does not get into Obama's political positions, instead focusing more on his optimistic political philosophy.
   
   Reading this book I am reminded of some juvenile biographies of Colin Powell that I read a decade ago when there was speculation that he might throw his hat into the ring and run for President. I remember thinking they should have waited for Powell to decide because there could be more to the story to tell. That did not prove to be the case with Powell, and whether Obama goes on to the White House or simply has a lengthy career in the U.S. Senate, Davis's book explains why so many people are excited about him as a politician. The back of the book includes a Chronology of key events in Obama's life from 1961 to 2007 when he announced his candidacy, Chapter Notes documenting all of Davis's sources, a list of articles about and books by Obama for Further Reading, a trio of useful Internet Resources where readers can go to find out more, and a standard Index. The book is illustrated with dozens of photographs, both color and black & white.
   
   This book is one of the early releases in a series of eight Shapers of America volumes that offers an interesting cross-section of figures from American history. In addition to Obama we have "Jim Beckwourth: The Man Who Opened the West," "John C. Calhoun: Champion of States' Right," "John Marshall: The Man Who Made the Court Supreme," "Billy Mitchell: Evangelist of Airpower (Shapers of America)," "J. Robert Oppenheimer: Father of the Atomic Bomb," "Sacagawea: Lewis & Clark's Pathfinder," and "Ida Tarbell: Crusading Journalist." Obama hardly qualifies as one of the Shapers of America given that roster of Americans, but there is no question that he is inspiring millions of young kids to becoming interested in politics and to accept the idea that if he can run for president, then maybe we all are created equal in this country.



2. Part of the "Shapers of America" series, Barack Obama: The Politics of Hope is a remarkably extensive biography for young adults about the charismatic African-American state senator from Illinois who has become one of the Democratic Party's most prominent figures. Tracing the journey of his life from Hawaii and Indonesia to Harvard Law School, Chicago's South Side, and the halls of Congress, Barack Obama is illustrated throughout with black-and-white as well as color photography. Chapter notes and an index round out this highly accessible resource especially recommended for school and community library collections.

5 comments about The Noise of Infinite Longing: A Memoir of a Family--and an Island.

1. After reading other reviews, I felt I had to jump in. I'm fascinated by the readers who found the memoir detached and passionless, noiseless, and even classist.
   
   First, the detachment. Yes, there is detachment in the book, and it is not only essential--it would be very difficult to write such a painful and extensive memoir, or any memoir for that matter, without a certain amount of detachment--but referenced repeatedly by the author herself--she is painfully aware of her own detachment, catches herself in the lies she tells in order to perpetuate it, is self-aware enough to show remorse but not to change. It feels very real to me; without that detachment, she would be a very different woman, writing a very different memoir.
   
   Second, the so-called classism. I think the people who felt Terregrosa was classist in her writing are completely missing the subtle (was it even subtle? seemed apparent to me) irony with which she writes about her mother's comments and the history of her parents' families. It is her mother, perpetuating her own generation's sense of the world, who makes the comments about the Peurto Ricans who must have had a better life back home, in the sun, not the author. And Terregrosa makes a point of speaking in her mother's voice when talking about her in-laws 'being from good families,' etc. Her mother's lack of class consciousness, like her lack of self-awareness or awareness of her children's needs, was all part of her inability to take responsibility for her mistakes, to see the reality of any situation.
   
   And the noiselessness. I suppose this criticism stems from the title. First of all, the 'noise of infinite longing' suggests a kind of hum, a quiet creeping in of memory. But as far as noise--or sound--in the book as a whole, there is plenty--the sounds of 'The Island' are described in vibrant detail, as are the comparable sounds in the Phillipines, as is the too-quiet of Texas, as are the varying volumes--sometimes whispering, sometimes shouting, often simultaneous--of family life.
   
   And finally, the lack of passion. I have to wonder whether the passion would be questioned, indeed if the book itself would be so questioned, if it were strictly heterosexual. Setting aside Torregrosa's own relationships for a moment, the passions and sometimes anti-passions between the author's mother and father, between her siblings and their partners, are unmistakable. If the author's relationships seem less passionate, which I'm not agreeing they do, perhaps it is because they are, as far as her family (and perhaps certain readers) is concerned, not appropriate, not legitimate, not acceptable, not even truly discussable.
   
   I think the memoir is a brilliant representation of how we continue to love and be haunted by those who hurt us the most, how distance (or detachment) can only muffle the pain, how family molds, shelters, and even betrays.



2. I was saddened by this memoir/biography. Ms. Lopez Torregrosa certainly writes bravely about her tortured family dynamics. But every other page was marred by her class bias against Puerto Ricans of lesser circumstances. Did her mother really wonder aloud why Puerto Ricans would come to the United States from the Island to live in poverty? She recalls her mother saying, why don't they stay on the Island where they could have sun and food? It's because they were hungry that they had to leave Puerto Rico. At one point, the author is living without a penny in New York, but she cannot bring herself to acknowledge any solidarity with the Puerto Rican migrants that shame her so. As a descendent of the people who had to migrate I can guarantee that they would have opened their doors to her, given her a meal and glowed with pride at her achievements.



3. A memoir of the author reminiscing the days of her youth and up to the time of her mother's and then her father's death in Puerto Rico and many other places including Texas and the rest of the world. The children were quite close to each other while young, but as adulthood matured so did the closeness decrease in intensity and by the time everyone attended their father'funeral they had not all been together for 15 years. There is no noise in this story unless you wish to call it the noise of yearnings as this is a pleasant rundown of a family with the highs and lows of life discussed with expertise.



4. Luisita Lopez Torregrosa's book is very well-written, but I was not moved by this book, even though it deals with very personal and emotionally painful issues. The author seems extremely detached, even when talking about her "raw passion." In fact, Lopez Torregrosa is the least interesting of the characters in the book. Her mother and sister seem like more complex figures. I much prefer Esmeralda Santiago's memoirs, which are far more readable and engaging, even if they sometimes resort to cliches. At least she makes you care for the characters, and her own personal hardships, which Lopez Torregrosa unfortunately does not.



5. A must read for educated immigrants who find themselves constantly having to jump loopholes in order to win over stereotypes!
   Torregrossa narrates her and her mother's story as puertorrican women in search of identity, self realization and ultimately happiness in difficult social circumstances. Torregrossa depicts and honors the memory of her mother and illustrates how this pioneer tries to open barriers for herself and her family despite a wrongful marriage and a society that cannot figure her out and wants her back in the household between her social barriers.
   I personally found many passages in which the author spells out truths about being a successful woman in a biased, and sometimes racist environment to be the absolute unspoken truth for professional women with an accent.
   I also like the fact that she intends to depict herself and her family for who they really are, regardless of how some may interpret their actions as signs of weakness.
   This is a book I intend to read again.

No comments about Leer Lolita En Teheran.

No comments about The Gentle Giant.

5 comments about Voices in the Mirror: An Autobiography (Harlem Moon Classics).

1. This is an excellent book and all young people should read this. It contains history lessons that will open ones eyes.



2. I'm surprised that this book has not gained more notarity. I am an admirer of Gordon Parks. His story is one of inspiration and challenge. An imperfect man who maximized his potential. Gordon Parks is an American Icon. Author, composer, photographer, and mentor his life is simply amazing. From being proclaimed dead at birth to succeeding at everything he touched; his life embodies hope and aspiration.



3. This book is full of life lessons and was told by a man who had plenty of experience to tell them. He speaks about his upbringing, which was humbling to say the least. He tells about the first camera he ever purchased. Not having much experience at all, he took some shots, and the rest was history from that standpoint. He was always humble, and just enjoyed doing the things he loved: photography, literature, and music. He made the most of his opportunities when he was given them. His undying love and support for the poor and the less fortunate is well-chronicled, and his loyalty to fellow Blacks at the harshest of times put him in very compromising situations, but he was always able to adapt, sympathize, and relate to his subjects, and it showed in all of his work. He never compromised his beliefs for personal gain, and he was widely respected for it. This book is a reminder to all who may give up on hoping, dreaming, and staying positive. It's a reminder that life is full of twists and turns, hills and mountains. If you stick it out, the sky's the limit. He is an inspiration to all.



4. I enjoy reading about a person's life and IN VOICES IN THE MIRROR, the autobiography of Gordon Parks, I found his story interesting, edifying and at times inspirational. Mr. Parks was born into a life where the world made differences in people based on the color of their skin and not their character. However, instead of using their biases as a crutch to not succeed, he worked hard to make his dreams come to fruition.
   
   Mr. Park's life spans many decades, wars and social climates in America. At age 15, he was homeless and living a depressing existence. He worked menial jobs to survive. He persevered and went from working on the railroad to being the first African-American photographer for Life and Vogue magazines. His life's adventures took him all over the world to cover some of the most politically disturbed countries, America's civil right's struggles, as well as Third World areas where poverty was rampant, all which were captured for posterity with his camera. He also composed a musical concerto, wrote books and penned poetry. His first novel, The Learning Tree was made into a motion picture, where he was the director and executive producer, which was an unknown anomaly during this period of time. Let's not forget he was the director of Shaft. His stories and pictures touched the hearts of many Americans, and during his life he received many accolades for what he enjoyed doing. So from the dirt roads of Kansas, Mr. Parks graduated from the school of hard knocks but lived a life that is and was so illustrious, fulfilling and awe-inspiring.
   
   This autobiography presents itself as an honest rendition of Mr. Park's life. He tells his story eloquently and allows readers to feel the emotions he was experiencing in each particular time of his life. He tells readers how powerful a picture can be and the pictures interspersed throughout are a testament to this truth. Readers get a glimpse into his marriages, children and even grandchildren and he shows us he is fallible as well. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this autobiography from the private conversations with Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali; to showing the people in his hometown he indeed was successful, because his life is a history lesson. He made great strides for African-Americans, and no matter how angry and depressed with the situations he faced, he continued to move forward. When the final door shuts on his life, his legacy will always remain.
   
   Reviewed by Cashana Seals
   of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers



5. Never before have I read a book with such honesty flowing off the pages. As Gordon Parks talks about his life from a young boy to a man you can feel everything he is going through. He doen't hide his feelings and lets you know how he felt at certain times in his life. When he talks about the hate he saw growing up and how he felt about white men, you can sence what it must have been like for him to challenge the odds and become one of the most powerful photographers of his time. Another thing that real made this book powerful was when he talked about his time as a Photo journalist for Time, having to tell people everything through the voice of a journalist and not an activist. He also makes the clear point that pictures speak louder than words. He remarks many times that he used his camera when others like red jackson used a gun. The camera is a powerful weapon in the right hands. If you have ever seen an of Gordon Parks's work or seen his movies, you will enjoy this book. It is a personal glimps in to the life of the man behind the camera.

No comments about Brown Face, Big Master (Caribbean Classics).

5 comments about Between Each Line of Pain and Glory: My Life Story.

1. Of a certainty, Gladys Knight is one of the top r&b vocalists of hers or any time. The girl can sing. Of all of her contemporaries Gladys still sounds the best. She out sings, Aretha, is more consistent than Patti, her career is more on track than Diana's, more lucid and controlled than Chaka and is still singing in the same keys, unlike Dionne Warwick. Today is her day. She has a great show in Vegas.
   
   Gladys Knight's account of her life reads as a cleaned up version of the truth. She glosses over the gambling addiction in her life and never explains the truly difficult marriage she must have had with Barry Hankerson. I want to know why her son was sooo fat at such an early age. What emotional need or demon was not being fed? Ms. Knight's discretion due to concern about her children rings false. The ladies she dissed all have children. Cut the comedy, please.
   
   Gladys threw in the obligatory gossipy tales about Aretha, Diana and a slight dis to Patti; old and tired tactics to sell a book. Do yourself a favor and find this sleeping pill in the library and look up the comments about other female artists and leave the book there.
   
   Jealousy is an ugly thing. It was ugly when Miss Ross had Gladys and the Pips removed from a tour and it is just as ugly years later when she refers to Diana as "Miss Cute". Gladys was an innocent country church girl who got kinda gaught up in the whole show biz thang.....Suuuure, honey. We all believe you.
   
   Motown was the best thing that ever happened to Gladys and her group. Motown gave them a number 2 hit and many other chances at success. The second class treatment is a allegation made by all but the Temptations and the Supremes. Everyone else drowned in the wave that was Diana Ross. Oh, I'm so bored with this old song! Add Gladys' name to the long list of Motown ladies who blame one woman for their inability to be everything she became.
   Move over Mary, Martha, and so many others to make room for Gladys. It was her group's sucess at Motown that gave them the platform to go to Buddah and eventually shine as they did. It was just a matter of time. Didn't Gladys learn in Sunday School that everything has a season? When Gladys and her family group arrived at Motown she had uneven teeth that pushed her lip out on one side and a eye that wandered. Old pictures don't lie. Some good Motown money helped her get it together in the looks department. She should thank Motown. She refused to participate in the Motown 25. Motown helped make you a household name. From the chitlin' circuit to "good clubs" and television on the heels of "Miss Cute" and others at Motown. Shut up.
   
   Let's tell the truth, shall we? Everyone in the "Business of Show" has enormous egos or they wouldn't be there. Some people have folk in their lives who keep them grounded more than some others. Most have internal barometers that help keep their souls in check. I have a hard time believing that any of these divas are as unassuming and humble as they want their fans to believe.
   
   For stories that come across as more authentic read; Patti Labelle, Chaka Khan, Tina Turner or Darlene Love and a few others who paint a more balanced and honest picture of themselves.
   
   Trivia Question: Gladys Knight made a movie in the 70's in which she was the featured actress. What was the name of it? Find out and view it then tell me if you think Berry Gordy's inordinate attention to the level one stars that ruined Gladys' chance at greater success.



2. I have always admired Gladys Knight enormously as an entertainer. Ever since hits such as "Neither one of Us" and "Midnight Train", my love for her music never waned. After all of these years, she is to be commended for her longevity in such a competitive industry.
   
   As for the book, I enjoyed it so much that I read it within a 1-day period. Admittedly, after I read the prologue in which she gave an overview of her life, I was thinking "well, what else is there to know?" However, I quickly found the book to be quick-moving, enjoyable, and replete with lessons for living. She has had a very rich life in terms of both her ups and downs---and you'll likely be inspired by both.
   
   Whenever I read biographical books, their historical references are usually illuminating. Gladys' book provides lots of insights into the singing and recording industry of old. I'm always fascinated by Motown stories anyway.
   
   The book is well written with clarity that makes it flow smoothly; yet sophistication that sent me to the dictionary from time to time.



3. Gladys Knight's autobiography was not as compelling as Patti's DON'T BLOCK THE BLESSINGS, but make no bones about it, this lady has paid her dues for being the icon that she is, and the diva that she will always be. As a child performing on the TED MACK AMATEUR HOUR, a star was being groomed, but the pitfalls that she encountered while the Pips were being formed, from racism to the sexual attack, left a mark that made her stronger wtih each day that went by. The most interesting monents were during her discussion about how they were treated as a "second-tier" group when they brought Motown several hits. It seems that Berry Gordy and Diana Ross had other plans for the group, and the company made a few rules along the way on how they would be paid. Leaving Motown would be the biggest feather in their caps and the best part was when nobody looked back. She also clear up what went on behind the SISTERS IN THE NAME OF LOVE showcase, the "who discovered The Jackson Five" debate, and the dissolving of her three marriages. Quite long during her teenaged years, everything leads up to this moment, and never let it be said that Ms. Knight is not a survivor.



4. Oh, I just love Gladys and I just really enjoyed reading this book. I appreciate her for being so forthcoming with her experiences without losing any of her trademark, down home southern wit to guide the reader through each chapter. Her rifts with other performers struck me as interesting. You know, I can see, in also reading Aretha's memoir, where the two divas clash. Both ladies do have the tendency to act as if they started every musical trend and discovered everybody. Glady's account of the origin of "Midnight Train to Georgia" is totally false, as is her little conversation with Nat "King" Cole (Hon, Natalie was only maybe a year old). Nonetheless, her inside tips about the music business and juggling parenthood and the business i found very informative and useful, as i too, aspire to sing. I just love her so much and I loved this book. God Bless you Gladys.



5. Oh, just picked up the paperback to seeing her on an old 'Jeffersons' rerun (remember that). Loved this book! Gladys has always been a favorite of mine- that rich, flawless delivery underlined with down to earth truth and conviction- she is among the leading voices that brought soul music to the mainstream America in the 1960's.
   I was mist intrigued by her honesty throughout the book, especially in speaking of her parenting of her children. I commended her for that. Her gambling addiction was another testament of how she overcame adversity and came out a winner, which was another source of inspiration for myself. I also really appreciated her honesty in relation to her tenure with Motown and the treatment they received while on the legendary label.
   And then there was the dirt! What is the deal between she and Aretha? I always perceived that they would be good friends, especially since both encompass such mesmarizing, soulful voices.... I love Dionne, and I could not see her acting the way Patti portrayed her.
   This is a inspirational, well written piece of work. I would recommend this purchase and much love and success to Ms. Knight for decades to come.

3 comments about The Quality of Hurt: The Early Years, the Autobiography of Chester Himes.

1. Reads like a novel at times...or like an autobiography from the 17th or 18th centuries....Chester tells you the good and the bad about himself...the range and scope of the book are amazing. No just about Black Americans, but about all outsiders or people who feel outside the mainstream. One of the best autobios I've read in a long time.



2. I enjoyed the book. It was riveting. Chester Himes lived a very rich and challenging life. I have come to believe that we are defined by our relationships. It is very clear to me that his relationships as an adult were definitely affected by his dysfunctional home. He was certainly a man of courage and action who took risks and suffered the consequences of failure and celebrated the fruits of success. His vivid descriptions of events and people made me feel as If I had travelled back in time and to each new faraway place that fate took him.



3. I remember my father telling me how he kept "colored" workers out of the factory in Cleveland where he worked: He gave them a very low workbench so that they would have to bend down to operate the machinery and so suffer excruciating back pain until they quit.

   Now turn that around and BE that worker. Feel the mounting frustration, the fear and loathing. Not once, not a dozen times, not seven times seventy times. But every waking moment of every day.

   What Chester Himes does in this first volume of his autobiography is to make you, the reader, feel that frustration. You can see how it worked its way into Chester Himes's work, his relationships, even between the pores of his skin. It explodes into self-destructiveness when he is arrested and convicted for armed robbery, serving a seven and a half year sentence in the Ohio Penitentiary. When he could take it no more, he escapes to Europe. He spends time in France, England, and Spain and finds some few places where he could be a man without arousing strong antipathy.

   The early scenes in the United States have a frenetic quality about them, as Himes is always on the move. "And although I did not it at that time, I was never to stop moving, always one jump ahead of disaster, always a hair's breadth away from destitution; until I can truthfully say there has been nothing in my life but change." (p. 293)

   The second half of the book deals with his relationship with a white women named Alva whom he had met on the boat ride over to Europe. From Paris, they move to Arcachon, and then to London -- where the prejudice is so thick you could cut it with a knife -- and from thence to Mallorca and finally back again to Arcachon and Paris. All this takes place before the success of his Harlem detective novels with Grave Digger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson.

   "The American black is a new race of man ...," he writes on p. 285. "And for those hackneyed, diehard, outdated, slaverytime racists to keep thinking of him as a primitive is an insult to the intelligence. In fact, intelligence isn't required to know the black is a new man -- complex, intriguing, and not particularly likeable. I find it very difficult to like American blacks myself...."

   There is something rough-hewn and brutally honest about Himes that I've always liked. I could not stop thinking, however, that it was he who ran into my father in Cleveland and got the low workbench.