No comments about Long Way From Home.

1 comments about Ready from Within: A First Person Narrative.

1. In fact, she is one of the great leaders of all time. This is clear instantly to anyone who reads her story, told calmly and clearly,absent any self-aggrandizement or ego. Her role was that of countless women organizers such as Rosa Parks in Birmingham and Fannie Lou Hamer in Mississippi, almost the only female leaders' names we have from that Movement, and the barely-known student leader Anne Moody (whose moving autobiography, "Coming of Age in Mississippi" is another powerful document of that time) who actually risked their lives every day to do the monumentally hard,thankless,daily organizing work that persuaded Black people one by one throughout the South to risk their livelihoods, their housing and credit for basic food supplies at the local white landowner's grocery store, and their very lives, to come to a meeting, or register to vote, or take any first step to be involved in overthrowing America's apartheid regime, known as "Jim Crow" in areas where to join the NAACP meant being lynched. She matter-of-factly shows it to be a role largely unrewarded, unnoticed by the mass media, and never credited at all. Moreover, she had to fight every day, every week, every month, not to be thrown out of regular SCLC meetings by Dr. Ralph Abernathy, who resented her leadership status apparently for no other reason than that she was a woman, and enormously effective. Dr. King, in defending her place at the meeting, clearly knew he would have no crowds to march in front of at all were it not for women like Septima Clark.

5 comments about Scam: How the Black Leadership Exploits Black America.

1. Tired of reverse-racism? This is for you. Rev Peterson shows what I think most people already realize. At least those who are honest about the issues discussed. I grew up in a segregated society. Really thought race would be a non-issue by now. Could be,- except for the self-serving hate-mongers and whiners. Peterson is worth the read. I support his noble efforts on behalf of us all.



2. This book will offend certain groups of people. However, it is very powerful and speaks the truth which the white majority are afraid to speak for themselves. Jesse Lee Peterson has lots of guts to stand up to being threatened & bullied by those who he opposes.



3. Mr. Peterson is speaking about things that MANY blacks speak about. The name calling, why? I have NEVER seen him call someone a uncle tom. All the people in the review that name call, may fell insecure about the truth. If you don't like Rev Peterson, continue to hate white people and read Dr. Dyson's garbage. If you want to change your life, then take personal responsibility and raise your standards. Kill the anger, and you will move forward.
   It is a great book from a good example of a person who stands up for what he believes in.



4. .......Rev. Jesse must have a lot of courage. Just look at the kill-the-messenger posts in these reviews and the name-calling.
   
   I love this man.
   
   He's standing up for the people whilst other black "leaders" busy themselves helping the Democrats keep the people shackled up by welfare in "voter plantations" (aka ghettoes and inner cities).
   
   What a waste of human capital. The REAL black power will happen when blacks realize that moving their votes to the Republican Party will doom the Democrats' welfare agenda for them, and earn them what is truly needed: vouchers for school choice. Real education would be the best "reparations."
   
   A remarkable man with remarkable bravery carrying a remarkable message.



5. At great personal risk, Rev. Peterson speaks out against the current Black leadership in America. His analyses of the problems in the Black community offers such common sense that it is difficult to understand how anyone could not see the truth of what he says. However, the Black leadership, along with the liberal White elites, have a vested interest in not solving these problems. As long as problems exist, these individuals and groups will continue to rake in millions of dollars in contributions, and they will wield power over the Black vote. When Black Americans start looking to themselves for the solution to problems of poverty, drug abuse, out of wedlock childbirth, and violence they will no longer give their power and their money to the likes of Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, or Louis Farrakhan. When Black Americans take on the responsibility themselves to rebuild their communities through hard work and a return to Christian values, they will free themselves from the chains of hate, victim-hood, and anger that the Black leadership so adeptly instills.
   
   I highly recommend that everyone concerned with helping the Black community and especially Blacks themselves, read this book. It will awaken everyone to how Black leaders promote racism while pretending to fight it. It describes in clear terms what happened that destroyed the family, and caused such chaos in the Black community. It offers the way back to stability, prosperity, strong families, and a healthy community.

2 comments about From the Deep Woods to Civilization: Chapters in the Autobiography of an Indian.

1. If you have read the writings of Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman); I HIGHLY recommend this book to you.

   It helped me understand the forces that shaped this man.

   My favorite areas are

   The assorted photos of his father "Many Lightnings", his wife, his son Ohiyesa at the age of 5.

   Events that occured while he was attending school in the East, and the bigotry he encountered from "SOME" white people.

   Events where he served as a medical doctor on the Pine Ridge reservation, and caring for the survivors of the Wounded Knee masacre in 1890.

   Events where he traveled among various indian nations to get items used by indians for museums.

   Events where he worked with the Boy Scouts and Campfire Girls.

   And much more.

   If this book is your introduction to the writings of Ohiyesa; I would recommend that your next purchase would be "The Soul Of The Indian".

   Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)




2. There are certainly not enough autobiographies of Native Americans, and few that can compare with Eastman's story and journey to find civilization. As Eastman follows Christianity and the White Man's Civilization, he finds himself realizing the paradox of the two worlds. Upon returning to a more civilized world, he gives a captivating look at how Jesus was an Indian and how different the White world and Native American world was during his life. A perfect self-enlightenment book.

5 comments about Freedom's Child: The Life of a Confederate General's Black Daughter.

1. Freedom's Child is an excellent read but I would not call it an academic read in any sense of the word. This is one woman's personal history, she is the grand-daughter of White Confederate General who openly acknowledged his mixed-race offspring but who also lived quite happily in the violent segreated world of the deep South of the time and who was not willing to stand up for his own children's rights much less anyone elses.
   
   Carrie Allen McCray endeavours to look at her maternal grandfather in a neutral light, she is after all of mixed heritage herself but in the end she is forced to admit that he was as much a secret to her as he was to the rest of their family, even her own mother didn't talk much about him, other than he was her father and he was white.
   
   I enjoyed Freedom's Child but it is not as good as say The Sweeter the Juice, Finding Grace and Life on the Color Line, Dear Senator mainly because I think that the author tries to hard to explain why her Grandfather was possibly the way he was whilst trying to stay true to her own mixed race background.
   
   All the same it is a good read and I am happy to give it five out of five because it adds to the subject of passing, mixed heritage, the aftermath of slavery and the legacy that has been passed down to many families throughout the USA.



2. In Freedom's Child : The Life of a Confederate General's Black Daughter by Carrie Allen McCray, the author relates how her maternal grandfather, a former Confederate general, was a very affectionate and responsible father to his mixed-race children. When the children married, however, their black-identified spouses were vehemently opposed to hearing any fond recollections of Papa, nor did they want the grandchildren to think of a white man as Grandpa. The author herself discovered her grandfather's relationship to her mother and uncles through research. He was not talked about in family circles.
   
   The general's daughter was a very white mulatto and not "black." There was a strange family need to divorce themselves from their white ancestry while prizing the genes those ancestors bequeathed.
   
   Passing for Who You Really Are



3. This is an amazing true story of one woman's searh for her past. Not only does she find it, but her pot of gold at the end of the rainbow was, at first, a mixed blessing. Carrie Allen McCray was forced to face her own prejudices when she discovered that her grandfather was not only a white man but he was a Confederate General in the Civil War. But he also played a major role in the life of his Black daughter. That daughter became a powerful civil rights leader and she was Carrie's mother. FREEDOM'S CHILD is wonderfully written and absorbing from the first page. I HIGHLY recommend it. It is not just the story of a Black family's history, it really is a story of America's history and how we are all truly linked.. like it or not. IT WOULD MAKE A WONDERFUL MOVIE!!!!



4. It seems to me that this book, along with Edward Ball's Slaves in the Family, offers a new and important look at the history of race relations in America. Both of them deal with situations that were not unique, but carefully swept under the rug. I applaud both authors for their work, and since Mrs. McCray has said she's writing another book, there is at least one reader, here in the nation's oldest city, who is anxiously awaiting it.



5. The description of Mrs. Mary McCray as an adult in Montclair, New Jersey and her struggles for "full freedom" are truly inspiring. I felt as if I was sitting in that kitchen listening to the anecdotes as they were told. I found the early part of the book, however, to read like a research paper with the footnotes included.

1 comments about Appropriating Blackness: Performance and the Politics of Authenticity.

1. APPROPRIATING BLACKNESS demonstrates a mastery of the field of performance studies and of the shifts and turns it has taken in its evolution. This fact makes Johnson's own observations about "performance" as trope all the more convincing and authoritative. This is the through-line that unites these essays into what a strong, rich, and important book to scholars working in performance studies, cultural studies, gender studies, American studies, and African American studies to name but a few areas. This broad appeal and significance represents Johnson's real success as an inter-disciplinarian where so many authors published today with such aspirations fall short. This is a very timely and impressively readable book presented with the air and authority of a scholar's expertise, but written in a style that is extremely approachable by general readers.

5 comments about Made in Detroit.

1. I am also a white male who is part of the Detroit diaspora. In my case I simply left for better economic possibilities elsewhere. Much like author Clemens I find the city and its dominant African American culture to be a great part of what has shaped my world view for a lifetime.
   
   Unlike author Clemons, I find America's racial barriers to be much greater beyond the boundaries of the city of Detroit, than within the friendlier confines of them. The older I get the more I find myself longing for the place, and the plain speaking warmth of its people. Because I consider the city of Detroit to be my home, I often return to visit.
   
   I wish I could recommend this book. I just can't! I think there is a dark space in Mr. Clemens soul that he is struggling with, but still refuses to confront. Call that dark space anything you like.



2. For the record- I grew up in East Detroit, right over the border from 8 Mile around 8&Kelly.
   
   I'm white, and I had plenty of white relatives who lived in Detroit. I went to an integrated private school on the border between Detroit and the suburbs, and had lots of black acquaintances with whom I got along with really well. I'd say, "I don't consider myself a racist," but the phrase doesn't benefit anyone. The people who would assume I'd say that, and who would judge me based on my skin- they'll presume I'm a racist no matter what I say.
   
   I'm here to say that I love this book- I was given it for fathers day last year, and I only picked it up to read in the past few weeks. I'm just finishing it and I can say without any doubts that this is a wonderful book that really pegs the thoughts and feelings of the author accurately. His thoughts and feelings on growing up in Detroit, and as a minority white in a black majority city are typical of my friends and families experiences.
   
   I love the city, and I love its people; although the majority of Detroiters seem to suffer from a "seige mentality" that leads them to make rather poor political choices. It seems- all you need to be successful as a politican in Detroit is highlight the troubles of the city and point North of 8 Mile indicating the problems were caused by outsiders. Or, at least that's my feeling- and this book captures that sentiment accurately.



3. Also being a white kid in a black city, I can relate to this book, as I too was sent to private schools to avoid the "dreaded" public schools in the Motor City.
   CONFESSIONS OF A CATHOLIC SCHOOLGIRL by Michelle Kane is another good book set in the city of Detroit, although the main character is from a broken home and not as lucky as Clemens to have both parents to turn to in confusing times.Confessions of a Catholic Schoolgirl



4. When I ordered this book, I thought that it might be about someone closer to my age (64) who grew up in the City of Detroit. It turns out to be a much younger man: one who grew up during the years just after I moved away from Michigan in 1972.
   Although this book is somewhat different than what I expected, it turned out to be a thoughtful read. Yes, there is a lot of Detroit history and visits to places I recall, but you do not have had to live in Michigan to enjoy this book. It covers family life, religion, schooling, racial issues and much more. I think that the book does bog down a bit near the end. This is where the author is trying to resolve much of his upbringing and beliefs. Nevertheless, MADE IN DETROIT is very worthwhile. Particularly wonderful is the description of the author's dad and his continuing episodes throughout the book. Reminded me a lot of my old man and many other Detroit relatives and acquaintances of my parents. The occasional glimpses into the personality of Coleman Young (Mayor of Detroit for many years) are quite humorous. Mr. Young was a real genuine character.



5. If the author had spent more time telling us about Detroit and less time telling us how literate he is then it would have been a lot better book.

5 comments about Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart.

1. I did something I rarely do: read a book in one sitting. I started around ten p.m. and ended up staying up until the wee hours of the morning.
   
   I was curious to read a book written by the wife of Carlos Santana. I remembered reading in the news that Deborah Santana (born Deborah King in 1951) had filed for divorce last fall - after the book was published. My curiosity however was mostly sparked by the desire to read about the life of a woman that I confess I knew nothing about until I picked up this book.
   
   It's said that behind every great man is a great woman. After reading this book, it's clear that Carlos is one lucky man - Deborah is quite a woman. (Most likely his infidelities was the reason for the seperation and - last I heard - impending divorce.)
   
   I give the book four stars because for the most part it's a brave, eloquent tale of a woman's life. It doesn't matter that she was with two famous men (Sly Stone, then Carlos Santana) - I could easily identify with her feelings and her struggle as a woman who is still finding her way.
   
   At times her writing is lyrical and moving - other times it veers into New Age & Pop Phychology Land, but thankfully she gets back on track before losing the reader (this reader anyhow).
   
   I obviously would not have stayed up late with a book I didn't like and I highly recommend it. (She also writes about the subject of being a biracial child).
   
   In all fairness it would be interesting to read a bio by Carlos himself in which we hear about the same years shared, but from his POV. Not that the infidelities didn't happen - he has not denied them - but still, it would make for great reading to hear his side of the story. Alas, I doubt we're going to see that book anytime soon.
   
   Together since around 1972 and married since 1973 and with three children, one wishes they could have made it.
   
   NOTE: Deborah's parents, her black musician father Saunders King and her white (Irish-American) mother Jo Frances were married for many years (he lived to be 91) and had what sounds like a very happy marriage. The passages about her parents made me want to read a book solely about her their life and marriage. It is when she writes about her father that her prose is the strongest - very "Alice Walkeresque". Maybe that will be Deborah's next book?



2. I enjoyed this very candid memoir by Deborah Santana. I found myself experiencing her joys, pains and understanding her need for a spiritual connection. I cried during her disappointments and smiled as she experienced a re-birth or a self-discovery if you will. I related to her loyal and committed spirit to those she loved and her family values. I truly appreciate Deborah Santana as an accomplished writer. This is a very well written piece of work and a great read.



3. I was so impressed with the book I bought copies for all my sisters and mother. We all loved the book and my 81 year old mother reads reads regency romance novels exclusively. A miracle ocurred and she read this book and didn't want to put it down! We all loved it. The book gave us courage and opened our hearts. THANKS Deborah.
   Sincerely,
   Karen Gravina Hull, Massachusetts



4. Deborah Santana opens her heart and life in this book much the same way a musician such as her father or husband does on stage. Truly a great writer Deborah chronicles a period of Rock and Roll as an insider. We are lucky to have an account from this period of two famous bands to which she was connected. But Space Between the Stars isn't just about Rock and Roll. It is a story of a strong woman who has survived that era and come out stronger. The Music on The Cds is incredible. Her son Salvador is likely to be a force in the music world, admired and respected as were his father and grandfather.



5. This is an amazing book full of truth and wisdom. "You house the truth of God's essence inside yourselves, to be heard in the wisper of silence". "Really, all brokenness is a lack of oneness with one's own spirit and light". For those unfamiliar with Carlos's wealth of music and message, we learn; "every note is chosen with the hope that in the listener it will sing a story, spark a journey to goodness and mercy". I laughed, I cried, I loved it! I am a middle aged white guy who honestly thinks Carlos Santana is a Prophet, chosen and inspired by God. Just listen to his music (all of it!). Deborah Santana is a gifted writer, who tells her story in a magical and compelling narative. The message is truley inspirational. Thank you.

5 comments about Aaliyah : More Than a Woman.

1. The author constantly goes off-topic, and the book is very boring. Aaliyah's life was not this boring, nobody's life is this boring!!
   
   Same thing goes for her another bio. HOW BORING WAS SHE???



2. I was very disappointed in this book. The author seemed more interested in writing about who he knew than about the rising star.



3. Aaliyah:More than a Women,written by Christopher John Farley,tells about the life of Aaliyah from when she first started acting and singing until her tragic death on August 25,2001.This book really tells the reader about Aaliyah's determination to become the best that she could be, and the way she strived to reach to the top .It explains about how she went to a school of the performing arts, and how she started acting when she was in the first grade in a production of Annie, and she would rehearse three hours a day, four days a week.Also the book tells how Aaliyah went to from a singer to an actress. The book also has quotes and stories,and memories about Aaliyah from many famous actors, producers, video and movie directors, music artists, and family members. I would recommend this book to Aaliyah fans. But I would also recommend this book to people who never thought about reading about Aaliyah because her life is really interesting. The only thing that I did not like about this book was that the author sometimes went off topic. The book is about Aaliyah, but he also started writing about other people, and subjects that didn't have anything to do with Aaliyah. But, besides that the book was pretty good.



4. For anyone who still feels the world's loss of Aaliyah, but isn't in to reading a long book, this is a great synopsis of her short life and all her accomplishments. I recommend to all of her fans.



5. Although, I thought that his Aaliyah Bio was'nt as bad as Kelly Kenyatta's, The downfall of Farley's book was that he failed to stay on the topic of Aaliyah-who was supposed to be the main subject of this book! It seemed liked veered off the subject to either fill pages because of lack of research; or because he just wanted to brag to the reader about all the rich and famous people that he knows. The highlight of this book was that the author was somewhat detailed about the details regarding the day of the crash and provided some nice publicity stills of Aaliyah-esp the ones from her last movie, "Queen of the Damned". I thought that he exaggerated a bit about this movies reviews, though.It may have earned alot of money in the first week, but ticket sales soon dropped after that when it was heard through word-of-mouth that although Aaliyah was playing the title role, her part was rather small, and she does'nt come into the story until towards the end and her character was then killed off. I'm a writer myself , and with the right "connections" and research, I know that I could 've written a much BETTER BOOK than both the authors Farley and Kenyatta put together. Bottom line: Check the book out of the library, But don't but it! It will be a waste of your money!

No comments about Making Malcolm: The Myth and Meaning of Malcolm X.