5 comments about A Choice of Weapons (Borealis Books).

1. "A Choice of Weapons" is one of my favorite books. The compelling autobiographical story captures for us the experience of one of America's greatest treasures, Gordon Parks. His path from poverty and isolation to riches and notoriety is much more than just a story, it's an accounting of his life as an African American with rural roots in an America that was not welcoming nor supportive-- despite his amazing talent. He overcame that to become one of the world's best-known photographers, filmmakers, poets, and musicians. A fine person, strong with his mother's teaching, he brought his spirit to the world.
   
   Mr. Parks was recently buried in his hometown (Fort Scott, KS), not long after coming home to a wonderful celebration of his life and work-- a celebration that is an annual affair as part of the Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity that has been founded there. I met him during the first celebration in 2004, going into the old Liberty Theatre to view a retrospective of his films. He was charming and personable, and his eyes sparkled with happiness; the peace of forgiveness and homecoming emanated from him. He had struggled and triumphed, and the prairie wind was still fresh within him.
   
   I encourage everyone to read this book and to explore the huge body of Gordon's work. You will be moved. You will be spurred to find the best of yourself...



2. I write this after hearing the news of his passing. This book gave hope to another youth who had lost his parents and was looking for a reason to become a man. The effect this book had on me cannot be overestimated. It was to set me on the path to becoming a photographer, and to pursue writing among other things. It was required reading for me when I was in High School, and the only book I read all the way through.



3. The book is interesting reading eventhough the narrator sounds a bit self-righteous to me. Too much of "I always knew best" for my taste. This is only referencing the personal remarks in the book; the description of the grinding poverty in the big cities and what the Depression years did to the people is really well written. All in all, I'd wish that especially young people read this book.



4. I absolutely love this book.
   I am an avid reader but reserve my recommendations for very few books and authors. I hold dear a carefully chosen list of books that receive unjustly low profiles and recommend them to always-thankful friends. This book, by Gordon Parks, (as well as Manchild in the Promised Land, by Claude Brown) rank high on my list. Gordon Parks is an amazingly gifted human being.



5. .... In my opinion,its imagery and descriptive scenarios will have you imagining as if it were you in the midst of the Great Migration. Concluding that "youth as it should be at seventeen was not for me, and that full manhood must come quickly if I was going to make it", Parks describes the journey in which he endures in order to make it through various seasons in the year. In trying to conquer the obstacles that each season brings, Parks learns to rely on his "choice of weapons" which allow him to see different walks of life. If you do choose to read Parks' autobiography, please don't forget to reflect upon what choice of weapons you have chosen in coping with life.

No comments about Born to Win: The Authorized Biography of Althea Gibson.

No comments about Ready to Die: The Story of Biggie Smalls Notorious B.I.G..

1 comments about White Grizzly Bear's Legacy: Learning to Be Indian.

1. Lawney Reyes is the artistic member of a remarkable Native American family. His brother was Bernie Whitebear, the leader who founded United Indians of All Tribes Foundation in Seattle and led the fight to build the Daybreak Star Cultural Center at Fort Lawton. Their sister, Luanna, was responsible for the establishment of the Seattle Indian Women's Health League. And Lawney, well, Lawney is a superb artist who has created many, many beautiful sculptures and works of art that grace homes, buildings and institutions throughout our state. He is a quiet and unassuming man who has written a quiet and unassuming book of great power and grace. Read it and understand the man. Read it and understand his family, his people, his odyssey. Marvel at the character and talent that has found expression in Lawney and his brother and sister. Thanks to the University of Washington Press for publishing this book so that more people can know and remember.

No comments about Mandala.

2 comments about Mandela: A Critical Life.

1. In just a little over 200 pages, "Mandela: A Critical Life" tells the story of how Nelson Mandela rose to the top of the African National Congress and emerged as an icon in South African politics. The author taught political science at Wits University, has good contacts in the ANC, and is an expert on black politics in South Africa. His book is a masterpiece of insight and compression. That said, it is not for beginners looking for straightforward biography. The text follows Mandela's life and career chronologically, but the analysis/biography ratio is high, and readers without background knowledge of 20th century South African history would be quite lost.



2. I had read Nelson Mandela's autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom" some time ago. I was hoping to find an objective and complimentary third party analysis of his extraordinary story. I am happy to say that Tom Lodge's book provided me exactly with what I was looking for. Lodge has authored a persuasive and unbiased examination of the public and private life of one of 20th century's greatest men.
   
   The book provides a fascinating view on the crafting of the Mandela icon by himself and those around him. It is also interesting to understand the details that Mandela has consciously chosen not to include in his autobiography, such as, for example, some of the more humiliating treatments inflicted on him by South African prison guards.
   
   Considering the book's relatively short length, Lodge's assessment of the important events underlying Mandela's life is, in many cases, remarkably extensive, often considering the view of multiple sources from varying stand points. That being said, Mandela's political development, especially in the period of time prior to his long term imprisonment, is multifaceted and involves a large number of people and organizations. As a result, readers for whom this is an introduction to Mandela's story might be better off starting with his autobiography, "Long Walk to Freedom", and reading Lodge's work as an excellent second book on this subject.

5 comments about Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: The Big Picture--The Music! The Man! The Legend! The Interviews: An Anthology.

1. I purchased this book for my sister for her birthday because is is a Die-Hard MJ fan and she just loves everything about this book!!, The pictures, The Interviews she says that it even has MJ opinion about how he felt about the his earlier hits. So I say this is a very excellent book to purchase for yourself if you too are a die-hard fan of MJ'S or even if you know someonre who is they won't be disappointed.
   
   P.S. It even has his lyrics to certain songs. So how can you go wrong? this book was worth every cent I sent to it knowing how happy it made my sister.



2. This 300 page book is not just another book on Michael Jackson! This book is unique and a mile from the rest! It's packed with detailed information on the life and career of the entertainer. It's a well-written book that can be housed in any public library or on any high school bookshelf. Yet, I have noticed that this clean book on Michael Jackson doesn't appear to be selling as well as all the other books that are on the market about him. What a pity! This book is more of a literary work on the Superstar life and career than any of the others that I have read. But it's missing one main ingredient - Trash! It doesn't really get into throwing stones and pulling what-ifs opinions out of the wind.
   But that's the world we're living in. Give the people what they want, and what they want is dirty laundry over good writing! Decent works like this one get left behind!



3. this book is basicaly a bunch of facts on the star with itntrevew tranacriptions and some nice pictures thown in although the way the book is set up is a little odd and the typing errors in the first few chapters lead me to belive that it was rushed to prir This book iss not a bio it was a book put togther by a big fan that becaily said michael jackson is cool and heres why after quickly going over his personal life (and not in much detail) it basicaly breaks down what hes done with somerarelly seen at least in some areas of the word intervieews printed



4. this Book is very Detailed&the world Owes Michael Jackson as does the Media a Big saying they are Sorry.He is One o fthe Greatest Musicians Ever. He has Broken down many barriers.Michael Jackson is a Civil Rights leader&Strogn Pressence that will never be denied.almost 40 year career.He is the King of Pop&this Book goes into many areas acknowledging His Genius&timeless Musical Qualitys.



5. This is a beautiful book from the front cover to the back. It's a down-to-earth, no-non sense read on the entertainer. It's a keepsake for the bookself.

2 comments about Sisters of the Spirit: Three Black Women's Autobiographies of the Nineteenth Century (Religion in North America Series).

1. Andrews brings together the spiritual autobiographies of three African American Christian women ministers: Jarena Lee, Zilpha Elaw, and Julia Foote. His historical introductions provide a solid foundation for the original texts. The original texts, united as they are in one place, demonstrate a remarkable convergence of themes, predominant among them the theme of identity in Christ overcoming shame and suffering in the world.
   
   While not everyone will perhaps agree with the decisions made by any of these three women ministers, everyone will be stretched by their lives and by their message.
   
   Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," and "Spiritual Friends."



2. Everyone (especially a Woman of God) should read this book! These (3) women were wonderously made to do The Lord's work against all odds!
   Their adventures (although obviously enhanced in grammar)and the history alone is enough. The power just leaps off the pages and you can feel the spirit. I actually had to lay the book down sometime because of the power of the written words that I was receiving into my spirit.
   I read the book sometime ago.. and so moved that I'm reading it again!! and maybe even more times in the future. You should "Give" any special sisters you have in your life a copy It's definitely one of those books that you can read more than once and still find JOY!! I rate Higher 5 Stars PLUS PLUS PLUS!!

5 comments about Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life.

1. Not your average dry politician story, the book glosses over Richardson's vision for oil independence (read his other book for that) and many of his impressive accomplishments: 14 years in the House, Ambassador to the U.N., Secretary of Energy, and New Mexico governor since 2002--instead focusing on the intensely personal moments of a man whose life reads like a James Bond spy novel but who is not afraid to share the tender moments, drawing the reader into his world and heart.
   
   Richardson diplomacy gets results. His often self deprecating manner is deceptive, as he is acutely aware of the conflicting considerations that influence the other party. He is not afraid to negotiate with "bad guys", aptly pointing out: "you don't negotiate with your friends." He doesn't give inappropriate ground, believing the U.S. has so much clout that other countries make concessions simply for the opportunity to have a discussion. Richardson's life and work demonstrate the opposite of G. W. Bush's apparent policymaking credo: "When Diplomacy Fails." His characteristic personal touch obtains impressive results with world leaders: nominated five times for the Nobel Peace Prize (this year he must win, it is long overdue) for extensive peace-work, including the following:
   
   Major nuclear security and non-proliferation efforts and accomplishments in the 1990s;
   
   2006 negotiation of the release of Chicago Tribune journalist Paul Salopek and his driver and translator from Sudanese Rebels, and further negotiating for UN Peacemakers to be allowed into Darfur;
   
   Complex and delicate efforts in the early 1990s mediating restoration of the elected Haitian President who had been overthrown and exiled by a military dictatorship;
   
   2007 brokerage of a cease-fire in Darfur and Khartoum at the request of the Save Darfur Coalition; release of American Evan Hunziker and the return of two US Army helicopter pilots who had been shot down in 1994 from North Korea;
   
   Remains of Corperal Clem Boody turned over to Richardson as a gesture of good will during stalemated negotiations with the Bush Administration: thus he was informally brought into a tense discussion of major consequences at the request of North Korea, where he successfully pressed North Korean leaders to observe the 60 day deadline called for in the Initial Actions agreement to shut down and seal the Yongbyon nuclear reactor and urged Kim Gye Gwan not to abandon the six-party talks, suggesting they bring in U.N. inspectors to demonstrate their commitment. Richardson's "informal" influence in this case may have averted war.
   
   This book demonstrates the characteristic, almost naive courage that has earmarked Richardson's administration and his life, unabashedly revealing the intimate truth of who he is. While reading his words I am often reminded of Einstein's famous quote: "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Richardson, a creative, often right-brained thinker, is not bound by imaginary barriers of that which has been done before. He has also demonstrated the necessary discipline to buckle down with dogged determination and accomplish the unlikely, baffling those around him who believed it could not be done... particularly not by a Hispanic.
   
   He wrote this book shortly before announcing his quest for the presidency, and the book has been summarily dismissed by some reviewers as a transparent ploy to explain himself on the eve of his candidacy. I am appreciative of his transparency, a trait not shared by many politicians. He lost the race but gained my respect as one of the few U.S. politicians honest enough to reveal his shortcomings along with his strengths. Bill Richardson is exactly the man he represents himself to be, and through his journey we learn the real truth of what it is to be a man of extraordinary vision in a mostly mediocre world, who transcends his humanness by learning from every mistake, sharing each mistake with us so that we may also learn, and striving always to not only reach higher himself, but to bring us there with him. His is the heartwarming story of a real person, an everyday man with extraordinary vision and heart, whose struggles and victories left me, at the end of the book, reluctantly putting it down feeling like I had closed the last chapter of a relationship with a dear and cherished friend.



2. The first part of this book was initially disappointing. The constant "I did this..." or I travelled to ..." sounded like so much puffery - what one might expect in a book by a Presidential candidate. The more I read, however, the more I realized that the "I" was essential to the entire focus of the book. The book brings history alive from the actual events and conversations in order to show that individuals can help make history or at least nudge it in a desirable direction. Historical events can not be viewed in a vaccum. They are most meaningfully understood in the context of the minor details of the events themselves. One that jumps out is Richardson's meeting with Saddam Hussein (regarding the release of two individuals who strayed into Iraq from Kuwait)when Richardson casually crossed his legs and inadvertently showed the soles of his shoes to Saddam. Saddam jumped up and left the room. It turns out that showing the soles of ones shoes to someone in that culture is a real sign of disrespect. The best part of the book is "Richardson's Rules" which he sets forth in anecdotal context throughout the book (with the list summarized at the end). The "Rules" are a great guide for dealing with not only high level political or diplomatic negotiations but also with everyday personal and business relationships. All in all a very enjoyable read for someone who overwhelmingly reads fiction - not non-fiction - and certainly not political books.



3. How very fortunate this country is at this time in our history to have someone of this magnitude and calibur seeking the Presidency. His experience and different way of thinking allow hope for a better tomorrow for the US and the world. Good luck to you, Sir. Good luck to us all that you lead us all into a brighter and more peaceful tomorrow.



4. Bill Richardson is a rather unimpressive candidate. However, candidates aren't elected - Presidents are. Having said that I can say that I believe Bill Richardson is ready for the Presidency. The question becomes is America ready for Bill Richardson?
   
   The book is about as interesting as Bill Richardson's performances in debate. Clearly, this is a book about Bill's life, by Bill himself. Many of his positions are explained, but it is not comprehensive, and not meant to be. Reading this book will give the impression of what makes Bill tick, so I give credit for writing a successful book. There is no shorting the reader of 360 pages of substance. Personally, I too would like to see more from Richardson, and in fact, this is already happening.
   
   Campaigns for officials that are based on results and performances while in office must have someone touting that record, and this is what Richardson does without much modesty. Between World's describes the position Richardson inherited from birth and the position Richardson has dealt with throughout life. The book moves from his childhood in Mexico to his life in school in New England. Richardson was the one in the middle that learned to relate to everyone. His entry into public service and political office was destiny. When you combine these with love for individuals and an unapologetic stance you have a man with superior credentials as a diplomat.
   
   A portion of the book that could be developed further is "Richardson Rules". Richardson doesn't discuss development and application of his rule set, but presents these as simply his personal rules - I don't know whether as a human being, a public official, a diplomat, or other.
   
   Richardson comes across as result-oriented, fun-loving, but serious. Inspiration here comes from hard work and having done a job well - unfortunately, not great oratories and smooth gestures. Richardson could partially compensate with combinations of brutal honesty and jest. He must continue to rouse voter curiosity with more manufactured "celebrity-in-jest" performances such as the one created for the New Mexico gubanatorial election. It wouldn't be a bad move if Richardson says in debate, frankly, I suck at this. I want to be telling you what I've already achieved as President - not what I would like to achieve.



5. I had been hearing good things about Democratic presidential candidate Bill Richardson, so I decided to pick up his autobiography. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of autobiographies or biographies for that matter. Especially, not ones with the sole intent of extolling the author's virtues. So that's why it gets a B-. And I'm just not a huge fan of the writing style that biographies employ. It just gets a little boring and tedious at times. But to be fair, the book gave me a better picture of Bill Richardson than I had before. About half-way through the book, I was seriously thinking about giving him some consideration with my vote. Although I know he'll never get past the big 3 of Edwards, Obama, and Clinton. He grew up in Mexico (born in US) where his mom is Mexican and his father American. He was a senator for the state of New Mexico, the ambassador to the UN that followed Albright, Secretary of Energy for Clinton's second term, and current 2nd term governor for the state of New Mexico. Needless to say, that makes him extremely qualified. And hands down the most qualified of all current presidential candidates. To his credit, he tells it like it is. And for a politician, it doesn't feel like he is full of BS. He has a record for giving his opinion even when it's controversial. And has offended both parties at times, despite being a staunch Democrat. But he's honest. Over and over again he gives examples where he spoke his mind and how it either paid off or got him in trouble. So that I respect. But ultimately, I feel like he's a politician. And a bit of an opportunist. I do believe he has a vision for this country that centers around a better energy policy. Which I totally jive with. Ultimately though, I just feel like he's a politician at heart. And I don't really want a politician in power. I want someone who is not definded as a politician. And I'm well aware of the rarity of that.

5 comments about The World Don't Owe Me Nothing: The Life and Times of Delta Bluesman Honeyboy Edwards.

1. This is a biography about a blues singer named Honeyboy Edwards who was a contemporary of blues legend the late Robert Johnson. I became interested in his history when I saw a documentary on Robert Johnson's life containing interview footage of Honeyboy Edwards. The lives of musicians in the 20's, 30's and 40's tend to be fascinating and this is no exception. It is a great read.



2. AS A BLUES HISTORIAN AND GUITAR COLLECTOR I HAVE MANY BLUES RELATED BOOKS IN MY COLLECTION. THIS BOOK HOWEVER MUST RATE AT THE TOP OF THE PILE. WHAT FANTASTIC FLOWING STORY LINES, MAKING IT HARD TO PUT DOWN. IT GIVES A GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE WAY OF LIFE IN THOSE EARLY DAYS OF THE BLUES. THE PLACES HE HAS SEEN AND THE PEOPLE WHO HE GOT TO KNOW & MEET IS JUST MIND BLOWING. ANYONE WHO IS NOT BLUES MINDED SHOULD READ THIS BOOK JUST TO UNDERSTAND HOW HARD IT WAS IN THOSE DAYS JUST TO LIVE AND PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE.(I BET HE THOUGHT EVERONE IN THE MODEN WORLD WAS SOFT)TRULY ENJOYABLE.



3. Fans of blues music and musicians will relish this autobiography of Delta bluesman Edwards, which charts his rise to fame and his survival in a critical musical world. His first-person observations of the changing blues style and field are especially meaningful given that so many blues titles are not written by participants in the field.



4. Honey and his astute collaborators have given us the genuine article: a poignant, detailed, uproarous chronicle of what Robert Palmer called the"Deep Blues," the Delta tradition from which all other blues styles emanate. If you've heard Honey sing either in person or on his fine recordings, you will hear the voice you read. He offers dozens of unforgettable moments, from the first sounds he ushers from a broken-necked guitar to his mother's death to the death of Robert Johnson, that are alive and chilling. My only criticism is that the photographs featured in the book are spartan, contemporary views of critical sites in this artist's life. More historical photography would have enhanced the text. The publisher of this well-designed softcover has made the text relaxingly readable. After my first 50 pages, I wanted to purchase all of Honey's recordings and read more about him. He is an articulate, funny, precise chronicler of his own life. If only I could do the same with my own life! First rate.



5. This autobiography succeeds memorably on several levels. Told in spare, moving words, it provides a vivid picture of life in the Mississippi Delta long before the civil rights movements of the '50s. In addition, it's a kind of African-American "On the Road," told from the perspective of one who crisscrossed the Southern United States, scuffling to make a living playing the blues. And finally, it's a terrific history of the blues, told by a man who made a significant musical contribution himself and who played with nearly all the essential artists of the '30s and on.

   Edwards, born in the Delta around 1915, worked the fields as a kid before he learned to play the guitar and began hoboing around the South. He rode the rails, played in innumerable small towns, and polished his craft. Along the way, he hung out and played with the likes of Sunnyland Slim, Big Walter Horton, Little Walter Jacobs, Robert Junior Lockwood, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and yes, Robert Johnson. The book describes how these architects of the modern blues passed songs, licks, and stories back and forth, keeping a form that relies so heavily on tradition dynamic and vital.

   A major strength of the book is Edwards' distinctive voice, transcribed by his collaborators to retain its distinctive rhythms and dialect. The book's title sums up his attitude. His memories include violent death, physical and emotional loss, and great material want. Still, you sense strongly that he wouldn't have had his life any other way. His narrative is devoid of self-pity, but it never glosses over the difficulty of the times he endured, which included stints in prison.

   The book concludes with useful appendices that define key terms and offer capsule biographies and discographies of musicians Edwards encountered. A good bibliography is also included. Highly recommended for those interested in the blues and in American social history. Great read.