5 comments about No Place Safe.

1. This beautifully written book by Kim Reid is both sensitive and timeless. It is about so much more than it appears: A daughter's conflictual and complicated relationship with the mother she loves and yearns for, a black child coming to terms with the white majority, a child faced with the unstoppable murders of children just like her, and a child becoming a woman, to name just a few. Ms. Reid's writing is sensitive and emotional yet not cloying or annoying. She takes us into her experiences with a subtle and skilled hand that allows us to go there right along with her. I came out of reading this book with a profound respect for the writer, as well as a new appreciation of growing up black in the days of the Atlanta child murders. I highly recommend this book and look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.



2. The way Reid interweaves the story of tragic lost lives of children with her own sort of "lost chldhood" is brilliant, esp. from the point of view of her cop mother being so deeply involved in the cases. It's just really a fantastic read. It has stayed with me for days, especially being a mom. Heartbreaking, of course. And they never found the killer, which just tears me up. But there's much more to the book than that. She weaves that story beautifully with her own.



3. I could not put this book down. I ended up reading all of it in two settings. It is an endearing story of a girl growing up in the most challenging of situations during her tender and impressionable teen years. The "coming of age" story allows the reader to feel like they are there, reflecting back to their own childhoods, and see a very complex world with unfathomable situations through the eyes of a street smart and feisty 13 year old. There were several parts that I laughed out loud and others I was aghast at the very pointed racism that this young teen had to experience. Great book Kim, you are to be well commended for such a great first book.



4. NO PLACE SAFE details the consuming, high-pressure investigations of the 1979-1981 disappearances and murders of black boys and young men in Atlanta--investigations in which author Kim Reid's mother worked as a lead investigator. While this story alone propels this book to read like a compelling novel, Kim's powerful revelations about her schools, her community, her family, and herself make this a powerful document of life in a major Southern city during an especially tumultuous time.



5. Author Kim Reid beautifully captured the voice of an Atlanta 13-year-old who is mother to her younger sister while their single mom works as a police officer; is one of few black students who attend an all-white private school in a distant, affluent neighborhood; and who lives unnervingly close to where dozens of black boys and young men have been murdered (Atlanta Child Murders starting in 1979).
   
   Reid includes information that isn't common knowledge--at least not to me: "Until the early sixties, black officers could arrest only black citizens. In 1979, white and black patrolmen had been allowed to partner in only the last ten years, and black cops were still in a minority, which meant they stuck together outside of work. The only tie that bound black and white cops then was the fact that on the job, they were cops regardless of what they looked like. Fortunately, that was usually enough."
   
   In one instance she brilliantly summarizes her mother's character: A white police officer stopped by her house at 2:00 a.m., expecting to be accommodated. "At two in the morning?' Ma said. Cop or no cop, she sounded like she was ready to bless the man out. There weren't many things that pleased Ma as much as a good night's sleep, which I always believed was here escape from having to work extra jobs, being a cop, a single mother, and just being a black woman in general."
   
   If this book had been written as a young adult novel set in 1979-1982, I would give it five stars. Why? Because it focuses on issues that are still important to teens today. Reid's title is also good for a novel, although I'd suggest she come up with one that hasn't been used before, so it'll be more recognizable. But as a memoir, the book is thin; it should have included more information about the murders, and an more in-depth analysis of what her mother and sister also went through.

1 comments about Militant Mediator: Whitney M. Young Jr..

1. Whitney Young was a very effective leader in the fight for equal rights for everyone. He was effective both in fund-raising and in resolving conflicts. He learned to speak the language of the whites he had to deal with, so that they preferred to deal with him rather than with more militant black leaders who were unable or unwilling to speak to whites in terms whites were used to. He had the knack of knowing how far he could push whites toward fairness to blacks without getting their backs up, but never taking a straight "no" for an answer. He would accept less than what he really wanted, but always more than the other side really wanted to give. He made good use of the fact that prejudiced whites would generally prefer to compromise with him rather than deal with the more confrontational black leaders.
   
   Dickerson recounts Young's life from birth to death. It is a story well worth reading, of a brilliant and dedicated person who made a substantial contribution to the progress of racial relations, and whose methods future leaders could do well to study and emulate.
   
   Unfortunately, the narrative drags at times. Young brought to each new challenge the same impressive list of strengths; enumerating them yet again eventually becomes tiresome.
   
   
   watziznaym@gmail.com

1 comments about Maya Angelou: The Poetry of Living.

1. Well i dont have much to say about the book i just wanted to tell you maya angelo that i really like the books u have and i want you to know that i am a new collage student and i will love for you to tell and help me threw out collage by emailing me and letting me know what books i should read and i would really love that i know i sound kinda crazy emailing you threw here but this is the only way i know how i am trying to become a strong black man like you are a strong black women so like i said if u can help me or give me fether information please do so and dont be a stranger. P.S Life seems to love the liver of it. by maya angelo a new friend willie christian please email me back

5 comments about Life of Tom Horn, Government Scout and Interpreter, Written by Himself.

1. This is a well written book covering the early days of Tom Horn's life. Tom Horn lead a very interesting and exciting life and he conveys that to the reader very well. Although the book does not cover his exploits as a stock detective, this book still raises doubts about whether Tom Horn was guilty of the offense for which he was hanged.
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone having an interest in the old west. This book was definitly a great addition to my library



2. This is an exceptional autobiography that details the life of Tom Horn prior to the tragic incident in Wyoming. The book is NOT a vindication. The material added by John Coble is clearly identified, and were his personal attempts to vindicate Tom Horn. Written in jail and on his way to the gallows, Tom Horn wrote only about his life as Indian Scout and Intepretor, because this is how he wished to be remembered! "Life of Tom Horn" reflects upon his childhood, and the early adult events that shaped the most glorious and enjoyable years in the prime of his life. He probably deserved the Medal of Honor for the Apache Wars. Details of his life as a miner, Pinkerton detective, rodeo champion and mule skinner for the Spanish American War were left out, probably intentionally. His reputation in Wyoming was so thoroughly distorted and trashed by journalistic sensationalism fueled by ongoing range fueds, that it probably wasn't worth addressing. (He is still hated today by many.) I feel he believed that good would prevail and find him innocent. Time wasn't on his side when he wrote this...
   
   The book is a fabulous historical accout of life in the southwestern frontier. The details of his life as indian scout are easy to put into perspective and supported by many factual historical accounts of the time. If one has a map and photographs of the southwestern United States and Mexico, it becomes even easier to put into perspective. The book is also a great resource for anyone researching Geronomo and the Apache wars.
   
   To this day, Tom Horn's innocence or guilt is embroiled in controversy. Some family members still carry a burning hatred for the man, others admiration and love. Visit the Historical sections of the Denver or Cheyenne Library's, so you can read newspaper accounts of the politics of the range fueds and wars in Wyoming during Tom Horn's time, and come to your own conclusions. After the Apache Wars, Tom Horn became a drifter of various jobs or "careers," typical of many cowboys of that era. He always tried to do the right thing and worked, for the law, not against it. At over 6 feet tall, muscular and lean, he was imposing, but soft spoken, and a loner. When he went to Wyoming, he "walked softly and carried a big stick." The big stick being his reputation as indian fighter and killer, although there's no proof he murdered anyone. He always maintained his innocence, and remained defiantly brave to the very end.



3. As with all autobiographies this book provides us with a fascinating picture of the adventurous life of Tom Horn. Yet it is the death of Tom Horn that has been the subject of great controversy to the present day; hanged for the murder of a fourteen year old boy, on evidence that was highly questionable.

   This book is refered to as a vindication, and though many have disputed this, in some subtle ways it is. Whilst reading this narrative of Tom Horn's years as a scout and interpreter, at no point could I envisage him being the kind of man to kill a boy from ambush. He portrays himself in his autobiography as hard working, fearless, trustworthy, and as a man who served his country well. Though with any autobiography the reader has to accept an elemant of bias, it appears at times as if Tom Horn tries to minimize his own heroics and exploits. To this end the book serves its purpose.

   What is most astounding about the book is where it finishes. Tom Horn makes no attempt to explain the events leading upto his conviction and execution. This is both surprising and baffling. Surly most men in his position would have taken the opportunity to plead their innocence. Not so with Tom Horn. He seems content to let the readers make their own decision, by things reported in the newspapers at that time. Maybe he was just confident that people would believe him to be innocent despite much of what was being written.

   This edition of the book was supplemented with letters written to and from Tom Horn whilst he was imprisoned. These are valuable as they offer an insight into Tom's state of mind during this period. In a couple of these letters he does choose to explain a little of the events leading up to his arrest, to certain associates

   Tom Horn's personal narrative is just as fascinating for what it excludes, as for what it includes. It also provides an excellent look at other celebrated and infamous characters such as Al Seiber, Geronimo and the Apache Kid. For those interested in the life of Tom Horn, or the role of government scouts/interpreters, the book will hold much interest. It is also recommended that readers have some basic knowledge of Tom Horn - particularly his latter life - for a greater understanding.




4. This book was written by Tom Horn while waiting in a Cheyenne, Wyoming Jail to be hanged. It is a very colorful account of the Government Scout, Arizona Territory Lawman, and "foster son" of Geronimo himself. While it is a very one sided story that almost pleads with you to believe that Tom was blameless, it gives a VERY unique look into the solitary life of a scout and hired gun in the real old west. "A Must Read"



5. this book was a pleasant surprise written by tom horn himself it reads like a good movie horn although he had only a rudimentary education is a very good writer the book is full of his adventures and colorful characters of the apache wars with GERONIMO he explains the nuts and bolts of tracking indians in the southwest usa it is ajohn wayne movie in print

No comments about Black Male Outsider: Teaching As a Pro-Feminist Man, A Memoir.

5 comments about Ace of Spades: A Memoir.

1. I'm only half way through the book and I'm absolutely loving it. Originally, I thought it was going to be a bit too heavy in subject matter and consist of things that are either over my head or that I can't relate to at all... but I don't want to put the book down! With the cleverness of Woody Allen and David Sedaris, and the earnestness of J.D. Salinger, Ace of Spades, is basically the perfect book.



2. I had seen the author on several talk shows and found his life story to be very interesting and inspiring. Unfortunately, that didn't translate into writing very well for me personally. I was excited to buy this book but found that I didn't get near the prospective I had gotten from his television interviews and felt more like there were others ways I could have spent that time. Sorry if I am offending anyone but this guy should stick to television because his story is one more people should hear, but they won't get it or learn from it if they only read the book.



3. I've written a lengthier review of the book on the hardcover link, but purchased the kindle version for my husband. There's little doubt that Matthews' story is harrowing, and indicative of life in 20th century america, in terms of race, but also class, and family. I would suggest to the reviewer above, who found it too difficult to look up words he/she didn't understand, to stick to less challenging material. This memoir is a challenging read, and the author seems to me to enjoy recruiting words from an earlier, more baroque era. A playful, "man out of time" feeling persists. And what, pardon my ignorance, determines a "fifty cent word?" Just because a word is unfamiliar, doesn't mean it doesn't have a specific meaning, and in Ace of Spades, words matter-- a lot. It is a book for those who love the written word and consider the english language a rich and varied treasure. Matthews employs words in a playful manner, confounding the readers' expectations. At least mine. Your mileage may vary. I for one, love to finish a book knowing more than I did when I began.
   Matthews asserts in the book that words, books, literally saved his life, so to my mind it's no sin if he chooses to use words from parts of the dictionary that others can't be bothered to mine.
   To dismiss a story as unique and heartbreaking as this one because it's an unabashedly literary--as opposed to movie of the week accessible--memoir, is intellectually lazy.
   By the "50 cent word to tell a five cent story" logic, if we extrapolate, then a chef who uses arucola instead of iceberg lettuce is making a nine dollar variation on what should be a 2.50 blue plate special. Words have value beyond their individual meanings. The way they sound, the way they look on the page, the way they create a sense of time, place, rhythm. They should not read like AP reports. David Matthews' story is important, and the telling is unforgettable. I could have done with two or three less footnotes, but Matthews is a writer who goes for it; and not many aspire to those heights these days. I highly recommend it to those who don't mind grabbing a thesaurus every once in a while. Words is good. Don't be afraid.



4. Not worth it. I'm sure Mr. Matthews has something to say, but I only made it to page #75 before I finally gave up on this book. If you don't have a dictionary to carry around with you while reading this book, you'll soon find out what I mean. Mr. Matthews uses $100 words far too much to tell a fifty cent story.



5. The last pages of this memoir are beautiful in their simplicity and completeness. The author wraps up the strands of numerous themes in a sentimental manner.
   
   That said, the anger he displays in thought and action in several incidents does cause the reader to wonder if he shares a few similarities with his mother. One of the most grotesque incidents is found on page 258 when he responds to a racial epithet from a child -- a child! -- with an imagined rape of the child.
   
   This is not just a book about racial identity;it is also a man's problem with anger that just as readily could have come from a place before race.

1 comments about Chester Himes: A Life.

1. Expatriate African American writer Chester Himes's complicated life is the subject of a biography published in 2000 by detective novelist James Sallis, a longtime Himes champion. Sallis's biography weighs in at 368 pages. It is readable despite numerous repetitions and some awkwardness about introducing other figures in Himes's life, but Sallis's book does not seem to be based on any new research and relies almost entirely on reviews contemporary to the original publications of Himes's book augmented by what academic critics have written. It is very odd that Sallis provides so little of his own reading of Himes's writing.

   The biographical research on which Sallis draws very, very heavily and without citation is the discerning and more succinct (209-page) 1997 biography by Edward Margolies and Michel Fabre, _The Several Lives of Chester Himes_. Margolies and Fabre knew Himes in his later years and did serious biographical research on Himes (and other black American expatriates to France, especially Richard Wright, who helped Himes in many ways when he moved to Paris). Sallis adds no discernible research and does not make more sense of Himes than they did, so I would recommend the Margolies and Fabre biography in preference to the Sallis one (and on Himes's writing, Stephen Milliken's 1976 book _Chester Himes_). One may read both biographies and both volumes of Himes' "memoirs" and still wonder "Who was this guy?" and "What made him tick?" (Himes's own answer was "hurt," but the way he deployed the category made it all but meaningless.)

5 comments about Morning by Morning: How We Home-Schooled Our African-American Sons to the Ivy League.

1. I loved this book. By telling her story so intricately, Nabrit, provides the foundation for all of us who are choosing to educate our children at home. I appreciate her transparency and vulnerability in the book. She made some mistakes (along with her husband) and we can all learn from them. She also shares some brilliant ideas. This book does have a Christian theme in part because they are a Christian family. Another reviewer said it was more about race, than homeschooling. If you are homeschooling an African American child/teenager, rest assured this book IS about race and YOU WILL BE GLAD FOR IT. When you buy this book, you will read it for information and keep it for inspiration.



2. Paula Penn-Nabrit chose homeschooling for her three black boys when they were pushed out of an elite midwestern private school. She and her husband, C. Madison, managed to put together an effective homeschooling program that supported their Christian, upper-middle class black values and helped her children reach elite education. For educators seeking radical solutions to addressing the challenges facing black students, this book offers a powerful testimony of one family's strategies in finding an alternative path.
   
   For those readers looking for nuts and bolts information, I'd advise you to look elsewhere. Much of this book is spent clarifying the values and motivations for their choices. Little space is devoted to explaining curriculum choices. I can see how other reviewers were frustrated by the relative lack of specific details. I wish that the title didn't include "how" and focused on "why" or had some kind of cue to alert prospective buyers to how radical this book is.
   
   Sadly, one audience who would really benefit from this book will probably never find it. This family is related to one of the lawyers who argued the Brown vs. Board of Education case. They have ties to elite networks in black America and both parents are Ivy League educated as well, which may have eased the process in gaining acceptance to Princeton and Amherst for the boys. Nabrit's painstaking defense of her decisions and her reflections on the attitudes she faced can be very helpful for those seeking to understand black elites and the tensions between trying to gain access to the upper echelons of American society such as private schools and Ivy League schools while trying to maintain an identity that is very distinctively black.
   
   Some readers may be turned off by the frequent quoting of scripture to defend the values. Others may find this story to be too particular a case to apply to their own homeschooling situations. Personally, I was very intrigued by the chance to peer into the home of a black family that defied many traditional categories and found a very creative response to the challenges of education.
   
   I'm not about to homeschool my future family after reading this book. But I do plan to apply some of Nabrit's holistic values for educating black males to my own work. Already, I see myself wanting to use some of the values in this book for supplemental educational projects related to black male middle schoolers.
   
   Very helpful for a narrow audience...
   4.5 stars for me
   2.5 stars for being somewhat mislabeled
   3.5 stars overall.



3. The Nabrits did an exceptional job of homeschooling their 3 sons, but I never finished the book. The rhetoric of racism and the Nabrit's "Ivy league status" was like a recurring theme on every page that took away from the purpose of the book. Was this a biography or a homeschooling book??? I came away with 2 things....all white people are bad, and she is (self-described) smart. I felt like it was her outlet to tell her story of mistreatment, and not a practical homeschooling book. I have moved on to practical, helpful, not negative, homeschooling resources.



4. First, let me say I totally commend the Nabrits for their inspiring accomplishment with their sons and also for their desire to share their experience with the African American community and the homeschool community. But the book wasn't the 'homeschooling resource' that I expected it to be. Ms. Penn-Nabrit's experience of racism were shocking and disappointing to this white woman who 'thought' America had moved further beyond racism than, apparently, we have. I found the book enlightening on that score, but after a while (& could this be my own defense-mechanism?) I started to feel like some of the racism she finds might be a part of self-fulfilling prophecy. If you look hard enough, you will always find it. I am not doubting her first-hand experiences, but perhaps don't fully agree with some of her choices as to what to focus on.
   Penn-Nabrit does offer useful suggestions such as using graduate students as tutors, and finding other strong mentors for your children. I also like how she used 'reverse-engineering' basically, to use college admission requirements to help design a course of study. I just wanted to hear more of THAT sort of info. I wasn't crazy about the organization of the book, and felt I had to sort through lots of personal data: which son had which birth weight or liked which sports, as well as the racism experiences in order to get to the bits that were fresh and applicable.
   I totally support homeschooling, and would love to see more of it. I agree that African American homes have been under-reached on this topic. This book may well motivate someone TO homeschool, but you'll then want to move to other resources as to the HOW TO homeschool.



5. I am grateful to Paula Penn-Nabrit for having written this illuminating book. It is beyond my criticism. Perhaps the greatest treasure it offers is its revelation of how racism is still being played out by well-meaning white people. (You would have to read it to "get" it, especially if you are a standard white person like I am.) I also love that the Nabrits devised their own curriculum: so creative and applaudable! In fact, Paula is so personable you will appreciate her as a woman, despite the flaws that she confesses. You will also know she is no less a genius for not graduating all 3 sons from Ivy League Schools. I think those sons must be fantastic people and the Nabrits have done us all a favor by sending out into the world children of such extraordinary character. I would hope everyone reads this book, whether they choose to homeschool or not- it presents such a superlative example of what you can do for your children. Thank you, Paula.

5 comments about Vergeen: A Survivor of the Armenian Genocide.

1. This book was a quick read with a lasting impression. This is one womans account of her struggle to get through the times of 'the March' as I hear other people call it. This story has given me a deeper understanding of the Armenian culture and a new respect for it as well.
   
   This book has also made me want to be more involved with what is going on Somalia. It's not right. It's so sad to me to know there are girls like Vergeen that may be experiencing this right now.
   
   For the posts that say this is a made up story or call the genocide a myth, all the posts are so defensive & mad. The tone to those posts makes them not credible to me. Not to mention, why would anyone make up stories about genocide?



2. *******CONTAINS SPOILERS******
   It is always interesting to read how people can endure and survive the unthinkable. This is truly one of those stories. My uncle recommended to to me because he had heard that it was much like my grandmother's ordeal & that they were deported from the same area....however once I began reading Vergeen - other than being from the same area there are many differences in their stories. My grandmother did tell us about the many pregnant women whose bellies were slit open & how they would spear the babies... and about walking over dead bodies...starving and more but she also had different experiences. The only thing that made me feel bad about this book is that Vergeen never forgave God whereas my grandmother had increased her faith in God for the many miraculous things that happened along the way to her survival. So I like my grandmothers story better........
   
   It touched my heart to see how Vergeen's husband handled the entire situation....what a wonderful soul. It also broke my heart to read about the tent of babies........



3. This came in great condition and a speedy arrival! I am perfectly satisfied with my purchase! Thank you so much.



4. Since I am a descendant of survivors of the Armenian genocide in Turkey, the story of Vergeen has tremendous meaning to me. The Armenian genocide had forever changed the complexion of my ancestors' lives in both my mother's and father's families. It's a miracle I am here today since both sides of my family witnessed and experienced such atrocities.
   
   From the moment I began Vergeen, I couldn't put it down. I was captivated. Every emotion filtered through my body and soul. Mainly I cried. I cried a lot. Although painfully sad, this book is soul enriching. Mae M. Derdarian, the author, did a superb job in writing the book. Vergeen is a must read.



5. Both my wife and I use Mae Derdarian's book in our college courses, she in her course on Women's Studies, and myself in a course on the Genocide. I am a published author and have published analyses of the genocide in professional academic journals. My wife and I are in personal contact with Derdarian and only can praise the book and its impact on our students.
   
   Derdarian tells the story of her mother's friend, Vergeen, who survived rape, starvation, and mutilation at the hands of the Young Turk regime in the last years of the Ottoman Empire. Vergeen entrusted Derdarian with her autobiography, which Derdarian edited into this book. It is a moving portrayal of life and death, with no punches pulled.
   
   Usually it is difficult to engage students in a thoughtful, critical discussion of a trade book in a college course. This book was clearly the exception to the rule. Students who were normally reticient in class spoke openly about the examples of torture and murder that are entwined in Vergeen's life. One student was so moved that he started his own correspondence with Derdarian. All of the students in our classes have told us, "Once I picked the book up, I could not put it down," and "This book is a testament to the human spirit." It is that powerfully written.
   
   There are many people on these boards who decry any story of the Armenian Genocide, calling it "fake" or "a piece of Armenian propaganda" and publishing the same canned responses over and over. I am not Armenian by birth or by blood. I am trained in history and historical research as well as in communication and persuasion. I have done my own research into the genocide. And I can assert from an outsider's perspective that this book accurately tells the tale. It is not easy to read what happened. But by no means should you let apologists for the Republic of Turkey scare you away from making the best purchase of your life in buying this book for your own collection.
   
   Read it. Be horrified by it. Tell friends and neighbors about it, as my students did. And never, never forget the lessons it teaches.

5 comments about Sweet Summer: Growing up with and without My Dad.

1. I decided to try "Sweet Summer" in the midst of my sweet summer this year. I found the book in a bookstore in Nassau, Bahamas, and remembering her "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine" picked it up without hesitation.
   
   What a great read. The woman had a fluid way of writing in a crystal-clear fashion. It is a book about family dynamics, a girl and her father, that girl and her mother, and aunts. As she reaches a new pinnacle, a new threshold, the reader is gently guided into the next chapter of that relationship. The characters are those who populate our lives, with their giftedness and foibles. Don't judge the book by the title, because Campbell was able to describe relationships with great depth.
   
   She left us too soon, a few years ago, in the prime of life. I will keep on reading her work, though, because I love her clarity.



2. Campbell does a fantastic job recounting her childhood memories of growing up in Philadelphia with her mother and grandmother and spending her summers in Elizabeth City, North Carolina with her father. As Campbell ages, she yearns to have her father and mother in a traditional living situation, but learns to cope with life as it is. She also learns things about her father's past that have a negative affect on their relationsip, but she soon figures out how to let the past be the past and love her father for the man that he is.
   
   Having been raised in the south, the chapters about Campbell's North Carolina summers really struck a chord with me. Her paternal grandmother reminded me so much of my own - the passage about the chickens was dead on! Campbell also celebrates the other men in her life, her uncles and neighbors, and shares her warm and touching memories of these relationships.
   
   A positive and uplifting story that shows just how influential and beneficial men are in young girl's lives. 4 stars!



3. Once in a great while - about as often as Halley's Comet - a book comes along which stirs the soul and rattles your heart; a book which can transcend race, gender, age, place and time. This is such a book. Moore-Campbell is a magnificent writer; her verses poetic, her theme universal. Her autobiogrophy tells the story of growing up black and young without a full-time father, and the affects it can have on a child. It's not just her story; she shares this life with her cousin Michael (again, young and black without a full-time father), their Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, and assorted 'father figures': Dads, Uncles, Reverands, Neighbors. One child (BeBe) can learn to adapt graciously, while the other (Michael) has a tougher time, as they each learn difficult 'truths' about their patriarchy. Beautifully written, the reader hangs on every word, as this wonderful story unfolds.



4. This is a wonderful book and I recommend it to any one out there living or growing up with and without a father.



5. Bebe Moore Campbell writes from personal expierance in the novel, Sweet Summer. Campbell tells about growing up as an African American girl living in the South during the 60's. Through this story I learned the prejudice of racism, the struggle of growing up with a divoraced family, and the will to live life. This story touched my heart, because it provided me to a differnt point of view about life.