Cultural Books

This book has placed Sobonfu on my list of truly inspirational leaders. I was inspired, impressed and entertained by the concise, vivid and useful information provided in this book. It provides a vision of spiritual community, plus a few simple techniques for those who are ready to make their first steps in that direction.

Principles like the ones outlined in this book will help improve our communities, and put spirituality back into its place as paramount to our well-being.

A must-have for parents, teachers, midwives, family counselors, and administrators who want to improve the quality of life for the children they take care of.

I am deeply grateful to Some for writing Welcoming Spirit Home and sharing how her community prepares for, welcomes, and supports babies and families having babies. I have worked with families for over 30years as an ob nurse, childbirth educator, marriage and family therapist, prenatal and birth therapist for babies and children, graduate school professor and family consultant. In my resesarch and writing a new model of early development that recognizes our fundamental spiritual nature and "new ways" to support our babies' whole self, I find Some' community has been practicing these principles for generations. When I read this book, I wept for the beauty of her message. I highly recommend this book to help us all remember more of our innate knowing of life, of babies, of connected living. Prenatal and perinatal psychology is the new field that is revealing more and more in our western ways how conscious, aware, and sensitive prenates and babies are. Our western science is coming full circle to remember how to welcome consciousness.
Some's book holds gems of how her community honors and prepares for this sacred passage of the spiritual being into human life. I imagine reading this book on a picnic in nature and being nourished by this beautiful message.

This book is infused with wonderful stories and lessons and the beauty and power of ritual from the West African culture. The writer heightens the readers awareness of the importance of each member of community and their roles and contributions and rituals to strengthen each individual thereby the overall village. She presents rituals in such a way that they can be done in America and by you, the reader.

This is a beautiful book.

The people of the Dagara culture relate to us that children have themselves recently re-emerged (via being born) from the world of the spirit, of the ancestors. They are fresh and full of wonder at being here, still very expressive of the spirit of the other world in all its truthfulness and spontaneity.

Sobonfu's husband [Malidoma Patrice Some] has covered very incisively the funeral and male initiation ceremonies in his three books; Sobonfu, by contrast, goes much more than he (given the stated topic) into such things as the pre-conception naming ritual. Then there is the ritual asking the child [before birth] what he/she is coming to life to be, to accomplish within the community. Then everyone in the community will be able to help the child in every way possible to grow into the person that he/she would be.

And there is the welcoming ceremony done for every child, each who has come on this long journey from the land of the ancestors to the land of the living. One beautiful feature of this is that the other village children (standing together in the next room) imitate the newborn child's first cry as accurately as possible to let the newborn know he/she has come to the right place.

Sobonfu goes into exquisite detail describing the bounteous relationship between children and their grandparents. The old ones are all getting closer to the world of the ancestral spirits, as they are approaching closer to the time they leave this world, whereas the young ones are most familiar with that world, having recently returned from there.

In another chapter she discusses how and why miscarriages occur, how strongly they affect the community (especially the mother and other close relatives), and what this has to do with the world of the ancestors. Then she articulates, once again, the rituals which attend the phenomena to help the grieving process that occurs as a result of this emotionally and spiritually traumatic breach [in the thin, permeable barrier between village life and that of the world beyond].

And there is the bonding ritual [re-commitment between husband and wife], the fertility ritual, and the bonding ritual between the child and its grandparents, as well as other ancillary activities.

Through all these examples she effortlessly and courageously articulates the vision the Dagara have of their life and community, so seamlessly it astounds you - the dawning of this worldview almost sneaks up on one as it gradually takes shape, almost from within the reader's subconscious. Her writing is the equal of that of her husband, as she dynamically melds all aspects together into an interpenetrating, wondrous whole.

"Children are the life-givers, the healers, the messengers of the ancestors. They bring out the spirit of the community - they bring spirit home. Children are embraced, celebrated and supported, for without them there would be emptiness in the hearts of all villagers." [p. 85]

In her last chapter, she recapitulates and outlines in detail how to perform all of the rituals previously mentioned, for the benefit of those here in the West who would like to transit to this most humanizing and spiritual form of community in their own lives. She first gives a summary of how to set up a ritual in general (and how it usually should flow), after which she tells about how dreams and/or storytelling can have a role, as well as how and why healing and integration can take place. For healing of hearts and souls in the community is, if not the primary focus for a given ceremony, always [at the very least] a significant by-product.

For more on the subject of African childrearing and educational practices (as well as how this affects an economy in which women do all the farming), this time from a Kongolese (central African) point of you, be sure to check out the slim volume by Fu-Kiau and Lukondo-Wamba, titled 'Kindezi - the Kongo Art of Babysitting', available at a number of fine university libraries around the world.

I loved reading this book! It helped me to understand so much about my life. The since of community and love that is transfused into the children that are cared for by the methods in this book is a story that needs to be told.The rituals sound wonderful and I only wish that I had this knowledge prior to the birth of my children.This is a book about healing as well as love and honor for all of nature.This book gives wonderful information to instill pride in my African heritage. Prayer and intent are also stressed in this book and I find both to be very powerful forces in my life.

This book surpassed my expectations! It could be seen as a documentary but transcends being pigeonholed in that way. It is, among other things, a breathtaking work of Art. The images have a crisp presence; at the same time there is a dreamlike undercurrent. The reproduction quality of the images is superb; they can hardly be distinguished from original silver prints! I also like the humble attitude of the Artist towards the people he portrays. Indeed, a masterpiece!

This book brought back vivid and fond memories of the time I lived in Papua New Guinea in 1960 -1962. The use of black and white photography was especially effective in capturing the essense of simplicity that represents the people. If you truly wish to see human spirit at it's best, visit New Guinea. If you can't - buy this book!

This remarkable book first caught my attention at the Australian Museum in Sydney one hot summer day. I was preparing my own expedition to Papua New Guinea in order to write a book on the rarely visited island provinces. I would be doing my own photography. As I leafed through these breathtaking portraits I experienced that shiver at the base of the neck that invariably indicates one is in the presence of great art. Only later came the gut-wrenching realisation that I would never be able to achieve such consummate skill myself (even with my old Nikon F2 and all the best old lenses).
Rainier has a passionate eye for composition, atmosphere and the eloquent possibilities of black and white texture. As you read the detailed and often poetic text accompanying the photographs, you will also find that Chris overcame incredible disasters in conquering this inhospitable environment to bring us these images. In the massive heat and humidity of Papua New Guinea, photographic equipment performs all sorts of horrible tricks at vital moments. Everything seems wet and clammy all the time. His canoe overturned and he lost all his valuable equipment and somehow replaced it to continue his expedition. To even get yourself into the remote areas where some were taken is an achievement in itself and then to emerge from the jungle with high art.......what can one say?
These photographs cross that difficult invisible line that separates art and photography.....very few have the genuis.....Brassai, Cartier Bresson, Eugene Atget and Salgado.....yes, these are Chris Rainier's peers. The images have the immortal immobility of an ancient and inaccessible past recaptured. The quality and sheer size of the prints is superb. All this lead me to convince my publishers to put one of his pictures on the jacket of my own Papua New Guinea book and one of my own more decorative photographs on the back.......a suitable place for this photographic Salieri. Sales are better than expected.
Buy his book as a tribute to a great photographic artist and in the process truly enrich your own cultural horizons.

A stunning exhibiton of humankind. A masterpiece that's worth, without any doubt, spending $40.

Carlos Costa

I was first exposed to Rainer's work in Smithsonian Magazine (Oct. 97). I strongly urge anyone who has a desire to evolve toward embracing and celebrating the essential oneness of all humanity--from urban jungles to remote small-scale societies--to buy this book. As a documentary filmmaker researching shamanic rituals around the planet, I would hire him in a heartbeat to capture the beauty of the world's cultures with his otherworldly gifts of lighting, detail and penetrating the souls of the subject and the viewer. Mr. Rainer, do you shoot 16mm film? If you (or any of your representitives) read this, please contact me at pjoshua@makani.k12.hi.us. Many thanks.

This is an excellent book that everyone in government should read, including Congress and state legislators. Written during the final years of the USSR, Colson and Eckerd show how socialism in Russia destroyed the work ethic and how it is doing the same in America. Very compelling, it is a shame that it is now out of print. Highly recommended.

This is an excellent book that everyone in government should read, including Congress and state legislators. Written during the final years of the USSR, Colson and Eckerd show how socialism in Russia destroyed the work ethic and how it is doing the same in America. Very compelling, it is a shame that it is now out of print. Highly recommended.

The title of this older book was catchy, and I decided I wanted to see "how the decline of the work ethic is hurting my family and future." It's an easy read, and Colson and Eckerd make some very good points about America's habits. My fear is that our educational system combined with our declining work ethic will mean we are going to be overtaken by the Chinese--we just seem to have a potbelly attitude and think everyone owes us because of who we think we are. I especially appreciated the research on prisoners who were more likely to become better citizens if they learned to work in the prison rather than just sit around and eat/watch TV. People with a purpose are much more beneficial to themselves, their families, and society as a whole than if they lazy bums. Good stuff...now, let's get to work.

What happened to the once strong work ethic in America? This book seeks to answer that question by looking at long term trends and assumptions of workers that has resulted in societal changes in this country.
Work has broader ramifications than one might initially think. We're told "For better or worse, our work defines us." They go on to make the argument successfully for this statement. Work has a "purposeful nature" they write and add that "meaningful work is a fundamental dimension of human existence, an expression of our very nature."
Consequently, by talking about the work ethic of the United States, they're talking about larger issues, issues that pertain to who we are.

Included in this book are some particularly interesting historical asides. For example, Johann Sebastian Bach inscribed "SDG" on his compositions, meaning "Sola Deo Gloria" (to the glory of God alone).

The work ethic of the nation's founders was based on Christian teachings. "To ignore the religious roots of the work ethic is to ignore the clear evidence of history," they write.

Work requires effort. Obtaining an education is work. "Knowledge is not acquired by osmosis, but by discipline and hard work," we're reminded.

Not only did I find this book to be informative, but I was inspired by it. Working for an audience of One. Doing work as unto God, as the Bible teaches adds a dimension that can find significance no where else. The Reformation brought this realization back to the attention of workers. No job is insignificant if done as unto Him. That's the message of this book.

This book is easy reading - I read it in a day or two and enjoyed it thoroughly. It caused me to question some things I take for granted and affirmed things that I have felt. My generation is picking up where the previous one left off - not feeling any sense of moral obligation towards anyone. Some of the money spent on studies to find out why American companies are less competitive should be spent on copies of this book and placed on every worker's desk

As one who supports human rights, I obviously support Zionism. To do otherwise would be to oppose human rights. So I am a little surprised and saddened by the fact that there are some people who do not support Zionism. And it's worse that some of my fellow liberals regard Zionism as something not quite, um, kosher. That's all the more reason to read this book.

I have to admit that some antizionist propaganda is pretty wild. Reading it, you might think that Zionism is against human rights, or is against justice, or is against truth, or is a form of racism. Or that Zionists are greedy, wanting more land than they somehow "deserve." But I have come to the opposite conclusion, namely that all these epithets are more properly applied to antizionism. And that's another reason why you might want to read this book.

Gil Troy points out that too many people have ignored too much antizionist hatred and vitriol for too long. He thinks the word "Zionism" is in danger of being defined by its enemies. And I think it may be even more insidious than that. I think that the international community risks having many of its institutions defined by their opposition to human rights.

The author points out that Zionism is an integral part of Judaism. He traces the history of Judaism both in and out of the Levant. And he reviews some of the history of modern Israel.

Troy says that at its simplest, Zionism is simply Jewish nationalism, the understanding that Jews are a people, that Judaism is not just a religion, and that Israel is the Jewish homeland.

I think that's an important point. We do not begrudge the French their language, their nationalism, their religions, or their homeland. We do not demand to internationalize their capital city of Paris, or to give Paris to the Germans on the grounds that only Germans truly love Paris. And I could make the same comments about most other nations that we are content to allow to exist.

The author points out the demonization of Israel that we've seen at the United Nations, such as at their conference in Durban in 2001. And he shows how media, including CNN, the BBC, and the New York Times, have played along with dramatic anti-Israeli libels.

I think that some antizionist Big Lies have indeed poisoned the international information supply. And I think that we see some of the effects of this on college campuses today. Troy advocates documenting incidents of antizionist intimidation on campus and demanding campus civility. In addition, I think we also need to demand academic honesty from some of the faculty.

Antizionism is a problem for all of society, not just for the Jews, Hebrew-speakers, or Israelis. And it is a major problem for anyone who supports human rights. I think it's a good idea to read this book and then ask oneself what one can do to help promote human rights.

It seems like at every dinner or at every family gathering we always start talking about the current situation in the Middle East and Israel and the attitudes that people have towards Zionism. It also seemed that what was really missing from our family bookshelf was a comprehensive book about Zionism seen through the eyes of a Jew living in North America, just like me. We needed an educational book to present the real Zionism that has been lost under the rubble of war and terrorism.
That is why I was so happy when a colleague of mine at work showed me a copy of "Why I am a Zionist."

Troy's focus is the Zionism that can re-unite the Jewish people around universal causes and provide the spiritual anchor in our modern world. More than that, the book also provides a comprehensive guide to the history of Israel, and the important place it has always had in Jewish and world history, in a language that can be understood even by my 10 year old son.
I would definitely recommend anyone who is truly intersted in discovering what Zionism and Israel is really all about, wether Jewish or not, to buy this book and listen to what the author is saying.

With each page I realized why I liked it more and more. The book is written the way Professor Troy lectures simple and to the point. All the issues that he discusses are issues that I'm still learning how to deal with myself like how to sympathize with the Palestinians, but still support Israel, making arguments rather than delegitimizing, disagreeing but still loving and how to deal with Jews who don't support Israel and thereby along with the rest of the world validate suicide bombings as legitimate. The other issue of secular Israeli society being religious at heart is also true and the arguments he invokes about anyone who is Zionist has an element of religion in them whether they would like to think so or not rings very true as well. To read this book while travelling in Israel and experiencing parallel situations made it all the more powerful to read.My countless conversations with soldiers who are exasperated by the situation and see it as a horrible place and then their faces when I finally piped up and said: "Don't ever take Israel for granted. The situation seems hopeless, but you are among your own people that is the most important thing. You will never be alone. To have them say Shabbat Shalom and not have a nice weekend, to not have to fight with a professor because an exam is scheduled on a Jewish holiday. To have the whole country be off for Shavuot to respect it as they please. Never ever take that for granted. " They were all silent and then one of them who had come from Russia looked at me and said: " I know exactly what you mean." The others finally all nodded and never said another word about how horrible Israel was and I hope they keep that with them. It was these types of conversations that highlighted every argument Professor Troy gives in his book and as I continued to read his book and experience Israel (for the fifth time) I realized that everything he stated was true.

This is an admirable book. Troy explains how and why the movement called 'Zionism' has deep historical and religious roots in Jewish experience. He explains the present- day villification of Zionism and makes clear how it is Anti- Semitism in a new form. His aim is to reconnect alienated North - American Jews to their history culture and religion. And he argues that their connection with Israel as living experience is the best way to do this. He is a strong supporter of the Birthright program which brings North American Jews to visit the land of Israel.
In the course of this he also traces the background to the Arab- Israeli conflict and shows how Israel's efforts at peace have met rejection time and time again.
This is an accurate telling of the story and a sound work which anyone interested in Israel, the Jewish people, the Middle East conflict - can learn from.

Why I am a Zionist is a penetrating and startling analysis of the challenges facing the Jewish nation today. Author Gil Troy ardently returns to the core issues - What is Zionism? Why is Zionism equated with racism in the eyes of the world? - and the result is a crash course in Jewish nationalism and identity, covering an important range of topics including the Arab-Israel conflict, terrorism, multiculturalism, and the quandary of North American modern Zionism In Why I am a Zionist, Troy addresses the tough questions, exploring recent events such as the current Intifada and September 11. The result is a thoroughly relevant and honest exploration of contemporary issues that cannot be ignored.

I liked this book for several reasons: it provided a chronological overview; explained the meaning of the Indian ritual; showed the logic behind the architecture of the Hindu temple; showed the importance of the mirroring of the outer into the inner in Indian thought. I believe I understand the esoteric aspects of Vedic spirituality much better after reading this book. I found it very enjoyable!

I liked this book because it is off the beaten track in highlighting the essentials of Indian civilization. It is a small book, but full of surprising insights.

Enjoying reading this panoramic introduction to India and her spiritual heritage!

In this essay Kak covers all the fundamental facets of the Indic tradition. He sheads light on previously misconcieved notions of the European view of India. A must read for any Indian. An enriching educational experience! The book was based off of lectures I saw @ Stanford.

'Subhash Kak presents what is arguably the most complete, articulate and up-to-date overview on the entire Indic tradition. More notably, he speaks not from a dry academic standpoint but from one in contact with the very soul and spirit of the culture. His panoramic view covers spirituality, science, linguistics and history, making clear India's important role in world civilization past, present and future. He dispels the many current distortions and misinterpretations of India, the cobwebs of colonial and Eurocentric thinking, and reveals her vast civilization in its true light. Everyone interested in India and in human civilization will be fascinated and transformed by his many-sided insights. They will never look at India again in the same way.' This is how David Frawley describes the book and I believe that is a fair assessment. The book is based on lectures at Stanford and California universities.

I finished this over Thanksgiving. My mom flipped through it, as did several other family members, asking was it a dissertation. I did not think that it was, but discovered my error in the Acknowledgements. I have a special affection for scholarly works that are compelling reading. The genius of non-fiction is a story that would not be believable if made up.

Leslie documents every assertion, and includes transcripts of interviews and court proceedings so that there can be little question of context. The intermittent inclusion of belabored detail is a little odd to the casual reader, but there is often a gem in a table or list which helps transport the reader back over a 100 years (a list of schools in Augusta includes the only public one for blacks in the state - and that segregated, of course).

The story itself is stunning (grown plantation owner forcibly rapes 13 year old slave girl before her first period, "getting" upon her a b*stard half breed upon whom he dotes all his life and to whom he leaves all that he has, making her the richest "colored" woman in America), but aside from the drama which unfolds chronologically in such a way that without device one is compelled to keep reading, one is almost by the way exposed to an entire sub-culture of "people of color" whose character, enterprise, integrity, ability, and or good fortune prevailed against all odds to create a world of privilege, the survival of which depended in part upon being invisible to less affluent whites. One of them married the grandson of a signer of the Declaration of Independence!

Leslie presents the product of research of a phenomenon without mediated moralizing. Nor does the author speculate upon motive beyond presenting the range of possibilities. This volume belongs on your shelf next to Thurmond's Freedom, Meyer's The Children of Pride, and Reese's The Clamorous Malcontents, especially if you are a Georgian.

Hi my name is Ashlee Dickson and I am a descendent of Amanda America Dickson. I am very apprieciative to the people who have read the book and reviewed the website. I am also proud of my heritage and what she has done for the people of America. I am proud to be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson's daughter's child. Thank you for your time.

I first saw the movie, A House Divided and searched out and found out that there was a book. I read the book and i recommend this book for everyone to read. It is a good book. If you haven't seen the movie. SEE IT! the author that wrote this book should be commended. He did a very good job. I am about to write a paper for my history class on this book. Linda D. Westman Mannsville, Oklahoma

I JUST RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THIS BOOK IS ABOUT A GGGG/MOTHER AN FOR THE OBVIOUS REASONS FOUND IT VERY INFORMATIVE I MEAN HOW MY OF US HAVE THE BENEFIT OF A BOOK BEING WRITTEN ABOUT A PAST RELATIVE THESE COMMENTS ARE NOT ONLY TO EXPRESS MY JOY TO FIND OUT ABOUT MY GENELOGY BUT I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO USE AS A VEHICLE TO REACH OUT TO ALL OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS THAT I DONT KNOW MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS PAULOTOTHEMAXX@AOL.COM MY GFATHER EDWIN EUBANKS DICKSON DIED HERE IN COL OHIO ON 04/09/46 AN THE TRIAL ENDS IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO FOR ME PAUL DICKSON OR MY FATHER JOHN R DICKSON OR MY AUNT EVA DELEROES DICKSON(THOMPSON) PLEASE EMAIL ME AT ABOVE ADDRESS THANKS

Hi my name is Ashlee Dickson and I am a descendent of Amanda America Dickson. I am very appriciative to the people who have read the book and reviewed the website. I am also proud of my heritage and what she has done for the people of America. I am proud to be a Dickson.I am John R. Dickson's daughter's child. Thank you for your time.

A very important book and timely - I'd like to recommend that Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan read this book for a reality check of what happens to women who are not famous &/or privileged and if they want to help a cause, this is the one they should get their voices behind.

While I think this book has a substantial amount of valuable information on the subject of women in prison, I found the grammatical errors throughout the book to be quite distracting. Even with that being said, I did find it to be a marvelous compilation of many years of research on the subject. It is absolutely crucial that more people in society begin to fully comprehend the vast array of implications and "collateral consequences" of mass incarceration, and this book is a great tool in that ongoing struggle. I highly recommend it to any and all.

"Women Behind Bars" is a cogent, well-researched and accessible work of journalism that sheds light on an oft-overlooked topic. I'm a former prisoner and current law student who was interviewed for this book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the prison-industrial complex, especially as it relates to women. Kudos to Silja for giving voice to those who would otherwise remain silenced by the state.

The plight of women behind bars in U.S. prisons is a national disgrace. Not since my first reading of two quite different books--The Jungle and To Kill a Mockingbird--have I been so moved, and educated, by a story of social injustice. The genius and the beauty of Silja Talvi's book is that she removes herself from the telling of these women's stories. It's as if the inmates are speaking directly to the reader, daring us not to turn away from them, to go on about our lives as if we hadn't witnessed such sweeping, and deeply personal, outrages. Talvi's exquisite blending of reportorial facts and figures and personal narratives makes for compelling reading. It should rouse anyone with a pulse and a conscience to action on behalf of a heretofore silent, invisible, and oppressed group of our fellow human beings.

The last thing I expected upon opening a non-fiction book on the subject of women in prison would be that the book would be so compelling that I couldn't put it down, but that was the case! The author combines statistics and facts with dramatic accounts of prisoner experiences, and appropriately weaves in her own observations, pertinent interviews, analyses of historic trends, cross-cultural comparisons, and covers many important political issues and facets of the criminal justice system.

I found the accounts of medical neglect to be heart breaking, as were the stories about mistreatment of the mentally ill. The issues raised, especially the damaging effects of prolonged isolation, are very important issues that out society is neglecting to address. While this book focuses on these issues in women's prisons, the authors observations are just as applicable to men.

This book is not a detached theoretical look at the issue, it is very humane and personal work that will surprise readers and will hold your interest far more than you might anticipate. I highly recommend it.

I believe this book should be required reading in all university criminal justice and women's studies programs--and would be beneficial in the social work curriculum, as well.

In writing The Women of Motown, Susan Whitall digs beneath the veneer of the Motown publicity machine to give us an intimate view of the real people who literally changed the face of R&B. Even more fascinating than the conversations with those we instantly identify with the Motown sound are the stories of Kim Weston, Mabel John and the Velevelettes, artists who may not have enjoyed the same notoriety, but clearly influenced the heart and soul of Detroit's most famous record company. Ms. Whitall's brings a unique perspective to the project. She grew up in Detroit and has written about its music and culture for more than a quarter century. Her always excellent prose also benefits from the magic touch of rock journalist Dave Marsh, a mentor at Creem Mangazine and an able chronicler of rock history in his own right

I enjoyed reading this book because it explores the personal side of Motown and its artists. I also appreciated that the writer also explored the stories of lesser-known Motown acts like Mable John and the Velvelettes. My only criticism of the book is that it failed to include a chapter on Gladys Knight. How can you do a book called, "Women of Motown" without Gladys Knight?

I have always been Facsinated By Motown Records.it's so Important For African-Americans to Have A Stake in things and Berry Gordy is someone very Special in Keeping the Dream Alive.more often than Not The Women of Motown were pretty much just show except Diana ROss but this Book kicks that down and explores The Importance Of The Ladies at Motown.This Great Label had Many Great Minds of both Sexes and it's Important that they be heard.

This book is a comprehensive review of a very special time in American music. We are treated with actual stories that haven't been shared in the media until now. For those that feel that Motown women consist of only the Supremes, this book introduces us to a group of musicians that will surely inspire the reader to find some new artists in the Motown section of the local CD store. Let's see some more! Hopefully a new group of Motown ladies are out there that will revive the Detroit sound.

As a life-long Detroit resident, the Motown story is near and dear to me. What I like the best about this book is the author lets the distinct voices of these beautiful, tough ladies shine through in this collection of oral histories. It is obvious the women Ms Whitall interviews are important to her. I am glad these stories are being told--too much emphasis is placed these days on the superstars of Motown; Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations. For me, the gritty, soulful backbone of the Motown sound will always be Martha Reeves, Mary Wells, Kim Weston. The homegirls! I am eager to read other books in the series if they are as well-written, thoughtful and fun.

This book makes sense of our sole purpose for living as African Americans. It teaches, instructs, and guides its readers into a complete state of understanding other races, cultures, and viewpoints. Sam Chekwas prides religion, humanity, self-pride, individuality, perception, family, civil rights, language, health, financial security, work, education, and MUCH MORE. This book is easy to understand, yet challenging to the mind. READ IT, ANALYZE IT, ENJOY IT, AND MOST OF ALL, PRACTICE IT IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIVES.

Sam Chekwas has written valuable steps in order to survive and succeed in America!! He provides insights into America's history and future. This book is for people of all colors and ages. It allows you to open your mind and free your thoughts and have a complete tolerance for all the different people and culutures in our society!!!

This new publication tackles the history of racism, its collective roots and the psychological oppression which has been systematically internalized within an entire people. The book brings to light the history of the African American struggle and the parallel undaunted climb of an American ideology forever daring to beckon equality for all men. The book boldly challenges a people to erase ALL stereotypes of inferiority and gain self-reliance and self-responsibility within the structure of an American society which is created for individuals who are able to overcome adversity, choose to find their purpose and ultimately dare to succeed. I find this book to be neither Right wing or Left wing, its aim is rather to continue where the CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT left off and to elaborate upon the truest meaning of the final and greatest AMERICAN DREAM.

I have not read a book lately that reminded me of our common human purpose as this Survival Series title by Dr. Sam Chekwas. I recommend it to all and I am sure that you will be inspired.

Chris Mahon

My wishes for every blackman has come true. Read #32 and you will solve the problems of inner city and race for that matter in America. I came by Dr Chekwas book in a library and since then has made it part of my dailing reading. The topics that he writes about remind me of the problems of our country and the reason why we are all left outside the American Dream. Please do yourself a favor and read this book.

This lush book should do more than grace your coffee table. It is a magnificent companion to the PBS "reality" tv show. In a departure from the self-consciousness of the genre, this project was undertaken very seriously and turned out to be dynamic and enriching to all involved. The book supplements the program with a detailed history of the house and of turn-of-the-century society. More detail is given about the Bowler family's experiment in "time-travel", including "behind-the-scenes" tales and commentary that is by turns hilarious, moving, and sometimes, downright horrifying. (If you haven't seen the series, by all means buy the tapes)

The Bowler family is charming and intelligent -- a real family with flaws, but a lovable group of six who gamely and thoroughly threw themselves in this experiment. The book delves much more deeply into the gritty conditions lived, and the joyous lessons learned. (we also find how the "the shampoo dilemma" was resolved!). More is told of Joyce Bowler's ambivalence in being a "lady of the house" and how the emotional experience enlightened and edified her -- and affected her for life.

She wants to go back, and so will you -- and you can, through this hefty, glossy, handsome book.

It's been months since I've seen the program on PBS but I found this book to be very interesting and filled with detail. My complaint, minor, is that with the inevitable editing of material required by compressing three months of material into a small book or a few hours of video something is often lost. Some details in the program aren't even mentioned in the book and vice versa. I'm still waiting on my copy of the video, apparently it's on a long backorder, but I'd say get both because they make a fascinating combination.

I revisted this book very recently, it chronicles the tale of a 20th century British Family trying to live live life as it was lived a the end of 19th century. A good proportion of Britains housing stock hails from the Victorian to pre WW2 periods, so it was not difficult to find a house suitable to be transported back in time. The family had a real struggle with all aspects of daily life, cooking, cleaning, entertainment, peronal hygiene and worst of all for the females, the clothes (moreover the loathed and dreaded corset!). A marvellous historical resource for children, particularly if you can get hold of the TV documentry as well. It was originaly shown on Channel 4 in Britian to mark the the millenium. I am pretty sure Amazon uk has it on DVD, for the intersted.

Do you remember seeing this series on PBS earlier this year? This book is a conjuction to this series, but this series was orginally from England and the book too. The book embody a 1999 family, time traveling to the spring of 1900 to live three months as victorians. It's takes place in the south-east part of London, near the millenium dome. The book starts out with the history of late victorian britain and a timeline of 1900 in England. Then, you will read about how they started this project and etc. This book was a great read for me because I learned more than I learned watching this series or in history. This is a great read for anyone, I mean anyone.