Cultural Books

This is yet another one of the books that was required for my Arts & Humanities class "The Horror Story"...I must say that I'm quite glad that I was introduced to this novel.

This book houses some of the greatest horror stories since the genre came into existence. I have a new appreciation for Edgar Allen Poe. Algernon Blackwood is an AMAZING writer, quite possibly my new favorite. There is even a story written by O. Henry!

This book could easily be considered a bible among those who are horror-genre fans. I can't say much else about this book other than IN MY OPINION it is worth the money you will spend on it and the time you will spend reading it.

They quickly notified me when they were shipping it and it showed up fast. The book arrived in excellent shape. I am very pleased with the level of service provided.

This book is, quite simply, the best collection of 19th and early-20th century short fiction of the dark variety in existence. First published in the 1940s, this single (albeit fat) volume is a goldmine of the roots of modern horror, a great way to see where today's horror heavyweights got their inspiration and influence.

Some authors whose stories appear within: Bierce, Blackwood, Dickens, Faulkner, Hawthorne, Hemingway, James (both Henry & M.R.), Kipling, Lovecraft, Machen, Poe, Wells, and many more, a good mixture of horror genre regulars and more conventional or 'literary' authors to whom dark fiction was a departure from the norm. If many of those above names are unfamiliar to you and you consider yourself a fan of dark fiction, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

[Sidenote: The book also contains two of my all-time favorite short stories from two slightly lesser-known authors: Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game," and W.W. Jacob's "The Monkey's Paw." As far as I know, this is the only single volume that includes both. The latter story is, in my humble opinion, THE most perfect scary story of all time.]

Once again: Wagner & Wise's collection is the best thing of its kind.

If you're looking for a little fear on your pallet, this book will dish it out in buckets. The authors are old world craftsmen who wrote these stories on dark and stormy nights. As you read, the wind will howl, dead children will laugh, and the scurry of rats will make you look around your room. Drink a glass of wine, eat dark chocolate, and curl up to this one in bed. Dead men do write good tales.

There's little to add to what earlier commenters have written. But I do want to note that not only are the stories themselves awesome, but the collection as a whole serves as a broad and useful introduction to spooky stories. Many representative authors of the 'old school' are included, like Sheridan Le Fanu, M.R. James, Arthur Machen, Algernon Blackwood, Benson, and the much neglected Oliver Onions. Lovecraft is, of course, there, too. The editor couldn't have chosen better examples to inspire readers to seek out more of the represented authors' works.

This was a great read; wonderful story about African-American history that young children will understand and appreciate, and that adults may learn a great deal from. Good length, tone, and wonderful illustrations. I sent the author a note and she provided me with a great reading guide via email!

Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria was an inspiring story that reminds us to never give up on our dreams and also to dream BIG and leave the rest to God. As a freed slave, it seemed highly unlikely that Martha Ann would ever be in the company of Queen Victoria. But after 50 years of dreaming, PREPARATION and ridicule, Martha Ann got just want she wanted -an audience with the queen. Not only is the story true, it is inspirational to everyone not just children. Kudos to Kyra Hicks for bringing the story to light and inspiring us all to dream BIG!

Readers of all ages will find Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria a fascinating journey through history as told through the eyes of our heroine, Martha Ann, who both captivates and inspires her audience. Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria is a must read especially young people as it teaches the importance of setting goals and following through on the work necessary to achieve them. Bravo to Ms. Hicks who had the foresight and the passion to share this most remarkable story.

What a privilege it was to read Kyra's latest work to my 5 year old. She absolutely loved it, asking so many questions and commenting on the beauty of the book itself. This book was such a treat for both me and her! It's educational, uplifting and sweet. I encourage my daughter to always reach beyond the stars and this book reinforces that. We will read it again and again and share it with others! Thank you Kyra.

Martha Ann's story is not only an inspiration to all, it is also a true story. A story reminding us that with determination, hard work, and confidence even the most seemingly impossible dreams can come true.

Born about 1817 in eastern Tennessee, Martha Ann Ricks was a slave. Her father was a traveling preacher who learned about the American Colonization Society, an organization that assisted blacks in beginning again in a new place - Liberia.

When Martha Ann was 12, her family had finally saved enough money to buy their freedom and they moved to Liberia. Once there Martha Ann was able to go to school where she joyfully learned how to read. At home her mother taught her to sew. However, these happy times came to an end all too soon when African Fever took the lives of her mother, father, and sisters.

As an adult and a married woman, Martha Ann went to the market with her husband where she saw British naval ships patrolling the coast to stop slave catchers from kidnaping blacks. So impressed was Martha Ann by the ships and Queen Victoria for sending them that she determined to personally thank the Queen for protecting her people.

An impossible hope? Yes, but Martha Ann fulfilled her dream.

Highly recommended for young readers.

- Gail Cooke

Robin Cody, Ricochet River (Knopf, 1992)

So there was a big flap a couple of years ago about the new edition of Ricochet River, which got edited (in Cody's words, "I toned down one passage and cut another...") before being reprinted. So I figured I'd get my hands on it and see what all the fuss was about. First and foremost: I entirely disagree with the assertion (in the same interview from which I took the last quote-- Rachel Simon's January 26, 2005 piece in the Oregon City News) that "...sexuality is peripheral to the actual story, Cody said...". It's a coming-of-age story. Sexuality is central to it. Looking beyond the coming-of-age motif, however, sex stands at the heart of this tale of three friends on the cusp of college-- Wade, the high school sports star; Lorna, his girlfriend; and Jesse, the new kid, who's better at sports than Wade, but has a lot to learn, and a lot to teach, about life. As the book opens, Wade and Lorna are at the start of a rough patch that lasts off and on throughout the novel, and Jesse, seeing a woman in possible distress, moves on in, which colors the relationship between the three of them. How can sex be peripheral?

That's not to say that sex is the only thing explored in this novel. There's a great deal about salmon, as well (though the salmon and the sex do tie into one another intermittently), and family ties, existential teen angst, friendship, individuality, the raw deal given the Native Americans, and a whole lot of other stuff. But Wade, Lorna, and Jesse are the focus of the story, and taking away from that, however little, undercuts it. This is a good, solid novel, and it deserves to be read in its original form. ***

RICOCHET RIVER
By Forrest Joe Hess

I'm writing a paper on the story Ricochet River. And I'm trying to determine to see who is the main character of the story and in my opinion I think Jesse is the main character,
Because he's always in the story and he's always doing sports better than every one. Like baseball, "He switched his glove to his other hand. Than he wound up with a mirror image of that hose we'd all seen and whipped another bullet. Right-handed! I was stunned. The pitch was a perfect strike." Or like football, "Jesse was open all night. The first three times we got the ball, he scored twice on an end around."

Jesse loves to tell stories about a guy named coyote. Coyote and Jesse have a lot in common. There both rebellion and athletic. These are the stories Jesse loves to tell, he will even tell them in class. "Huckleberry told Coyote to tie a thong to the spear, so he could haul Wishroosh in. Ho, said Coyote. That's what I was going to do. That was my idea all the time."

Jesse is always getting into trouble, its ether stealing from a store of getting into fights or even shooting pet animals. "The point, and it just made me sick, was we had just stalked and killed a farm-fat defenseless cripple."

Having myself grown up in a small Oregon town in the 1960's, I can assure you that Robin Cody has accurately captured this experience for others to share. He has woven a rich tapestry, taking you into a one-industry community, where local high school sports heroes reign supreme and small town mentality clashes with any thing, person or idea that--simply by being different--challenges the cherished status quo. Where bright young people who dream of a life beyond the city limits despair of ever escaping.

Robin Cody's profound understanding and respectful rendering of all cultures represented--small town; timber industry working class; teenagers and Native Americans--makes him my Tony Hillerman of the Northwest.
Katherine Lawrence

I am an avid reader, but tend to gravitate towards more "feminine" books in general. However, Ricochet River was a hit with me from the start. I really enjoyed the masculine, teenage point-of-view, despite my being an adult female. It was believable, funny, and good for any age. This new version has been slightly toned down to make it more appropriate for younger readers, while retaining its draw for older ones.

Robin Cody's award-winning RICOCHET RIVER is available in a new and improved 2005 edition. The author chose to revise his manuscript for high-school audiences, with the help of the editing students at Portland State University's student-run Ooligan Press. Re-reading his work after fourteen years, he found he could make distinct improvements. His legendary coming-of-age story, originally published as an adult novel by Knopf, is now stronger and more vivid than ever. Every parent of a high-school student should find it wonderfully appropriate reading. Anyone of any age who lives in the Pacific Northwest will benefit from reading this book. Place is a major character, and the story is tremendously enriching. I wish I'd read it when I moved to Oregon thirty-five years ago, and I've hastened to order copies for my born-in-Oregon children.

This is a lovely picture book that talks about babywearing around the world. We are a babywearing family, so it's a nice addition to our collection, but it's valuable for any family that wants a beautiful picture book, or a book that talks about families around the world. Highly recommended!

This book is not only colorful and entertaining, it is very educational. There is a picture of babies and their family members carrying them in a variety of carriers and positions. The author took the time to write a sweet little story of what they do and how they live in different countries. It truly is a sweet little book that will encourage you to carry your baby and connect with someone else in the world who carries their baby too!

If you babywear then this is the book to get your kids.. this is a great book full of vidid illustration and color :) It's a great educational tool for any babywearing meetings as well. Would definately like to see more of this type of material offered:)

My daughter loves this book,she loves looking at all the pictures and enjoys hearing about the babies and kids around the world that are lucky enough to be worn. Plus as a bonus she enjoys finding which people go where on the map on the inside cover of the book. This is one book I don't mind reading over and over again.

My 2-year-old and I love this book. While the text is a bit long for her, it is easy to read just some of it, as each page can stand by itself (each page spread is about a different child and family in a different culture). The global map on the end pages show where each family lives, and there are notes at the end about each culture -- very helpful since it was a long time since I took geography! This book helped us talk about babies as we prepared for our family's second child, about nursing/feeding the baby, and caring for the baby... but this is also a book that will continue to be useful as my children grow and we can talk about other cultures and their traditions.

"Right Ho Jeeves" was first published in 1934 in the UK, though was first published in the US under the name "Brinkley Court". The book is set in England and features Wodehouse's best known creations : Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves. Bertie is the book's wealthy, good-natured and rather dim narrator. He's a member of the "idle rich" and, rather than having to work for a living, lives off an allowance provided by his uncle. He spends much of his time in the bar-room of the Drones Club, is fond of the occasional wager and has an appalling dress sense. Luckily, Bertie has Jeeves, to look after him. Without Jeeves, Bertie's life would be a mess : he makes an excellent hangover cure, his bets usually win and is intelligent enough to rescue Bertie from nearly any situation. He disapproves of Bertie's more garish items of clothing, and will - occasionally - take it upon himself to deal with the offending item.

The book opens with Bertie's return from Cannes, having spent two months on holiday with his Aunt Dahlia, his cousin Angela and Madeline Basset - Angela's best friend. Arriving back at his flat, Bertie is surprised to learn that Gussie Fink-Nottle has been a frequent caller in his absence. Gussie, an old school-friend of Bertie's, is something of a reclusive character : he doesn't drink, looks rather like a fish, prefers country life to the city and is a noted newt-fancier. Gussie has apparently fallen in love, and has - wisely - taken to visiting Jeeves for his advice on how to win the young lady's heart. However, following a disagreement with Jeeves about a white mess jacket purchased in Cannes, Bertie decides to take over Gussie's case.

By sheer coincidence, the object of Gussie's desires is none other than Madeline Basset - who, after the trip to Cannes, has returned to Brinkley Court (Aunt Dahlia's stately home). Bertie sends Gussie off to the stately home in question - though his motives aren't entirely noble. As well as spending time with Madeline, Gussie will also be delivering a speech at the local grammar school's prizegiving day - a job Aunt Dahlia had intended for Bertie. However, when word comes through that Angela has brokern off her engagement with Tuppy Glossop, Bertie and Jeeves race off to the countryside to offer their support. Naturally, Bertie's attempts to ease smooth things over land everyone in a great deal of bother.

A very easy and enjoyable read.

If there's one thing Bertie Wooster should never do, it's make elaborate plans to bring estranged lovebirds back together.

And he demonstrates just why in the second full-length Jeeves novel, a screwball disaster saga that sees Bertie confidently trying to fix people's lives. Of course, things go horribly wrong, and Wodehouse's arch, nutty look at what happens next is an absolute gem.

When Aunt Dahlia summons him to Brinkley Court for a prizegiving, Bertie sends his newt-fancying friend Gussie instead -- especially since Gussie is enamoured of a girl staying there, the soppy Madeleine Bassett. But when Bertie hears that his cousin Angela has broken off her engagement to Tuppy Glossop -- and his aunt is in need of money -- he rushes down to assist all his relatives and pals by advising them to feign such sorrow that they're unable to eat.

Unfortunately his plan falls through, and they manages to enrage the cook Anatole to the point where he storms out. Even worse, the prize-giving is a disaster and the wrong people end up engaged -- and pursued by homicidally angry exes. Only Jeeves' formidable brain can somehow save the day -- and Bertie's behind.

P.G. Wodehouse made a pretty good living off of spoofing the upper crust of England, and the subtlely intlligent servants who bail them out. "Right Ho Jeeves" is a prime example of his writing -- some small mistakes rapidly balloon out into a crazy tangled mess, which only an intelligent manservant can rescue Bertie from.

Much of the book's charm comes from its complex plot and series of disasters (such as Tuppy's homicidal rampage). And as usual, poor Bertie finds himself the object of young ladies' affections -- in this case, the appallingly goofy Madeleine thinks he's madly in love with her, when she's not rambling about fairies and bunnies. If there's a flaw, it's that Jeeves' final solution is a bit limp.

But Wodehouse's writing is what really makes the book timeless. It's arch and wry, whether he's describing basic actions ("He leaped like a lamb in springtime"), or goofy dialogue ("But if you were a male newt, Madeline Bassett wouldn't look at you. Not with the eye of love, I mean").

Jeeves and Bertie are the perfect comic team -- Bertie is proud, goofy, and not terribly bright, while the quiet Jeeves is a towering intellect with wry wit. And they're backed by a colourful, small cast of nutty aristocrats, schoolboys, sharp-tongued aunts and cousins, newt-fancying fish-faced men, and a girl who talks about how "every time a fairy sheds a tear, a wee bitty star is born." Yech.

"Right Ho Jeeves" is a hilarious, tangled farce of love, money, jealousy, dinner jackets and the mating rituals of newts. Absolutely priceless, from start to finish.

got the blues? melancholia got you in its grip? the prospect of death got you down? jeeves to the rescue! nothing like a good wodehouse read to cheer one up. problem is, the man wrote just short of a million books, and not all of them are good. so where to start? right here, with this book. of all the wodehouse books i've read, this is my favorite, the most consistently entertaining. just what the doctor ordered to smash you in the funny bone and get a smile going on the old face.

If you love Monty Python, Faulty Towers, and the like, you'll love RHJ. The glowing reviews on this page are spot on. This is timeless stuff. And Cecil's reading (if you incline towards the recorded version) is terrific. Laugh out loud funny. I adored every moment!

It is rare that I derive such pleasure from a book, but Right Ho, Jeeves, gave me a delightful surprise. Not only does Wodehouse make an art of the satirical novel, but in the process wraps the reader up in the witty speech of Bertram Wooster and his strange arrangement of friends, family, and butler. Bertram, or "Bertie," as he is commonly known, stumbles through the entire novel with the idea that he alone must bear the weight of being the sole aid to his friends' problems. Despite several attempts at a kind reprimand from Jeeves, his personal servant, ("I beg your pardon sir... What I intended to say, since you press me, was that the action which you propose does seem to be somewhat injudicious."); Bertie continues to give it his best. Among other things, Wooster implements the best intentions while attempting a match between old friends, but with little success: "All he had to do was propose." "Yes, sir." "Well, didn't he?" "No, sir." "Then what the dickens did he talk about?" "Newts, sir."

Despite the playful banter, colorful characters (such as a sensitive French cook), an inept yet lovable narrative voice found in Wooster, and of course, Jeeves, behind all is an incredibly clever satire on the "upper crust," so to speak. Although, admittedly, many readers cannot associate directly with the early-middle twentieth century, one cannot help but feel the idle, privileged and somewhat clueless lives of the English aristocracy seep from the pages of Jeeves. Wodehouse does a wonderful job of capturing the lives of people who have nothing better to do then dabble about ridiculously in the lives of one another.

Indeed, Wodehouse does much to reflect the over-privileged lives to which Bertie and company cling to so humorously. However, what might have become a novel filled to overflowing with hilarity and drama is brought back down to a more substantial level with the constant subtle humor and patronization brought in by Jeeves. "Jeeves, don't keep saying `Indeed, sir?' No doubt nothing is further from your mind than to convey such a suggestion, but you have a way of stressing the `in' and then coming down with a thud on the `deed' which makes it virtually tantamount to `Oh, yeah?' Correct this, Jeeves." The nature in which Bertie and the rest are virtually ignorant to Jeeves' little jibes such as this shows clearly the statement of Wodehouse, how the aristocracy is too self absorbed to notice even the slightest. In short, this is a wonderfully clever novel, which keeps the pages turning with quick wit and snappy humor. I highly suggest it.

These two CD's are wonderful. Simple message delivered in straightforward manner with humor and humility. I actually am enjoying my morning commute now.

I have downloaded audio books by Thich Nhat Hanh in which the sound quality has not been nearly as good as it is on this 2-disc set. If you are not familiar with this Vietnamese monk and are exploring mindfulness training and insight meditation, or just want to learn how to make your days on the planet a more joyful, peaceful experience, this is a great investment. If you are a follower, you will love The Art Of Mindful Living. It contains some of his most core teachings, and there are some beautiful chants included as well. Wonderful opportunities for mindful, contemplative time.
Nameaste

I have been listening to this tape for years, not as a guided meditation, but more as a reminder of strong, important, simple ideas that are easy to forget.


Thich Nhat Hanh has published many books and tapes. This audio CD stands out because in its several hours it covers all the major bases of Zen thinking and practice. When you have listened to it you will have all you need to begin a meditation practice, to understand some basics of Zen or EuroAmerican Buddhism, or advance your existing meditation practice.

The CD includes comments on the importance of being fully present in the moment. ("Present moment, wonderful moment") It goes on to teach a basic but very useful guided meditation, with explanations of each step, so that it is easy to learn and understand. For example, one part has you saying to yourself silently on your in-breath, "breathing in I am aware of a tree," and on the out-breath, "breathing out, I smile to the tree." The words alone don't sound like much, but after hearing the comments, it becomes powerful. The author explains that the tree can be a symbol for all the resouces that are outside my body, that are readily available for me. If there is a tree, he says, there have to be sun, rain, and earth, for example, or else there would be no tree. This thought can be calming as we encounter daily anxieties and sometimes feel that we are not getting enough of what we need: we can look on a tree and remember that the earth has all we need that is important. Enough food, enough air, etc. Breathing in I am aware of a tree, breathing out I smile to the tree.

He also uses this idea to advance the ideas of interbeing and impermanence, but I'll let you find out about those when hearing the CD!

Please don't hesitate to e-mail me with any questions.

As a Thich Nhat Hanh fan, (tough to say!), this item is a nice addition to my collection of print and audio. For those of you who are tempted to download the audio, be aware that it comes from an Amazon partner, [...] I discovered too late (my bad) that their proprietary DRM software doesn't support my particular mp3 device, a Sansa e250. So I'm going to wind up buying it twice.

Very practical advise & also very creative. I've listened & read quite a few self help books but this is very unique - I loved it! Not heavy handed or preachy - Thich Nhat Hanh's compassion comes through along with his giggle.

What a riveting story of an era that I, too, was born into but on the other side of the fence than Gene Cheek. It makes me so sad to realize that I had the same sentiment as all the "rogue" whites because I was also taught to dislike those that looked different. And in my town the only ones that were 'different" were the less fortunate blacks. I am sorry for my generation and my race that this burden was placed on the Gene Cheeks of the US. I couldn't put this book down until I had completed it. Thank you Gene for sharing your story and again I apologize to you and your family and am so thankful for your Grandma and Mama---people that everyone would love.

A sensitive and heartfelt memoir. I enjoyed reading the book. However, it is important to remember the Jim Crow South did not have a monopoly on racism. Racism is racism. I grew up in eastern NC, where my mother and father taught me to respect all people. I had an entirely different experience. When I took a job north of the Mason-Dixon line in the 90's, I could not believe the racism prevalent there. The difference I saw was the jokes and stereotypes and wink-winks were done behind closed doors. I was disgusted. Racism in the South during this era was ugly. But it was not restricted there, never has been.

Gene's book is absolutely the best book I have ever read. He speaks with such eloquent words that go straight to the heart. He writes in his "about the author" section that he has "lived an unremarkable life" - as you read the book you realize the opposite - he has lived an exceptionally remarkable life which he unfolds for the reader with great authenticity and care. It is a profoundly moving book that is written in an exceptional manner. All you can think of as you read it is "please don't let this be the first and last book you write." For those of us who can remember the days of the very segregated South, this book will resonate with you. For those of you who are not old enough to remember this book is a must read, as we must never forget our history.
We should all be grateful to Gene for giving us such a gift as he has - I know I am.

I am a native of Winston-Salem, NC where the accounts in this book took place. It was so exciting to ride through the neighborhoods where Gene and his family lived. Some of the houses are still standing; I think I saw the house he grew up in during one of my "history searches". I thought this book was enlightening, refreshing and a testament that not all people buy into "traditions" their family's try to hand down. There are many people like Gene's mother, grandmother and step-father who are more attentive to how you are as a human, than what color your skin is and I was fortunate enough to know them and become friends with many people who shared this mindset. I enjoyed reading the touching story of the love between a mother and son, and although I applaud his unselfishness and love of his brother, I can't help but think that he might have been a little less understanding in real life. But then again, I am only expressing how I would feel. The campus I work for (mentioned in the book as Winston Salem Teacher's College, now WSSU), is requiring all freshmen to read this book. I am happy that they are. It is, again, a wonderful, yet painful account and it is history that needs to be told.

I too was driving home from work when I had the good fortune to learn of Gene Cheek's boyhood experience while listening to NPR. In a world that continues to struggle with hatefulness, I encourage anyone and everyone to meet Grandma "Pearl" Anderson, Jesse Eugene Cheek, and the gracious, strikingly patient gentleman - Mr. Cornelius Tucker. The historical implications of this young man's socio-political recollection of pre-Civil Rights America encourages us all to embrace courage, love, and strength, instead of relenting to fear when confronted with difference. I've chosen to use this literary work in my Freshman English class; my students won't part with it. They have been captured by the emotion, the characters, and the voice of a boy who lost a portion of the child inside. Gene Cheek should be acknowledged for taking the risk to write and share this experience. There's hope, if this book is able to reach a readership willing to make a difference in the world.

WOW! In addition to being a tribute to his mother, James McBride allows us to peek inside his incredible family history, his upbringing, and wrenching emotional conundrums. His extremely well-written and insightful book is a treasure trove of information. Words cannot express the positive impact that his story has had on me. The love of the parents for each other and the major contributions of both of the fathers was exceptional. When I got to the part about James's mother (who had hundreds of reasons to give up many times in her life) was enrolling in college, at age 65, to help others, I had to pause and send everyone involved a congratulatory mental-telepathy message of appreciation for all of their hard work, tenacity, abilities, and compassion for each other and the folks in their communities. I was delighted with the eventual world travels (of Mommy), huge family celebrations, and across-the-board positive - and extremely well deserved - outcomes for each of the 12 siblings. It's enough to encourage and uplift an entire nation, if not planet. Stunning!

This was the second copy of this book I purchased after the first disappeared into circulation among my friends. A timeless story interstingly structured and skillfully told. A worthwhile read.

Some reviews here say it all. This is indeed a remarkable biography/autobiography, so I would only add my praise for such a loving, touching homage to a very special lady and her remarkable family. I loved the forthright descriptions of this numerous mixed-race family and was touched by Mrs. McBride Jordan's personal tale, kept inside for so long. Her buried past and the author's own reminiscences entwine flawlessly, making this an emotion-stirring book. By writing it, James McBride is finally able to piece together his own past and that of his mother, thus quenching his desire to learn more about his origins.

The difference with the original edition is an interesting Afterword, summarizing the 10 years since its first publication (1996) and the impact its success had on the author himself, his family and, above all, his mother. I shall not disclose anything here, but it is worth to look into.

I truly think this is a standout among the various memoirs I have read so far, an inspiring and remarkable contribution to race-related literature.

There are many people today who live their lives completely oblivious to different parts of the world and the unique histories that have brought us to where we are today. I'll be the first to admit to this naivety. I have lived my whole life in Arizona. It was quite shocking, as a result, to read James McBride's memoir. McBride attributes this memoir to his mother and opens the reader's eyes to the hardships and struggles of both religious and racial discrimination in the twentieth century.
James McBride was born in 1957 to an African-American father and a mother who was not only a Polish, Jewish immigrant, but white. McBride delves into what life was like growing up, and also reveals the many struggles that his mother overcame. Throughout the memoir, McBride describes the unique character of his mother and triumphs when he finally is able to uncover the past that she tried all her life to hide from. It wasn't until James was in college that he finally learned the truth of his mother's past and how hard it was for her as a Jewish immigrant living in Virginia in the 1920's and 1930's. Her childhood was hard enough growing up with an abusive father and discrimination against her Jewish family, but she eventually ran away to Harlem, New York to marry an African-American. She survived the death of two husbands and was left to care for a total of twelve children all on her own. And yet, she sent every one of them to college where they each got degrees and grew up to lead very successful lives.
James also relates what it was like growing up in a chaotic household of twelve children with a single mother. He reveals the racial discriminations promulgated toward his black siblings and white mother. He also opens the reader's eyes to what it was like to live in hunger and poverty. But if there was one thing James' mother instilled in her children, it was a belief in Christianity and the importance of an education; and even though they were constantly scraping by for food, they all made it through college with the value of education and with divine help. It is a true story of fulfilling the "American Dream."
One of the very unique aspects of McBride's writing is his original organization. The entire memoir is a puzzle. With each chapter, the point of view shifts back and forth between his own personal story and his mother's in her own words. This creates a fascinating effect as the reader seems to inch along through the discovery of James' mother's past just as he inched along throughout his whole life. It's almost like reading two separate memoirs; and yet they intertwine so skillfully that they aid each other.
McBride's style of writing also adds to the memoir and reveals what he has gone through and how far he has come. He has a great balance of comical facts and intense judgments of life. Before I was even through the first chapter I compared McBride's style to that of The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Even though this novel is not a memoir, it takes the reader through the life of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield who is also trying to find out who he is. Both of these works relate to each other and have a similar style. They are both very blunt and the honesty shows through as they just "tell it like it is." Both works also follow characters through their lives and their different struggles and trials that they had to overcome. They both deal with issues of education, personal morality, values, and self understanding. However, McBride adds racial and religious discriminations, poverty, and death to the list of issues.
The Color of Water is not only educational in describing life in the north and south during the early years of America, but it is an inspiring book. There are many instances where McBride will step back and give his views and beliefs on different issues. "Given my black face and upbringing it was easy for me to flee into the anonymity of blackness, yet I felt frustrated to live in a world that considers the color of your face an immediate political statement whether you like it or not. It took years before I began to accept the fact that the nebulous "white man's world" wasn't as free as it looked; that class, luck, religion all factored in as well...Yet the color boundary in my mind was and still is the greatest hurdle." The unique racial insight that James McBride exposes is something every human being should be aware of. It is also good to know the different kinds of hardships that many people face in our country's history and how they can pull through hard times and still succeed. As a whole, The Color of Water wasn't the most thrilling or romantic memoir. It is honest and tells things as they are. But it also draws out deep emotions from the reader as you sympathize with those who have to live through struggles yet conquer them in the end.

I feel almost silly adding another review when others have said so much already. So, I'll keep it brief. This is an extremely well written book. It flows seamlessly back and forth between time periods and generations until, before you know it, it's over. And, contrary to what some others have written, it is not obsessed with race. Race, as McBride presents his struggles, can be seen as a metaphor for exclusion. McBride's experience brings to life the consequences of the unfortunate human tendency to separate people into in-groups and out-groups, and to denigrate those who belong to any out-group. Most of all, this is a heartwarming story about the power of love to overcome trauma. I recommend it to everyone, and most especially to anyone who has ever felt that they didn't fit into someone else's dichotomous box.

WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE DEATH OF EMMETT TILL IT WAS ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO EVEN THOUGH THE MURDER HAPPENED OVER FORTY YEARS AGO. I READ ABOUT IT IN AN ISSUE OF "JET" MAGAZINE. JUST WITH READING ONE ARTICLE I HAD TO GET THE FULL STORY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED. THATS WHEN I PURCHASED "DEATH OF INNOCENCE". THE BOOK IS A FIRST HAND LOOK AT WHAT REALLY HAPPENED FROM BEGINNING TO END. IT IS WRITTEN BY EMMETT'S MOTHER MAMIE TILL MOBLEY. SHE SHARES HER HEART FELT STORY. THIS BOOK WILL TUG AT YOUR EMOTIONS, BECAUSE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FEEL THE ANGER, SADNESS, FRUSTRATION AND MANY OTHER EMOTIONS SHE FELT WHILE GOING THROUGH SUCH A HORRIFIC EVENT . THIS IS A GREAT BOOK THAT I WOULD RECOMMENED TO ANYONE LOOKING TO GET MORE INFO ON THE EMMIT TILL MURDER AND THE CASE THAT FOLLOWED.

This is one of the saddest books I have ever read. The fact those two evil beasts got away with it is appalling. The fact they apparently did not bother repenting of the crime is even worse. Had they no remorse at all (one wonders the same of the jury and others involved with the csae, including the odious Sheriff Strider)? I wonder how it was for them on their deathbeds...did they suffer? One would hope they did...at the least, perhaps the spirit of Emmett Till came to them in their last hour of life and frightened the wits out of them the way even God's wrath on Judgment day did not appear to. I have never been to Mississippi and never shall, and am in the middle of writing a novel that concerns this tragic moment in the pitiful history of my people here in these United States of America.

Mamie Till Mobley is the mother of the Civil Rights Movement. I wish I had been able to give her a hug. This book should be required reading in every History class. I hope that the recent exhumation of Emmett's body will find evidence to bring some kind of justice to this most horrific tragedy.

I could not put this book down. My heart and soul wept for Mamie and her Mother. I felt as though I lived alongside them when reading each and every paragraph. I found myself living amongst them in Argo, Illinois. Watching each and every move they made from the moment of Emmett's birth to his death. This was such a very sad time for America. I still cannot comprehend how two grown men could be filled with so much hate that they would murder a child over an alleged whistle. Emmett grew up in Chicago with no fear at all. I thought about his last moments in Mississippi. Was he afraid? Did he think they would have let him go back to his granduncles home? This was truly a sad time in history and Mamie Till-Mosley suffered until her death at the loss of her son. I am happy that they have reopened Emmett's case and the 6 people still alive will be punished. He did not deserve to die this way. This book is a must read for every able bodied American to see how hate can destroy. Mamie fought each and everyday. Her speaking engagements throught the country. She refused to let Emmett's death be in vain. The next time I visit Illinois, I will make it a point of driving down Emmett Till Road. This book is a must read.

Mother Mamie Till-Mobley will forever be remembered as a paragon of love, forgiveness, and indomitable strength. This moving memoir was told as only a mother could tell it with both tenderness and the maternal fervor that is so distinctly and universally "Mother." She paints for the reader a portrait of who Emmett was from the time of his birth up to his brutal death, and beyond. For the manner in which this 14-year-old boy was murdered so affected the consciousness of this nation that Emmett became a symbol of how hatred and racism in America not only doesn't exempt Black children, but demonstrates that they are so disposible as human beings that crimes against them go unpunished. The Emmett Till tragedy will forever serve as a shameful commentary on race relations in America, and how the sin of racism has left a permanent stain on the very flag that we say represents "liberty and justice for all."

Mother Mobley gives the reader delicious slices of her own backstory: her close relationship with her mother, her religious upbringing, and the demise of her first marriage (to Louis Till, Emmett's father), and subsequent marriage to Gene Mobley. The book draws you into the life of Mamie Till-Mobley and her family; the love and dedication shown to her by her own mother is almost tangible. The essence of who she was comes off the page. Throughout the pages you can sense her warmth, gentleness, and her strength. From the very beginning of the book, the reader gets to know Mamie as a woman of great strength and stoicism for early on her husband, Louis Till, was lynched while on a tour of duty in the U.S. Army. She goes on to raise her son alone for a season, teaching him responsibility and strict moral values. He turns out to be an obedient and responsible son who loves and respects his mother and grandmother.

The most moving passage was when Emmett's body is shipped back to Chicago. Mother Mobley along with members of the Black clergy, go to Union Station to retrieve her son's remains. She describes in detail the look of the ghastly box that held her 14-year-old baby; the awful stench that emanated from the box; and the emotion that she felt during this horrible juncture. You could feel the wrenching agony of this mother's soul when she describes her screams at the sight of the terrifying box that held her child. She, the funeral director, and her other relatives were ordered by Mississippi law officials not to open the box or there would be consequences. Naturally, this mother ignores this insane command vowing to pry the box open herself if need be. Once Emmett's body arrives at A.A. Raynor Funeral Parlour, Mother Mobley (against the strict admonition of law authorities)meticulously examines the body of her son. So grotesque were his remains, the funeral director suggested a closed casket service. However, Mother Mobley insists that her son's battered and monstrously bloated body be put on display for the world to see. She decribes how she started the examination of Emmett at his toes, and inch by inch she painstakingly worked her way up his thighs, middle, chest, ears one of which had been cut off, his pertruding tongue, and eventually to his enormously swollen head. She decribes his knees with reminisces of how they had been when he was an infant. She decribes her relief that his manhood hadn't been severed for castration was the all-too-familiar calling card of a lynch mob. She exercises grace and modesty when she examines his private parts, explaining how "Emmett would have a fit if he knew [she] was looking at him like this." She had such a connection to her son that even while examining his corpse, she respected his privacy as would any other mother of her adolescent son.

Mamie Till-Mobley's story takes the reader on a journey of love, tragedy, and forgiveness. This woman's faith is evident in the pages of this book. She relies on her faith and is able to forgive the vicious beasts who mutilated her boy. She forgives a country and a justice system that not only acquitted these killers, but reprehensibly subjected her to ridicule and various indignities during that farce they called a trial. And she forgives a president who shows cold indifference when she turns to him for help after having exhausted all legal channels trying to get justice for Emmett. Her strength knew no boundaries. In her later years she dedicated herself to mothering the children of others by first becoming a public school teacher, serving as a church mother in her local church, and establishing a drama group for children. She traveled the country speaking out against hatred and violence. Her healing came through the avenue of giving and not allowing this tragedy, painful as it was, to cause her to withhold her love. She never gave up the fight to get justice for her son; she was in her eighties when she departed this life in January 2003, and she fought for Emmett until the very end. She showed the tenacity and the depth of a mother's love--a love so great, only God's is greater. She was a remarkable woman--a remarkable mother. This was a remarkable story.

I could not put this book down.
It is written so well that you are literally transported to China.
A survival story not to be missed.

Chi Fa is orphaned as a very young boy. Throughout his childhood, he goes from family to family many different times. He is abused and often goes hungry. He is not unkind, though, and is respectful of others. His problems do not affect how he treats others or lives his life. In the end, his dream comes true and he makes a good life for himself. This is a story of determination. It inspired me and made me realize that one can rise above tragic circumstances; dreams can come true. I recommend this book to anyone who needs some inspiration.

Growing up in Communist China was not easy, especially for Lu Chi Fa. "Double Luck" is a memoir throughout his days as an orphan in Communist China, moving around all his life. Chi Fa's parents died when he was very small, and he never had a real home when he was in China. Chi Fa's sister was the one of the two adults in his family who cared for him and his safety, but she could not have him stay at her house, and tried to give him to other family members. He would leave his temporary house after his temporary guardians were bored with him and was tossed around the family until he was sold to communists. His life was hard and grueling with guardians who beat him, harsh living conditions, near death moments, begging on the streets, and many more tearful stories. This is a remarkable story; every one should hear the tale of Lu Chi Fa.

Thinking that he would never have a real home to live in forever, he first learns of "America," the place where you "Eat three meals a day" and "are too full to complain." After hearing of this wondrous land, he envisions such a place and tries to find ways to get him closer to it. When he was living with his brother, he worked at a station for US soldiers to rest and retire. This gave him an understanding for the language and a happy feeling that he would soon live in this "amazing country." After back breaking and heart stopping moments, he finally sees his dream come true many years later. On each page the author would give, in great detail, a small portion of the story that put you right into the book. Each chapter was either one year or one day of his life, all teaching him methods on how to survive. And with each chapter came a sad ending as well. The way the author kept each story alive is remarkable, like he was there at each time and whispering what was happening while you were hiding in the shadows. This book is like no other.

I loved reading this memoir, it is above many other books I have read. "Double Luck" is a story that can not only entertain, but teach. This book must be the best story that anyone can read no matter how old you are. After you read each chapter, I cannot begin to tell you how thankful you feel. Thankful for the house you live in, the bed you sleep on, the food you eat, and the family who cares for you. I truly loved this book with each passing page and couldn't wait for what would happen next. I admired the way that the book described his stories in a way that put you right in the book. I also feel that it is necessary to tell about the plot itself. This book could never have a look alike, it is to unique and personal to copy. This is a book that gets you hooked in and is hard to put down. After all, growing up in Communist China could never be easy.

Double Luck was an outstanding book that describes the troubles and dangers on the childhood of Lu Chi Fa as he tries to be free and escape from Communist China. Double Luck clearly describes the terrible childhood he had as he was a slave to Communists, beaten constantly from guardian to guardian,and face almost certain death. The true beauty of this book is that after all this happened and how little kindness he was shown he still looked back on his life and thanked every person he had met because it had taught him bravery and determination. Double Luck is truly a must read!

"Double Luck" is inspiring, informing, and most definitley enlightening! My 6th graders and I truely enjoyed Lu Chi Fa's voice and the writing style of Becky White. The journey back to Communist China was something my students knew very little about. Reading time was very sacred while we were reading this novel.

Lu Chi Fa's feelings of constant rejection were something that humbled us all. This book is a must read. It truly allows us to realize the hardships and tragedies of this Chinese Orphan. My students are at the very age Lu Chi is when he begins to support his entire family. The courage and perserverance Lu Chi demonstrates throughout the novel is inspiring. Kids and aduts of all ages will truly grow as human beings with this story.

It was most fortuante the way we found this story. Thank you for sharing and may "good luck" continue to be with you! Always!

Wendy Ragusa and the 6th grade class at Charlotte Wood Middle School in Danville, CA.