Social Studies Books

The Serpent Handlers: Three Families and Their Faith tells the stories of three families of the Signs Followers faith - a branch of Christianity originating in 1910, whose members take Mark 16: 17-18 as a central tenet of their belief. Known for the sensational aspects of their belief - picking up poisonous snakes, drinking strychnine, and speaking in tongues - Signs Followers have often been negatively portrayed by the media, and . Journalist Fred Brown earned their trust through longstanding respect, and offers The Serpent Handlers as a counterbalance. Great pains have been taking to present the stories of the serpent handlers in their own words, without extraneous or editorializing, though each individual's memoir is prefaced by with a summary of who he or she is and his or her role in the movement. A "must-read" primary source highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about Signs Followers and their faith.

Serpent handling is a controversial practice that is often sensationalised by the media. However, the adherents of the Signs Following churches generally avoid publicity. That is what makes this book so special: The handlers are allowed to speak for themselves in telling their own true stories in their own words. What emerges are real people and an impressive testament to an enduring faith provided in moving personal accounts of people who are prepared to risk their lives for wat they believe is obedience to the Bible.

Believers who take Mark 16: 17 - 18 as a literal part of their faith call themselves Signs Followers and are found mainly in the southern Appalachians. Serpent handling is not the only sign; others are handling fire, healing the sick, drinking strychnine and casting out demons. It is important to know that the taking up of snakes and performing the other signs are not attempts to prove anything but is done to confirm the Word of God. This is emphasized by many of the interviewees.

These independent churches are in various ways connected to three great strands of American protestantism: Holiness, Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism. Generally considering themselves as Holiness, they share with fundamentalism a total acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God. Pentecostalism is their link with mainstream protestantism where the signs or Gifts of the Spirit, like speaking in tongues, are practiced.

The first part deals with the Brown Family of Tennessee and the House Of Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ, situated in Marshall, North Carolina. The people include John Wayne Punkin Brown, Melinda Duvall Brown, Peggy Moore Brown, Rachelle Martinez Brown and Richard Cameron Short. Part Two looks at the Coots Family of Kentucky and the Full Gospel Tabernacle In Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Speakers include Louvernia Coots, Tommy Coots, Gregory Coots and Linda Turner Coots. The last part features the Elkins Family and the Church Of The Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. The people include Barbara Robinson Elkins, Joe Robert Elkins, Barbara Church Coleman, Lydia Elkins Hollins, Lucille Chafin Church and Charles Church.

In every case, the sections start with a family tree graph followed by a description of the areas or towns like Cocke County, Tennessee, Middlesboro, Kentucky and Jolo, West Virginia. For every individual, there is a short introduction by the authors before the person talks about his or her involvement in the church, their family and their community, what it means to be annointed and how they feel when they are practicing the signs.

Black and white photographs of individuals and families enhance the text and there are accounts of services in each of the aforementiond churches. The book concludes with an index. In addition to this most inspiring and illuminating work, I recommend Serpent Handling Believers by Thomas Burton and Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington.

Serpent handling is a controversial practice that is often sensationalised by the media. However, the adherents of the Signs Following churches generally avoid publicity. That is what makes this book so special: The handlers are allowed to speak for themselves in telling their own true stories in their own words. What emerges are real people and an impressive testament to an enduring faith provided in moving personal accounts of people who are prepared to risk their lives for wat they believe is obedience to the Bible.

Believers who take Mark 16: 17 - 18 as a literal part of their faith call themselves Signs Followers and are found mainly in the southern Appalachians. Serpent handling is not the only sign; others are handling fire, healing the sick, drinking strychnine and casting out demons. It is important to know that the taking up of snakes and performing the other signs are not attempts to prove anything but is done to confirm the Word of God. This is emphasized by many of the interviewees.

These independent churches are in various ways connected to three great strands of American protestantism: Holiness, Pentecostalism and Fundamentalism. Generally considering themselves as Holiness, they share with fundamentalism a total acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God. Pentecostalism is their link with mainstream protestantism where the signs or Gifts of the Spirit, like speaking in tongues, are practiced.

The first part deals with the Brown Family of Tennessee and the House Of Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ, situated in Marshall, North Carolina. The people include John Wayne Punkin Brown, Melinda Duvall Brown, Peggy Moore Brown, Rachelle Martinez Brown and Richard Cameron Short. Part Two looks at the Coots Family of Kentucky and the Full Gospel Tabernacle In Jesus Name in Middlesboro, Kentucky. Speakers include Louvernia Coots, Tommy Coots, Gregory Coots and Linda Turner Coots. The last part features the Elkins Family and the Church Of The Lord Jesus in Jolo, West Virginia. The people include Barbara Robinson Elkins, Joe Robert Elkins, Barbara Church Coleman, Lydia Elkins Hollins, Lucille Chafin Church and Charles Church.

In every case, the sections start with a family tree graph followed by a description of the areas or towns like Cocke County, Tennessee, Middlesboro, Kentucky and Jolo, West Virginia. For every individual, there is a short introduction by the authors before the person talks about his or her involvement in the church, their family and their community, what it means to be annointed and how they feel when they are practicing the signs.

Black and white photographs of individuals and families enhance the text and there are accounts of services in each of the aforementiond churches. The book concludes with an index. In addition to this most inspiring and illuminating work, I recommend Serpent-Handling Believers by Thomas Burton.

Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake-Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia

Mountain Holiness: A Photographic Narrative

If you only read one book on signs followers(serpent handlers),this should be the one.An accurate account of the beliefs of these unique people is provided in their own words, from the viewpoint of three of the most prominent families in the world of the serpent handlers. Stripped of the sensationalism prevalent in most accounts of believers of this faith, this book will present an honest look into the lives of some of the most honest, likeable people you would be proud to call your friends and neighbors.

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FACINATED WITH SERPENT HANDLING.
I THINK THIS HAS TO BE THE BEST BOOK,IF YOU WANT AN HONEST
LOOK INTO THE LIVES OF SOME SINSERE JESUS LOVING PEOPLE AND THERE
LIVES.I LIKED THIS BOOK BECAUSE ALOT OF IT WAS WERITTEN IN THE WORDS OF SAINTS THEMSELFS.BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE.AND A GREAT BOOK,I HIGHLY RECCCOMEND THIS BOOK OVER OTHER BOOKS THAT I HAVE READ ON THE SUBJECT.PEACE BE.STEVE SPARKS

Kudos for courageous research broaching a very historical, controversial, multidemensional,emotionally charged and confusing topic[race matters]with tremendous personal responsibility,candor with clarity,and intellectual and emotional maturity. This is a ground breaking piece of work that deserves investigation and recognition.

Silent Racism is a powerful book. Racism IS THERE though we are NOT AWARE. Trepagnier has brought an important concern to the forefront and addressed it head on.

Written by a person who seem to have spent some time studying the subject. She identifies the major issues blocking most people from understanding their internalized feeling about people of color. Although she writes mostly about the relationships between Whites and Blacks, she does state the other people's of color are affected in a like manner. I do wish to point out that the relationship between Native (Indian) Americans and white American society is still predicated on the stereotypical views of the western world. Perhaps it is easier to view what has been done to Native people if this continent is continued to be viewed as empty, or sparsely populated. Then manifest destiny and doctrine of discovery seem to be easier of the social pallet of America. If the world view of Native people is not taken into consideration I doubt that there will be much progress in the relationship status of Native Americans and whites in this country. I believe our society needs to do a lot of work to get over its fear treating Native people, and all people of color, with more dignity

This is an amazing book. Anyone concerned about race and racism should read it! Trepagnier's interviews with white women who are "well meaning" and concerned with racism are enlightening. For example, some of the women discussed (oftentimes, somewhat unconsciously) stereotypes that they have about African Americans. The author challenges readers to stop thinking of ourselves and other people as being in the categories of "racist" or "not racist." Doing so discourages us from becoming what Trepagnier refers to as more "racially aware." I encourage people to read the book, buy it for others, and TALK about the issues it raises. It's one of the ways to increase racial awareness. Given many recent events reported in the media, it's clear that racial awareness is a worthwhile and important goal.

It's disconcerting to realize that sometimes my best efforts at NOT being racist have been just that. This book helped me realize the necessity of self-examination to expose those ways in which I'm participating in the racial divide, not by obvious acts of prejudice but by leaving my assumptions unchallenged. This is a very important book.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

this is a great book to use to teach young children about diversity.

We love this book! We received this as a gift from my mother who is a retired 2nd grade teacher. I started reading this book to my son while he played in the tub every night when he was only 7 months old. He is now 20 months and it is a part of our routine that he looks forward to every evening. When I show him the cover he claps his hands and says, "YAAAAAAAYYYY!" This year I am sending copies of this book to all of my friends for their children. I have already started reading it to my 2 month old. It is such a feel good message. The illustrations are bright and engaging for a child or adult of any age. The best part of all is the content. Our favorite part of the book is, "You're not any of this, 'cause you're more than you seem! You are all that you think and you hope and you dream! You're a gifted creation with imagination! You're a new day desire to reach even higher! You're the feelings that start from down deep in your heart! You're the pride and the joy inside each girl and boy!" (As you can see, I have read this book aloud so many times that I know it by heart. . . .you will, too!)

this book is inspirational and magical--such a simple, basic
concept--yet so elusive for so many.this wonderfully written and illustrated book should be read by all children and
adults alike.

My kids love turning the pages of this book - the colors and freshness of the illustrations are very eye-catching. Most importantly, the message is a natural, beautiful one about color and skin. My 2nd grader is studying a unit on Ellis Island and immigration and how America has been built by many people from different nations. This book is a great complement to their studies.

I've enjoyed reading Mitchell in the past, and this book is fine as it goes, but, unfortunately, it offers nothing new. Mitchell has been opposing both the war and the Bush administration since day one in his op/eds in Editor & Publisher. This book just carries on the same tradition.

I write this because I expected a bit more from this book than just a rehash of what he has been saying all along. What really gets me is how so many in the media are now saying how they should have done more to oppose the war when their job is to provide us with information so we can decide for ourselves what to do. For instance, Michell's article on Bill Moyer's piece criticizing the news reporting on the war was one step shy of total endorsement. So I'm not at all surprised the Moyers returned the favor by praising Mitchell's book.

I just don't understand how journalists are now saying that their coverage lacked criticism of the Bush administration when there are solid research based studies out there that say the exact opposite; for instance, Bush's War: Media Bias and Justifications for War in a Terrorist Age (Communication, Media, and Politics). The author here states that after about 8 weeks following 9/11 that the mainstream media actually began to frame their stories to paint Bush as the enemy. The media and Mitchell ignore these works. I wanted a larger conversation than just with those who oppose the Iraq War.

I also wanted to see someone take on the academic studies, not ignore them because they don't support their point of view. I mean, the information is out there, so how does one explain it? Anyway, if you have not read much of Mitchell's work, then this book will summarize well his (and by extension the mainstream media's) view of media coverage of the war; if you have read Mitchell, then it will seem like a walk down memory lane.

Greg Mitchell is a talented writer, but even if not he should be listened to closely. He is one of those (like Barack Obama) who has proven to have been right early, and right often, about some of the most serious events of our recent past.

But though, as I say, Mr. Mitchell has been proved right, the tone of this book is not one of "I told you so," such as you or I might write. Rather it is one of great sorrow over the human costs of this waste of a war:

The thousands of military deaths, not only in combat but those who have killed themselves. Something not enough people are talking about.

I'd bet on this being one of the books on Iraq which stands the test of time.

Greg Mitchell's book is an excellent critique of the media and its handling of Iraq war, but it also serves as a reminder of everything that has happened in the last five turbulent years. By looking at the war in its entirety through the lens of media coverage, it not only compiles a history of the events of the war, but also a history of opinion and views about the war, and equally important factor in this controversial engagement. His unbiased and skeptical view of the events are an example of how journalists should have treated it from the beginning, and proof that while many major journalists and publications may have botched the coverage, at least one held true to his journalistic principles and remained outside the tidal wave of populr opinion and spin.

A must read to see how the fourth leg of our country let us DOWN

This book gives an excellent account of events leading up to Bush's War, and puts the nightly/daily news in perspective. I now look at 24/7 news channels differently, realizing that they need "stories" to fill their air time, even if those stories are only rumors, suggestions, and innuendo. Viewer beware!!

I have used this book with my students as a middle school speech pathologist. The pictures are a great resource for the students to visualize the right and wrong way to behave. They enjoy correcting the wrong pictures as part of therapy. An added bonus it that another book of Jed Baker's has worksheets and lessons that directly teach the social skills in the pictures. Truly a great resource for anyone who teaches social skills.

Jed Baker has produced another great resource to help teachers support social growth and development. There are too few resources for those teaching in middle and high school so I was thrilled to see secondary version hit the market(there is an elementary book as well). If you regularly work with students with autism, you need this book.

Although I haven't purchased this book, I have read a copy that I have borrowed from a library, and I think that it is very helpful.

As someone with Asperger's Syndrome myself, I know that if there had been books like this 30 years ago, I would have learned much earlier in life what things are appropriate to do and say in what situation. It's too bad that there were no books like this until very recent years!

While I think some of the students who could benefit from this book might find it a bit patronizing and beneath their level of maturity and intelligence (since it depends on pictures so much), there are some really valuable insights to be found for just about everyone with any degree of Asperger's Syndrome. The only improvement I would suggest is that more details on body language reading and face reading be included. For example, when Dr. Baker says to check first whether a potential friend looks receptive, exactly what should one look for in the facial expression and body posture? Dr. Baker gives some details on these things, but I think some Asperger's students might need more specific pointers.

The book is in excellent condition, was packaged properly and shipped promptly.

Some of the pictures don't accurately show the body language like I would expect them too. Also, pictures are duplicated in the book for various body languages. Would be nice to have different pictures so as not to confuse the student. But I do think it will be helpful for my daughter to use along with her counselor.

I could not put this book down. If you are interested in learning how the system can help, or hinder, this is the book to read.

This book kept me up every night for the past week until I finished it. A fascinating and thoughtful look at the juvenile dependency and delinquency systems, the authors get it right. Told mostly through vignettes of families representative of typical child welfare families, the authors deftly illustrated the complexities of "the system," fairly documenting the strengths and failures. Considering that child welfare is what I've been doing for 5 1/2 years, I wasn't bored with the book or angered at any misrepresentations. Rather, I was pleased to see how well-researched and unbiased the piece was. Further, it reminds me that the complexities are what have kept me in the field so far.

The book is a bit dated -- methamphetamines have overtaken crack cocaine as a drug of choice for most child welfare families, and timelines for reunfiication have shrunk. Further, Monterey County (where I work), at least, has greatly improved how it does sexual abuse forensic interviews. I got a bit bogged down in the delinquency section when it became less vignette-based and more pedanctic, finding that the vignettes were better conveyors of information. Overall, though, this was an outstanding book and one which I will give to my boyfriend and parents to read. Anyone interested in child welfare should read this book for an understanding of a system that will never and cannot be black or white.

This is a textbook of the juvenile dependency system that reads like a page-turner novel. I was unable to put it down for 2 days. The authors' treatment of their material is even-handed and true-to-life. I have worked for the past 4 years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian Ad Litem for these children in my local juvenile court and the cases featured in the book closely mirror the actual cases I've seen over and over again in the courts. The book raises problems in the system to which there are no easy answers, and the authors don't attempt to offer any simplistic solutions: What does the system do with severely emotionally disturbed kids who blow through one placement after another? How do you know when to give up on parents and terminate parental rights? Do you wait until the child's crucial childhood years are mostly over, waiting for the parents to get their act together? How do we place children in good homes when there is such a shortage of foster and adoptive families? I urge anyone interested to get involved with the system as a volunteer. There are over 700 advocate programs around the country and the minimum time commitment is only 12 hours a month.

I have been in the field for over 20 years and this is the most accurate account of the Juvenile Justice system. The stories are real and moving. I could not put this book down. I did not agree with everything in the book, however, if you want to know the real story then this is a must read.

I randomly came across this book in the library while looking up something else. I thumbed through it a bit and then ended up checking it out and taking it home, where I have proceeded to read it almost constantly over the last couple of days (with occasional breaks for comparatively less compelling things like eating, sleep, class, and hanging out with friends). I'm always a bookworm and am used to becoming absorbed in what I read. However, this is the first time in quite awhile that I've been so caught up in a book, particularly a non-fiction book.

I like this book so much because the authors worked hard at giving a thorough and unbiased look at the juvenile justice system and the kids stuck in that system. Of course, remaining completely unbiased is impossible; however, they tried to give a variety of points of view. They also tried to keep from vilifying any one group (parents, children, social workers, judges, police, the community, and so on), while still indicating the complexity of the problem. Case-studies were carefully chosen not to be sensational, but rather to exemplify the typical issues dealt with by kids in the justice system. Finally, they interspersed the information from the case studies with general information about the law, the way such cases are usually handled, and so on, then applied this new information that they had given back to the case study. This made it possible to learn a great deal about the system in general, while keeping it interesting because you could see the immediate application to one particular kid that you had learned about. This added to the book's general readability. All in all, this book is an excellent, well-written book that has the possibility of moving us a long way towards an understanding of these complex issues.

If you really and I do mean really want to find out what is inside some of the brother's head, then PLEASE READ THIS BOOK!!! Not only do I find it informing, but a great read. One brother talked about dating women of all colors and persuasions, and had me grudgingly agreeing to his argument. Some of the men had me feeling for the various experiences they went through, and none left me disappointed. Please read this book.

I enjoyed the narratives of men of today in their own words. Women have often tried to understand these souls, and for some reason can never get it right. So we might as well let these men express themselves. However, I do know that there are always some hidden truths. I look forward to the version for women, and if folks can't get enough of this intimate look at personalities of today's man and woman, I strongly suggest reading PerSOULnalities: Poems For Every Kind of Woman and PerSOULnalities: Poems For Every Kind of Man which both tell both men and women the truths that can't be hidden from a personafied characters. I am going to spread the word about this book, and it has hit the airwaves all over New York. Much luck to these outstanding compilers.

HERE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES WRITTEN THROUGH THE SOULS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN WHO HAVE PUT THEIR STRUGGLES ON PAPER TO ENLIGHTEN THOSE WHO ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH THE DREAM. VISIONARIES SUCH AS MAYOR WILLIE BROWN, ISAAC HAYES AND GLENN TOBY OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND TELL THEIR INSPIRING STORIES.
THIS IS A MUST READ AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Doctors, rap stars, poets, lawyers, pilots, the formerly incarcerated, bus drivers, gay men: what do they have in common? They are all Black men telling their stories. Some of the men are well known, others aren't. Each story tells, in their own words, the joys, the tragedies, the fears, the hopes and dreams of the Black men who wrote the chapters. It gives us an insight into the thoughts of Black men and how they relate to the world they find themselves occupying. These men tell us what they think about their mothers, their lovers, and their wives. They also give us insider information about how they deal with money, education and careers.

The editors, Daniels and Sandy include an introduction to each section so that we will know what we are about to discover. At the end of each section, suggestions and questions are presented to help the reader move forward toward a specific goal. It is a book that is long past due and while it is long, it is definitely worth the effort of reading it.

Reviewed by alice Holman
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Souls of My Brothers, Black Men Break Their Silence, Tell Their Truths, and Heal Our Spirits, edited by, Dawn Marie Daniels and Candace Sandy, is a collection of true short stories by African American men from all walks of life. They are movie stars, musicians, CEOs, single fathers, bus drivers and teachers. Each story covers subject matter such as: Growing up without a father in the home, mental illness, love, health, finances and sexual orientation (to name a few).

Every now and then you read a book which blows your mind. Souls of My Brothers happened to be that book for me. From the foreword, by Isaac Hayes, to the last essay, I was captivated. At times I cried, I laughed, and by the end, I was empowered to become a better person. One of the most powerful sections in the book was the section which deals with being the keeper of one's brother. In this section, individuals shared stories on how they became successful when faced with insurmountable odds and how they reached back and developed programs, centers, jobs, etc. to assist their brothers.

Armed only with a keyboard or a pen, each essayist shot powerful words on paper. Their words were loaded with the insight of a race of men that has been silent far too long. If you have ever wondered why an African American man reacts a certain way when placed in certain circumstances, I suggest you read this book. Although this book does not serve as a blueprint into the African American man's psyche, it can be used as a tool towards understanding him.

If you are looking for that perfect Christmas or birthday gift, I suggest you give a copy of Souls of My Brothers, to the brothers in your life.

T. RHYTHM KNIGHT
APOOO Bookclub

This a must read for the forty-something and the
fifty-something.
This little book with its' practical no nonsense
approach to life and lifestyles can be read again and
again.
Enjoyable, exciting, and enlightening.

I recommended the book to my bookclub, In the Company of My Sistah (Northern Califonria).

Beckford does indeed provide "affirmations for women in the second half of life." As a male, what I find so interesting is that these same affirmations are also relevant to men who share the same generation. The material is organized within four Parts: Health ("An ache here, a pain there. So what?"), Empowerment, ("Live as you jolly well please."), Romance ("There may be snow on the roof, but there's a fire blazing in the oven."), and Inner Peace ("Living from the inside out."). Quite correctly, Beckford affirms the importance of physical as well as mental and emotional health. An abundance of research confirms that older people (ie those in "the second half of life") live longer, recover more quickly from illness, and (generally) are much happier if they sustain a positive attitude. Beckford generously shares from her own, extensive personal experience. ("This book has been a lifetime in the making.") She neither preaches nor harangues. She includes dozens of quotations, some serious and others amusing. She concludes her book with a list of 10 "sayings" she has "invented." Here are three to give you a sense of her style and perspective:

1. "When you're casual about life, you'll end up a casualty."

4. "If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything."

8. "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."

Some readers may think such sayings are "corny" or "obvious." Quite true, there is very little "new" in this little book. For me, many of what Beckford calls "affirmations" are really "reaffirmations" of what I already knew but seldom consider. I plan to re-read this book periodically. Also, I will continue to give copies as a gift to friends. But not to all my friends. Nor only to those "in the second half of life." Rather, to those who will be receptive to what Beckford shares so generously. One final thought: Many (most?) residents of retirement communities -- and especially those in assisted living facilities -- will derive great benefit from reading this book. If you have loved ones among this group, you should seriously consider giving this book as a gift to them. Just a thought....

Ruth Beckford brings a lifetime of experience and accumulated wisdom to this book of affirmations and short essays aimed at "women in the second half of life." Topics, which touch on professional and personal issues, include empowerment, health, romance and inner peace. Although this book contains the same philosophies found in virtually every other self-help or inspirational book, its focus on how these thoughts apply to women at midlife and beyond sets it apart. We [...] recommend this book to those women - at least to the ones who, with their booming careers, adolescent or adult kids, aging parents, active spouses and an occasional night at the theater - still have time to read. Just one criticism, though: These lovely aphorisms have a slight whiff of retirement about them, a faint fragrance that makes us wonder a bit if the author fully understands that 50 isn't quite as old as it used to be.

"Still Groovin'" is an excellent book of positive and necessary life examples and techniques. It is creative, stimulating and inspiring.

Ruth Beckford has the genius, enlightenment and wisdom to offer affirmations that are not only for women in the second half of life, but are invaluable to young adults by settings a clear path to follow in order to become healthy and successful in mind, body and spirit. It worked for me.

Whether or not they would believe it at this stage of their lives, I would recommend that women should buy this book for their daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters or any younger female they love. What wisdom Ruth Beckford has to offer all of us. I, in my late 60's, can only realize that she has put into words so many of the things I feel at this stage in my life. What wonderful insight she has to offer! She is someone I would love to know as a friend....

One of the more controversial events of the 1930's took place near Paint Rock, Alabama when nine Negro youths were arrested for the rape of two white women on a freight train. The nine were quickly tried and found guilty. Before the death penalty could be administered, appeals were filed with the aid of the US Communist Party. Thence ensued a lengthy series of trials and appeals that lasted from 1931 until well into the forties. It was a legal battle between White and Black as well as North and South with the battlefield always under the control of the White Southerners. Today it is an incident lergely forgotten by succeeding generations. Yet it is an excellent example of the the state of race relations in the South (not that there are too many surprises there), the role of moderate judges in reconciling racial injustice, the influence of the Communist/Socialist Parties in the 1930's as well as a number of other splinter stories. Therein lies the excellence of this book.

The author attempts to relate the story of the "Scottsboro Boys" through various perspectives without really indicating a particular bias. As the story goes on these perspectives seem to roll into one but even that one perspective takes a middle road approach to the story. For example, we are told of all the difficulties that the main characters suffer while imprisoned. Simultaneously we are made to understand that these same characters have serious flaws of their own.

The book follows the story of all the principals from their entry into the story until their death. There were few successes to come out of this event and the author lets us see the failures of the "Scottsboro Boys" as they each eventually realized their freedom.

This is an extremely readable work of non-fiction. It may seem occasionally that the story is stuck at one particular point but it generally moves along, giving the reader a rare insight into a very American event in history.

I started reading this book with very little knowledge about the Scottsboro incident. This book does an amazing job of portraying the different sides to this tragic story. The chapters are short enough for those of us with short attention spans. However, each chapter grips you with why those particular people feel and think the way they do.
A must read if you want to know what really happened, and more importantly why it happened.

This is far and away the best, most exhaustively researched and detailed study of the infamous Scottsboro Boys case of the 1930's. Goodman manages to incorporate a multitude of details in a style that is highly readable and engrossing, whether the reader be an historian or merely one interested in the tragedy of the case. Unlike other authors who have hastily attempted to take up this case in order to garner a quick buck, Goodman renders a well-annotated and authoritative account, one which approaches the boundaries of an epic. For, the case of the Scottsboro Boys extends well beyond the mendacious accusations and the cowardly jury verdicts attendant to the trials. The true tragedy of the tribulations of these young men is the aftermath. The horrible consequences of this episode in Alabama history is the sheer permanence of the seering brand of conviction that was only removed after the lives of each of the Scottsboro Boys had been irreparably destroyed. The decades of confinement at the old Kilby Prison in Montgomery, as well as other penal institutions, are frankly explored by Goodman, and the book asserts its superiority to all others on this subject due to Goodman's determination to take the reader through those decades, marked as they were by brutality, bitter frustration and abject hopelessness. This reviewer discovered only one error in Goodman's research, that concerning the relationship of the Carmichaels - an error of some substance, yet one which can easily be corrected and assimilated in future editions. And, it is the profound hope of this reviewer that such future editions will be forthcoming. Goodman has provided students of Alabama history, as well as those who study American jurisprudence, with a solid, definitive work which will serve to educate countless readers for many years to come. It is highly recommended.

Having already read Dan T. Carter's masterful Scottsboro: A Tragedy of the American South, I already knew the story of the Scottsboro boys and the miscarriage of justice that happened to them. I hoped to get more insight with this book. Unfortunately, its unclear style got in the way. I would guess that someone who was unaware of this case might love this book--but if you are looking for more than narrative, get Carter's book instead.

I had to read this for a school assignment and wasn't particularly looking forward to it, but I am so glad I did. This book is amazing. It chronicles the famous Scottsboro trial, from the initial incident all the way through to many years after the trial. The book is written very convincingly in that it tries to present the different perspectives of relevant parties/persons. This made me feel like Goodman wasn't trying to push his own agenda but was instead simply presenting as best he could an accurate historical account of the facts surrounding Scottsboro. The book itself is written like a story, but you can tell from its presentation that the "story" was very historically driven and all facts mentioned were well-documented. A fascinating account of Scottsboro. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about it. I'm not sure a better resource exists on this topic.

As a therapist who has done considerable work with incest and sexual abuse, I give this the highest rating. I think it makes an important contribution to the field and particularly to people of any age, gender or sexual orientation that are dealing with their own recovery. It is sensitive and soulful.

I really like this book because it comes from various survivors. They tell their stories. This is positive from a theraputic standpoint when working with survivors of sexual abuse.

By allowing these victims of sexual abuse to take her under the surface, where the hard work of day-to-day survival and growth and triumph takes place, Carolyn Lehman has honored both her subjects and her readers. A beautiful, important book.

Strong at the Heart presents very personal stories. These individual stories together present the resilency of the heart. Very moved and inspired to continue my work as Rape Crises Counselor

I have not suffered childhood abuse but was recommended this book as a source of inspiration and education on helping people to face and overcome the abuse they've suffered and suppressed for years. This book is a breath of fresh air for victims and friends interested in helping loved ones heal persistent, bottled up wounds; it provides hope and can be a great source of inspiration for all readers.