African-American Books

The book was well written, great humor and very relatable for anyone who has ever been in love or would like to be. The only thing is that the cover does not give the book any justice. At first glance you would think its one of those trashy romance novels, however its about more than romance, its about true love and the romance behind it.

This novel was a soulful journey. It connects with the reality of relationships and with all of its struggles and triumph. I was drawn into the characters from the opening page. He tells this tale with a poetic spin. His words unfold beautifully and each character takes on a life of its own. I think readers will find a little bit of themselves in this book. I loved it!

This book is a beautiful experience. It is one of the most passionate and real books that I have ever read. I couldn't put it down and I wish that it was longer. The emotions of the characters are so strong that they leap off of the page. This book makes you want to go out and fall in love and hope that you experience half the passion and true love that these characters experience.

I must admit I have not normally been a fan of romantic fiction, but Mr. Channer provided me with a very pleasant literary experience. The story was one, not just of romance, but of life and the joys, pains, ups and downs of the situations we deal with in life.

I felt a true insight to each character. I admired Fire's loyalty to his friendship with Ian, despite the fact that Ian was not always the most pleasant or trustworthy person. Surprisingly, I was on the edge of my seat during every "episode" between Fire and Sylvia. The attraction between them was electric and I was drawn into their romance. Black love is not always tastefully displayed in literature or the media, but there was a real-ness to their situation. Their experience made me mad, saddened me, made me smile and then go through each emotion all over again!

The book had a poetic flow to it. What I also enjoyed was the very colorful descriptions of the different settings in the story. I could visualize the streets of New York and London, smell the scents, hear the sounds and feel the culture of Jamaica.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is a story of struggle: exploring struggle, working through it, overcoming it, and realizing that there are some things you just never get over. It is a story of love and passion, tragedy and conflict. It has motivated me to include more Black romantic fiction in my reading collection. And that was no easy feat!

Colin Channer to me is like a modern day Picasso with a pen. His dialogue is compelling, soul-stirring and purposeful and his characters are engaging. You can almost close your eyes and imagine yourself seeing the story unfold as if you were a fly on the wall at a gallery in New York, a beach house in Jamaica, or the Streets of London. This is the mark of a truly great storyteller.

Our main character, Fire, is a "simple" man with a "complex" life. By simple I mean he wants what any sane person would want, a circle of good life-long friends, a fulfilling life, and someone emotionally and physically available to share it all with. So, when he meets Sylvia, he feels like he has found the one. What he doesn't know is that Sylvia, an engaged magazine editor, is all but disengaged from her own true desires for her life. Soon we see that complications abound, and the journey they take throughout the story takes the reader on a cross-continental journey in search of introspection, true meaning and, possibly, true love.

An interesting point is that Channer's characters are written from their souls - what drives them to do the things they do is less about their gender than their emotions and their pasts. With such a multi-faceted story, several layers of conflict, we still get a crystal clear picture and understanding as to why things unfold teh way they do. It is a believable, gripping, page turner, and Channer conveys it effortlessly.

Waiting in Vain, simply put, was one of the two best books I have read in a long time. The other was Satisfy My Soul (also by Colin Channer). As an aspiring writer, I wish my prose was as naturally beautiful as Mr. Channer's. Until it is, I will keep devouring his work in hopes that some of his literary poeticism rubs off.

I read this book in 2006 but recently read it again...and I just simply love it. EJD really goes down deep in the soul with Debra, that made me cry!!! I love this book sooo much, it was well developed and the characters realllyyy had some depth to them...this is one of my favs besides 'liars game' and 'the other woman'!!! If you are just becoming a fan of EJD, you need to read this and then move on to others...lovedddddd it!

I have just complete this book and I must say I totally enjoyed it. Dickey captures the reality of relationships in a way that is sooo deep. The petty nuisances, the fights, the lovemaking, the distractions. He also connects on a deeper level by addresing issues which affect us in relationships (childhood experiences, past relationships) that come back to haunt us when we least expect it.

The one thing that was a little off was his time scheme where Debra was only approx 6mths pregnant when tragedy struck which made me wonder if the story was months old or years old. The time lapses needed to be a little clearer. Butttt it was a great read and I could not put it down (completed in two days flat).

I have read this book 6 times and counting (because I will definitely read it again). I just purchased the play last week and it's just as good. The way the story unfolds has you wanting everyone to win. Don't want to give it away but if you are sentimental you will cry, trust me. I am a fan of EJD's books and I knew this would be my favorite one before I read any other ones. A great buy that will not disappoint.

I have had this book for a while but just felt compelled to write a review on it. I have read this book so many times I have lost count. It is a timeless romance that would appeal to black and white, man or woman. This book is just an all around good read. I used to not enjoy reading at all & it was EJD's books that started me into the world of reading. Like a previous reviewer said it is not your ordinary happy ending romance but by the time you get to the end it is well worth the ride. You will laugh, you will cry, you will identify with the characters. If you ever wanted or needed to believe in love, and finding happiness against all odds then this is the book for you. Honestly....JUST DO YOURSELF A FAVOR & READ THIS BOOK!!!

Out of all the books I've read by EJD, this one was hands down my favorite. I loved Leonard and Debra together. Shelby and Tyrel....not so much. I thought Shelby was narcissitic and Tyrel was just too good for her. Leonard and Debra were perfect for one another. I've read this book countless times, with the same results...I laugh and I cry each time. If ever you're in doubt about Eric Jerome Dickey's writing skills, pick up this book and you will never have to question them again.

This was worth reading. It's not full of porn or scandal but a nice read. I enjoyed that the main character was a real person and not the stereotypically ideal "beauty" queen most authors like to use.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for an entertaining, suspenseful, drama, this is a book for you. It was a page turner, sometimes hard to put down. Donna and Virginia, keep up the great work, and keep these type of novels coming.

Hooks the reader and keeps them captivated to the last chapter. The characters are multi-dimensional and the story is rich with detail about family, friendship and deceit. Plenty of twists and turns with a few jaw drops.
A must-read! You won't regret it.

Read this book quite sometime ago...enjoyed it a great deal, so I decided I would like to experience it again....on audiobook!

Great book. I will be a fan of Deberry and Grant's for a long long time if they keep writing them like this.

I'm writing this on behalf of my husband. He LOVED this book. He is not a church-going man, but Tony's sentiments really moved my husband, and he found it a very interesting read. He couldn't put this book down (which is amazing since the remote control usually takes up that space, ha ha)

I am a young person trying to break into the field coaching. I currently work for a division one program and some times I get discouraged. Coaching is a difficult profession to break into and some times my life gets discouraging. My father got me this book and told me to read it. It was after a particularly bad week that I decided to read this book and it lifted my spirits. Coach Dungy has the right idea in a profession full of wrong ones. Knowing people like him have made it gives me strength to keep going.

Tony has a great testimony! Makes a great gift or a great read, football fan or not!

Whether you are a parent, a coach or both this book is absolutely captivating. I have been reading it with our 12 year old son and found myself reading ahead after he went to bed. Tony Dungy is an inspiring man of God and his wisdom and experience will certainly give adults and young readers a new perspective on life.

I am in the process of purchasing other copies of the book to give to clients and friends. It is a great story and is the best book I have read in years!

Brett Morey
Brentwood, CA

Tony Dungy's autobiography, "Quiet Strength" is a terrific book that contains a message that should appeal to any reader (not just football fans). Dungy speaks of leadership without intimidation, confidence through religious conviction and success through perseverance. The book has a religious tone, but Dungy gets his point across without being preachy. He draws from a stable upbringing by his parents and shares his thoughts about life, football, parenting, dealing with adversity, and being a man.

There's a lot of football references so football fans and those who have followed Dungy's playing and coaching career will certainly enjoy "Quiet Strength". The book should play well in Pittsburgh, Tampa, and Indy because so much of the book deals with Dungy's career as an NFL football coach.

The book is a testament about doing things "right" and treating people with respect in order to gain the same in return. And...as evidenced by the 2007 Super Bowl, nice guys CAN finish first!

A really inspiring look at my generation, the generation of the Great Depression. It shows you what one determined and truly caring individual can do in a world seemingly without hope.

Highly recommended. It has the power to convert the most determined sceptic among us.

Second only to the Bible, Same Kind of Different As Me is the most outstanding book I have ever read. Thanks to Ron Hall and Denver Moore for sharing their beautiful story about the activity of God in all of our lives. Gentlemen, you are to be commended for putting on the printed page the mighty works of the great I AM. Proverbs 2:1-5 speaks to our search for understanding and that when we search for it as for treasure, we find it. You, gentlemen, have found it! Your book testifies to that fact. May God richly bless you and your families as you continue to follow Him.

I read this book in just a few days. It was unpredictable, inspiring an a great read.

Recommended by a friend, this book actually surprised me. I initially wondered whether the story would get "sappy" or "preachy," but my fears were unfounded. Instead, I found it to be a rather straighforward, personal chronicle of how authentic Christianity impacted the lives of an unlikely trio - a homeless black man who deeply distrusts Christian "charity," a Christian woman who persuades her reticent husband to volunteer with her at a homeless shelter, and her husband, a man who finds in the experiences that ensue much more than he ever expected. The writing is heartfelt and candid, and the story is compelling without being pontifical. The lives of all three are forever changed, and as a result, the lives of countless homeless persons continue to be changed as well. Buy it, read it, and I think you'll recommend it to your friends, too.

I started this book while eatting lunch on a Thursday. I picked it back up on Sat. and did not put it down until I finished it. Being from Ft Worth TX myself, I could really connect with the 1st part of the book. I did not know much about the book (picked it up for book club), so I was not prepared for the 2nd half of the book. It really touched me. Warning: Have tissues ready!!! Being a Christian, it made me reflect on how God's plan for us may not be exactly what we had in mind, but we just have to trust HIM that "Father knows best." Christian or Not - Texan or Not, I think everyone can enjoy this book. There are so many subjects cleaverly intertwined into this book, that it is thought provoking - - - Racism, Prejudice, Poor, Rich, Infedelity, Grief, Self-Doubt, etc. That's what I thought of the book, now for a brief synopsis of the book itself...

You have Denver, who worked most of his life virtually as a slave in a cotton field, until he escaped only to find himself homeless and a slave within his own self doubt. He isolates everyone around him and set a boundry of fear around him as a survival technique. Then there's Ron who is very successful and enjoys being so. He travels with the "right" kind of people; enjoys fancy cars and doesn't have much use for those below him. Ron is married to Deborah-a loving Christian woman, who really does not care for the rich fancy lifestyle. She wants to be a good mother, wife, person and serve God. Ron has an affair. Deborah forgives him and their marriage becomes stronger, however to try to appease his wife, Ron reluctantly follows her to work in a homeless shelter. Through Deborah's persistence, Ron learns to let go of his prejudice and Denver learns how to escape from his self prison and they both learn to trust people again. But nothing comes without a price and Ron & Denver learn to work together and with the love of God to overcome a great tragedy. As a result they become best friends and even closer to God.

I am an avid African American fiction & non-fiction reader. However, I never could get into sci-fi-type novels. My Soul to Keep changed my mind forever. I was hooked before the end of the first chapter, and read it in one night. I wanted more...and got it later. During that first read, I experienced so many different emotions: happiness, fear, anxiety, etc. That's a rare thing for me.

I think the problem with the other books that others would compare M S to K to was that the basis of the stories were unbelievable to me. Tananarive Due did an excellent job of making the story believable (at least to me) and taking me on a journey that had me addicted. I cannot wait for the third installment to come out in June!

I had heard of this author before and had browsed a few of her books via Amazon. My oh my.. I'm almost at the end and I have loved this book from the beginning.. I can't put it down. The suspense, the drama and love it keeps you on edge. I would recommend reading this and may check out another one of her books.. Good Job!

Going against general wisdom I bought the hardcover when it first appeared on its cover alone. I'm a horror fan and I enjoy a good story over great writing and I think that's what won me over here. The writing isn't the best, but the story was different, well developed with few holes and satisfying. I read somewhere that B. Underwood bought the rights to the book, hopefully he'll sell it to someone who has the cash to make a solid movie outta this (please no Sci-Fi channel joint). Maybe get Antoine Fucqua, Kasi Lemmons or Carl Franklin to direct with Dennis Haysbert as Dawit.

I almost knew the ending to "My Soul to Keep." I say almost because I have read Tananarive Due's other work and know how she reveals her journey little by little. But don't let that fool you. She'll take it to another level at the end and surprise you. This novel reveals Ms. Due's love for humanity. I saw that in the little girl, Kira and her relationship with her father, and different relationship with her mother. The weird (and he is weird) husband's love of his mortal family and need to find love "forever," was very clear. In my opinion, the glue that holds the story together is the living blood, a metaphor for the blood of Christ. In the beginning of the novel, the Brothers of the Living Blood--immortals--were the only ones to have it until David/Dawit gave it to his wife Jessica, breaking the a covenant law. In essence, he integrated the brotherhood. At times, I became frustrated with the speed of the unfolding and put the book down. But it would haunt me so I had to get back to it. It still haunts me today. Ms. Due is a true storyteller as well as an excellent writer. She delivers.

Minimum Maturity Level - Adult
Strong Language. Violence and Gore. Sexual Situations.

Previous Reading Required - None
It's the first in it's series.

Reading Level - Easy
Not many big words to confuse anyone. Easy to picture what's going on. Easy to follow.

Rate of Development - Average to Slow
The author gets you attached to the characters pretty good. The characters are very real and seem to have real reactions to their surroundings.

The Story - Mystery, Thriller
The story is told through perspectives of Jessica, the heroine, and some others. Throughout the story, her friends and relatives are being murdered and she believes it's just the family curse. At the same time, she is finding things about her husband that are incredible. A secret that puts her life and her daughter's life in jeopardy.

My Suggestion - Recommended
The book starts off with a puzzling prologue. One that makes more sense as the story develops. And as the story develops, you actually begin to care about the characters. The writing is a little on the easy side to read, maybe at about a high school level. But then again, that is the kind of writing that I like. Without spoiling anything for you, I'd say read it and stick it out to the ending, you won't be disappointed. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars is the development just takes a while.

Vincent Tyler is a remarkable person and poet. He breathes life into what seems to be ordinary words on a page. His writing affirm what sisaths are dying to know.... that there are brothas out there who understand our deepest desire and needs. This book also affirms that it is okay for a man be in touch with his sensual & romantic side and not be considered a whimp. After reading this book and hearing the cd, I have included some of Mr. Tyler's works in a pamper gift basket for my sistah friends. They are truly in for a treat!!!!

This is a wonderful book Vincent has open new doors for us to explore.We now know that men can be as sensual women.If you are looking for a good read this is one but don't let it get away from you because you will want to go back to this one.

VINCENT TYLER HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB AS A POET AND WRITER. KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK MR.TYLER ,YOU HAVE GIVEN ALOT OF WOMEN SOME REALLY GOOD ENJOYMENT !!

A Definite must for all women . Get a glass of wine, get in a bubble bath using your favorite scent, settle back and relax and enjoy a sensous journey provided by a live, alive, pleasure fulfilling man. Read what you wish your man would put into words. Its nice to know a man thinks about the pleasure he can give a woman and validates women in their sexuality and beauty. Men should read and learn, their fanatasies can come true by emulating Mr. Tyler

I received your book, "I thought about you today" and your CD "chocolatecoveredcherries",
from my boyfriend Deronti Milam tonight. I could not put it down until I finished the last page. I thought that it was very interesting. On the back cover it states that "this book is for adult women". Men need to read it as well so they can learn what is pleasing to a woman. If more men and women catered to each other needs, there probably would be more committed ralationship in the world today. Keep up the good work and thanks for the autograph.

God Bless

Barbara Walton

White Lines takes you on a whirlwind of emotions. Everyone in the book has faults, and you come to love Jada, Ava, and Born. Jada was swept up into a lifestyle with no one to save her but herself, which she finally did, and Born was robbed of his father from the very drug he sold. but when he and Jada fell in love it was the dream romance. I fell in love with Born myself. But when I got to the part where Jada relapsed I was so shocked and hurt I had to put the book down for a couple of days lol. Born was selfish and threw her out on the street and she sunk lower than before but came out of it and got herself together for good. Born also turned his life around. There's so much more good I can say about this book that this review does it no justice...I'll let you read about Dorian and Sunny =]. But overall this book is greatly depressing yet soo real and good, and everyone should cop it ASAP!

This book was an EXCELLENT read! I was so involved that it kept me up to the wee hours of the morning. I finally finished last night and I wished that it hadn't ended. Anyone that has ever known anyone that is and/or was an addict, you could relate to the story line. I recommend this book to anyone. Again, another great read from Tracy Brown!

One of the best books i've read in a long time!! I loved every minute of it!! a real page turner finished the book in 2 days only because i had to work so it would have been 1 day lol!!! excellent work!

This novel is an unforgetable tale of love between Jada and Marquis. Excellent read, drugs, addiction, and most of all love!!!!!!!. Author Tracy Brown magnificent job.

I read this book a few months ago and all can say is this is one of the best books that I have ever read. Everyone should read this book!

Just read this book (yet another great page turner) and i enjoyed the fact that Kendra uses everyday real life things in her books..i was so into this one i gotten upset every time my boyfriend called, i'd let him know he was interuppting me and Grace and nem...LoL. someone else said that it was a romantic and wholesome book....I have to agree! i pray that God continue's to use Kendra as a great author and continued her success...her books also have a way of having a person beleive that God still has some nice man or female out her and that all is not lost as far as a God ordained relationship goes...God Bless ya!

I've read A Love So Strong, Crossing Jhordan's River,and One Prayer Away. LOVED ALL THREE. I found the first two Grace books, and FLAG and BOG were letdowns. I realized they came first, and KNB was probably fine tuning her flow, but I just could not get into these. I ended up skimming them on the train. Not terrible books, but definitely not repeats like her others for me.

I loved this book it had elements of drama, humour (the two mothers were funny but I felt there as a bit of overkill with those two it started to get annoying to read) and romance. Yes there is a fairy tale aspect to the story - the hero and heroine seem too perfect to be true- they have the perfect courtship with no drama whatsoever maybe cos Grace spent most of the time in a coma- lol. Anyway this is a good start to a lovely series. However an element of realism is there in regards to Derrick's response to his mother's death. It does makee one think this is where one's faith really is tested and how most of us probably would truly behave if we were in his shoes.

I really enjoyed this novel by Kendra Norman-Bellamy. She is an extrodinary writer when it comes to Christain books. It was soft and sincere. Also emotional. All I can say to sum this book up is 'You Go Girl'. Because this is truly every Christain as well as non-christian dream come true. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This book was so GOOD!This was one of the best books I have read,my first christian fiction book was COVER GIRLS,but this book ,FOR LOVE AND GRACE takes the cake! As a young women who one day wants to get married, this book shows what to look for in a good saved man. Thank you soooooooo much for writing this book kendra norman-bellamy!This book was so good,I was almost done reading it in less then two days!Keep doing what you are doing because you are doing it right! GOD BLESS.

This book enlightened me and really got to me, much more than I expected. I was delighted to read about the life of a 102-year old african american man from the south, as I am a 30-something white woman from MT. He has a lot to teach us, and a lot to remind us of and has a way of doing so that makes us thankful for what we have. George Dawson is a gem and I am pleased that someone took the time to put his story on paper. What a great book!

Even though this book was published six years ago, the message of "Life is so good" is timeless. It is a window into a world that we are all a part of, but some of us rarely see. Truly memorable! Dawson sees literacy as an incredible gift and he in turn gives the reader numerous ones in return.

Richard Glaubman's "Life Is So Good" is a real comeuppance for anyone whose outlook towards life runs along the lines of "I wish I had done X, but I'm too old to start now." Here's a man, George Dawson, who learned how to read at age 98. As a USA Today review aptly summarizes, "Dawson has become a literary hero, a testament to the power of perseverance." First-time author Glaubman expertly fleshes out Larry Bingham's award-winning 1998 Fort Worth Star-Telegram short story.

Dawson's tales of life in the Jim Crow-era South, his unquenchable work ethic, and his travels throughout North America make for compelling reading. Here is a man who was never given a shot to read when he was younger - economic circumstances forced him into full-time manual labor at a very early age. Despite significant hardship, his optimism and sense of self-worth never waver. The title really sums it up well here. Glaubman's final words from Dawson are "Life is so good and it gets better every day."

As other reviewers have noted, Chapter 1 of this book could stand alone as among the best short stories you'll ever read.

I like the memoir because George Dawson never gave up his dream to read and write. George was born in the late 1800's. His parents were not slaves, but his grandparents were once slaves. George was raised in Texas. His family was poor, and he never attended school. Georges started working at a very young age, drawing water from the well each morning for the house. George worked alongside his father in the fields. The work was hard, so was their life. They had to watch what they said and went in fear of the K.K.K. Twelve year old George went to work, and stayed with a white family to help out at home. His cousins came to live with his family because their parents died, so George was needed at home. George left home at twenty-one and worked in Tennessee building levees. It was two years before he returned back home.

Life is So Good is a story about George Dawson's dreams of receiving mail, learning to read and write at the age of ninety-eight, and his work ethic. I can relate to George's hard work and his work ethic. I beleive in hard work and doing it right the first time.

This book is sad and tells of struggles he had to go through. It is not easy reading at first because the chapters jumped around. But overall, it is a good book to read.

"Life is good just like it is"(233). "Don't worry about what someone else thinks. Just do the right thing and take pride in yourself"(214). The owner of this optimistic way of thinking toward life was George Dawson, the grandson of an African American slave, who worked hard his whole life but was illiterate until he turned 98 years old. From the time George Dawson was a young boy, he learned the importance of hard work from his father and gave up going to school to help raise his younger siblings since he was the oldest son of five children. Dawson felt that school was only for children, and he was never aware of adult education classes until he attended an ABE (Adult Basic Education) program. He was ashamed of his illiteracy, but no one around him knew it, not even his children, until Dawson told them. When signing a sheet, he had to mark his name with an X.

Dawson grew up in South, Texas, where there was a prevalence of strong racial discrimination. As a grandson of an African American slave, he suffered social injustices his whole life, including racism and poverty, but his cheerful view of life was the key to his mental and physical health. Dawson's wholesome life philosophy despite a racist society was transmitted to him from his father who taught him how to get along or deal with white people without friction; this was a realistic and functional survival skill. However, throughout the book, strong racism was well represented in every story and left me feeling sad and angry.

Nevertheless, their family worked hard so they could make enough to feed the family. Moreover, he left home to travel and work for about nine years here and there, not only inside the USA, but also in Canada and Mexico. These experiences away from home let him become acquainted with the ways of the world. During his lifetime, Dawson did not waste his time and tried as best as he could in any situation and he did not lose his warm heart nor fall into any misbehaviors under difficult circumstances.

He married four times and had seven children, but he sent all his children to college; for his life, he had always valued the importance of education. He had lived in three different centuries, from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. His life's journey in education as a member of the labor class and minority is a prime example of the American history of adult education in the 20th century. Interestingly, he traced back in memory to important social events or movements by looking at old photos or listening to past historical stories. Because he could not read the newspaper, he received the news from other people or the radio. His excellent memory enabled him to become literate in an ABE program at the age of 98 years old.

All through the book, I learned many actual philosophies of life. I thought that every ethnic group has its own specific life style, but I am reminded that the basic philosophy of life is not different between different races or classes; Dawson said that "...Every colored man had the same talk with his children: how to get along, how to survive in this world" (202). His philosophy was that, "A man is born to die. You got to keep that in mind and don't do no wrong" (257). This thinking was not new, but hearing these advices have produced a profound sense of meaning for me. He also said that, "You have no right to judge another human being,"(12) and "People forget that a picture ain't made from just one color. Life ain't all good or all bad"(233). He did not complain toward social injustices but kept his composure illustrated by his ability to keep calm. For example, when he was gardening for a white woman, he refused to eat a meal she served when he discovered she provided the same food to her dog.

However, I think that many parts of his optimistic perspectives towards social inequality were influenced by his illiteracy and non formal educational background. Without education, he was unable to articulate his human rights and desire for social reform. Criticisms directed towards social injustice were out of his realm of concern.
"I want for people not to worry so much. Life ain't going to be perfect, but things will work out" (246). "I guess the heat doesn't bother you people. You're fortunate that you can just keep working"(209). These positive thoughts were the cause of his long life; this book was published when he was 101 years old.

The school started at nine, but he got up by five-thirty and made his lunch, packed his books, and went over his schoolwork. He had always gone to school early and had not ever been late for three years since he began to attend the adult education program. When he turned one hundred years old, Dawson could read on a third-grade level.
I would definitely recommend this great book for any student over ten-year old children to let them know the importance of education, the value of literacy, and the sadness of a distorted social and racist environment. I also would like to recommend it to older generations who have been afraid of learning something at their age. I already handed this book to my teen-aged child with a brief explanation.

Those of us who are literate and highly educated people do not know the difficulties of illiteracy, but it is a shameful secret for many illiterate people. I think that illiteracy is mentally as debilitating as poverty. As a non-native English speaker, I have a similar sense of shame in many situations as Dawson might have had; this feeling is well synthesized into the story. This easy to read, meaningful, and impressive book kept me reading non-stop from the beginning to the end.
"Life is so good and it gets better every day" (260). I always would like to remember this philosophy of life.