African-American Books

I picked this up from the discount rack at my favorite book store and it stayed on my bookshelf for a long time before I thought about reading it. This is a pretty short book - you can probably read it in a day if you really get into it. I thought it was a really good story. This is not your run-of-the mill relationship story as it delved into the interaction between mother/daughter, father/daughter, and neighbor/neighbor. It was a good change of pace from what I usually read. I'd recommend this one for purchase. It's a keeper.

This story features several characters. Myra the single mother, who a cooks and sells food to support her, her teenage daughter Odile and her senile father Sebastian. There is also Rory, who is a young adolescent being raised in atmosphere of terror by his single father. Then there is Jacob an ex-stick fighter who was once a champion but now walks with a limp and makes his living doing leather craft. They all live in the same compound and their lives are closely intertwined. It is set in and about the environs of the capital city of Port of Spain, Trinidad. So one gets some glimpses into "Trini" life like some of the foods and Carnival. This story takes place over the period of a few months.

This book tackles several themes but one of the main is how mothers sometimes get so wrapped up that they do not notice their daughters are growing up before their eyes. And also that children often live by example, so if the mother is having sex with her boyfriend in the house as the child grows up, she will develop certain ideas about sex. Also how friction can develop between mother and daughter. I think this was a good read.

This book is so much different from what's out there. It tugs at your heart from beginning to end. From Rory's survival of daily abuse, to Myra's rejection from her lover, you feel it deep. The characters get under your skins quickly and you can't put this book down. And I understand there's a part two available! I can't wait!

Soul stirring, thrilling, and passionate are three words to
describe Roslyn Carrington's debut novel, A THIRST FOR RAIN. Set in the small valley of northern Trinidad, the inhabitants of St. Ann's lives will change forever as each character anxiously anticipates the pouring rains and an end to the valley's prolonged drought.

Myra: Sensuous and provocative Myra, struggles with the role
of caretaker to her father Sebastian, raising her seventeen year-old daughter Odile, and her tempestuous, sexually-charged relationship with Slim.

Odile: Studious and obedient, Odile grapples with feelings of neglect and Myra's promiscuous lifestyle. Growing exceedingly tiresome of Myra's trysts, Odile becomes defiant and her self-destructive behavior lends itself to a horrific scene by the river.

Sebastian: After losing his wife to a tragic accident, Sebastian feels compelled to escort the citizens of St. Ann safely across the bustling streets. Labeled the town's madman, Sebastian has caused more danger to himself and adds to his family's emotional strain.

Slim: Smooth talking, high-yellow Slim, is Myra's intermittent lover. Slim has little regard for the occupants of this small apartment building and Myra's persistent cries for affection; but Slim cannot help noticing the budding beauty Myra's daughter has become.

Jacob: Former stick fighter Jacob, embarrassed by his infirmity, dwells inside a shoddy row house across the street. Jacob is slightly aware of the heaviness on Myra's shoulders and longs to be her knight in shining armor; staking claim as hero once again.

Rory: Rory, the boy next door, has yearned for Odile's attention and coveted Slim's machismo over the years. Only Rory's longing will change the lives of everyone before the torrential rains.

Told by each character in concise chapters, Roslyn Carrington has
created an unforgettable fictional cast with issues of great complexity. While characterizations were profound, I found moments where the story lacked Trinidad's customs and traditions. As a result of this, I did not fully connect with the Caribbean premise, which could have added more depth to this otherwise electrifying debut. I look forward to Ms. Carrington's sequel to A THIRST FOR RAIN.

Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub

Several stories have been written about single parent homes fighting society's most basic hardships in an effort to rise above predetermined stereotypes or much less, survive with a sense of normalcy. In the United States these achievements are often a tall order for families facing hardships like poverty, crime, and domestic abuse; likewise, in a poor rural setting on the island of Trinidad, families are forced to accept certain realities with time, hard work, and education as their only way out. Myra, a beautiful, hard working Creole style cook, who makes a living selling lunches to people out of a small hut in Port of Spain, Trinidad, strives to hold her business and family together while turbulent forces threaten to pull her whole life apart. On the surface, a reader sees Myra's struggle with her rebellious teenage daughter and a father with deteriorating mental health but this novel goes so much deeper in dealing with feelings of rage, resentment, disappointment and loss.

I was extremely impressed with Roslyn Carrington's amazing ability to develop each character with enough substance and detail that as a reader, you feel a sense of connection with all the people in the story. In a clever way, the author gave all the characters in the book a personality trait that in some way related to people we know in our personal lives and/or ourselves. As Myra's world slowly closed in around her "A Thirst for Rain" brings you deeper into her thought process as well as the minds of those around her. Even with the cultural differences of Trinidad to the States there is no ambiguity in the emotions that are being expressed by all the characters.

This truly inspiring and uplifting tale of hope and sacrifice should be considered an absolute must read for people who are ready for the ultimate drama. For me, "A Thirst for Rain" provided a wonderful example of how close knit communities can pull together in crisis and how the ability of one woman to trust can affect the lives of all those who care about her.

This is the type of book you can read and re-read again and still get excited about reading it. As an African-American female med student, this book really intrigued me. To read how women of the 1800's, and not just African-American women, faced many obstacles just so they can live their dreams. It gave me motivation and pride to know females such as Elizabeth Blackwell and Rebecca Lee paved the way. I love, love, love the characters in this book. Vivid is sassy, independent, and intelligent. I liked the fact she knew everything about the human body like how to amputate a leg or give stitches but was clueless about the passion a man can give a women. Nate Grayson is that man to show her the way. Nate was so funny in a subtle way. He's strong, powerful and very passionate. I like the small town feel and how everyone looks out for each other. The unexpected twist and turns in this book will come as a surprise. You will feel the passion in this book so go get it!

Beverly Jenkins is awesome. Not only are her love scenes hot but you are given a wealth of historical knowledge regarding the reconstruction and subsequent jim crow period in our history. She is able to make you proud of our contributions and especially proud of our black men and the way they treat their families and women. She is great and the stories have plots that hold your interest and keep you wanting more.

I loved this book just like the other Beverly Jenkins books that I've read. Nate with his smokey gray eyes and Viveca with all of her stories just captures you and holds you. I've read and re-read this book and past it one to my friends. Beverly has done it again. Nate is such a realistic man, I've even used his line "I love you like the trees love spring rain" on my husband. Let's just say he smiled for weeks! I loved all the characters in the book and how well developed they were. This goes down as another favorite.

An example of fierceness and determinaton despite obstacles and objections during the era of fighting for womens' rights and equal opportunites. Dr. Lancaster was a ball of fire and a force to be reckoned with. She was dedicated to her profession as well as the members of the community, regardless of what the menfolk thought. If you're looking for a great read that exemplifies fearlessness and how we ought to be as individuals in the face of adversity...you won't be disappointed. Not to mention falling in love with a fine, strong man who accepts you for who you are and not what society says who you should be. Oh, and I must mention Magic..what a delight. Beverly Jenkins never fails on delivering great work.

This is the second novel I read by Beverly Jenkins, 'Night Song' being the first. I just have to say I thoroughly enjoy her writing style. I could not put either book down! You can't help but fall in love with the main characters and it feels like your watching a movie with the descriptive storytelling. She made the characters and the story jump off the page for me. And you not only get a great history lesson, you get some very HOT and steamy romance...WHEW...I will be reading Indigo, next and I will not stop until I have read all of her historical/romance novel. A Definite MUST Read!

I was looking for a book so that my granddaughter could get a sense of how truly blessed she is to grow up in this century. I am not an avid reader and this was the first book I have read in a long time. The book was only 214 pages but painted a vivid picture of the life and times during the 30's. I read the book in 2 days and loved every word. Being one of the first blacks in a field that has been predomanently white for decades, I too was wrongly accused of doing things and suffered unjust conquenceses. Bravo to the author, please put this on your must read list.

This is a nice book to buy your child if you want to enlighten them on the way of life that existed long before their time where they can appreciate the resources and choices that are available to them in in this generation.

As a grammar-fiend, I must say that this book is really lacking. I realise it was written in the vernacular for a purpose, but really, after only 4 pages I found continuing to read the monstrous grammar painful. This book is practically a guide to how to speak as if one never had any schooling.

If I could've given this book 10 stars, I would've. I'ma 19 year old inner city black male--that said, I was on the verge of tears while reading parts of this novel, and crying isn't something regarded as "ok" to do where I come from (or for guys period). Emotionally maturation is a must when reading this. TRUST! This is my first review of any book. I've never felt so compelled to write one, to ask people "Hey you ever read a book called Billy?" The book is excellent, and I highly recommend it. And as far as the "grammar fiend" review up above--the dialect in the book is reflecting Southern talk from the 1930's and it only adds to the book, it captures the time period beautifully. Please (future readers) dont let that become an obstacle!! (And after the first 5-10 pages you get used to it)

1937. Mississippi. Two teenage girls. Two young boys, ages ten and twelve. A fight ensues and one of the girls ends up dead. The community is outraged and more interested in revenge than justice. Why? The girls are white and the boys are black. Should that matter? Regardless, it does. French unapologetically drops the reader right into the times with all its prejudices glaring. It's impossible to avoid an emotional reaction to Billy. The grief of the families' losses, Billy's confusion about what's happening to him as well as what happened during the fight, and the blatant racism all serve to make the reader question whether things have really changed since 1937 or whether all that racism really just boiling under the surface searching for any excuse to break free.

this is a very heart felt book i like how close they were as father and son and know how far to go with each other as friend

I love eddie levert as well as gerald levert I enjoyed the read and realize they shared a special relationship I will proudly add this book to my biography collection

I just received this book on Monday, December 17, 2007 and I finished it today. This is a lovely book to give to anyone as a gift. Regardless of how famous Eddie & Gerald Levert became as music artist. The family bond is powerful. The relationship of father and son is awesome. The mother of Eddie's children is given the utmost respect of how she held this family together with her love and strength. I'm a single mom and I learned so much about my own relationship that I had with my father when he was alive and the relationship I'm developing with my daughter.

I thought this was a very poignant novel it's goes through the ups and downs of their relationship and also what it's like to be in the music business. Although Gerald Levert will be missed his memory will carry on thru. Put it on your miss read list.

This is a MUST READ for everyone. It is so compelling that once you start reading, you can't put it down. I was deeply moved by lessons learned by Eddie Levert, and I was enlightened by Gerald Levert. This sheds a positive light on the black male figure in the household. Through all of this, Eddie always continuously puts his first wife on a pedestal. There was no ill feelings in this book directed against anyone. This book told the history of the O'Jays, and life on the road. It also displayed that Gerald was still looking for his future Mrs. Gerald Levert. All I can say is the Gerald died too young, but the Levert legacy lives on. The comments made by others regarding the O'Jays, Eddie and Gerald Levert are worth savoring.

Maybe the best book on AIDS since Randy Schultz's "And the Band Plays On". Osborne weaves an intricate and complex narrative incorporating several important themes of the history of AIDS in the Black Community. Whereas Schlitz covered the story of AIDS from Fire Island and San Francisco, Osborne starts his book with a history time walker. Along the way he describes the influences of seemingly disparate trends in destructive way of life for black people the real epidemic to define an epidemic that is as different in the Black Community as night is to day. This book is a MUST Read to anyone working in the field of HIV/AIDS. Case Managers, Program Designers and especially those who sit on Ryan White Title 1 Councils will find it every useful. It is an invaluable resource in comprehending not only the history of AIDS in the Black Community but a resource in understanding how to cope with the problems facing AIDS and the Black Community today.

This is one of the only books of its kind that I have come across; . By the end of the book's 10 chapters, you will have a clear understanding of each stage through which the Osborne trying to make you see the REAL Deal.. expectations of the individuals We enjoy the small change of political scandal - the revelations. Osborne's book makes an important contribution to a debate of whats really going on- a must buy!!!

Osborne's book charts the rise and fall of a hypothetical politician in an attempt to better discover what makes and motivates the species. The book is extremely well researched with a liberal sprinkling of anecdotes, facts and conjecture. The writing style is gloriously indirect and verbose in a very history teacher way, something that might not appeal to all, but which for me added to the joy of reading. Definitely a buy recommendation if you have an interest in a real vision of African American politics.

Building on traditional Liberal values and principles, Osborne brings new and often provocative thinking to every area of social Topics. He seems to have the need to encourage and support stable and secure families, a tougher prisons regime and stronger local government - as well as proposals for global governance reform and integration. A Luke warm attempt to gather the masses of awareness amongst a group of people who are and will always be a disease with their selves ...

Osborne book Examines what has gone wrong with of African American history and what can be done about it. This will be one of the most controversial books that you have to read for years to come. It tells you all of the things that where left out of your mainstream history books

This story was extroadinary, my first time reading a book by mcbridge...not the last the chracters seem to come alive...great story

Great book! Could not put it down. I'm off to find more that this author has written....

Entertainer Leslie Uggams, who started in network TV at age 6, has decades of experience on TV and Broadway. Uggams' voice translates well to audio, enlivening the story of a pre-Civil War slave breakout and a beautiful prophetic black slave who escapes only to evade an unusually dangerous pose of men. Historical events blend with a passionate tale of change and courage in an audio highly recommended for any general-interest listening collection.

First book I read on my Kindle and what a delight. This well written story flows well. Great character development. Excellent editing. Couldn't put it down.

Song Yet Sung is beautifully-written. It does an amazing job of bringing to life slavery, the quest for freedom, and the effect of both on people involved. This is, in a way, the defining story of American culture, and I look forward to the day when we've work out enough of our racism issues so that it's more fully explored in American literature.

I guess my only complaint about the story is that it was so wound up in current racial issues that it distracted from the story. I mean, seriously, we're following all these awesome characters chasing each other through swamplands, and all of a sudden we have to hear about how modern rap lyrics are too angry.

Hopefully we'll get to a place as a culture where we can have stories and movies about runaway slaves that are just high adventure, making every kid dream of planning an escape with her friends.

When I was in school, 10th grade, we had a chapter in English Literature. This chapter, named In the Grip of Prejudice, was from the book 'To Sir With Love'. That was such a gripping chapter, that I decided to buy the 'To Sir With Love' immediately.

Amazing book and fantastic movie (with excellent performance of Sydney Poitier). The book has been with me for more than a decade and re-read multiple times. Very intelligent book that teaches the basics of right human existance.

Excellent!

I just saw "Amazing Grace" about William Wilberforce
and the ending of the British slave trade. There is little doubt that the Ricky Braithwaite who is a relatively young black teacher in England
is the breeding product of such slaves used by sugar planters
in British colonies. In arriving at their destination a large percentage died in the crossing. An even larger number usually died each year as
a result of over work and underfeeding. Genetically this actually tended to make the black slaves superior to their white masters in many ways.
Survival makes very good people.
But the question is not if Braitwaite was as good teacher a teacher as
he is a writer, but have conditions improved since 1959 when he first published this. From hearing about the life of Amy Winehouse who is a very popular British singer, one tends to think they may have actually gotten worse in London's East End, not better?
So for all the popularity of the book and movie of this book,
not a lot of attention was really paid to his lessons in understanding
and care for the poor and hard pressed of all races.
Amy Winehouse was expelled by a Weston type for being independent and different. Progressive education has been replaced with regimentation and discipline. Braitwaite made the point that music, even classical music, got through to these children, but in California we spend money on contact football instead? In California E. R. Braitwaite wouldn't be allowed to teach in an high school. He doesn't have a recognized teaching credential.

During my school days, we had an extract from this book as one of the lessons in our English subject. The lesson was named "In the Grip of Prejudice". After reading the lesson, I just wanted to read the whole book. ER Braithwaite has handled a touchy subject aesthetically.

Highly recommended! :-)

A very enjoyable book. Braithwaite tells an inspirational story about both teaching kids but also overcoming prejudice as a black man in post WWII England. I'm a new teacher and hope to develop the type of relationship he had with his students with mine some day.

I remember having read an extract of "To Sir with Love" during my school days and have been wanting to read it ever since. Unfortunately I never got around to doing so for quite a while. Recently while browsing in a bookshop, my eyes fell on the book and I decided to pick it up.

The book is an extremely inspiring autobiography which chronicles the life of a 'coloured' teacher in a particularly rowdy neighbourhood of London.

Written in an extremely touching, charming (and ocassionally witty) style, the author talks about how he has to deal with racial sterotypes. It is uphill all the way for Braithwaite as he counters the cynicism of his impressionable students and, ocassionally, that of his colleagues also. Slowly, he wins over the minds (and in the case of Pamela Dare, heart) of his students as he tries to wipe clean their minds of prejudices (racial or otherwise).

The book was also filmed starring the ever-charming Sidney Poitier in the lead role. See the movie after reading the book.

Having ten authors contributing to one book sounds strange at first, but when you think about it; it is one way in which to assure that the story remains fresh throughout the book. Sekou and his colleagues have created a novel which highlights each of the author's individual talents with words and yet keeps the story line flowing in one direction. I found this book after looking up T'kalla on the web, he was one of the spoken word Poets who moved me when I first got into the Poetry scene. I hadn't heard about him in a while so I googled his name and discovered he was a part of this project. I am glad I did and if you have not read this book,please go and do so right away.

A collective novel woven together by ten writers,
without any previous discussion of the story line.
Sekou starts the story and Kiini Ibura Salaam,
Elizabeth Clara Brown, T'Kalla, Natasha Tarpley,
Korby Marks, Shange, Kim Green, Leticia Benson
and Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie each contribute a
chapter. Sekou starts the story with Dante, a writer
who fears commitment and is tormented by his nightmares.
As the chapters unfold Dante falls in and out of relationships
with beautiful women, each woman gives him something he needs
but he searches for more. Unable to find peace within. After his
breakup with Sheron a beautiful exotic dancer, Dante finds out
how much of a friend Malik, his so called bestfriend is when he
comes boasting to him about how he is dating Sheron. Feeling
hurt and betrayed Dante heads to Jamaica for a writers workshop
where he finds more erotic adventure that leaves him tormented inside.
Treasure, who always seems to read his mind and know his needs had
given him a new journal as a gift and made Dante promise to write in it.
Dante discovers just how much a treasure this new journal is when he starts
to pen his soul, painting the pages with his emotions and finally after
releasing his hurt he finds redemption.
Each writer gives you their own spin on erotica, spirituality and love as
they move with Dante on his journey to self. The chapters flow sweetly from
one writer to the next. A wonderful collaboration from ten gifted writers.
The story is indeed well balanced, An arousing erotic adventure that keeps
you turning the pages.
We voted this novel Best Collective Story for 2003

reviewed by; Dawn
2/25/03

Honestly, it's been awhile since I read a book that fast, but this one kept me up one night until I finished it. The writers are all superb. I was inerested in every metaphor and detail. I just loved it and was so happy to read a book with this type of modern & relevant story PLUS the top notch writing. I'm a fan of Kate Chopin, Toni Morrison, Albert Camus and the like so I love an eloquent phrase, literary flourish and clear visualization as I read. I was inspired to write more myself, beginning that very night at 4am. The main character's story is also one that would appeal to anyone with a personal endeavour fueled by unrelenting passion, particularly artists. I would say, however, that part of the enjoyment was my familiarity with the social scene and personalities in the book. Well written is well written though, & although there are 10 writers, the journey is seamless. I highly recommend this book.

The first African American serial novel written by ten authors detailing the erotic journey of a young man's quest for redemption. With different writing styles, this tapestry of fiction unfolds without a hitch. Each author wrote their own chapter with Sekou writing the first and last.

When Butterflies Kiss is loaded with redemption and desire. It is the story of a young man coming of age and finding his own place in the world. The first of ten authors begins the story with Dante, a poet who has more than one woman in his life and many desires.

Butterflies are very mysterious critters, imagining them kissing is tough. The correlation between Dante's struggle with life and the butterflies is truly a work of art.

As sensuous and erotic as its classy cover, this beautiful and tantalizing novel will knock your socks off and make your toes curl... literally! So grab a glass of wine and some "honey and lime" and get ready to experience what happens WHEN BUTTERFLIES KISS.

This book is about a hot bed of baketball in inner N.Y.C. namely Bklyn in the mid 70's When the King wasn't called Lebron James, but King Albert (Albert King) averaging 44 a game in H.S. he was hailed & christianed the greatest ever to come out of New York City (although his pro career did not live up to the billing Albert & brother Bernard will always be fondly remembered). This book is about Albert and his come up through Bedstuy and so forth. It also gives you an inside look at some of BK'S playground legends circa 1970's and some of their tragic downfalls. The best N.Y.C. ball-book ever written will always be "The City Game" by Pete Axthlem, but this is a close 2nd.

Rick Telander brings all together all the great themes of basketball in this unforgettable book. He stays true to the sport and never strays too far from it (or its many characters). With great books, readers say they never want to see the characters potrayed in the movie because it will never live up to the image/character they've envisioned. In "Heaven Is A Playground", I never want to see Fly Williams or Albert King play ball because I'd rather keep the court wizardry, provided by Telander, permanently embedded in my brain.

This is the best book on basketball I've ever read. First read it when I was a kid in the late '70's, and it still rings as true today. Just about the best sportswriting ever.

I read this book around '93, just after having read the "white version" in both Larry Bird's biography and autobiography. What was interesting was these two very similar yet distinct experiences and how they related to my own experience, growing up it what would seem like a very safe and socially adjusted rural town.

Heaven is a Playground was a departure for me in to a world where basketball had the utmost symbolic and cultural meaning - where legends were born and died and everybody else was willing to take the gamble. Was basketball more a sacrifice of a better future (missing school) or a one shot escape from certain poverty? Telander would probably argue the latter. What I found interesting was that only a few of the characters in the story actually had the potential for professional basketball, yet all the other young men seemed (unconsciously) willing to sacrifice their own futures for those players. Not so much blinded by their dreams they were living them.

Certainly some other reviewers have me beat in the department of basketball-related literature, but I count "Heaven Is A Playground" amongst the many social science books that I have read. And indeed, it matches up quite well with the best reads of the past few decades. On the surface, the book seems to be about inner-city basketball, but within the pages, it is a complete dissection of the (one segment) inner city African-American man.

The amazing book "Tally's Corner" managed the same feat in its analysis of street corner men. Both have achieved great feats with their respective works. For basketball fans like myself, "Heaven Is A Playground" not only reads as great/sad/true/mystifying social commentary, but also as plain sports entertainment. Rick Telander, as a sports writer, was really able to hit home with the writing, really giving readers a feel of the 1970s game - which has many similarities and differences to the game of today.

Another great aspect of the book is that it reads as if you there. Telander makes only the necessary analysis in the pages about what went on, and basically leaves the facts as they are. The book could have easily become a textbook lesson on sociological concepts, a lofty preaching on the ills of inner city life, or a rambling 200+ page play-by-play. Fortunately, the easy going style of writing is great journalism. Telander's style fit me well.

Thanks Rick for a great read.

I wanted to know the real scoop for years on the Geronimo Pratt case. Although I'm not yet finished reading the book, it is very obvious that Mt. Pratt got screwed, like so many others caught up in the "good old USA" system. Obviously this one is a case of racial prejudice, but it could have just as easily been some other kind of prejudice. It is clear that the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" is just a nice theory that should be strictly adhered to but rarely is. The presumed guilt is clear from the get go on the part of the police. It continues on to the top with lies and deception on the part of the police to get a conviction at any cost, especially with regard to the truth. It's frightening and a relief to know it's not me. But next time it could be me, or anyone who gets targeted by individuals in a position of power, who have no integrity, and don't give a hoot about the constitution of the US.

This is certainly one of the best books I've ever read. Jack Olsen did an outstanding job of weaving together all the facts in a highly readable narrative of one of the most blatant chapters of injustice in 20th century legal history.

I already had considerable knowledge of the case before I read this book. In the early 1990s, the case was being publicized again. I was a reporter for Wave Newspapers in Los Angeles and journeyed with a co-worker to the state prison at Tehachapi where Pratt was then being held and we interviewed him. I then wrote several stories about his situation.

Pratt was imprisoned for 27 years for a crime he clearly did not commit. The prosecution was part of the FBI's notorious COINTELPRO operation-essentially a war against numerous dissenting groups in the 1960s including the Black Panther Party. As Olsen makes clear, in Pratt's case this also involved LAPD and the L.A. County District Attorney's office.

Pratt was convicted of the December 1968 Santa Monica tennis-court murder of school teacher Caroline Olsen. There was considerable doubt about the credibility of key-witness Julius Butler, who had a previous falling out with Pratt, and was later proven to be an informant. (When I was a reporter, I actually contacted Butler. He yelled that he was "tired of this" and hung up on me.) Plus, numerous other Panthers could have confirmed he was at a meeting in Oakland the day of the murder but most wouldn't testify because of a severe split in the ranks.

Appeal after appeal was turned down despite more and more evidence being discovered pointing to Pratt's innocence. In all probability the crime was committed by two low-level Panther members to obtain money for drugs.

That ties in with the only complaint I would make about Olsen's book. He really glossed over the fact that the FBI and police campaign against the Panthers (which I am not defending) was not just because of their militant political rhetoric. They had a lot of criminal types within the group.

Regardless, this is an extraordinary book about another era and the governmental abuses of that time. Johnnie Cochran redeemed himself in my eyes by getting Pratt released. That was after he was involved in a travesty of justice, himself, by getting O.J. Simpson off. But that's another story.

The courage and essential goodness of Geronimo Pratt, in spite of receiving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit, is truly inspiring. This is a wonderful book.

Geronimo Pratt had one of the most honorable and incredible lives I have ever heard of. This book documents his entire life, from is Morgan City childhood to his unjust incarceration for the murder of Caroline Olsen. I literally had trouble putting this book down. It is a great read for anyone interested in the judicial system, the FBI's COINTELPRO, the Black Panther Party, and racism in general. READ THIS BOOK!!!

This book should be mandatory reading for every black person when they turn 15 years old. To read what the gov't put this man through was utterly shocking. After you read this book read "The Judas Factor - The Plot to Kill Malcolm X." You'll be numb after reading these two books back to back.