African-American Books

The book is informative and insightful. It gives solid and bible based ways to evaluate your leadership gifts.
It does teach spiritual principles of leadership for women.

I greatly appreciated the insight into the women of the bible Esther, Miriam, Deborah, Ruth etc.

Every church lady in an office should read this book

I loved this book! I thought Dr. Porter revealed the true leadership of some of the greatest women in the Bible. She also gave enough history for those of us who are not as familiar with the Bible as others to understand what the woman did and where the reference could be found. The questions at the end of the chapter were really thought-provoking and challenged the way I traditionally thought about leadership.

Leading Ladies: Transformative Biblical Images For Women's Leadership introduces four biblical archetypes whose stories define the leadership roles played by women everyday within the home, the community, and the workplace. The "weaver" is one who braids together her vision for the future; the "midwife" helps birth ideas and dreams; the "choreographer" brings people together to celebrate; the "intercessor" advocates on behalf of others. Jeanne Porter draws upon the lessons of these ancient stories to explore the principles of what she calls "transformative leadership", an alternative to traditional styles of leadership that calls on women to lead from their spiritual core and empowers women to claim their full leadership potential. Each biblical story is complimented by stories of contemporary women whose action, ministry, and work model this leadership paradigm. Leading Ladies, with its multiethnic approach, is very highly recommended reading for women involved with church work, business, neighborhood groups, community activism, schools, women's studies, biblical studies, and individual self-improvement efforts.

Recently, I had the pleasure of purchasing and reading Leading Ladies by Dr. Jeanne Porter. To my amazement, this book was absolutely thought-provoking, innovative and literally stirred my heart as I journeyed through the pages of it.

While taking a "sneak peak" at the various leadership styles (from the back of the book, of course!), I without a doubt identified myself as an intercessor. As I began to read the book and to study the corresponding scriptures, God began to unfold some things in me that needed to be birthed-the potential of the weaver, choreographer, midwife. I was oblivious to the fact that I had strongholds and preconceived notions about myself and about my leadership potential. But I thank God for removing the scales from my eyes and allowing me an opportunity to acknowledge and confront these archaic ideologies and release them to His teaching and healing power. As an intercessor, I am encouraged to go forward freely and confidently and to allow God to birth all He's placed in me (weaver, choreographer, midwife, etc.).

This book is not gender-specific and is a must-read for all that are ready to move forward. I believe that your very heart and mind will be transformed if you avail yourself to the message given in this book. It is, among other things, revolutionary and will challenge and entreat you to see your God-given potential to become man or woman that God has created you to be.

Thank you, Dr. Porter!

Dr. Porter did an excellent job in giving us a transformative way of looking at leadership. To my surprise, it was not for Leading "Ladies" only but offers something to the heart of the very reader who will avail himself or herself to it.

Offering this reading as a group study will, in my opinion, enhance the relationship and identify the strengths of individuals, as well the strengths of the group.

My family loves this book. It's a wonderful blending of the story of St. Valentine and the struggle for racial equality today. The children and situations in the story are believeable and real. They provide a great premise for discussing predjudice with my children while also learning how the sacrificial love demonstrated by St. Valentine can apply to life situations today. We liked this book so much that when our first copy got accidentally destroyed, we hunted down another through Amazon.com to replace it.

While I agree with all that has been said on the this page about this book, I have to add that it would be appropriate for all elementary and even junior high school students as it deals with the issues of race and racial reconciliation in a powerful way.

I love this book because it presents a powerful message in a simple, unsentimental way. The illustrations are amazing -- I'm partial because my daughter and ex-husband were models for several of the illustrations that appear in the book! So thank you, Don Tate. You did a wonderful job, as did the author. A beautiful story about something most of us have a hard time doing: loving our enemies.

simply beautiful, both visually and linguistically...powerful meaning as well...I recommend it highly.

I bought one copy of the board version of the book and loved it. I promptly ordered 10 more copies and several copies of the hardcover book for the children in my church. The hardcover has more text and is even better than the board book. Both books talk about Christ; saint Valentine - who was a Christian who suffered in jail, but blessed and converted his jailers- about the civil rights movement and peaceful resistance, about familiy values and closeness, and EVEN ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH A SCHOOL BULLY. Its main message is that we should not fight evil with evil, but should bless our enemies. At the last page, Marcus, the boy in the story, stretches out his hand and asks the class bully to accept his friendship. It reminded me of Christ's call to humanity to accept Him and his salvation... it's up to each person to accept. I highly recommend the book, either version.

"I" thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! As I initially started to "pre-read" the book to assess the "age appropriateness" of the material for my daughter, I must say that I became quickly engrossed in the historical plot, and characters. I couldn't put the book down! I do hope that my daughter will enjoy and learn from it as much as I have. I can't wait to pass this recommendation around to all my homeschooling friends! I look forward to purchasing more of Ms. Hall Haislip's books! Well done!

Lottie felt a slight tug on her rope. Weza nodded to Lottie, and with trembling fingers, she cut the slender piece of rope that still attached her to the other women. Feeling the tension of her rope slacken, Ruby turned and stared, but she said nothing. Taking the knife, Weza cut the strand of rope tying her to Lottie. A moment later, they plunged into the darkness.

In Phyllis Hall Heislip's Lottie's courage, Lottie, a young girl, is separated from her mother due to slavery. Lottie and her slave friend, Weza, escaped from their slave trader. After escaping, Lottie and Weza head toward what they thought was north. Their slave trader sent dogs after them once he learned they escaped. A northern soldier saw the dogs chasing Lottie and Weza, and informed other soldiers. Lottie and Weza were saved and were taken to the soldiers' fortress. Lottie's mother had gotten lung fever twice, would she ever see her daughter again?

I think this book is mainly for girls from the ages 10-12. I think this because character, Lottie, is around that age and they will be able to relate to the story easily.

From cover to cover, Lottie's adventures are numerous and serve to make her story exciting and her character multi-dimensional. In Lottie's search for her family, her rightful position in free society, and even an understanding of herself, she remains engaging and relatable. Her struggles and triumphs set the moral and emotional tone of the story, and the setting of Civil War Virginia impeccably places it within its historical context. The reader thus not only witnesses Lottie's endeavors, but also receives a glimpse of the larger historical events influencing her world. Factual and fun, Lottie's Courage is a most entertaining read!

Lottie's Courage was an intriguing book with many exciting, as well as touching scenes about two runaway slaves and their adventures. Though fictional, it contained a lot of real information about the Civil War which I didn't know very much about. Even though it was sad in parts (it almost made me cry), that was part of what made it so good. Though the whole book was terrific, I would have to say my favorite scene was when a balloon came down and saved Lottie and Weza from the terrorizing dogs that captured slaves. It's hard to believe that someone can do such outstanding writing. Exellent Job!

Lottie's Courage is an inspiring story of a young girl's journey to find her freedom, her family and herself. A smooth blend of accurate historical details, drama and moral issues swirls about this emerging heroine. And she is such a charmer! Clear period illustrations and a glossary add another dimension and make this book useful as a classroom resource. An exciting story, but not overwhelming for the young reader...welldrawn, memorable characters...intriguing plot based on actual fact!

The storyline in this book is wonderful. I like it because it shows the importance of 'having fun' and 'believing in yourself' and most of all 'sharing what you have'. My children, ages 2 and 4, love this book! It is one I have to read almost every night. My four year old has memorized the entire book and can 'read' it to her brother. The illustrations are also beautiful. The children come from so many different cultural backgrounds - but it is not a part of the plot, only something for the readers to notice... is there someone who looks like me?

The main character takes time with the children and shares what she has. She never scolds (my daughter always asks about that). And then one day she is unable to do some of the things she normally does.... and the children come up with a plan.

The book may also lead to interesting discussions with children as to why peopel behave the way they do and what kinds of solutions we can come up with the counteract the 'bad' or 'misunderstood' feelings.

Mommy also loved this book!

This book is full of vibrant pictures that are eye-catching for children and adults alike. But, what I really loved is the story. Sweet Miss Tizzy loves children and has an independent mind, helping the children have fun and learn some valuable lessons in the meantime about caring for one another. It, along with Robert Munsch's "Love You Forever" is one of the few children's books that can make me cry. If you want your child to learn compassion, read this with them often!

My second grade students loved this story. They did not find the refrain cloying at all. In fact, they smiled big smiles each time I read "And the children loved it."

I discovered this book at the library and wanted to share it with all my friends. It's creative and quite touching. We should all want to have a friend like Miss Tizzy... or be her! Go get it and pass it on.

Last Friday I had the pleasure of hearing this lovely book read to a classroom of second graders at Emery Elementary School in Washington, DC. The children were thrilled by the book's beautiful illustrations and uplifting message. They especially enjoyed joining in reciting the refrain, "And the children loved it." I highly recommend "Miss Tizzy," to anyone who wants a fun and inspiring book for children.

Finally the book to popularize Yoruba culture has arrived! A MUST for any serious santero or babalawo, this is the New Testament of Santeria to Migene Gonzalez-Wippler's Old. Told by a master storyteller, this book explains traditional Yoruba society better than any dry text could. One learns through the eyes of the author as a child what polygamy is really like, about obscure herbs/ebbos, and how the language is really spoken. Buy it now.

Toyin Falola's "A Mouth Sweeter than Salt" is a memoir of the first 13 years of his life in Nigeria. Readers will find a fascinating account of his upbringing in an extended family which was Christian, but polygamous, influenced by English colonialism, but more by Yoruba tribal traditions. Fascinated by trains, he recklessly boarded one as an adventurous youth and found himself stranded in a far-away Muslim city, where he supported himself as a "stick-man" guiding a beggar who faked blindness. Returned to his family by benevolent postal workers, he subsequently aided his grandfather in trying - unsuccessfully - to combat the abuse of a poor farmer by corrupt and exploitive tribal leaders. All in all, this book affords insights into African childhood which will absorb the interest of anyone previously familiar only with American or European experience.

I just finished reading the masterpiece, A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt:An African Memoir, Toyin Falola, University of Michigan Press, 2004. This book is truly brilliant. It made me laugh, scream, and cringe. It is a superb combination of critical African oral discourse, brilliant analysis of modern African history, and lucid exploration of the making of the Nigerian state. I hope you will obtain your own copy and recommend it to others.

Olufemi Vaughan
Professor of African Studies & of History
Associate Dean, Graduate School
SUNY, Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY 11794-4433

Falola's memoir, A Mouth Sweeter Than Salt, is a "must read" for anyone seeking to gain deeper and serious insights into the mind of the true African child. The author gives the reader a breath taking, bird eye view of the cultural panorama of the Yoruba society, and the implications of growing up in its most complicated and sophisticated city of Ibadan. The uniqueness of this book lies in its ability to transcend academic and cultural boundaries. It is as good a history book as it is a novel; social scientists will find it valuable and educators will find it to be of great relavance. It is a story of life and of living. It is indeed a celebration of youth and its rites of passage. Humor, wit, and readability add color and lucidity to all pages of this book. Wild, weird, wide, and even scary at times, this is a memoir that will stand the test of time.

Growing up in Nigeria in the years around independence provides good material for a personal memoir. These must have been extraordinary times, full of hope and expectation for the emerging new country. For a growing teenager though, the issues were closer to home. Falola, well known scholar of African history, has used his personal experiences to create a rich innovative kind of memoir that combines his growing up during that time with events in his community and the country as a whole. The resulting book gives the reader vivid insight into a complex society with its intricate traditions, in particular those of the Yoruba culture. Falola writes an easy accessible style, often addressing the reader directly. He demonstrates his narrative skill and an ability to impart local events with gracefulness and humour. He demonstrates how the use of proverbs, idioms and traditional imagery has remained part of everyday discourse by interweaving sayings into his narrative. "A proverb is regarded as the 'horse' that carries words to a different level, investing them with meanings...".

Falola's account suggests that he was already at the age of 10 a curious youngster and an astute observer of people, relationships and events. His early fascination with trains led him to experiences beyond his age level that were to influence his standing in his family and community. After an unplanned train ride and its aftermath, that created upheaval in the family, he was transplanted to another branch of his family in a more rural sector of Ibadan, the city-state in Nigeria's south-western region. Not having taken notice of the hierarchical structure of his polygamous family, he realized only then which of his "mothers" is his birth mother. There he also learned to connect with the rich traditions of the local people who have maintained much closer links to their past than those in the urban centre. For example, children are given an additional name by the family, a praise name (oriki). This name should establish a link to a real or imaginary hero of the past. Such names should enhance the young person's deep character and his ambition to emulate the past bearer. Like a young detective he tracks an old woman, different from any he had seen in the neighbourhood. When he is finally confronted by her, the outcomes are an important lesson for his life and future. These early influences shape his thinking into his adult life.

While the chapters stand as independent stories or essays, they flow together easily as a portrait of a person in his time and place. He merges the memories of his childhood with his comprehension of circumstances as an adult. Understanding of his roots and the culture instilled in him led him to study the cultural traditions of the Yoruba people and the history of the land. His reflections on how the two religions, Islam and Christianity managed to co-exist with the rich African traditions are as pertinent today as they were during the sixties. So is his criticism of the trend among the younger generation to denigrate their own culture in the face of western influences. [Friederike Knabe]

One of the best first hand accounts of the civil rights movement I have read. There were things in this book you will not find in the history books. A must read

A wonderful piece of work, Raines merely interviews the people from the wide and varied perspectives of the movement and gives them free rein to tell "their story" "their way" managing within this framework to lace a compelling and interesting plot around some states and some history that time and justice seemed to have forgotten.

Seven years Raines' junior, I grew up white and a carpetbagger (from the North. . .)in Augusta, GA and I now have context for stories I was told. One among many, I knew the Hamilton Holmes' car story told by the KA frat guys when they were adults, still bragging but also, "they didn't really mean it."

I am still quite mystified how a Birmin'ham boy, bragging that his Alabama ancestors fought for the Union, lived to tell about it.

I highly recommend "Fly Fishing . . ." as well. IT's NOT ABOUT THE FISH. Great read.

He thought it was tough being the baby brother; I can only suggest that he try getting fishing privileges as the Irish twin younger sister.

This book is on the list of 100 best or most influential books I've ever read--mainly because it is observant, honest, humble and direct, with no political agendas and no effete overtones. This is a title well worth re-examining some 20 years after publication. It can be browzed through at random, with something startling jumping at you on virtually every page. Or, it can be read straight through. It's quite a white-knuckle event. Many books have been written on the subject, but there's something quietly compelling about this one. Raines is one of our great journalists. This is a good way to become acquainted with him, in the days before he became elevated to one of the most prestigious newspaper jobs in the world.

--Jim Reed, author, DAD'S TWEED COAT: SMALL WISDOMS HIDDEN COMFORTS UNEXPECTED JOYS jimreedbooks.com

It was difficult to stop reading the book, once I started. This collection of interviews with the idealists, the activists, the real "fighters" in the civil rights movement in the 50s and 60s -- and the people who stood against them -- is an empowering, educational read. Truly, this book is a must for those interested in learning more about the civil rights struggle (a struggle that continues until today), and about movements for peace and social justice in general.

Howell Raines is the new executive editor for "The New York Times," but he is at heart a writer. Both strengths come to the fore in this excellent book on the American civil rights movement. As an oral history, it necessarily contains first-hand accounts of dozens and dozens of the main (and not-so-important) players in the movement. Raines does a fine and fair job of putting their stories into essentially chronological order and editing or moving bits and pieces only where necessary to ensure good flow for the reader. There were a few names I had heard of before, but many were new to me. There are surprises in this book. While we mostly associate the civil rights movement with the deep south in the mid-1960s, it actually got its start in Chicago in the 1940s when groups of people protested with the first lunch-counter sit-ins (when a manager came out to scold one of these groups with the flat, "We don't serve colored folks here," one quick-witted participant fired back, "That's OK, we don't eat 'em!"). Another revelation was the tensions between the older blacks and the younger black student generation. The older blacks, while not happy with segregation, sometimes felt that at least everyone knew where they stood with it--while the younger generation was champing at the bit to get out there and change the world overnight. Finally, it was interesting to read that many of the original founders of the movement were inspired far more by Gandhi than by Martin Luther King, Jr. A number of them express their opinion that King--while undoubtedly important and absolutely essential once the movement got underway--was not himself so convinced as to the value of a) the movement itself and b) non-violent protest--many of this friends and co-workers say here that he continued to espouse it only because eventually, he felt he had been thoroughly and unmistakeably identified with it. Although I was surprised that neither Coretta Scott King nor the Reverend Jesse Jackson were inteviewed for Mr. Raines' book, their absence is my only quibble with what is otherwise an enormously valuable and terrifically readable history.

I thought the Myths that Divide Us, was a very good book, and I learned things that I never knew. I had never even heard of the Rev. Sharpton situation until reading about it in this book or about John Thompson, thinking that it was racism that athlete's have to have a certain test score to play sports. Like, I said, I learned a lot from reading this book and I think other's would too, if they gave the book a chance, even if you don't agree. One good lesson, I got from the book is two wrongs don't make a right.

This was one of the most upsetting books I've ever read. There were chapters that moved me to tears. Truth can be bitter but it really does set you free. I learned more about Africa from Mr.Perazo's book than I did from 4 years of Black Studies in college. The majority of the book contends that race relations are as bad as they are because certain people profit by keeping us divided. It was a powerfull book and it left me with much to think about. It's not for kids but it ought to be a required text for college students.

This book is a welcome addition to the mountain of expository evidence, which depicts the cupidity and disingenuousness in which the civil rights industry is awash.

This book is surely one giant step toward the inevitable awakening of America. An awakening that will cause the entire world to condemn the narrow-mindedness and self-interest of all race hustlers, particularly the well known intellectual Lilliputians: Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. The author points out the double standards of the civil rights industry whose very existence depends on pointing out racism everywhere, even when it isn't there. Perazzo exposes the hypocites with well researched facts and statistics illustrated with anecdotes.

This book harmonizes with Jared Taylor's books: "The Real American Dilemma" and "Paved With Good Intentions" et al, as isolated voices become a chorus demanding truth and reason in discussions of race.

This book should be read by everyone concerned with the future of America.

This book should be read twice, twice by everyone in Academe and in the media.

This is an excellent book. In it, John Perazzo examines, chapter by chapter, some of the common myths and sociological fables that continue to separate parts of the US populace today. Perhaps his most valuable contribution is showing how so-called leaders such as Jackson and Sharpton have twisted reality to suit their own ends. To me, the most compelling and honest part of the book looked at the myth of race in the United States. US blacks are clearly the most privileged people on earth, yet vicious racists such as Kwesei Mfume, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and Carol Moseley-Brown continue to perpetuate groundless black grievance, hatred, and jealousy towards our larger society. This stands in direct contradiction to the tremendous achievements of many, many blacks, who are now predominantly members of the US middle-class. Perazzo correctly and explicitly points out (in Chapters 3 - 7) that a comparative handful of vicious racial hypocrites (Jackson, Sharpton, et al) distort and hinder (the "myths" in the title of the book) what ought to be an honest, helpful conversation on society in America today. As a black man, I feel privileged to live in the United States, and don't understand why anyone could possibly complain about how we've been treated here when we compare it to the horrid, brutal life common throughout Africa these days. Perazzo has authored an impressive appeal for us all to set aside the people who wish to gain by anger and bitterness, and he wants us all to work together for a common good. This is a great book - I'd highly recommend it. His extensive foot-noting and meticulous research make it a valuable text for those of us who want to help all Americans move forward peacefully and with our due intelligence. Buy it today at Amazon.com and pass it on to a friend.

"John Perazzo, must be some kind of a kook," I thought as I began to read. Why even attempt to write a book that would overturn everything that was general knowledge about race in America? However, far from being a kook Perazzo is an able writer that proves his points.
The Myths That Divide Us, if read by enough people might just unite us. The arguments, historical facts, and emotionally powerful story, lead to what should be an unavoidable conclusion to any reasonable mind, which is that the vast bulk of the racial divide in America is based on a series of lies generated by Americans that call themselves civil-rights leaders but are really just selfish unscrupulous people out to line their own pockets. This book is one of the very few books on social justice that can make a difference.

I bought this book, knowing little about it, simply because I have loved everything I've read by Elizabeth Marshall Thomas. This is the best of her best, which says a lot. The world is fortunate that her wealthy, and obviously very intelligent, family, chose to leave our way of life behind for long periods, and immerse themselves in the lives of southern African Bushmen in the 1950s. The story of the Bushman way of life, presented here in Thomas's clear and elegant prose, is endlessly fascinating. Their lives were vigorous, challenging, and based on a sense of sharing that we can all learn from. Of course, once western "civilization" takes over, tragedy follows. But that part of the story has been--and still is--repeated endlessly the world over. Marshall is a brilliant writer and observer, following in the footsteps of her amazing parents. This book is also her tribute to her beloved brother, and his lifelong friendships with the people they met and worked with over the years.

This book, written by a personw ith long standing attachment and interest int he Bushmen of the Kalahari is a good summary of what they were like in the l950's and how they have (beenforced) changed and moved into today south Africa and Bostwana.

An interesting and unique group of people, the Bushmen give links to what early human life was like. Ms Thomas does do a little interpreting about violence and drinking and gender roles, but it is plausible and interesting to reflect upon.

I first heard of the Bushmen through National Geographic's Genographic Project (Spencer Wells "The Journey of Man") which found genetic evidence suggesting Bushmen are one of the oldest, if not the oldest, peoples in the world--a "genetic Adam" from which all the worlds ethnic groups can ultimately trace genetic heritage. Within the face of a Bushmen one can see all the genetic expressions of the world (Asian eyes, African nose, Indian skin, etc..) So I was delighted when this new book appeared by bushmen expert Elizabeth Marshall Thomas who, along with her brother and parents, were one of the first westerners to live with and scientifically document the Bushmen in the 1950s (when Elizabeth was a teenager). Her parents and brother went on to become famous Bushmen experts and proponents in their own careers.

Older members of the Bushmen tribe were valued and respected for their wisdom, likewise Elizabeth is passing down her knowledge and experience for later generations. The Bushman way of life she saw in the 1950s, perhaps as old as 150,000 years, no longer exists - all it took was one generation and the long unbroken chain known as "The Old Way" has disappeared. It is the same sad story told the world over from Native Americans to Tibet to Eskimos. Yet Elizabeth reveals a deeper lesson, which is the "myth" that the Bushmen ever wanted it any other way - they want the comforts of modernization, just as we would prefer not to hunt and gather food each day. Bushmen want to travel, see the world, be a part of wider humanity, and for that we can celebrate and welcome all they have to teach. This book provides that introduction.

Thomas, anthropologist and author of such diverse bestsellers as "The Hidden Life of Dogs," and two excellent pre-history novels, "Reindeer Moon" and "The Animal Wife," began her writing career with the study, "The Harmless People," based on her youthful sojourn among the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. The Bushmen may be the only people who ever lived without war. But more on that later.

With "The Old Way," she returns to the subject of that first book - a title that has been in print since 1959. Marshall first encountered the Ju/wasi, one of the five groups of Bushmen, in 1950 when she was 18, on the first of several Kalahari trips with her parents and brother.

Her father, a founder of Raytheon, was a highly organized, take-charge sort of person, with versatile skills. Her mother, a former ballerina turned teacher, became a noted anthropologist over the course of these (and more) trips, and her brother devoted most of his life to the Bushmen.

In the 1950s the Ju/wasi maintained their ancient nomadic culture in near isolation. Except for bits of metal they obtained in trade and used for arrowheads, the Ju/wasi made everything they needed from local material. They did not farm and had no domestic animals, but obtained all their food from hunting and gathering. They were the last people on earth, says Thomas, to follow the "Old Way," a way of life that depends on knowledge handed down one-to-one from generation to generation. The Old Way depends on intimacy between habitat and humanity.

Thomas' book is not a scientific study or a memoir, but a bit of both, as well as a celebration and lament for a culture now gone. It's also a thoughtful reflection on how the Old Way shaped our species from the time we came down out of the trees and stepped on to the Savannah.

Water, says Thomas, controlled the size of human hunter-gatherer groups, and that remained true among the Ju/wasi. Rain was scarce, and water holes passed down through families. Though children were betrothed young, they did not cohabit until the girl reached menarche - about age 17 - and the average age for bearing a first child was 19.

Similarly, though no birth control was used, women bore children about four years apart and seldom had more than four. This was just what could be sustained, without starvation or overburdening the mother or group.

Alliances were complex, all going to foster the strength of the group. Survival depended on group cohesion and the force of their culture went into strengthening those bonds, subsuming, smothering, the desires of the individual.

The sharing of food, for instance, had little to do with who actually killed or gathered the food and the complex system was worked out before the gathering or hunting trip began. Periodic dances also reinforced ties and helped to dispel repressed tensions.

Repression was the usual means of maintaining harmony. Temper tantrums, even among children, were frowned upon - for one thing childish noise could attract predators. Arguments flared, of course, but were almost always settled without violence.

War, to the Ju/wasi, was unknown. Not because they were right thinking pacifists, but because they had developed the perfect weapon to make war - or murder - unthinkable.

The Ju/wasi had only one real weapon - the poisoned arrow. It was all they used to hunt (though they finished off game with a spear). The poison was invariably fatal. A man who settled an argument with a stab from an arrow couldn't take it back - but he would have days to watch his victim die. And the victim, facing certain death, would be perfectly healthy for a day or more and quite capable of wreaking revenge.

The lack of suitable weapons, and even more, the lack of any kind of shield, convince Thomas the Ju/wasi have never known war. She makes a convincing case.

By the 1980s, however, the Ju/wasi were being forced into villages. Many of those Marshall knew as children are now dead - killed in fights, often fueled with drink. Today, alcohol and violence have decimated the Ju/wasi.

While the book's conclusion is wrenching, most of it is a celebration of their intricate culture. Marshall captures the imagination with anecdotes - many from her old journals - that illustrate the matter-of-fact resourcefulness of a people who know the intricacies of all the plants and animals of their desert home.

Some of her anecdotes simply demonstrate the odd commonalities of humanity: "Although I will eventually learn enough !Kung to stumble along in the language...at this point I am at the stage where the Ju/wasi either address me in baby talk or raised voices, or both."

She describes gathering trips that take all day, but don't get going until mid-morning, baffling her own Yankee work ethic. Until she realizes the wisdom of waiting until lions and other nighttime predators are well and truly asleep.

The lion stories are horrifically thrilling. She describes a lioness coming to the edge of their small encampment and roaring threateningly: "The roar was so deep and so loud that it had no direction. It seemed to be coming from anywhere, everywhere." Yet, scary as they were, the lions never hunted or preyed upon the Bushmen.

Marshall does not try to provide answers for all her questions. Some things are "unknowable." This eloquent, passionate book does foster a sense of wonder at our own evolution. Though we've traded much of our intimacy with the earth for modern civilization, Marshall shows how many traces of the Old Way linger on in our blood.

I have all her books but two and I have been a fan for years and years. Starting with reindeer moon and then The hidden life of dogs, Tribe of Tiger, Certain Poor Shephards and everything else except Warrior Tribesman and The Harmless People which I plan to order. The books I have ordered or which were bought for me online were ordered by my best friend. I hope Elizabeth Marshall Thomas writes many more books. If I did not already have the most wonderful mother, I would wish that she was my mother. I really love her view of life, people and animals and nature. She is my favorite author of all time and I would'nt even loan her books to anyone else for fear of losing them. Keep it up EMT I'm forever your fan and I will always reread your books.

This story is hard to imagine anyone living through. Mr. Ladd's accomplishments are outstanding. This brings a reality to the reader that most people have no idea exists except those living it. This autobiography also shows the power of determination, attitude and self-reliance.

This should be inspiring and educational to young people especially but also to adults who can see the world from a young black man's perspective. Ladd allows us to walk in his shoes for a while; it is a privilege and a lesson.

The narrator for the audiocassette does an excellent job reading the book.

This story reminded me of "Finding Fish" by Antwoine Fisher, another great, inspiring story.

As a 24 yearold 1st yr. teacher in West Dallas I have been looking for answers. I work at the Middle School across from the projects referred to in this book. I am not too far from "Fishtrap", and the gangs (boyz) have changed from Ladd's time but only by the faces of their members. Some of the most infamous being my most delightful students. My kids are not like all of the others in America. They are different...special even and Jerrold Ladd told me why. As I read this book with every page I turned I anticipated that the "story" would get better. I prayed that his mother would change. I longed for the chapter when some long lost Great-Uncle from Georgia would come and take him from the reality of his torrid life. But it never happened. And I became frustarted because my students do not have anyone to rescue them from their realities, not for the long haul at least. Jerrold Ladd's book explained to me the generational frustaration that West Dallas incorporates. The resentment and struggle of blocks and blocks of people is the only thing this community truly owns. Ladd wrote the testament and explanation of a community's fear. His hopes and fears were evident on every page of this book. I only wish that my studenrs could take time from their troubles of hunger, fear, anger, and poverty to big up this reflection of possible positive self. Thank you for this invaluable tool of living and learning.

As a 24 yearold 1st year Teacher in West Dallas I have looked for reasons as to why my students (my kids) as I call them are the way they are. I teach eighth grade History at Thomas Edison Middle Learning Center which is located across the street from the projects referred to by Mr. Ladd. I can testify that all of my 109 students are the soul of Jerrold Ladd.

I have gone home frustrated many nights, crying myself to sleep distraught over what my kids must face at home from day to day after a long day at school. Mr. Ladd brought home the realities of my student lives. He pushed their questionable futures to the forefront of my classroom and by this Christmas I was sad to see them go. I was sad because I questioned how many of them would bathe without the motivation of not being ridiculed by mean classmates. I was sad because I wondered to what length one of my kids would go to pay his mother's rent, the same mother who stood in front of me and her precious son parent-confrence night and stated how he was a waste of 13 years.

As I turned the pages of this book I waited with each page for Mr. Ladd's situation to get better. Similarly, as I come to work everyday I look for my kids situation to get better. In the final ten to twelve pages of this testament to the community of West Dallas I finally saw inspiration and hope, however I shudder to think how long it will take the children of West Dallas to see the same thing.

Jerrold Ladd thank you for this guide into the minds of my babies. It is a invaluable tool.

I am a freshman student at my high school, and was assigned to a book report... I then choose this book, yet not out of wantingness, but just to get something and be done with it. When I started this book, I was so amazed at the details, and way Jerrold lived, with such horrific times in his live from his living style, to growing up, and all the obstacles, and problems that occured in his life. It was so sad, yet you cant put it down.

Excellent writing from a motivated and dedicated young man. Jerrold Ladd experienced disrupted education, a lack of early age positive male influence while proving first hand, that you can over come all obstacles and succeed in America.

It is a gut wrenching look into living in America's projects shortly after desegregation. It reminded me of the fact that life in America is not and has never been the same for everyone. For many, it is a living torture. Once you have read Out Of The Madness, you feel like you personally know the author. The author, Jerrold Ladd, tells an in-depth story about his life, his family (Mother, sister and brother) and some of his friends and associates. He provides an incredible amount of detail for a relatively short book (under 200 pages and large print). He allowed me to walk in his foot steps, feeling his disappointments, success's and failures. Each chapter presented intense quality of life and life treating situations that would test and potentially break the fiber of any man or woman. Jerrold exposes himself, his friends and associates in a bold and remarkable manner that allows you to actually feel his emotions. This book is a dead serious look at life within a segment of America, yesterday and today. The book reminds you that to many people (children and adults), needlessly, experience this and worst everyday. I recommend the book as a must read for everyone. My reason: This book provides an insight into a situation that many generations of Americans helped create. It gives motivation to those in similar situations and those that have not lived integrated into murder, drugs and abuse. Most of all, it proves, in America you can change your life.

This book was very well written. It wasn't what I expected at all. It had romance, drama and suspense. The male lead was very interesting. As a pastor, the author shows all of the real life "sins" that we must encounter each day. I liked the way the author weaved the romance into a situation that would normally not happen. So, before I give too much away - take a chance on this book. I was hooked by page 4. On another note, Indigo (Sens Love Stories) should better reflect the covers of their books based on the stories.

I piked this book up on a whim and I am so happy that I did. This book deals with so many issues from mind control to hypocritical church members. Passion Adams is a woman who is trying to start over and in a desperate need for money she decides to be a surrogate mother for a local pastor's wife. After the wife's sudden death she searches out the wife's husband, pastor of a large church. Their relationship causes problems for everyone from politicians to family members. excellent read.

This was a wonderful story. I admire Passion's strength through all that she endured in the past and present. All Passion wanted was a new life and to be forgiven for her past sins. A lot of people (Christians) didn't make that very easy for her. It made me take a look at myself as a Christian woman and how I treat other people. When Jesus died, He wiped the slate clean. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

This was my first book by T.T. Henderson. I loved this book, it is a must read. I read it in one night, so go get your copy!

Passion was a very sensual book. It grabs you from page 1.

Passion Adams came from the streets. She had a good heart and was trying to get money to get off the streets. She was befriended by a preachers wife. CeCe wanted Passion to be the suragate mother to the child she couldn't bear. Passion agreed, but before CeCe could tell her husband the Reverend Jourdan Watters she is murdered.

Jourdan Watters was attracted to Passion when he first laid eyes on her during a Sunday Morning church service. He knew she was temptation, but really couldn't digest that she was carrying his child.

Passion fell in love with Jourdan and wanted him to know it. Passion was befriended by a young woman who belonged to Jourdan's church. She ironically worked for the DA's office who was investigating CeCe's murder.

This story had a mixture of mystery, suspense and laughter. You will get a few surprises. Get the book you won't regret it.