Book Description

This acclaimed memoir by Bebe Moore Campbell, the bestselling author of Brothers and Sisters and Singing in the Comeback Choir, recalls the sweet summers spent with her father--an extraordinary man of dreams and inspiration--in the American South of the 1960s.

"Unforgettable." --New York Times Book Review

"Fearlessly unveils the pain of loss and the ecstasy of love. I am grateful for Bebe Moore Campbell and for such a Sweet Summer." --Maya Angelou

"Mature insight, as well as a deft gift for language, gives this memoir its poignant, honest shape." --Chicago Tribune

"An uplifting reflection on family love." --San Francisco Examiner-Chronicle

"A remarkable achievement." --Philadelphia Inquirer

"Poignant...a beautiful tribute." --Newsday

"Campbell is a master." --Entertainment Weekly

"Touching....[A] candid account and loving tribute to a special man." --New York Daily News ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Moore Campbell's Masterpiece
Once in a great while - about as often as Halley's Comet - a book comes along which stirs the soul and rattles your heart; a book which can transcend race, gender, age, place and time. This is such a book. Moore-Campbell is a magnificent writer; her verses poetic, her theme universal. Her autobiogrophy tells the story of growing up black and young without a full-time father, and the affects it can have on a child. It's not just her story; she shares this life with her cousin Michael (again, young and black without a full-time father), their Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, and assorted 'father figures': Dads, Uncles, Reverands, Neighbors. One child (BeBe) can learn to adapt graciously, while the other (Michael) has a tougher time, as they each learn difficult 'truths' about their patriarchy. Beautifully written, the reader hangs on every word, as this wonderful story unfolds.

WONDERFUL
This is a wonderful book and I recommend it to any one out there living or growing up with and without a father.

A Powerful Book
Bebe Moore Campbell writes from personal expierance in the novel, Sweet Summer. Campbell tells about growing up as an African American girl living in the South during the 60's. Through this story I learned the prejudice of racism, the struggle of growing up with a divoraced family, and the will to live life. This story touched my heart, because it provided me to a differnt point of view about life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this poignant story!!!!!!!!
This was a well written story detailing accounts of her childhood and early adulthood with class and style. BeBe made me think twice about the men in my life who were ordinary superstars. kudos!

Sweet Summer is a book that embraces you with lots of love.
I enjoyed reading "Sweet Summer" so much that I had to share it with all my coworkers that wanted to listen. This book was really easy reading. I follwed the storyline as if it was my own life story. It was especially interesting because the storyline dealt with a familiar place, Northeastern North Carolina, my homestead. Anyone in Northeastern North Carolina that has not read this book needs to stop what they are doing now and purchase this book or go to their local library and read it. ... Read more

Book Description

America is browning. As politicians, schoolteachers, and grandparents attempt to decipher what that might mean, Richard Rodriguez argues America has been brown from its inception, as he himself is.

As a brown man, I think . . .
(But do we really think that color colors thought?)

In his two previous memoirs, Hunger of Memory and Days of Obligation, Rodriguez wrote about the intersection of his private life with public issues of class and ethnicity. With Brown, his consideration of race, Rodriguez completes his "trilogy on American public life."

For Rodriguez, brown is not a singular color. Brown is evidence of mixture. Brown is a shade created by desire-an emblem of the erotic history of America, which began the moment the African and the European met within the Indian eye. Rodriguez reflects on various cultural associations of the color brown-toil, decay, impurity, time-arranging dazzling juxtapositions for which he is justly famous: Alexis de Tocqueville, Malcolm X, minstrel shows, Broadway musicals, Puritanism, the Sistine Chapel, Cubism, homosexuality, and the influence on his life of two federal figures-Ben Franklin and Richard Nixon ("the dark father of Hispanicity").

At the core of the book is an assessment of the meaning of Hispanics to the life of America. Reflecting upon the new demographic profile of our country, Rodriguez observes that Hispanics are becoming Americanized at the same rate that the United States is becoming Latinized. Hispanics are coloring an American identity that traditionally has chosen to describe itself as black and white. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The Great American Melded Pot
Anyone that things that race relations as an issue has fallen by the wayside or is somehow is a moot point will be enlightened by the eloquent, poetic point of view brought forth by Richard Rodriguez' latest book. Rodriguez does not forgo the often oversimplistic Black-White issue but suggests that they were always a hybrid issue of 'Brown'. America as a dynamic hotbed of ever-Westward expansion; and once the West was won of expansion of a more global nature. Selling the 'American Dream' in an effort to conquer and re-conquer in a never-ending quest for collective conciousness. Rodriguez suggests that the issue of race is not a physical one, but rather how one responds to this conciousness brought about by assimilation.

His anecdotes brings things down to a very personal level without which 'Brown' would come across as speculative and academic. Rodriguez paces things so well and his words are so graceful that one is moved not only by his observations and experiences, but also their self-awareness in a historical context.

It's A Brown World
Richard Rodriguez's Brown is a stream of consciousness journey through brown as metaphor for the very mixed world we are headed towards. As a man of mixed culture [gay, Catholic, American, Mexican descent, indian, writer, etc.], Rodriguez is the perfect person to take us on this brown journey. I know of Rodriguez's writings from the Sunday Los Angeles Times and I read this book on the strength of the newspaper pieces. It was a thought provoking read that had my head swirling and I only got bogged down in chapter 2. Be ready to hit the dictionary and the encyclopedia. I live in a brown neighborhood in Whittier, California, I teach at a brown high school in La Habra, California, and even though my students would label me Anglo [I have reddish hair and spotted skin if anyone cares], given my very eclectic upbringing and interesting ancestry, I hope that I fit in well to the brown world around me. I recommend that you read this book and let Richard Rodriguez get into your head.

A thoughtful book..
When I found this book in the library I was surprised by how small it was. I'd heard of it before. It took me only about three days to get through it. It was a dreamlike essay from which I found nuggets of truth glistening here and there to pick up on and think, "oh yes, I've wondered about that myself!" I'm not sure what to think of Mr. Rodriguez but he is a very good writer. Sometimes his descriptions get sort of overdone, but mostly it's a good read. I would like to continue checking out his other books.

Where's the meat????
I was excited to get this book after listening to Mr. Rodriquez on NPR. But as too often happens, the book makes most of its points by referring to people, places, literary texts, etc. that are not familiar to a normal person with a college education in something other than literature. This book was obviously written to impress ideas on the elite, whether educationally, politically, or otherwise. If you are willing to trudge through a very lyrical, almost poetic writing style, there are some very good stories and points to be made. But reading this book just wore me out. I think if only the relevent text had been printed, it would have been long enough for an editorial, not a book.

We're all Brown
As the child of a West African father and Black American mother I too am brown, although I'm black. I have often been disturbed by the American tendency to believe in absolute categories, and to assume that certain behaviors, opinions and tastes naturally accompany these categories. For them I am an anomaly, for me they are too. It is heartening to hear a voice speaking directly to America's mixed heritage and confronting her color/caste assumptions. Though Mr. Rodriguez meanders more than usual this time around, the final destination is worth it. ... Read more

Amazon.com Audiobook Reviews

These 11 historic sermons--some complete recordings of entire addresses, others reconstructed from various church services--make plain why Martin Luther King Jr. considered his "first calling and greatest commitment" to be a preacher of the gospel. As an orator he is second to none, drawing his audience in with an urgency that resonates through every soaring cadence of his familiar, powerful voice. Using insights from psychology, philosophy, and the Bible, he appeals to the heads as well as the hearts of his congregations, explaining that personal and social change can only be effected by adopting a morality of love in service of God and humankind. While King's concern for social justice is a common theme throughout, each sermon is a jewel of literary artistry, as it presents a simple problem, examines its complications, and offers a startling and often challenging resolution. Topics range from "Rediscovering Lost Values," a caution that scientific progress without moral progress can result only in a step backward for humanity, to "An American Dream," a wake-up call to the "self-evident truth" of equality proclaimed in the Constitution.

Brief introductions to the sermons from spiritual leaders and friends, including Dr. Joan Campbell, Billy Graham, Dr. Robert Franklin, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, offer personal insights into King's life, work, and legacy. An interesting note from the producers explains how the recordings of the sermons (published in a hardcover companion of the same name) were pieced together. In word and in voice, these are masterpieces of theological literature from one of the world's great orators, who Robert Franklin rightly says may well be "the greatest religious intellectual of the twentieth century." (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --Uma Kukathas ... Read more

Reviews (8)

King still inspires
Forget about the sweet-toned, hagiographic introductions and organ play at the beginning of each sermon and you've got 6 cassetes with remarkable good and lively preaching. The sermons of the early King and the rather boring sermon on the American dream excluded you've got some retorical outstanding sermons like 'Love your enemies' and 'Why Jesus calls a man a fool'. Listening to King makes me wonder where this acute relevance of the gospel has gone...and how we can get this vigor back.

A Profound Message
The sermons in A Knock at Midnight are both deeply moving and a powerful reminder of the greatness of Dr. King. This collection should be read and heard by everyone, especially the young of today who have been fed a Dr. King who somehow only delivered one speech ("I Have a Dream"). As a middle school teacher I found the sermons to be an excellent way for my students to move beyond the platitudes about Dr. King to a much deeper understanding of his life and ministry. To read and listen to these great sermons is an absolutely wonderful experience, but at the same time a sad reminder that today we have no great voice of moral authority like his. Fortunately we do have his words and voice preserved for us and our children.

I wish I could give this EXPERIENCE 10 stars!
Notice I refer to the cassettes and the companion book as an EXPERIENCE as I both listened to and read the REVEREND King! Although the media focused on the visible part of his ministry, the civil rights movement, his sermons are profound and awesome in their implications for today as well as their in their powerful delivery during the mid-1950's through 1960's. Although I will cherish both the cassette series and the book, it is through hearing the SPEAKING of Dr. King that really made me breathless! Thank you LORD God for sending us your messenger Dr. King to give us a wonderful earthly ministry for a brilliant and brief time (much like Jesus Christ). Simply awesome!

A fabulous collection of soul-stirring preaching.
A fabulous collection of soul-stirring preaching by one of this century's finest preachers. Many people know King as a great political leader, fiery orator, and creative organizer. This collection of sermons will convince the world that King was first and foremost an anointed preacher. His sermons ring with authenticity and resound with relevancy. Kings messages speak profoundly to our troubled times and offer both prophetic insight and divine guidance as we attempt to find our way into the next millinium. This collection of sermons, with their superb introductions and commentaries, is perhaps one of the finest efforts of its kind. It will certainly be a source of pleasure and insight for generations to come.

Answering the World!!!!!
A Knock At Midnight is frightfully prophetic,subperbly truthful and dynamically inspiring.It shows what the great mind of King brings and brought to the forefront while he was living and while he continues to live in our hearts.These sermons are chillingly lifelike as if King speaks directly to your heart and mind---NOW! It is truly a must read! The sermon A Knock at Midnight delivers the powerful and sensitive message concerning where the Church has to take the people as far as their needs are concerned and it deals with the advocacy of having to open the door to the truly oppressed and needy.It is a thought provoking theme set against the veil of modern times.There is a a Knock At Midnight and it is now answering the world. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (36)

The Waiting Child: How the Faith and Love of One Orphan SavL
Cindy Champnella writes on her dedication page, "For Jaclyn....my light, my love, my sorrow, my joy....my child." Thus begins the most beautiful story you will ever read. It's the story of 4 year old Jaclyn, adopted from a Chinese orphanage, and her never-ending determination and yearning to bring home the 2 year old boy she loved and "mothered" there. I have known Cindy for a number of years now, and have known the story of Jaclyn and Lee. Yet reading this incredible story in its entirity was so moving I couldn't put it down. Being an adoptive Mom myself, I was very glad to read Cindy's truthful tale of adoption...tremendous joys coupled with moments of raw grief. This is a must-read for anyone who loves children, and is willing to be inspired by the love of a 4 year old, and inspired by her parents who dared to believe that dreams really can come true.

The Indomitable Human Spirit At Any Age
This is a must read for anyone who is considering international (or domestic) adoption, has already completed an adoption, or who is simply drawn to a powerful story of love, faith, and tenacity. Cindy Champnella begins her moving tale with a tender letter that she writes to her soon to be daughter who is still in China. She ends this letter, "Come, begin the wonderful adventure of your future. I will be right beside you every step of the way. Take my hand." And so Cindy "takes the reader's hand" on a wonderful, sometimes challenging, often emotional journey as she first enfolds her new daughter into her family, and then as they both courageously and tenaciously attempt to save a small boy from the same orphanage. Cindy's multiple trips to China give plenty of fascinating details of the adoption process and insight into the unimaginable life for children growing up in an institution. This is a book as much about the universality of the human spirit as it is about adoption. A gem of a book.

A MUST READ FOR FAMILIES ADOPTING FROM CHINA!
The one word that I would use to describe this book is AMAZING! Cindy Champnella does an incredible job of describing the adoption of their daughter, Jaclyn, from China when she was 4-years old. At times, The Waiting Child is truly heartbreaking to read, but I promise you will not be able to put this book down. Over the past month, I have had over eight of my family/friends borrow my book and we ALL have been deeply touched by Jaclyn and Lee's story. This book gives you insight into the China adoption process, as well as the struggles AND blessings that come from adopting an older child. I can't speak highly enough of this book and wish to advise readers that among other things, it will give you a fresh new perspective in how God can truly use a child to touch so many people's lives to accomplish His purpose. I will never forget this story. Jaclyn Champnella's faith is inspiring.

Highly recommended to anyone!
Easily one of the most touching and inspiring stories I've ever read. As an adoptive parent myself and soon to begin the process again, I cried through every chapter and could not put the book down.
I feel compelled to answer some of the criticisms I've read. First of all, this IS beautifully written. Though a self-acknowleged first-time writer, the author writes in a style that is refreshing and unpretentious, perfectly suited to the purpose. This is a real-life account which does not need elaborate plot and character development. Yes, I would have liked more details in certain places but have to respect the privacy of the family and those who worked to bend the rules and work around the system.
Secondly, the charge that the author is racist and somehow planted anti-China sentiments is absurd. She has Chinese daughters, a neice, and nephews whom she obviously loves dearly. She acknowledges up front that she views China with American eyes yet is clear that she has come to love China and tries to instill appreciation for it in her children. Most parents who adopt internationally realize how important this is for their childrens' self-esteem. Jaclyn's negative feelings toward China have much less to do with a lack of national and cultural pride than they do with personal loss and the harshness of orphanage life. It is only after she has begun to heal, that Jaclyn begins to recall simple pleasures and the kindness of those that looked after her there.
Thirdly, the author is NOT trying to toot her own horn either by adopting these wonderful kids or by telling this story. She is simply commending those who choose not to look the other way from children who wait. Within the adoption community, there is a bias from the "politically correct" against those who would seek to "save a child" as if the desire to parent and the needs of those children were somehow mutually exclusive. (Although it is theoretically possible that one might treat adoptees as inferior to bio children, I've very rarely seen it happen). No matter how good the orphanage, children belong with a loving family, whether in China or abroad. No, they are not "lucky" for having been separated from their birth families, their culture, and their heritage-this is tragic. Are they fortunate to be adopted when only 4% (officially, actual number is most likely much smaller)of those abandoned ever will be? And (although not in the best interest of intercountry relations to boast) to a country where they will not only have material advantages and educational opportunity but MUCH more importantly, personal and religious freedoms which many have and continue to die to obtain and protect?
This is an important read. It inspires hope for anyone in any circumstance and calls us to examine our priorities. But specifically, it calls attention to the needs of children everywhere. If it has inspired just one person or couple to form or enlarge a family through adoption - and adoption is NOT second-best- it has been successful. Add to that , all of the author's proceeds are going to benefit the children who remain in Chinese orphanages. Let's stop the petty bickering and criticism and concentrate on the children. Thank you Cindy and Jaclyn!

Everyone who is able to read should read book!
This is the most incredible story I have ever read. My heart has never ached so much for someone I have never met. Being Chinese and having an understanding of how things are in China, and also being a mother, aunt and children's advocate, I related to Jaclyn and what she was feeling during the process of getting a family for "her baby". Her persistance and the fierceness with which she loves this little boy is absolutly amazing. ... Read more

Book Description

Waris Dirie leads a double life -- by day, she is an international supermodel and human rights ambassador for the United Nations; by night, she dreams of the simplicity of life in her native Somalia and the family she was forced to leave behind. Desert Flower, her intimate and inspiring memoir, is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered about the beauty of African life, the chaotic existence of a supermodel, or the joys of new motherhood.

Waris was born into a traditional Somali family, desert nomads who engaged in such ancient and antiquated customs as genital mutilation and arranged marriage. At twelve, she fled an arranged marriage to an old man and traveled alone across the dangerous Somali desert to Mogadishu -- the first leg of an emotional journey that would take her to London as a house servant, around the world as a fashion model, and eventually to America, where she would find peace in motherhood and humanitarian work for the U.N.

Today, as Special Ambassador for the U.N., she travels the world speaking out against the barbaric practice of female genital mutilation, promoting women's reproductive rights, and educating people about the Africa she fled -- but still deeply loves.

Desert Flower will be published simultaneously in eleven languages throughout the world and is currently being produced as a feature film by Rocket Pictures UK. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Desert Flower
Desert Flower
Waris Dirie tells the story of her life, from a world of poverty and the nomad lifestyle, to the pressures of being a super model. I found her biography to be one of the most compelling books I have ever read. She is able to tell the remarkable story of her life and in doing so teaches its audience about the struggles that women still face in many other cultures today. She truly takes advantage of her privilege of living in the United States where as many of American natives take the simple pleasures for granted.
She gives excellent detail in telling her story and captured my attention quickly. She starts talking about her life as a child and the hardships that were brought upon her living the nomad lifestyle, constant moving around and a father with several wives. To make matters worse she is attacked and raped several times. One of the most heart breaking parts of her story is that she had to have Female Genital Mutilation, which is a common practice in Africa, but definitely illegal her in the United States. Through telling of her experiences it helps the readers of the book especially women to be thankful of the rights and freedoms we have today.
This book is a true inspiration and shows the power and strength of the human spirit and the will to overcome struggles. The shortcomings are a lot of bad words were used in the book, although I realize sometimes a certain word needs to get a point across to the audience. That was really the only part that bothered me. Overall I would rate the book at four stars.

Desert Flower - A remarkable piece of literature
Dear editor, I read your book and I think this a remarkable, rather brilliant piece of literature in modern times. It is not only because of Waris` touching story how she finally succeeded in getting that modelling job. To me, it is more the insight in a nomad`s life how they live and how they are confrontated with western attitudes. It is quite certain that Waris` story sounds realistic to the reader, though I have to remark that some passages in the book seem either not to be happened or unrealistic. Sometimes I ask myself how a girl at the age of 13 years managed to find Mogadishu (her aunt) almost on her own when running through the desert for weeks without having anything to drink or to eat. Well, perhaps it is my lack of imagination or more her strong bond to nature or even simply her female intuition. Due tu the fact that the language is far-reaching, easy to understand and that I can easily identify with Waris Dirie, I think on the whole this is a very good book. Apart from some critical points I can only recommend this to others.

Yes!
It naturally just goes to your heart. The language is simple and honest, so you can read the book in a day or two. Her story was just remarkable and the book was well-written. People should be made aware of FGM and its effects. They should know that it exists. I particularly liked the way she ended the book. She says that if the existance of FGM has any meaningful explanation, maybe she would think twice about denouncing it...but this practice has no significant reason to exist what so ever! There were, however, too many "In Africa..." generalizations in the book. FGM is not ubiquitous in Africa, in fact, most Africans don't even know that it's there. It is just concentrated mainly in East African countries like Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Djibouti, and some areas in West Africa like Mali for example. I loved the book. Everyone should read it!

Wow...:'(
I read this book as part of a medical sociology class that I took, and all I could think was wow. The strength of Waris is amazing. I was brought to tears so many times throughout this sad story, and it really made me angry that this sort of thing still goes on. As part of the class we also watched a tape showing an actual mutilation occur, and I couldn't stop shaking and crying. This book is definitely a must read for evry person out there, especially those whom have never heard of this widespread yet horrific practice. To Waris, I am very saddened by your story and send all of my love your way, no one should have to go through what you went through, and thank you for having the amazing courage to stand up against this practice, even when it is so unspoken about within Islam and African society. I truly hope that these outcries will open minds and educate those who need it most, and save many young women and girls from such a horrible, traumatic thing. My heart is with you and all women who have had to suffer under this horrible practice.

A must Read!!
I absolutely loved this book!! A Human Geography teacher recommended this book to me, as well as others in the class. I was very glad that I took her advice, and read it!! I could not put this book down! I read it in 3 days!! It's an incredible story. I think it's very moving to see how much some people have to go through. It really makes you appreciate what you have. Definitely read this book! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Perspective of the South during a Tumultous Time
I decided to read this book for purely personal motives. Having been raised in California by a father who grew up in Birmingham in the early twenties and thirties, I had a desire to understand this man, my father, who seemed at times to have such radical world views. Reading Paul Hemphill's story, specifically the retelling of details of growing up in a working class family, including the bigoted views his father held, helped me to understand the world that molded many whites prior to the civil rights movement. When chosing this book, I wasn't looking for a dry detailed history but rather an insiders view of what this world of "Birmingham, Alabama" must have been like growing up. Why it created such biogtry? And How can we continue to change? Paul Hemphill, through this book, helped me to understand, what kind of a world Birmingham was, and how it shaped and molded the people who grew up there.

A Student's Perspective
This book was required reading for my Civil Rights class. Although at times a bit too detailed and tangent prone, Hemphill's style is very gripping and kept my attention. The way in which the formation and development of Birmingham is disussed, enterpreted, and explained is superb. Hemphill does an excellent job of juxtaposing the racial, economic, and social climate that evolved and gripped the city of Birmingham throughout the years. I would consider this autobiography of sorts a must read for any person interested in issues pertaining to the Civil Rights Movement. Just get through the few dry parts, the rest is well worth the read!

Probes the ethnic relationships in Birmingham
In 1963 Alabama was the site of racial violence: native Hemphill decides here to return to his hometown, to come to terms with his family and life. Leaving Birmingham probes the ethnic relationships in Birmingham past and present, providing an intriguing analysis of the tensions and present-day life.

Not Just For Southerners
The reader should note that this book is not a history, but an honest reminiscence by the author. Paul Hemphill was born and raised in a Birmingham that no longer exists, and his story is a sentimental, though often melancholy, remembrance of his journey from childhood to an adulthood marked by his departure from his native city. Unlike other native sons, such as Roy Blount and Howell Raines, who long ago moved to New York and have spent the majority of their adult lives apologizing for having been born in the South, Hemphill offers the reader a painfully honest autobiography that parallels the mutually exclusive forces of change and retrenchment within Birmingham before and after World War II. He presents an insightful glimpse of a city unique in the South, a city created atop one of the richest iron ore deposits in the country, with no antebellum, gentrified past, a tough, muscular city. It is a Birmingham as it truly was, a city divided not in two parts, but three: the Birmingham of poor, legally segregated blacks, the Birmingham of working-class whites who manned the steel, iron and coke factories during their height, and the Birmingham of the Mountain Brook overseers, the representatives of the absentee landlords who owned these factories, the men of a separate community entirely, who publicly stayed above the fray of civil rights strife, all the while stoking and manipulating the blue collar whites to whom civil rights appeared a supreme threat. It was into such a working-class family that Hemphill was born. His descriptions of his hard-working, traditionalist father, his mother and the neighborhood in which he grew up, are perhaps the finest elements of the book. It is evident that this was no easy book for Hemphill to write. He must counter-balance the admiration he holds for his parents and the joys of his childhood, with the ultimate revulsion he felt in adulthood toward a civilization predisposed all along toward heightened brutality. It is not only his personal journey, but the journey of Birmingham from "the Magic City" to "Bad Birmingham"; the journey of Bull Connor from "voice of the Barons" to the "voice of legalized segregation". Hemphill witnessed all of this and it is sadness, not cold judgement, that pervades this book and sets it apart from the many other books written about that city and that time. This reviewer highly recommends this book to anyone who has an interest in gaining a personal perspective of the Birmingham of mid-20th Century America. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a story of the unexpected. In Destined to Witness, Hans Massaquoi has crafted a beautifully rendered memoir -- an astonishing true tale of how he came of age as a black child in Nazi Germany. The son of a prominent African and a German nurse, Hans remained behind with his mother when Hitler came to power, due to concerns about his fragile health, after his father returned to Liberia. Like other German boys, Hans went to school; like other German boys, he swiftly fell under the Fuhrer's spell. So he was crushed to learn that, as a black child, he was ineligible for the Hitler Youth. His path to a secondary education and an eventual profession was blocked. He now lived in fear that, at any moment, he might hear the Gestapo banging on the door -- or Allied bombs falling on his home. Ironic,, moving, and deeply human, Massaquoi's account of this lonely struggle for survival brims with courage and intelligence.

Reviews (51)

Witness
Destined to Witness Hans Massaquoi ISBN 0-688-17155-9 1999

"Destined to Witness" is the story of the son of a black Liberian diplomatic official and a white German woman growing up in Nazi times in Germany. Were this story not so convincingly told, one would have to question that the events of Mr. Massaquoi's life could have really taken place. But they did take place. Not only did the author survive the Hitler years without being killed by the Nazis, but he survived 200 British and American bombing raids that destroyed half of the Hamburg's homes, including his own, and killed 41,000 civilians.

From this book, one learns not only about Massaquoi's experience with racism in Germany in the Hitler era but about British and French colonial racism in Africa and racism in the United States in the South and in Chicago after the war. Hans Massaquoi would have us understand that these instances of racism were not unrelated.

This book begins with Hans Massaquoi's early schoolboy experiences growing up in Hamburg. It recounts the terrible racial taunting of pro-Nazi classmates and teachers. In one of his worst school episodes he tells how one teacher told him that after the Nazis had finished with the Jews they would take care of the likes of him. Massaquoi, growing up in the German culture, wanted to be like the other boys to a certain extent. At one point, he was rejected for admission to the Hitler Youth Corp on the basis of his race. Although initially Hitler was a hero to him, later he came to understand more clearly what Hitler represented.

This book describes a number of interesting historical events that Massaquoi witnessed. For example, one was the day the airship Hindenburg flew over his neighborhood in Hamburg, casting its giant shadow over the street on which he lived and all the people who gathered there to see it. In another place, the author describes the aftermath of Kristallnacht in November 1938, the first, Nazi-ordered, countrywide rampage against the Jews. Sidewalks along Hamburg's main shopping avenue, on both sides, for miles, were covered with broken glass in front of windowless stores where all the merchandise had been looted.

The author attributes his own survival through this period to the fact that there were few blacks in the Germany of that time, and Hitler's executioners initially focused their efforts on the Jews. Fortunately, Hitler was defeated before he could finish his ultimate goal of racial purification. Also, Mr. Massaquoi attributes his survival to the fact that, even in these dark hours, there were many Germans who retained their decency after it had 'gone totally out of style'. To these people, whose refusal to go along with the prevailing racism of the day, he gives recognition.

Massaquoi eventually came to the U.S. after the war, served in the army, attended college on the G. I. bill, marched with Martin Luther King, served as the managing editor of "Ebony" magazine and met American presidents.

This book presents a unique opportunity to look inside Nazi times in Germany, not through the eyes of an historian, but through the eyes of someone who lived in them, and as the title suggests, as a witness to history. I highly recommend this unusual book. It is extremely interesting reading. I believe some of those who travel this road will come away with the feeling that they have been changed by the journey.

Brief Student Review of Destined to Witness
The purpose of this brief essay is to review Hans J. Massaquoi's memoir, "Destined to Witness: Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany". This exceptional book provides a detailed account of Massaquoi's life experiences before, during and after Hitler's reign.
"Destined to Witness" is written in such a way that the reader is moved to laughter, anger, sadness and ultimately a better understanding of the day-to-day dealings of a "non-Aryan" in the era of World War II (WWII). Massaquoi recounts his run-ins with racist avid Nazi supporters and talks about how those experiences influenced him. He also mentions the people who were more tolerant and who positively affected his life. This book presents an interesting balance between people intent on belittling Massaquoi and those who tried to help him become a better person.
Massaquoi's book is a great find for all readers interested in learning about Nazi Germany, regardless of how much existing knowledge one has about the events of WWII. This intelligent memoir gives just enough information about the timeline of Nazi Germany so that one who is not a historian will understand and enjoy it, while the well-read student of WWII will not be overwhelmed with names and dates with which he is all too familiar. In closing, this amazingly honest book tells a tale that will provide the reader with much to think about long after the book is closed.

Amazing Personal Account and Unique Perspective
The only thing more amazing than Massoquoi's story is the fact that it is not an international best seller. This narrative is a gripping, insightful, humorous, tragic, and delightful coming of age story. This book provides a perspective of Nazi German, the Allied Forces, and WWII era American culture that can't be found in typical history books.

Destined to Witness is an especially great introduction to WWII for young people, adding a personal relevance to the well and lesser known events leading up to and through the second World War. This is one history book you won't want to end.

Black in Nazi Germany
I first read of Mr. Massaquoi's story in Studs Terkel's The Good War. I was always fascinated by that brief account and hoped to learn more about this man's life. I was overjoyed to find Mr. Massaquoi's autobiography while browsing in a book store here in New York City.

It is hardly surprising that Hans Massaquoi experienced terribly humiliating and life threatening experiences at the hands of Nazi era Germans. But it was far more surprising that ardent Nazis sometimes treated him with kindness and respect. I certainly don't want to give the impression that I am in anyway minimizing the great evil of Nazism, but it is clear that some of Mr. Massaquoi's experiences show a complexity of human action and emotion that I would not have expected from Germans of that era. This story shows that humans are as likely to practice kindness and love as they are to show hatred, depending on which aspects of their characters have been encouraged and supported. Hans Massaquoi's life reminds us how essential it is for all of us to speak up against hatred, especially when it is espoused by the state.

A Great Read
I read a lot of books (2 a week or so). This book was one of the best that I have ever read, partly because I could identify with the author. Hans was a black growing up in Nazi Germany, I was a white Jehovah's Witness growing up in America in the 1950s. Hans encountered much bigotry but also had much support from many kind teachers and friends. The many acts of kindness and fair treatment in the book was heart warming. I relived much of my childhood as I read, wishing I had experienced the support that Hans did (I remember being called a communist, a Nazi, and a fundamentalist by teachers and fellow students due to my religion). In contrast, Hans had only 2 really bad teachers and many good ones. Although most Jehovah's Witnesses ended up in the concentration camps in Nazi Germany, this book made me realize that I would rather have been a black in Naziland than a Witness in America. I left the Witnesses 30 years ago, but the mistreatment that resulted from my involvement with them still lives on (as does some of the experiences that Hans lived). Hans left Germany and ended up in the United States and was then able to escape his past to some degree, although he still had problems here (in contrast, my religion was the subject of endless discussion even long after I formally resigned from the Watchtower). Of course, with religion one has the advantage that one can leave the church, but Hans could not change his race. Nonetheless, as this book had a happy ending, it gave me hope that my story would too. It also gives hope in the belief that some people are very good at heart, even in Naziland. Maybe after reading this book a few more people will be less intolerant. I hope so. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Close the Dragon Gate
Great disservices to people whom are searching for information and enlightenment on Taoism. The authors used a map of china and a few books on Taoism to take the reader on an almost 300 page fairy tale coated to read like a biography. The characters shift personality quicker than a chameleon does color. I think there is a story in the book but the contrived situations get in the way.

Seems to be a fake
This book looks like pure advertisment of Wang Liping who is said to be chosen as 18th generation transmitter by one Taoist sect. Difficult to read because every second page I stumbled over direct or masked praise on Wang Liping / sect abilities. In the end (as expected) Wang Liping finishes with giving lectures to hundreds of students of Qigong. Special pages dedicated to how simple Wang lives, etc. Taoist teachings are scattered all over the book and don't give the impression of integrity.

One quote from the 1st page: "Over the preceding years the three Taoist masters had been engrossed in secret consultations about the matter of utmost importance, not only to them but to the world at large... trying to find a successor ...". Well after this matter important to the whole world I already assumed that money spent on book was wasted.

Quite a good tale...
This is a similar book to Deng Ming Dao's "Wandering Daoist" only the story of Wang Liping's training is not embellished in the manner of Saihung. Although I'm sure the average western practitioner of Qigong will likely shake his/her head regarding some of the 'training' methods used by the three old masters it is a good reminder of what one used to have to (and perhaps still should?) undergo before getting into serious practice. It is interesting how, right from the start, Wang Liping demonstrated many qualities essential to following the Tao including great patience and humility.

The book follows his initial training including stints in a hole in the ground and under a large cast-iron kettle. It then follows his journery with his masters into the mountains just as the Cultural Revolution began to sweep across China. Along the way many lessons are imparted including some interesting methods of cultivating with trees. The main portion of the story ends with Wang Liping's return to his village and subsequent marriage (!) as his masters admonish him to carry on the way in a form suitable for the new age.

The book finishes with some commentary on Wang Liping's present activities including some stories from his group training sessions - some of the first held in China as strict controls on Qigong began to be lifted.

I enjoyed the story as well as the information contained in here. There are some great views on meditation, including the aforementioned tree style, in addition to the overview of his training. There are also some very interesting tidbits about the location of the lower Dantien shifting in relation to the cultivator's distance from the equator. There is also an interesting comment that there are meridians within the body that are not terminated - that is, they are open to the universe.

Recommended...

Personal Experience
After reading this book, I had the fortune to meet a long time student of Wang LiPing and to study with this student for two years. He taught many of the techniques spoken of in the book and demonstrated a number of them. My teacher is now studying with a Buddhist master and has no vested interest in supporting Wang LiPing, however he vouched that Wang LiPing in fact demonstrated to him and many other students in china many of the techniques discussed in the book such as the weather changing, dream control and so forth. There were also a number of other things not discussed in the book. At any rate, based on my experiences with the techniques and based on my teacher's abilities and his stories of studying with Wang LiPing, this book is a true account of what Wang LiPing went through.

As for the way it is written, I found it to be mostly fascinating but it doesnt have the prose that Deng Ming Dao's books have and so it is difficult reading in certain places. On the other hand, this account is a true story, unlike Deng Ming Dao's trilogy and so if you are truly interested in Taoism this book is a must.

An invaluable document of contemporary Taoism
I can vouch that this is a truly astounding and brilliant book, as you would only expect it be - (look at the other books Cleary has translated, and tell me that a man with his skill and judgement would waste his time on something worthy of a one or two star review.) It comprehensively covers Wang Liping's full training and in doing so thoroughly discusses the philosophy and principles of Taoism. Along the way it details numerous Taoist practices, some only in as far as is safe or possible. Wang's apprenticeship takes place on the road over the Cultural Revolution, and is also unusual in that Wang has three teachers from two generations - a grandmaster and two mentors. The narrative is rich with annecdote, explanation and detail, though if your feeling sluggish, keeping an eye on the scope and depth of what is being gestured towards can prove a little testing at best. As such it can in fact make for disconcertingly easy reading - (most of it was related to two of Wang Liping's students by Wang Liping himself over a series of meetings.) As a document of Taoism as it stands today this book is particularly valuable: it sets out the monumental tasks, responsibilities and difficulties facing a lineage holder during China's uneasy settling after a century's upheaval and, perhaps most importantly, it unceasingly places Taoist philosophy and practice in the context of contemporary knowledge and epistemology. What becomes abundantly clear on reading the authors' lucid explanations is that in its interaction with modern knowledge Taoism is set to become the science par excellence and that, in essence, it is just that already. anguspretty@hotmail.com ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Freedom:Photographic History/African American Struggle
This book is a gorgeous coffee-table volume. It is divided into sections by time periods beginning in the 1840s and continues to the present. Each chapter is introduced with an in-depth discussion of what was happening at that time, then moves to captioned photos. The book is large, 10"x12", and is presented on heavy, high quality paper; a pleasure to hold and look at! My only criticism is that readability was sacrificed for design. The type is very small and, therefore, difficult to read, and the caption reference number below each photo is mircoscopic. Also, even though I'm sure the photos were reproduced perfectly, some are hard to make out (what do I expect for 100+ year old photos!) I recommend this book whether you are interested in this subject, interested in photography or just love beautiful books. ... Read more

Book Description

"In China, a woman is nothing."

Thus begins the saga of a woman born at the turn of the century to a well-to-do, highly respected Chinese family, a woman who continually defied the expectations of her family and the traditions of her culture. Growing up in the perilous years between the fall of the last emperor and the Communist Revolution, Chang Yu-i's life is marked by a series of rebellions: her refusal as a child to let her mother bind her feet, her scandalous divorce, and her rise to Vice President of China's first women's bank in her later years.

In the alternating voices of two generations, this dual memoir brings together a deeply textured portrait of a woman's life in China with the very American story of Yu-i's brilliant and assimilated grandniece, struggling with her own search for identity and belonging. Written in pitch-perfect prose and alive with detail, Bound Feet and Western Dress is the story of independent women struggling to emerge from centuries of customs and duty. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Without Pang Mei's story intertwined I would have given it 5
I love Chang Yu-I's story, it was fascinating & well written, but I found the the authors' story bored me to tears. Yes it was nice to have the author establish the relationship between the the tale of a young Chinese woman in the early part of the century and beyond, and her niece born and raised in America, but Pang-Mei/Natasha Chang's perspective was far too centered on her insecurities growing up as a first generation Chinese woman in a family of immigrants. Why not take a cue from her ancestors and be pleased with not only who he or she was as an individual, but of the family that they came from as well. Her obsession too with her parents accomplishments and her graduation from Harvard made me think that the author veers between self loathing and an inflated self worth. Had she not inserted herself into the story except as narrator, I believe that this would have been a better book. My message to Pang-Mei Natasha Chang is get over the petty childhood teasing and get on with your life--I'm sure your chief tormentor Douglas sure has.

Haunting - Illuminates how culture can cripple women's minds
As Yu-i tells her story, it became clear to me that even though her feet had not been bound, her mind had been fatally wounded by the conditioning she received as a child that "woman is nothing."

Mistreated and abused by her husband she still devoted her life to protecting the the "face" of his parents and even his perverse second wife.

She would not allow herself to remarry until very old because of the shame it would bring on her family, though she was completely blameless in her husband's abandonment of her.

Hearing her tell her story in her own words gave me much greater insight into why it is so often women who perpetuate the women-mutilating traditions of dysfunctional cultures. I could clearly see in the attitudes she shares with us how a woman, no matter how brave, who grows up in a culture that finds only mutilated women "beautiful" will internalize the self-destructive attitudes that have been drummed into her during childhood.

I felt that the author's interweaving of her own story into the story of her great aunt weakened the book. The author is still very young and has not gone through the crises and major life decisions that would maker her own story complete enough to make it the kind of memoir material that could compete in interest with that of her great aunt. However, having I look forward to hearing "the rest of the story" when she is older. She is clearly on her way to being a fine writer!

A good book, because it is a true story.
I enjoyed the auuthor's simple writing style. The story is about a woman who decides whether or not to make her own life, or allow it to be decided for her. The best thing about this book, is that it is a true story. The book was fast reading, and very inspirational. I would reccommend it.

Why Am I Famous
This woman Natasha is suffering from the WAIF (why am I famous) syndrome. She has accomplshed nothing beside a stupid degree from Harvard (her family is loaded obviously. Her grandfather and father, chinese, went to Japan after the war. Why? Where did their money come from? Any patriotic chinese would not go to Japan after the war. They must be special.) So, she dragged up this great aunt who had been married to a poet for a few years. This great aunt has done nothing except what most good chinese women of her generation would do----swallowed bitterness, did her duty etc--- I was a child in Hong Kong when I heard about the letter Yu-I's son wrote about her proposed re-marriage. Everybody said her son was brilliant and a loving son. Yu-I herself never complained. I left Hong Kong after she emigrated so I know.

This Natasha went on endlessly about her 'suffering.' Poor thing, if chinese waiter speak to her in chinese , she would have a fit. Likewise the other way round. She did not have the grace to talk properly to a chinese ex-change student thousands of miles away from home (chinese people are not a novelty to her, she said.) She complained about chinese people with bad teeth and bad English, unlikely her posh family. Well, from what I can see from the photo, her whole family is preety ugly. What is more, they are self-centred, full of self-importance, selfish, and stupid. What with her father talking about producing 'pure chinese children.' Of course, Natasha herself will never marry a chinese. This is the real her. Trying to glamorize herself by some digging of past 'romance and glory.' She does not give two figs about the suffering of the chinese people in China like the aids village or millions of child workers working in desperate condition. She is so stupid that she mentioned Yu-I's war profiteering (buying dye used for army uniform and holding it back until the price had increased a hundred fold.) I am so sick I can puke.

Get a Life
This woman Natasha is the most irritating thing I have come across in a long time. Her own life is so stupid and boring, but she insists us to know how a million years ago she was called chinky and whatnot. She brags about her family (evidently a family ritual) endlessly. From what I can see, her family is stupid, selfish (war profiteering by Yu-Yi if you ask me), boring. Yu Yi has accomplished nothing neither. She went through what most chinese women went through in terms of humuliation, abuse, etc. But she had enough to eat and did nothing to help poor people. I am chinese myself. I am just sick of Natasha's story. To give credit to Yu Yi , she never whined before this was dragged out of her. ... Read more

Book Description

Considered by many to be the most dangerous inmate in the history of the New York penal system, Willie Bosket is a brilliant, violent man who began his criminal career at age five. His slaying of two subway riders at fifteen led to the passage of the first law in the nation allowing teenagers to be tried as adults. Yet sadly, Willie is not an aberration within the Bosket family--but rather the latest in a long line of brutal, exceptionally intelligent malefactors who were driven by circumstances, racism, and a distinctly American craving for respect by any means necessary. In this groundbreaking work, award-winning journalist Fox Butterfield traces a troubled family's history back to the days of slavery in an attempt to get to the roots of the violence endemic in our society. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Excellent read: informative, sad and chilling
This book was exceptionally well written and well researched, giving a very detailed account of how violence in the African American community, and primarily in the Bosket family, got its start from the violence that was the norm in South Carolina, where the Boskets came from. The story of Willie's family, his ancestors all the way up to his parents and siblings, is a sobering one that explains how families can be "doomed" when they remain outside of the mainstream and do not have access to opportunity or given any hope. Butterfield does a good job describing the criminal justice system as it relates to children and how we have come to treat 12 and 13 year old children like adults. But what is being done to stop this madness?

Absolutely amazing, an excellent read, very insightful
Probably the best book I've read since Malcolm X. You know its good when you've got 15 people to review it and they all rate it high. This book is very hard to find, so if you get a chance to get your hands on it, then buy it.

The first 100 pages, or so, are good, but not as good as the rest of the book. But they are absolutely necessary to understanding the book. The book is very well written and researched. It took me through the full gambit of emotions. I couldn't put it down.

Interesting Book!
I found this book interesting as well as heartbreaking. When I first opened it up, I was unable to put it down. Alcoholism, physical abuse, sexual abuse, incest, rejection, and neglect were 6 factors in which had been existent within the Bosket family. It seems as if the only way they had learned to fight were with either weapons or with their bare hands. One of the saddest situations included Butch and the fact that he had raped his girlfriend's 6 year-old daughter, "Kristin". The girlfriend's name was Donna and she seemed to be a weak-willed woman. I couldn't believe that she had actually ignored her daughter's cries while he was raping her. I just kept reading it over and over again: 'Kristin could see her mother standing in the darkened doorway of her room, and she asked her to make Butch stop. When Donna heard her daughter's plea, she said, "No. I won't stop him."' In the end, because she had allowed it to go on, she had lost custody of both "Kristin" and her twin brother, Matthew. She was so taken by Butch that she seemed to care more about him than her own children and they hadn't even known each other that long. She lost her life because she had decided to follow behind him as if she didn't have any backbone. Sad.

I think part of Willie Jr.'s anger had been directed toward his grandfather, James Bosket (Butch's father), because he had sexually abused him on numerous occasions. I found it very disgusting and shocking. Willie was a young boy and had no idea what molestation meant and that it was wrong. Another part of his anger seemed to be directed toward his mother, Laura. Although she was trying very hard to raise Willie, she didn't make the situation any better by repeatedly telling him that he was going end up just like his father or giving him more negative feedback than positive. Her neglect and rejection of him was what drove him to threaten to commit suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming train. But then you have to look at it from her side also. She had become a single mother because Butch had gone to prison for killing two people in a pawn shop, leaving her to take care of Willie all by herself. She felt rejected herself because he had promised to be there for her and their son. She thought that she was going to live a happy life with the man she loved and he winds up going to prison. He even forced her to divorce him. I guess she resented him for it and took it out on Willie Jr. By the time Jr. was 21, he had gotten married to a woman named, Sharon (who wanted to bed him right after she had met him), who had a daughter by another man. I think Willie accepted her marriage proposal and had taken on the responsibility of helping her raise her daughter because he wanted to fulfill his dream of wanting a family. On top of that, the relationship seemed to be based on lust, not love.

I was glad to read that Jr. had calmed down quite a bit by 1995; I think because he's getting older, he realizes how much time he had wasted and actually does have remorse for the innocent people he had murdered and robbed and their families who suffered losing them. I'm not quite sure if he has been broken by the same system he was against but now, he has no choice but to sit in prison awaiting his release, which will be no time soon. As a matter of fact, he'll be an elderly man by then.

Far from fictional
During the time when i read this book I was not just learning about a stranger but and actually part of me. I found out after the completion of the book that this was a story about my family's history. I founded the book to interesting and helpful. I read the book last year when I was seventeen. After reading it I passed it all to my peers hoping that they could learn something about themselves as well. I feel that this is a great book not for just African- American teens but all growing up and struggling in the inner-city. Also, this book should be as a tool to use in a social sciences classes. Because it helps people understand the differences between different ethnic groups. It answers alot of the questions that people have today. There is always a debate about slavery and the effects it caused. People argued that its in the past and it time to move on, but fail to realize that it still affects those same people who have yet to even come close to understanding who they are and where their from. All Gods Children is one part of the bridge that is being built to understand our surroundings and I'll recommend this book to any person that is willing to grow.

victim's daughter
I enjoyed this book because it was really interesting to listen to the events of the day that led up to Willie stabbing my father, corrections officer Earl Porter. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

CHRISTOPHER WALLACE A.K.A. THE REALEST
This book is Big as biggie smallz, i always respected Biggie smallz and i always wanted to know who really was Christopher wallace and when you read it you just fell pain for his mother, cause christopher was the son every mother want to have, this nigga could have done everything to see the people around him happy, when you read this you see how Biggie would never done nothing whrong to 2pac ,every hip hop fan have to buy this cause we all know many things about 2pac life but finally we don't know nothing about Biggie smalls , before reading this i was taking Big as the best flow hip hop will never had, after reading this book i thing that this fella was the realest hip hop will never have , i want to tell all the 2pac fan who take Biggie as the so called greatest to never forgot that 2pac has 6 lps before his death and Biggie got 2 only, this nigga was at the begining of his career and he was on his way to be the mike anyone jordan , jackson of hip hop!at the reading of this book you see that the 2 dearly legend of hip hop was two friend with nothing in common but with everything complementary, so enjoy cause this may not be the best biography i've read it's arleady one of the best ... it's 25 years full of love, pain, drugs,sex, guns , talent,women and many more!

A Fascintating Read
A must read for anyone interested in the history of hip hop. Before I read it, I had only heard of the Notorious B.I.G. Now I feel as though I know him - personally.

During the 90's, when gansta rap and the East coast vs. West coast fight broke out, I was too busy working on my Bachelor's and Master's degrees to pay much attention to anything else.
I had also heard of Suge Knight and Sean Combs, but only from newspaper reports. Reading this book really filled in a lot of the details for me. Suge Knight is portrayed in a postive light as really caring for his artists and seeing to it that they were treated right. He became violent only when he thought that those artists were being taken advantage of, and that they (as well as he) were losing part of the money they were entitled to. I had always wondered what had prompted this violent streak of his. I remember the newspapers would only report the latest incidents, never try to explain them. The book also explains what it is, in fact, that Sean Combs does. I had always wondered: Is he a rapper? A producer? An executive? And, how did he amass so much money? Combs had always been a mystery to me. To some extent, he still is, but the book goes a long way toward solving this riddle too.

This book explores many interesting puzzles like these and shows how intricate relationships within the hip hop community had become, even by the 90's. Biggie Smalls is portrayed as a flawed yet sympathetic character. At first, he's a child attending Catholic school in uniform, who feels different from all the others hanging out on the corner. His mother is a teacher, he's fatherless, and while not rich, he's by no means poor. His mother gets all the latest gear for him so he doesn't go out and get in trouble. As he grows older, however, the lure of quick profits grows stronger, so that by the time he's 16, he's dropped out of school and become a full-time crack dealer. The book wants us to believe this is so he can buy even more of the latest gear, and that he's never statisfied with what he's got. I'm not sure that that's the whole story, but surely his life was never as bleak as what he depicted later in some of his songs. One gets the feeling that somewhere along the line, something just isn't right - either with the world, or with Biggie. Then, once Biggie becomes a rap star, he says in the book that he never expected to, that rapping was just a hobby and that the profession he had actually chosen was that of the crack dealer. So, we're expected to believe that this rap star thing just happened as a fluke, and came just as much as a surprise to him as to the rest of the world. Maybe all this is so, but if it isn't, the book makes no alternative explanations, nor even attempts to. All we're left with, instead, is an incomplete portrayal of the man who would later become known as the Notorious BIG. All in all, despite the inadequacies in the portrayal, one is still able to admire and respect the genius and charisma of this man. This is both a tribute to the man and to the author. It makes us aware that even legends have character pitfalls, yet we're still able to remember and love them for who they were.

And Unbelievable Is What He Is!!!
I am so glad that I read this book. This book glorified Biggie as a everyday fella not a superstar. How good of a person he was and what he did for others including the ones that hated on him, which were many.

This book gave a first account on how he went for "ashy to classy" and how hard he tried to keep it once he found out that he really had talent for music rather than talent for selling crack.

What I didn't know, but really didn't surprise me was how much of a playa Biggie was. He had his wife Faith, Lil' Kim and Charlie Baltimore and I am going to say that it was more than that. It bugged me out him and Faith never even spoke to each other when the saw each other on the night he died. I guess it is true that you never know that last time you may see someone for good.

I love the loyalty of his true friends from St. James, mainly Lil' Cease. This book also showed you how grimey Lil' Kim really is. What devastated me that most was how his relationship between him and Tupac just crumbled over bullsh--, straight bullsh--. If you ask me my opinion and this is just my opinion, I think Tupac what just in the wrong place at the wrong place, just like the rest of his situations. Now, don't get me wrong that's my boy too, he just makes bad judgements, just like Biggie staying out in Cali, like everything was cool.

Overall, this book was the best biography I ever read. It was straight up real, it made you feel as if Biggie was telling you the story of his life himself.

Later!!!

BIGGIE SMALLS IS THE ILLEST !
The greatest rapper of all time is one "Frank White".
Cheo Hadari Coker broke down The Life, Death and Afterlife of the Notorious B.I.G as we (the fans) wanted it. The book illustrates Biggie's life in greater detail than what other writers (who didn't even personally know him or even listened to rap) have written.
When Christopher Wallace stepped into the rap game,he saved the East Coast. He put balling to another level and he made dirty thugs wanna look classy and yet he maintained his street cred and represented Brooklyn to the fullest.
This is the book that will hopefully convert the Biggie haters - you know, the staunch Tupac supporters who think fake ass Tupac was the better rapper. Hopefully it will answer the questions that need to be answered about Who Biggie is, what made him and what kind of a person he was to his friends, family and his neighborhood.
Plenty respect goes to the author for this magnificent story - The Story of The Greatest Rapper.

very compelling Book
Biggie was something else as a Artist&as a Brother trying to make His Mark in the World.he got caught up in alot of unwanted tension&whatnot.this Book does a Great job at breaking Down his Music&Creativity,His Inner circle&everything else that made Him click.vry Compelling Book that covers Him really well from start to finish. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (39)

Typically Straight Talk About Koreans by A Korean Woman
STILL LIFE WITH RICE is a breath of fresh air blasting into a staid room. Not only is the language straightforward and frank, but it is respectful, in a way only Koreans would understand. Not only does the narrative begin in North Korea before the 1950 invasion, but it discusses Korean emigrees in China, living in Occupation-era Korea, surviving during war, and emigrating to a foreign country.

But this book is also about women, written by a woman rediscovering her history and her voice. It is not only a political discussion, but also a discussion of how women existed in Korean society. Although, as a man, talking about menstruation and other aspects of a woman's daily experience, was a bit unnerving, it established the book's focus, the tale of a woman maturing and becoming quite unique by any standard.

The author is a first generation Korean-American (gyopo-saram) listening to her grandmother's tales of the old world. But neither are victims, and the fierce determination of the grandmother is revealed in the brashness of the granddaughter's pro