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HomeShop at BookSurgeLiterary CollectionsMy Father's World: Parables from the Red Star Grocery |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 4 customer reviews )
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3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
A Great Read Apr 26, 2006
By John Doe
"Dave"
If you think you are only going to read a book of memories and memoirs of a daughter honoring her father, you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Behind the stories, often humorous in nature and told in a deft, succient style, a tapestry is woven that shows 2 distinctive types of societies that co-existed during a turbulent time in our nations history. The book reveals the compassion of a white man who makes a conscious decision to make his living among the poor black in the Deep South and, instead of taking advantage of ignorance and poverty, tries to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Showing her skill as an excellent storyteller, one can be drawn into the book and, without realizing it, forget the author is in reality an adult and instead see life through the eyes of a child. The reader old enough to remember life in the 50's and 60's will take a trip down memory lane and will no doubt remember things long forgotten as story after story is told of life in the segregated South. Between the stories of desperation and destitution among a down-trodden class of people, small slices of domestic life creep into the read. These slices illuminate laughter and hope, as well as showing a michevious streak in "Mr. Red" no doubt carried over from chilhood. This allows the reader to know enjoyment in life can be achieved no matter what circumstances in which one may find themself. The author also gives great honor to her mother during the course of time that certainly gives credence to the old adage, "Behind every successful man there is a good woman". Read, reminisce, and relive life in a simpler time.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A must Read Mar 20, 2006
By Computer Geek
I would highly recommend this book.
It is a wonderful social commentary deftly handling the turbulent social issues in our nation and specifically in the deep south from before WWII through the turmoil of the 60's, 70's and into the early 80's.
The author has a knack for description that allows you to feel like you are there looking at things through her eyes. A humorous and insightful look at a time that was --- when you could still seal a contract with a handshake and yet there were dark threads of social turmoil woven into the tapestry of the times.
The author does a superb job of relating events of the time through the eyes of a child tempered by the knowledge and experience of an adult. This wonderful ability allows her to touch on subjects like segregation, religion, homelessness, and poverty with the innocence of a child while at the same time allowing the reader to see what was going on behind the scenes. It leaves you with a feeling of wishing for the more simple life style of the times and yet wondering how we survived all of the social upheaval and does it all in a way that leaves a smile on your lips.
It is hard to say enough good things about this book. You will not be disappointed.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Storytelling At Its Best May 09, 2006
By Luv2Rd
I couldn't put this book down until it was finished. From the first page, I was hooked. Each character was portrayed respectfully and lovingly. This is a book that will make you laugh out loud and cry. If you grew up in the South, you will think these people were your neighbors. If you didn't, be prepared to enjoy a wonderful glimpse into what life was like. This book gives life to the stark headlines of race riots and grinding poverty -- and dignity in the midst of these circumstances. You come away knowing that as long as there are people like Mr. Red and his family, there will be reason to hope and believe in our future.
A wonderful book Apr 03, 2008
By E. L. Jenkins
This book is wonderful! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it-- could barely put it down! Having always lived in SC, even though not during the times that this book was written, I could visualize it all. The small town that I grew up in, still has similarities to what is in this book (the closeness of the community for one, and characteristics of some of the people in the book who give you a good chuckle). You won't regret reading this one!
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