I could hardly put this book down. Gives the reader an understanding of the attitude of cold, dead hatred and cruelty that white people in America are famous for in their relations with African Americans. This amazing Jim Crow era pre-civil rights to civil rights autobiography gives a clearer idea of how whites in The South systematically traumatized generations of African Americans. An example of how a race blessed with power can go CRAZY-SICK with it and fatefully damage another far less fortunate race. Reminds me that this was only 40 to 50 years ago. Explains the present day fear, anxiety, poverty, shame, cultural confusion, lack of lingering African culture/connection that still haunts the lives of the masses of Black African Americans to this day. Easy to read. Realistic, gripping, beautiful, and warm... It is now my all time favorite book. A precious classic. Thank you Anne Moody {tears}. I am Black African myself, but directly from the motherland (Igbo tribe, Nigeria, West Africa). I am deeply touched by the terror we have been forced to go through as a peoples. This is really beyond words... There should be MEMORIALS IN THE SOUTH dedicated to honoring and remembering the masses of lives and African cultures and languages that were lost to hatred and wickedness. As a Christian woman saved in Jesus I am led to pray and count on God for an answer... Not my will, but Your will Heavenly Father... Off to listen to CeCe Winans "Throne Room" CD...

I am reading this book as part of a History assignment for my American history class and I have to say I love this book. Not only is it very detailed and insightful of the life during these times and what Ms Moody experienced, but it also enjoyable reading. It keeps you wanting to read more and is quite funny at times. A very involved and riviting book. This is a book that I will keep even after class ends and read again. My husband and son already are waiting in line to read it. A very well done book on a very tough subject. Well done Ms Moody.

The beginning of the book was strange to me. Once I got into the flow of the writing I started to enjoy it. Once Essie/Anne hits the movements though, she comes off as a zealot and expects everyone to feel and do the same as she does. There are many emotions in this book. The last part of the book was a bit tedious and repititious, then hits a crescendo, and then falls flat. I was disappointed with the way Anne Moody ends the book, but it's still a good read.

Great detail of the rural south, and how someone came of age during the Civil Rights time. Gripping story of a young woman and her life experiences during that time. I don't know if I could have been so strong during that period, that I am grateful that there were others like her who stood up for our race to make things happen. However, now in this day and age, I don't really see much of a change or difference in the treatment that we as minority people see. Yes, things have definitely changed, but racism is on a whole different level these days because of technology. There shouldn't be a time in our life now that there are still "firsts" for blacks, and yet we still see it. I know that there have been vast improvements, and I am extremely grateful for the people who have sacrificed their lives for minorities of every race, but racism is still strong to this day and age. In the last sentences of this book, she asks the question, will we overcome someday? And responds, "I wonder." Which is deep because I still wonder if we have overcome as well.

I am a 43 year old white woman. I was born, raised and still living in the South. Everyone needs to read this book. I could describe it with big, long, important adjectives but that's not really necessary. Anyone who loves to read and learn should read this book. Ms. Anne Moody is an outstanding human being and I am glad and thankful to have known her story. May her heart be blessed forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!