Reviews (13)

Powerful
This is the most moving autobiography that I have read in a long time. It is brave, haunting, inspiring, and illuminating. It gave me an intimate look at a life I could have never have imagined. More than any textbook or news cast, it helped me to understand what life is like for people in a cruel dictatorship.Salbi has transformed the evil she endured and created an amazing organization that helps women around the world. I feel privileged to know where that strength, dedication and passion comes from. Thanks to Salbi for sharing her story and for all of the work that she does! She is a beacon of hope!

The "missing" book about life in Iraq
"Between Two Worlds" is to the body of writing about Iraq as "The Diary of Anne Frank" was to writings about the Holocaust. This is the missing, personal book that pulls everything together and gives readers a woman and a family to hold on to.
outstanding memoir
In this poignant and perceptive memoir, an Iraqi activist recounts growing up under Saddam Hussein's regime.When her father becomes Saddam's personal pilot, they begin to spend regular time with the President and his inner circle.I had to admit that I was primed to expect some pretty gory scenes.Instead the gatherings come across as any dysfunctional family get together which naturally a teenager would rather do anything than have to attend.The violence, what there is of it, happens at the edges of the action. The intimidation comes more from what could happen than what actually does. None of it happens to Salbi, although the strain of being Saddam's "friends" causes rifts in her parents' relationship.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Abused women    3. Arranged marriage    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Ethnic Cultures - General    9. Iraq    10. Iraq - History    11. Middle East - General    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Social conditions    14. United States    15. Women    16. Women - 20th Century History    17. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (2)

A Key to Understanding the Enigma of U2
Christianity, metaphorically, has many "keys." Many prominent voices play major keys, promising blessings and offering comfortable settings. Christian Scharen, the author of One Step Closer, introduces a minor key--the theology of the cross--that fits U2's voice.
Great lay out for Group Study
I thought the book was fun to read. A friend of mine used it as a guide for a church group study on the Theology of U2. It was a hit. We ended up discussing really important issues like Justice, and Money, etc. We would read a few chapters and watch the videos and then discuss. The way the book is structured is what positively differintiates it from other U2 books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Christianity    4. Composers & Musicians - Rock    5. Genres & Styles - Rock    6. Ireland    7. Popular Culture - General    8. Religion    9. Religious    10. Religious aspects    11. Rock Music    12. Rock musicians    13. Spirituality - General    14. Christianity and Culture: Popular Culture, Christianity and Culture: General Studies    15. Religion / Spirituality   

Reviews (10)

A beautiful children's book with an illustrated personal story and a larger message
Harvesting Hope tells the tale of Cesar Chavez, but more than that, it reveals the power of collective bargaining and fighting for what is just in the world.As a children's book, it has appeal as a well-illustrated biography, an important history lesson, a story of family and personal triumph, and a book with a message.Chavez's crusade took place several decades ago, but the plight of migrant farm workers remains, despite the tremendous inroads Chavez made with La Causa.The story of Chavez's childhood, hard days of labor, and fight for worker's rights is timeless, and Kathleen Krull's award-nominated book deserves a place on every child's bookshelf.

The story of a lesser known American Hero
This is a great picture book for all ages. The heroic story of Cesar Chavez is left out of most U.S. history classrooms, save those in California. This book would be an enlightening addition to any classroom or children's library.

Si Se Puede
Let's begin by saying that the drawings are super and captivating. Yuyi Morales creates characters that show emotion and the result is a drawing of emotion from the young reader. As the title implies this is the story of Cesar Chavez who many adults came to know about from his work with the farmworkers in California. This story humanizes the man by beginning in his childhood. The roots of the farmworker leader are explored asa young person traveling from crop to crop , from state to state. A drought in Arizona began the family oddyssey that would result in Caser Chavez becoming familiar first hand with the troubles of the farmworkers. Life on the road became a harsh reality. The treatment he encountered in school forced him to drop out in eighth grade but the treatment in the fields wasn't much better, at times it was much worse. This is simple story about a complex problem that one man was determined to overcome. He wanted justice for farmworkers and organized. He became to Mexicans what MLK was for civil rights, for Mexicans it was an extension of civil rights. This is a beautiful book for young readers or those not so young that are learning to read in English if they have a reading foundation in another language. Although it is recommended for children ages 6-9, middle school students, ages 9-12, especially those with limited English proficiency can benefit from this story well told. For the teacher or parent this book can help instill pride and understanding as to how determination, perseverance and hard work can overcome even the greatest odds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1927-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography - Cultural Heritage    4. Biography & Autobiography - General    5. Biography & Autobiography - Social Activists    6. Chavez, Cesar,    7. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    8. Children: Grades 1-2    9. History - United States/20th Century    10. Juvenile Nonfiction    11. Juvenile literature    12. Labor leaders    13. Mexican Americans    14. People & Places - United States - Hispanic/Latino    15. Preschool Picture Story Books    16. United States    17. Chavez, Cesar    18. Juvenile Nonfiction / History / United States / 20th Century   

Reviews (25)

The lovely tourists
I had to read this book for a Multicultural Literature class at my Uni, and, far from being informative, all it did was fill with me a contempt of my own. I am not a racist by any means, but when confronted with such a bitter, snide voice as the one Kincaid displays, I find myself unconsciously getting defensive. When she says, "you are a tourist; you are ugly," I find myself saying, "Fine, I'll keep my money and let you trade with seashells and beads." Kincaid is a master of the self-fulfilling prophecy: she says Antiguans are so oppressed and so downtrodden and so angry, and rather than doing anything to help it, she's exacerbating it by using such a bitter, over-the-top voice.
A Small Mind Writes A Small Place
A major failing of this essay, which claims to be non-fiction, is Kincaid's sole reliance on her own memories of Antigua.As an eye-witness, Kincaid has the chance to provide a unique perspective on the issues of slavery, corruption, tourism, colonialism, and SIDS (small island developing states).Yet, she ruins this chance, in my opinion, with her complete disregard of any perspective other than her own.
An island paradise
Antigua, an awe-inspiring vacation spot for Europeans and North Americans, takes on a different aura when discussed by native Jamaica Kincaid. Ms. Kincaid describes how the Antiguans feel about the tourists who visit: ugly people. Ugly because they invaded, then brought slaves to work for them so they could become rich while ignoring the needs of those who made them wealthy. Ugly because of what they've done to the island and the people who live there. Jamaica talks about the corrupt government and the hand that North Americans, British, Syrians and Lebanese play in that corruption. She describes how England paved the roads the Queen of England would travel when she visited, but left everything else in poor condition. Ms. Kincaid also mentions the drug dealers that the government ignores and those who build ugly condos for the wealthy and rent business space to the government who should be building their own space.
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Subjects:  1. Antigua    2. Antiguan novelists    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Description and travel    6. Fiction    7. General    8. Kincaid, Jamaica - Prose & Criticism    9. Literary    10. Novelists, Antiguan    11. People of Color    12. Women   

Reviews (17)

Narcissistic Drivel
I very much enjoy books about China, but I could not stomach Ms. Lu's stunning narcissism. This woman needs to see a psychiatrist before she inflicts herself on anyone else. Do not encourage her self-obsession by buying her book.

Recounts her long struggle
When the author was three years old her family was forced to leave their middle-class life in the city, relocating to an improvised coal mining village to be 're-educated' thanks to the dictate of China's Cultural Revolution. Raised in a life of struggle, the author determined to have a better life, graduating from medical school and overcoming family objections to explore other careers before becoming a top executive in the optical fiber industry. In 1997 she visited the US to launch her own international business: DAUGHTER OF THE YELLOW RIVER: AN INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY FROM DEPRIVED CHILD DURING CHINA'S CULTURAL REVOLUTION TO SUCCESSFUL GLOBAL ENTREPRENEUR recounts her long struggle.
A bit narcissistic
The book started out really well, but then became very self-congratulatory.The author includes about 40 photographs of herself in an array of different outfits.While I admire her success, a bit less self-adulation would have made this a far better read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - China    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Business    4. Business & Economics    5. Chinese American women    6. History    7. Lu, Diana    8. Women   

Reviews (54)

An Essential Read
The real history of the Black Power Movement will seemingly never be truthfully covered by mainstream historians.
WOW
The story of Assata Shakur is deep and motivating, after reading the story of her journey I was surprised at the amount of people that had no clue of her story.This book is a great read for everyone, this book will make you think and want to learn so much more.I am so happy that she was able to tell her story.

Must read!
The book was great. I felt like using a highlighter during numerous points in the book.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Black Panther Party    6. Black nationalism    7. People of Color    8. Racism    9. Shakur, Assata    10. Specific Groups - General    11. United States    12. Women    13. Biography: general    14. Social Science / African-American Studies   

Reviews (110)

A SUPERB BIOGRAPHY!!
I bought Alison Weir's THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII to read at the beach. I thought it would be helpful to have a refresher course on Henry VIII and his ladies from one of thebest popular historical writers and scholars. I could hardly put this book down. It is excellent and surpasses most novels in readability and intrigue. Since Henry was married to Katherine of Aragon the longest, there is more about her and I learned more than ever before about that stubborn, passionate, implacable queen. Henry seemed to have so much guilt attached to his marriage with her that one concludes that she was, as he himself said "buxom" in the bedchamber. She was a saint but also a woman. When Anne Boleyn enters the story, one tragedy unfolds after another.However, Weir did not explore all of the sufferings the English people experienced due to Henry's dissolution of the monasteries and break with Rome. I got more of a sense of Jane Seymour's personality from this book, and Anne of Cleves as well. I thought the treatment of Katherine Howard was too conventional, with the same old story of the slutty adulterous. Weir claims that Katherine became sexually active at age 12 or 13. I would not call that being sexually active, I call it being molested or raped. She was a child, for heaven's sake, and whatever happened to her, it may have contributed to some of her later behaviors. I felt sorry for Katherine Parr, who survived Henry only to be made to suffer by her true love, Thomas Seymour. An overall fantastic book - highly recommended!

Fascinating, well-written account of the lives of these six amazing women
Alison Weir is a master at turning historical information into well-versed, readable material.I bought this book and could not put it down for two weeks.We all learn such skewed facts about Henry VIII through ill-informed resources.Weir's unbiased, often shockingly truthful account of this period really opened my eyes to what it must have been like to live in King Henry's court.I can't recommend this book enough!

Impressive, though author doesn't give equal time to all wives.
This really is a decent, informative book on such a complex man and the women who shared his life. My only complaint is that the author focused too much on Ann Boleyn and not enough on the other wives. Still a good book, though! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 16th century    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Europe - Great Britain - General    5. Great Britain    6. Great Britain - History - Tudor And Stuart (1485-1714)    7. Historical - British    8. History    9. History: World    10. Marriages of royalty and nobility    11. Queens    12. Royalty    13. Wives    14. Women    15. Biography: royalty    16. British & Irish history: c 1000 to c 1500    17. England    18. Europe    19. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    20. United Kingdom, Great Britain   

Reviews (3)

An essential set of insights.
Students of ancient or Jewish history will find MAIMONIDES an important biographical study, telling of a rabbi, physician and philosopher whose works blended science with spirituality, and who has served as a model for Jewish doctors since the 12th century. Chapters provide a focus on Maimonides' works and perspective with an eye to drawing connections to the modern world, and make for an essential set of insights.
Dr. Maimonides
Dr. Nuland "biography" of Maimonides focusses mostly on the sage as a physician, with much of the rest of his life sketchy at best. In fact, the first chapter virtually ignores the subject and instead describes the author's views on why so many Jews became physicians over the centuries.That being said, Dr. Nuland's book is well written, gives historical insights into medicine in the 12th century period, and is easy to read.I have not read any of the other biographies of Maimonides, several of which are cited by Dr. Nuland, and therefore cannot judge whether the paucity of details of Maimonides life presented other than medical is a intentional or the result of the actual absence of data.

A Hero for Our Time
The great philosopher, physician and leader is brought vividly to life by Sherwin Nuland, himself a writer-physician.Although this is a relatively brief book, it touches on all the points of Maimonides's life with authority and clarity.Nuland positions his subject's writings within the issues of his time and ours.With a well-annotated bibliography this is a fine entry into a fascinating life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1135-1204    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Egypt    7. Jewish Theology    8. Jewish philosophers    9. Jewish scholars    10. Judaism - General    11. Judaism - History    12. Maimonides, Moses,    13. Medical - General    14. Philosophy Of Judaism    15. Rabbis    16. Religious    17. Biography & Autobiography / Religious    18. Jewish studies    19. Judaism   

Reviews (14)

A different look
I enjoyed reading this book. I'm always interested in reading books by authors who are from other countries. I was really glad that the author didn't have a lot of negative things to say about the country. I have a Afghan friend, who just moved here to the states, that gives a little different story on the treatment of women there than the author does but I really enjoyed the book and think that it will give all readers a look of what's it like to leave your country to move to a new country that's totally different than what you are use too.

An important voice
If you only read the newspapers you'd assume that Islam is a religion to which only men subscribe. Maryam's book is therefore an invaluable contribution to the literature. Here is a smart, well-educated woman's personal account of her life and faith. It's not didactic or argumentative, it's simply a refreshingly candid, personal, and articulate account of how the world looks to an Afghan-American Muslim woman. This is a voice we don't hear much amidst the clamor of opinions currently raging about Islam and the West, and it's information we can't get from any "objective" source. Thank goodness for this insider who is willing to share.

I wish she had a talk show
Yes, I wish the author, Maryam Qudrat Aseel, could be on national TV on a regular basis, discussing the ongoing cultural rift between the U.S. and the Middle East. Her book is about the Afghan-American experience. Ironically, I picked up this book looking for experiences of Pakistani-Americans for a research project. I could not find one, but decided to start with this book.
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Ethnic Cultures - General    5. Women    6. Afghanistan    7. Biography & Autobiography / General    8. Ethnic studies    9. USA   

Reviews (10)

A2007NEWBERY winner?*Dear Miss Breed* has my vote!
Can we stand firm for JUSTICE in wartime?HOW CAN WE NOT??
Why don't we learn about this?
I was assigned the topic of Japanese Americans and the internment camps for my final paper.First of all, I think this book accounts for my great grade. The book is full of information and photographs. Ms. Oppenheim also makes the story of what happened so clear.I am ashamed that my country did such a thing to their own citizens.It's scary really.It's also weird that not that many people my age even know about it.This should be taught more.

Dear Miss Breed
In many ways, "Dear Miss Breed" may be the best way to share the JA WW II experience with middle and high school students as the letters leave a personal touch to the story; yet there are plenty of accurate historical references about WW II events that affected the JA community.Even if you have read every book about life in Camps for JAs, Miss Breed's story just may move up the list and become your favorite book on this topic...everyone should read "Dear Miss Breed." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography - Historical    2. Children's 9-12 - History - Military / War    3. Children's Books/Young Adult People & Places    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Evacuation and relocation, 1942-1945    6. History - United States/20th Century    7. Japanese Americans    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Juvenile literature    10. Military - World War II    11. People & Places - United States - Asian American    12. Personal narratives, American    13. World War, 1939-1945    14. Juvenile Fiction / Biographical / United States   

Reviews (11)

Perhaps she told us more than we need to know
By all means, if you "buy" Etty's diary, be sure to get the book that includes the letters (an early publication was the diary only, no letters). Even with the letters, the book ends abruptly and there is no closure, of course, but the letters provide a bit more about actual events she and her fellow victims were experiencing.The diary, on the other hand, explores more her philosophy on life, and less on the actual living conditions. Etty seemed particularly naive, considering she was 27 years old when she wrote the diary, when it came to personal relationships.It is "5 stars" if you appreciate this genre; if you are asked to read this for a school assignment, or a reading club, and you have no interest in this genre, you probably won't appreciate the book.This is not a book I would go back and re-read.Having said that, it was an important book to read.

Transformative
In these trying times, this book is a gentle reminder that terrible events have the curious power to make us better (more caring, more open, more alive) people. I was utterly transfixed by Etty's swift transformation from a self-absorbed whiner to a spiritual and philosophical mystic who transcended the horrors of her time. This Is Difficult to Get Into, But Well Worth Staying With
I found this book very difficult to get into.Like many spiritual journals this book seemed at first overly self-centered and indulgent; one page read boringly very much like the page that went before.Her sleeping around and her bizarre therapy with Spier put one off.And Etty herself felt very deeply, vehemently, passionately; reading her can be like drinking water from a fire hose.One might feel like giving up the battle, but it will be well worth your while to push on.More and more one begins to see astonishing signs of spiritual growth and maturity and then of extraordinary achievement and grace.Emotionalism passes into selfless and self-sacrificing love.She moves speedily from her first ability to say the word God to constant prayer and even to a mystical union, all the more significant for being so unrelated to any conventional religion.In the midst of ever increasing certitude about coming annihilation, and eventually amid the horrors of the transit camp of Westerbork, this young woman not only manages to preserve her sanity and keep herself from hating her persecutors, but somehow even comes to rejoice in the beauty and meaning of life.It is truly a wonder how anyone could manage to grow to such transcendent greatness of spirit in so short a time.How fortunate for us that it happened to a woman who felt so deeply, knew herself so clearly, and wrote so aptly, and whose writings from the midst of the Holocaust has survived to our time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - Holocaust    5. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    6. Jewish holocaust (1933-1945)    7. Jews    8. Netherlands    9. Personal narratives    10. Biography: general   

Reviews (7)

An honest witness to the struggle of Israel
Daniel Gordis is a Jewish writer and educator. When he brought his family to Israel for a year he did not know the dramatic turnabout they would come to face. The terror- war which the Palestinians launched when the Clinton brokered peace - process broke down in late September 2000 means his family is exposed to a kind of violence they had never imagined. In clear and informative E- mails to friends he tells the story of this year of what his family goes through. A person of the liberal left, a super- tolerant idealist he comes to understand that it is not enough for one side to want peace, but rather that both sides must. He becomes more passionate in his defense of Israel when he understands that really it is a country subject to aggression fighting for its own life . He too confronts the hard questions of his own family members, his childrens' suspicions that they are being sacrificed on the altar of their parents idealism. This book is important precisely because Gordis is clearly such a ' man of peace and good- will'. And because it shows how complicated and difficult the struggle ofIsrael is for life and peace.
A moving story
Yes, this is a splendid account of what it has been like for the Gordis family, moving to Israel from California.And it's worth reading.
A personal and informative account of life in Israel
Began as e-mails back home to family, this book's strength is the description of day-to-day life in Israel through good times and bad.For the book, Gordis intersperses the letters with political commentary to give some context to the letters' time of writing.More personal than David Horovitz' A Little Too Close to God, it is similar in bringing the political and personal together as a family debates the wisdom of staying in Israel when the peace process goes bad.You will get drawn into experiencing the emotions and ambivalences the Gordis parents and children have about their life.Very readable! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1993-    2. Arab-Israeli conflict    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Ethnic Cultures - General    8. Influence    9. Israel    10. Jews    11. Jews, American    12. Literary    13. Middle East - Israel    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Social life and customs    16. Correspondence    17. Current Events / International    18. Gordis, Daniel   

Reviews (147)

One of the best (and longest) books I have ever read
I read this book four years ago as a freshman in college. Although I've recently graduated, to this day its still a book I think about from time to time. The story is infatuating and gripping to no end. Alex Haley poured his heart into this book and as the reader, you can feel it from page to page. This is a very lengthy, yet powerful story. Alex Haley was able to eloquently transcend generations and political movements with a book that I will have to simply say, enlightened me greatly. I would definitely read it again and encourage anyone who is interested in an accurate account of the dynamics of slavery and its lasting effect on American culture today-good, bad, and ugly.

Riveting, heartwarming, infuriating
Alex Haley's moving saga of his family's history and his own journey to find their "roots" continues to thrill decades after its publication. From Kunta Kinte's childhood in Africa to the horror of American slavery, his descendents' experiences into the first years of black freedom and segregation, to Alex's own final triumph as he finds his long-lost, legendary ancestor in The Gambia, the reader is alternately moved from tears to rage to cheers.
A Life Changing Book
This book made us proud of our family heritage. As good as the mini-series was, the book is twice as good. After many years hearing his family tree being past down, Mr. Haley went on a worldwide search for more of his past. I watched the mini-series in 1977 like most of America, but found I then needed to read the book. Just the passage from West Africa to America will break ones heart, if you have a heart to break. And that only taps the surface of the cruel realities of the slave trade, and the some 10 to 100 million souls that never survived the passage. If you want to see through the eyes of our African ancestors, whatever your ethnicity, then read this masterpiece from cover-to-cover. I guarantee your life will never see things in the same light again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    6. Haley family    7. Haley, Alex    8. Kinte family    9. People of Color    10. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Reviews (5)

Bishop Jakes shares some interesting advice
Although Mother's Day only happens once a year, this audio reminds us just how important mothers are in most people's lives. Bishop Jakes shares personal stories about the experiences he shared with his mother along with the lessons and values she taught him, especially in the areas of life, love and longevity. He also includes biblical stories about mothers, along with testimonials from other prominent African-American figures about the importance of motherhood.More reviews at [...]

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Moms who made an impact
I love my mom. She drives me crazy, but she also have taught me great lessons in life I carry with me as a testimate to her love for me.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Black Theology    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - General    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Motherhood    7. Parent And Child    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Religion    10. Religious    11. Religious aspects    12. Biography & Autobiography / Religious   

Reviews (7)

Get it right !!!
Your readers must have read a different book and may have confused the facts. Det. Van Houten was not "off duty" at the time of this incident and he was not a witness to a crime in progress, but was the victim of a attempted robbery by the Perry brothers. Det. Van Houten did not kill Edmund Perry. Edmund Perry killed himself when he went out looking for a victim,and unfortunately for him, chose the wrong one. You can take the kid out of the "hood" but you cant take the "hood" out of the kid. Perry chose the wrong path and he paid for it with his life.

Seperate Lifes
Edmund Perry, a seventeen year old student at Exeter Academy, was shot unfairly by a police officer.This officer thought that Eddie was mugging a woman so he immediatly shot him.Eddie lived in Harlem, but attended school in New Hampshire at Exeter Academy.He was living two completely differnt lives, black ghetto with his family friends and a prestigious bording school with his teachers and friends.It was very unlikely for a black boy to go to a prep school at this time, but Edmund was a very smart boy.He attended Harlem primary school then had four years of private school and soon would be going to Stanford University in the fall.This couldn't happen for him.How could someone who worked so hard in life and got far, have their life cut off so short?How is this fair?Robert Sam Anson, the author of "Best Intentions" did a fabulous job getting the facts from Edmund's family and friends, because this is a true story.

Best Intentions : The Education and Killing of Edmund Perry
This was just a really really good book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African American students    2. African American teenagers    3. Biography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Criminals    6. Discrimination & Racism    7. Murder - General    8. New York    9. New York (State)    10. Perry, Edmund,    11. True Crime    12. True Crime / Espionage    13. d. 1985    14. Perry, Edmund    15. Sociology, Social Studies    16. True Crime / Murder   

Reviews (16)

great read
The Blast Master has once again brought forth an education in Hiphop. KRS-ONE's love for the Hiphop culture and movement is best described in his book Ruminations. I found it to be a very interesting and dynamic read. For those that doubt the skills and knowledge of an Emcee that has been laying vocals from Street corners to world stages is mistaken when you claim his albums are "crap" and patrons demanded thier money back at live shows could be further from the truth. I have been to several KRS-ONE shows(from Chicago, New Orleans, New york, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston and beyond) and in my experience I have never seen a crowd so enthused or invigorated. Over the past few years his rhyme styles have elevated. A truly great Emcee never has to rely on "GREAT BEATS" but moreso on lyrical content. KRS writes rhymes for the educated and enlightened listener. HIP-POP music lovers need not apply, this style the KRIS style is way beyond your level of thinking.

One Step towards Understanding. One Giant Leap towards Univerisal Consciousness
For those of you that do not read Ruminations and listen to the person that gave the book one star, obviously you are afraid of improving yourself as well as your community. To read this book, one does not need prior knowledge of spirituality, reparations for African Americans, or even Hip-Hop history. However, this book is not for people that are stagnant and unwilling to learn. Nevertheless, if you are living in the Dark Ages and want to partake in the Hip-Hop Renaissance, then expand your mind to Ruminations and digest the smorgasbord for thought by KRS-ONE. On the contrary, if you are believing life is one big "bling, bling" party and don't take the time to think beyond one's needs, then continue a life of selfishness and at the moment lifestyle and there will come a time when you will wind up looking for such insight whether it be from KRS-ONE or other philosophers, teachers, scholars, meta-physicians to regain mental stability and repentance for one's negative thoughts and actions. Like they say, "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance." Buy the book and invest in the common good as well as yourself. You will be glad you have taken this positive step. Like Rakim stated on Follow the Leader, "I guess nobody told you a little knowledge is dangerous." One Love.

Dope, insightful
A book that really makes you think. A good beginning as a published author for Kris. As to the klowns that gave KRS 1 star, quit being a hater and realize that kris still is and always be one of the greatest emcees in hip hop history. The kat that hated on kris' last few album probably supports trash like Chingy and Nelly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Composers & Musicians - General    5. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    6. People of Color    7. Personal Memoirs    8. American English    9. Popular culture    10. Rap & hip-hop    11. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (58)

A very powerful book
This book provides a fresh view of the German people during the Nazi era. I loved how Mr. Massaquoi despite being a victim of racisim pointed out that not all German people supported the Nazi government. Many of the movies and books on the era always give the impression that Hitler and the Nazi party ideals were supported 100% by all the German people. Mr. Massaquoi provides us his life story in a direct and straight forward manner. He gives a balanced view of the ill-treatment that all non-aryans suffered.

Destined to Witness: Growing up Black in Nazi Germany
This is a very powerful look at just how scary it was to be anything other than Aryan in Germany during those horrible dark days, before and during the war. The auther with thte help of his mother was so strong, It took such courage to just be seen in those days. The book reads so well, well written, and makes you want to grab them both and get them out of Germany, to keep them safe.

Destined to Witness : Growing Up Black in Nazi Germany
I could not put this book down - my love for reading has returned. It's an amazing book, one of pain, shock but also hope,success and wonderment. The human spirit can survive against all odds. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Blacks    6. Europe - Germany    7. Germany    8. Historical - Holocaust    9. National socialism    10. People of Color    11. Racism    12. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color   

Reviews (8)

Memoirs of Glueckel of Hameln
Fascinating description of an educated Jewish woman's life in the 1600's with an amazing amount of travel in Northern Europe pertaining to family matters and business.It was not a small world by any means.She was a bit effusive in her thanks and acceptance of her life with moralising, but her description of her life is outstanding.

Awellworth-reading document of historical significance
Almost all of the human beings who have lived on this earth have left behind no name or story. This is also true about the vast majority of Jews even when the Jews are a people for whom remembrance is a sacred act. The great great majority of Jews who have lived on this planet too have no names and no stories.
A window into the past
I loved this book.Perhaps I should say that I like old memoirs and journals, particularly by women [and there are so few of them!] and that I also enjoy reading historical documents and about history of certain places and certain centuries.That may be one of the biases of these lines.I might also add I am not Jewish.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1646-1724    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Germany    6. Glueckel,    7. Historical - General    8. Jewish - General    9. Jews    10. Jews in Germany    11. Women    12. of Hameln,    13. Biography: historical    14. Biography: political    15. European history: c 1500 to c 1750    16. Glueckel    17. Jewish studies    18. Social Science / Women's Studies