gather at the table: the healing journey of a daugter of slavery...
355461
this was an honest and frank discussion of differences experienced as a son of plantation owners and a daughter of slavery.  The intense and non-trusting relationships were so very fragile and suspect at the beginning of the journey but gradually they were able to begin to reach out to each other in order to understand their misunderstandings regarding each race and reach a mutual respect and love.  Would that many more would undertake opportunity to learn that we are more alike than we are different.
4285472
This book is one of the most interesting I've ever read on the subject of racism.  Not only does Ms. Smith supply well-rounded historical information on the injustices that African Americans have endured in this country, but she endorses the healing of these wounds from a spiritual perspective.  She writes with a lot of personal transparency about her own struggles and experiences.  I was left with a sense of hope, able to see some light at the end of a very dark tunnel of life in America.
3673631
This is a moving and intimate insight into the world of slavery in 19th century Charleston. Sarah Gimke's 11th birthday present is her very own slave, Handful. The unlikeliest of friendships that forms between these two, result from tea drinking and sharing little girl secrets. Their relationship is an impossibility that happened nonetheless and it is a wonder! The injustice of slavery is evident at every turn but its significance is not truly personal to Sarah until she seeks her own emancipation years later. The plot is impeccable, this tantalizing, detailed, historical fiction tells the story of a shameful part of American history, slavery and begs the question - what is the price of freedom? What makes this narrative so compelling is the story alternates points of view from Sarah to Handful. It is not immediately apparent what connects these two very different women, but stick with it and you will see. Growing up the white privileged daughter of a judge, Sarah's life is ordered for her. With her mapped out future, she will learn the right things, mingle with the right people, date and marry the right man, live in a big house, have lovely children and of course own her own slaves. She soon comes to the realization as an adult that she has achieved nothing of worth in her life. She is forced to pause, to question, what she thinks she knows. Her intrepid younger sister Angelina known as Nina, joins her as one of the early pioneers in the abolition and women's rights movements. Sarah is who she is as an adult in part because of Nina. Handful's story is one of constant heartbreaking hardship but she remains hopeful though her life too is ordered. She will be whipped and mistreated for the rest of her life, she will likely not marry or have children of her own that she can keep, she will forever be a piece of property that can be bought or sold. Handful's mother Charlotte, is a master seamstress and sews a special and unique story quilt that  tells her own family's story. A story of perseverance, love, strength, courage and dignity. Handful is who she is because of Charlotte. This is a remarkable tale that tells the story of the transformative power of love and the courageous women who risked much to embrace it. This wonderful book is even more compelling in audio, the narration is exemplary.
2014699
This book is very important as it chronicles the life in America of an educated african who was kidnapped and sold into slavery.  This person was able to read and write Arabic, and knew much the the Qur'an from memory. It is a strange story because it is uncommon finding actual evidence from the person himself, telling his own story. If you read between the lines you can almost imagine the fear and terror he faced and how ultimately had to grapple with a very hard reality. An interesting read.
3129667
Patti Bryant did a wonderful job of sharing their African experiences. As I read along, I felt I got to know those with whom they worked. Many of the names mentioned were ones we recognized. I often could feel the experiences, almost like being there. It is a very good read. I strongly recommend "Divine Choreography". As soon as I finished reading the book, my husband started reading it. After a few hours I asked how he liked it. His response, "I like it." "I like it a lot." We thank you, Patti, for sharing your lives during those difficult, but rewarding years, through this book.
1819974
This book is a great, informative introduction to Harriet Tubman. The subject of slavery can be hard to tackle, especially on a childrens level. The author does a splendid job of it. I liked that the author started with Harriets childhood and walked us through her life. The illustrations go wonderfully with the story. We loved this book!

Thank you to Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review. We will be picking up a physical copy!
1149828
This is a very good book for readers wanting to know in-depth historical identity of all blacks that emerged and taken captive during the trans-atlantic slave trade.  The author laid out historical proof of the identity of the Tribes from the slave Coast of west Africa.  I urge you to purchase and read this book.
4780680
Frederick Douglass is best known as an orator and an abolitionist.  A former slave, he knew first hand the suffering that not owning yourself can be.  I've been told many times that this auto-biography is one that should be read, so, when presented with the chance to listen to it on audiobook, I did.  The narrator had a calm, steady voice and it was quickly captivating.

This autobiography covers from childhood until ten years after Douglass gained his freedom.  He describes thte time he spent with different slave owners, his treatment while working for different people, and a little about what he did once he escaped.  A big part of this book was about his desire to read and how he taught himself to do so.

Douglass encounters a lot of people in his life and unsurprisingly many were cruel and harsh.  What did surprise me was that he did say some of the slave owners were decent in their treatment of him.  I couldn't ever imagine calling a slave owner decent and it shows that Douglass was definitely a bigger person than me.  To be so mild after having been a slave is astonishing.  He also describes the people that slavery made cruel, like the woman who started to teach him to read only to become the biggest opponent of slaves learning to read.  I do confess that there were so many people he mentioned, it was hard to keep track of them sometimes.

Douglass has a remarkable way with words and this autobiography is as interesting as it is sad.  But I wish there was more of it!  With the amount of detail that he put into describing how he learned to read and the beatings he got (which are sections of the book not for the faint of heart), I wish he had put just as much detail into other things, like his marriage and his speeches after slavery.  I realize he wrote several other books, but since this one covered his time right out of slavery, I expected there to be more description of that eventful time in his life.  It would have provided a big contrast to his time spent as a slave.  Even so, I did find the book extremely informative and it was definitely more than what I learned in school.  And I'm glad for having read such a personal account of slavery.  It is a reminder that such evil shouldn't be permitted in the world.

A great man and one can see why he was so influential.  His autobiography was quick, but moving.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas
Read by Jonathan Reese

Review by M. Reynard 2013
2589752
I am taking my time with this book as it is having a deep impact on my psyche which I am very much appreciating.  Well researched and documented, the book begins with a history the Judaic tradition and beliefs towards illness and healing then discusses the New Testament references to Jesus' healing work.  For a century or more following the Crucifixion, the Christian followers of Jesus, both men and women, lived in service to the poor, the aged, the infirm, those in need and healed with their hands and anointed with oils wherever it was needed.

The author documents the many changes made to the Bible, the events and people who brought about the rejection of women in healing work and the removal of hands on healing from Christian doctrine as the centuries passed.

There are many documented research projects presented to discuss the discovery of and validation of the Human Energy Field and how that Field is effected by touch with the intention to heal.  Awakening the flow of healing energy within the heart and expressed through the hands is within the capacity of every human being with practice and intention.

The author's premise is that touch, hands on healing and anointing with oils is not only a part of our Christian heritage but also has its place in the living Christian present. These healing energies are an expression of the Divine Presence and it is as appropriate today as in the time of Jesus to express compassion and unconditional love through hands on healing work in support of each person's journey towards wholeness, to relieve suffering and pain and in service of our fellow human on life's journey.
1239882
Great read.  Revealing of the variable mindsets of slaves and how they viewed their lives while being held and then when free.  These were often very spiritual people, who had more feelings of gratitude versus hate.  A beautifully humble people despite having to have lived in the time of slavery.
4381842
A very well written book. Sometimes I had some trouble with who was speaking. The book  helped me to better understand slavery.
453848
Excellent book.  Fully engrossing and so well written.  I watch a YouTube channel called the Townsends which demonstrates 18th century cooking and cooking methods.  Michael Twitty was a guest cooking recipes from southern slaves at one of the historical homes (barbecue, okra soup just to name a couple and talked extensively about kitchen pepper).  I think it was filmed at Gaston Hall in Virginia.  I was fascinated by his recipes and his knowledge on slave cooking.  James Townsend had mentioned Michael Twitty had a book that was coming out in August so I pre-ordered it.  I am so glad I did.  This is not only a collection of recipes but a journey into his own slave roots.  If you love history, be it cooking history, family history, or ethnic history, I highly recommend this book.
3460341
This book is  must read if you want to understand slavery, and how it tarnished our society then ! Also, the journey of Douglas from being a slave to a freeman is inspiring and equally painful.
4695350
In this fictionalized account of her ancestors, Lalita Tademy tells a remarkable multigenerational tale of slavery and freedom through the eyes of four mothers and daughters. During slavery, these women struggle to keep their families intact as they are too often reminded that their bodies are not truly their own and as their men and children are sold away.
When slavery ends, the women and their family must adjust to a societal bullwhip that keeps everyone, black and white, in what is supposed to be their proper places. This book makes you feel the complicated and devastating impact of slavery and color on both interracial and intraracial relationships.
3936545
Wonderful book!  I couldn't put it down. It was hard to read how terrible the slaves were treated.  Everyone should read this book.  Maybe there would be less racism!  I feel so ashamed  our ancestors treated them like they did.
151332
I bought this book to understand, from a historical basis, the institution of slavery. I think I underestimated the impact it would have on my perception of the topic and those that lived through it.

I was moved to tears to read the account of the suffering that these former slaves experienced. I looked at my family and thanked God that they don't have to live in a time where they would be considered someone else's property.

This is definitely one of those books that you won't regret reading. In fact, it should be a required reference during Black History month for all Americans.
3048043
Insightful explanations of the motivations behind slavery and a remarkable record of personal experience that resulted in a life well lived.