Excellent study on the underground Railroad
593089
Excellent study on the underground Railroad. Found the quilt stories very interesting and will use some of the material to frame the book I'm currently working on.
831135
Elizabeth Fox-Genovese has produced a very scholarly and enlightening examination of women of the old South. In vivid detailed with painstaking research, she presents the daily lives of women, black and white, within the plantation household. Though written from an academic perspective, the author has succeeded in presenting her research in an entertaining and even captivating narrative style. For those looking for the behind the scenes lifestyle of unknown women of the South, this is the one book of choice.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph. D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction." He has also authored "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."
560773
Great characters abound, and the story is well told. I found the actual physical existence of an underground railroad unauthentic, and some of the descriptions of towns and experiences too utopic. There are some amazing accounts and stories that certainly ring true.
4710168
As the title suggests this book by noted railroad expert and prolific author Fred Frailey describes the last ditch twilight battle between 1960 and 1971 of American railroads to operate passenger trains at a profit, including the sad story about how some such as the Southern Pacific degraded their service to drive the public away and get regulatory approval to drop their trains.

In its detail and photography, this book will satisfy the serious railroad historian, professional, economist, transportation planner or policy maker, and casual or serious railroad enthusiast.  The volume includes details of the accounting and economic methodologies, operating practices, equipment, customer service and especially the personalities involved.  It is replete with both heroes and villains in boardrooms and company headquarters.  Some of them, such as the late W. Graham Claytor Jr., are still remembered and spoken of aboard such vestiges of great trains such as Amtrak's Crescent Limited.  (On a recent trip on the Crescent a food service employee told me, "Mr. Claytor would be turning in his grave if he could see the food they serve in the diner on 'his' train.")

This heavily and expertly researched work covers many of the more important US passenger railroads - Union Pacific, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, B&O/C&O, the Pennsylvania, New York Central, Katy (Missouri-Kansas-Texas), Southern, Seaboard Coast Line, Burlington and the Northern Pacific and Great Northern; New Haven, Missouri Pacific, Kansas City Southern and "America's Main Street" the Illinois Central.

The photography, layout and quality of both the First and Expanded edition (I own both) are excellent, but the Expanded edition is better and has 17 more pages and the addition of the Chapter on the Illinois Central.

My only critique is that although there are numerous train consist charts and diagrams showing which combinations of cars and trains went where, there is only one actual map in the book.  This observation on my part merely reflects my academic training with a minor in Geography and my government analytical experience in Transportation Geography.  Some might critique the work for a lack of timetables, but neither of these two observations should detract from the overall excellent quality of both editions.

Although the author does not delve into detail on US government policy of not supporting rail passenger service while facilitating highways and airline service, if one reads between the lines on railroad accounting practices one will come to the conclusion that operating passenger trains alone cannot turn a profit without public subsidies - a fact of life in all forms of passenger transportation including the airlines and highways. As prior to Amtrak passenger trains were regarded as a public utility of sorts, the author does get into detail on the resistance of the Interstate Commerce Commission and state regulatory agencies to the railroads dropping money-losing trains. He also mentions the subsidy effect of the Post Office's funding of passenger trains and the wholesale discontinuances when such funding ceased.  Those charged with planning our nation's infrastructure should read this book and digest it.  The reader of this volume would possibly understand how minimal investment in higher (not high) speed rail could provide our nation with efficient transportation alternatives.

Fred Frailey is one of the best railroad authors there is and definitely has earned five stars for what is obviously a labor of love.  Highly recommended.
4651904
I received a free copy of The Journey Home by Nancy Segovia in exchange for a review and was immediately impressed by the books beginning. As an impatient reader, I found the poignancy of this story and the plight of the African American youngsters separated from their mother in a desperate flight for freedom from slavery gripping me from the first page. While the underground railroad was a familiar term, I knew little of the network that assisted fleeing slaves or the hazards that threatened the success their escape. Todays cry that black lives matter obviously began a century and a half ago when basic human rights were denied black Africans who were kidnapped and imported to serve white landowners in the South. Family ties were neither recognized nor respected; parents and children were separated at the whim of white owners who often treated them as sub-human. Thomas and Cassies journey began with a backdrop of baying hounds hot on their scent as the terrified youngsters tried to follow their mothers directions that would ultimately lead them to freedom. Throughout their treacherous trip, they were helped by a variety of opposers of slavery who risked their own freedom to assist the escapees that passed their way. For me, the history lesson was as valuable as the story was entertaining. I enjoy a book that teaches me something, grants me new insights, and introduces me to rich characters who become more real with each page. The Journey Home is a fascinating read that meets all three criteria.
602389
Mary Fears did a remarkable job on the research of her slave ancestors.  The book was of particular interest to me because it led back to my own ancestor, Bartley McCrary, a Revolutionary War soldier. He was the slaveowner of the author's ancestor.

I found the information she presents was well-documented.  In addition, she writes of her own idea from the slaves'viewpoint on their treatment by their owners, thoughts that really tug at your heart. She presents the many difficulties in researching slaves and shows how they were treated as commodities instead of human beings as well as not even giving them last names. I was very happy to have found this book as it certainly gave me a different perspective of the era of slavery in America.
Betty Meischen
4680239
Excellent for anyone interested in or studying cultural diversity in Appalachian culture. I've only perused the book so far, but am looking forward to reading in its entirety. It appears chock full of insights into LGBT culture as a minority group in this already oft misunderstood region of the country.
1268107
Orphan Trains opens up an era of American history which is likely totally unknown to most--a planned migration of children from New York City over the span of 75 years to various points primarily in the Midwestern United States with the purpose of finding new families. Some were lucky enough to find truly loving mothers and fathers who provided open homes and nurturing. Some found a form of indentured servitude. All were given an escape from a very unknown future of likely living a hand to mouth existence on the streets of New York.

In the pages of this book, we are introduced to specific boys and girls who traveled on this train and get a glimpse of their past and future. We also learn of the various organizations who worked with the abandoned children of the city (and learn of the many causes for being lost). What a great teaching tool this would be! In addition to vintage photographs of many subjects, there are suggested follow up sources, both written and on-line for more information on the children and the Orphan Trains themselves. There is also a lengthy bibliography. I also appreciate that there is a glossary at the end of words that some school children might not be fully aware of but which would affect their reading of this book.

I recommend this for middle school aged children interested in American history. It would be a great book for parent/child sharing. Younger children might find this disturbing if it is read to them because of the subject of children losing their families.

Definitely recommended.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
690207
This, simply put, is a really interesting, engaging book. I didn't know much about the Reading Railroad and purchased this book on the recommendation of my brother who not only liked the information contained in the book, but also for the fact that the pictures really give a good look at how steam locomotives fared over the years; more specifically, how time and the elements took their toll on the paint, the valves, the pipes, etc. As a model railroader, looking through the book has helped me "weather" my steam locomotives for my own model railroad.

So between the nicely shot pictures, the visual trip back in time, and the well written descriptions and kernels of knowledge about the Reading, this is a book I would recommend to anyone interested in the Reading railroad or railroading in general.
69666
This is a fantastic look at the organization, logistics, and turmoil that defined the civil rights movement. John Reynolds takes you inside and allows you to be a spectator to one of the greatest movements in history. I learned more about the actual movement and how it was organized, run, and led from this book, than from any other book. I recommend it highly.
1619656
This wonderful book tells a story of friendship and bravery during the antebellum period in American history.  It would be a great recommendation for young students studying the Civil War. However, I loved it as well, and would recommend it to adult readers also.  It makes this time of the 1850's in Baltimore come alive.  You care deeply about the characters, and don't want to put the book down.  The story juxtaposes the cruelty of the land owners, both in Ireland and the South with the kindness and bravery of those who risked their lives for the Underground Railroad.
1100195
We borrowed this book from the library and we read it aloud as a family. My children ranging in age from 7 to 13 were riveted. We had never heard of Oberlin's role in the Underground Railroad, but with the help of this book, we will never forget it. This book tells of the true story of the residents of Oberlin, Ohio and how they fought to save one man from being captured and returned to slavery. Excellent illustrations, complete with a historical photo of the rescuers who were tried and jailed. Truly an interesting read for ages elementary to adult. Highly recommended.
1279568
Rebecca Albright is the oldest daughter in a devout Quaker family who is mired in the Underground Railroad. An incident on her first mission brings her to the brink of death and into the path of slave catcher Sheriff Clay Dalton. Author MacLaren uses authentic plain language and vivid description to evoke the pre-Civil War era and Quaker community in Pennsylvania. Historical information is effectively woven throughout Summer on Sunset Ridge educating the reader without being ponderous. Characters are well-developed and likeable.

I received a free copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
676145
This is an esoteric scholarly work examining the forces and motivations shaping the lives of both black and white people in general from before the Civil War to the early 20th century. The author's personal anecdotes are combined with rhetorical arguments to illustrate a series of patterns throughout American history. It describes multiple efforts to direct race relations over the years and their consequences, both intentional and accidental. Many of the traits ascribed to black people as character flaws are better understood as the history behind these behaviors comes to light. For instance, the myth of black fathers abandoning their women and children in droves can be traced to the practice of separating families routinely under slavery, making lifelong marriage an impossible dream. The school to prison pipeline can be seen as an extension of the efforts to re-enslave black people under reconstruction by trapping them as sharecroppers or imprisoning them for free labor. When a person is able to keep no fruits of their own labors, of course they don't want to work very hard, it's like communism without the veneer of equality among comrades. This is an excellent introduction to the issues that continue to influence race relations today.
1513604
I recently purchased this, having read a review in either the Wall Street Journal or New York Times.  It provides background information regarding the Freedom Riders within the civil rights movement and then offers photos of the individuals arrested and profiles of many of them: what they were doing then, why they joined the effort and what they've done since and are doing now.

The book provides a human face to a movement -- something that is very effective here given that the participants spanned various parts of the country, different socioeconomic backgrounds, etc.

The only issue I had with it, which is minor, is that the project is ongoing, which makes the book seem incomplete.  That doesn't make me regret the purchase, however.  Well worth the money and time.
3197849
An excellent walk back into one of the dusty corners of history, Shawn has gently blewn the dust away and he discovered a hidden part of a puzzle missing in our family history. On a personal level  it was amazing to read about Lewis Garnett Jordan, and his contribution as the Coodinating Secretary of the Afro-American Council,  as well as his contribution in The Civil Rights Struggle. Lewis Garnett Jordan is my great grandfather (born into slavery)our family is overjoyed at reading of his dedication and passion for the law and his fellow man. This book will be required reading for anyone wanting to understand the African American's struggle for freedom at the close of the civil war and dawn of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
1321422
It is has been a long time since I read a book that was this enjoyable; it captured my full attention from start to finish.  This can be credited to the author; he has provided an incredible account of Reconstruction.  For example, the author  shows that too many southerners had  an inaccurate view of slavery; they thought it was a halcyon institution. This was a critical error, which the North used to its advantages; they used this information to recruit slaves to serve in the Union army.  Furthermore, the book provides some of the successes of Reconstruction too. For instance; before antebellum 90 percent of enslaved Africans were not able to read or write, but by the end of the 19th century that number been reduced to 50 percent because of northerners who risked their lives to teach in Negro schools, Republicans that supported public schools, and Africans Americans who had an insatiable desire to learn. Finally, despite the obstacles during and after Reconstruction- black code laws, The Klan and Andrew Johnson, and a media campaign that romanticized antebellum- African American were indefatigable; they worked to improve themselves in education, health, finance and politics.