Do you ever wonder how black people living as slaves described life in America? Herb Boyd, author and journalist, has been a professor of black studies for thirty years. Thus, he is uniquely qualified to distill from the reams of black thought that which might best stand as a fitting testament to African Americana. Editor Boyd has deftly woven the dark backstory to the glamorized myth on which the American Dream rests. The author establishes that blacks in America have never been that content underclass by and large depicted in this country's history books. He disputes the notion, central to American history, that Africans brought to America were docile, uncivilized, unintelligent and, thus, deserving of their lot. Culling from the words of those who did dare to speak out (often with disastrous consequences), Boyd has woven an eloquent, emotional tapestry of the black experience. Its power derives not from any self-conscious rage, but from the simplicity, the unguarded frankness of the voices. This is a timely book, sorely needed at a critical moment in this nation's history.

Twice I attempted to write this review of Herb Boyd's AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PEOPLE, with it's" three centuries of African American history told by those who lived it"

but soon realized I should finish reading it first. His collections (of excerpt) is so powerful so revealing; and each one seem to flow into the next. like a chronological change of events.

I can see how it may be differcult for some to believe (and easier to deny) the suffering and sacrificing our ancestors endured, to make possible the freedom and well being we now enjoy. Surely it'll instill pride in we Americans of African descent and Americans of goodwill..

Myself, more so being the fact that I too, made a contribution. An excerpt was selected from my Korean war memoir, WHAT'S A COMMIE EVER DONE TO PEOPLE? (Publishes by McFarland Publishers Inc.). Sure, at the time, I was politically ignorant to the reasons I was there fighting, like many others black soldiers, then we were fighting for our lives, the fight for our freedom, we who survived, was to come on our return t o America.

Hopefully, my story, alone with the many others that appears in AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PEOPLE will help enlighten other 17 & 18 year old American-American to the reality, that the freedom we now enjoy, others fought and died for it.

PS; In "AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A PEOPLE" includes my favorite hero, the adventurous, explorer, scientist and author, Mr. Matthew Henson, who's life story inspired me to be an adventurer.. DARK COMPANION. It was the first book I read. I was nine years old.

Again, My Sincere Thanks to you Brother; Herb Boyd your book is a magnificent collection of excerpts. And no doubt it'll serve as an inspiration to many.

Peace & Pleasant Writing Curtis J. Morrow

Conversations with Herb Boyd

While I attended New York University in the late 80's, I majored in 18th Century Literature and minored in African American history. Hands down, my biggest challenge was being able to keep up with my reading, and retain all that was required of me by my professors. If only Autobiography of a People Three Centuries of African American History Told By Those Who Lived It, Herb Boyd's newest book had existed years ago when I was a student in college.

As I am still a student of African American history, Boyd's book is right on time. Booksellers and African American history buffs who live in Manhattan received a royal treat on Saturday, February 5, 2000 if they tuned in to "Books That Matter" with Leroy Baylor and listened to Boyd talk about his newest success. "Books That Matter," a public access program promotes reading and literacy to a diverse readership and interviews new and well-established authors. Recent guests include: Tavis Smiley, Sapphire, Johnnie Cochran, and William Loren Katz. The show airs on alternate Saturdays in Manhattan on Channel 34 at 10:30 p.m., in Brooklyn on Channels 34 &67 at 10 p.m. every Friday evening and each Monday evening on Bronx Net at 10:30 p.m.

I found Baylor's interview with Boyd enjoyable, and several times I felt like I as a student again learning about the great history of my people. The wonderful rapport between Baylor and Boyd was immediate and a treat for the viewer. The book, which is a compendium of 118 powerful African American voices is quickly being heralded as a New Classic in African American Literature --a compliment it rightly deserves.

Moravia's writing which I would not have encountered were it not for these elegant new paperback versions of his work is open to the bone. His honest revelations through his all too human characters are poignant, pointed, and penetrating. To any one interested in looking deep inside themeselves and their relationships: I recommend Contempt. Prepare to squirm.

somehow there is a new found celebration for contempt and everything associated with it. a year and a half ago, godard's contempt was finally re-released; a couple of months ago, two new books about casa malaparte allowed us to view the importance of the film's setting, most notably capri and it's culture, but now this new publication of moravia's contempt will allow everyone to view the masterpiece it truly represents.

I came here well equipped to offer my comments on the new editions of two of Moravia's works. I find that the "reviewer" before me has stolen my thunder. I cannot say it any better, but still I cam here to say something so I will. First, I agree with the previous "reviewer" on all counts. I congratulate the publisher for it's honest approach. It's clean, it befits Moravia's honesty. What do I mean? The titles of this book and it's companion piece: Contempt and Boredom. Simple and honest. Previously entitled A Ghost at High Noon and The Empty Canvas the titles never seemed to fit Moravia. These two new editions are ornamented (no not ornamented--wrong word--the illustrations are more) with Pierre Le Tan illustrations perfectly suiting the works. Displayed in the context of a honest classic book design. No gimmicks--just clean, honest work in whole. I've now in the interest of shelf space, done the unthinkable, I've removed the two previous editions of these books from my premises. If you possess them, replace them. These books are a bargain. If you're new to Moravia, do enter with these two books. It is difficult to capture, but Moravia is not as doom and gloom as we all must make him sound. He's honest and it can hurt, but it's worth it.

This story is wonderful...it allows you to really experience the relationships involved in the book. You feel a part of Jazper and Nathan's lives and all that they experience. You will laugh, cry, become sad and ultimately rejoice in the end. It is a page-turner like no other. Once you start you will not be able to stop.

Often time you read a book to the end and you are left wondering, with Jazper and Nathan, while you can evision so much more, you are left with some finality.

It is wonderful...A must read for anyone, but especially for a girl, guy, man or woman who may not be comfortable with their body and may feel like they are doomed to loneliness. Your soulmate is out there, keep hope alive!

Senseless Misconceptions is the love story of Nathan, a frat brother, who's use to his share of women, Jazper a lady who's overweight, an never been in a relationship before. Nathan never throught he could be with a woman who's overweight, but when he meets Jazper he don't know what hits him. Jazper didn't think it was possible a playboy like Nathan could possible want to have anything with someone like her. How these two overcome their differences and become a couple is one of the best love affair you can have. Please go out and get a copy today

THIS BOOK CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBE AS A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY. THIS BOOK SHOULD BE ON OPRAH'S BOOK LIST. HEY, EVEN BETTER, MAYBE B.E.T. COULD MAKE THIS INTO A MOVIE. BUT WHATEVER HAPPENS, I'M READY FOR MORE. IT TOOK ME AND MY SISTER LESS THAN 24HRS TO READ THIS BOOK. I HAD IT SO BAD THAT I TOOK IT TO WORK WITH ME AND READ IT THERE. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE WHO LOVES THE UNDER DOG. I'M WAITING PARKS W. BRIGHAM FOR ANOTHER ONE. PLEASE HURRY...

Some of the vocabulary was long and tedious, but on the whole the story was well written. The struggles when her daughter started insisting on sameness was interesting. I felt like I could be reading my own daughter's future.

Having lived with Jessy in the Park residence for two consecutive summers, and those summers being among the most eye-opening experiences I've ever had, I strongly recommend learning about Jessy and the world in which she lives. While it's tough to explain something that a non-autistic mind cannot fully grasp from the outside (or at all?), Clara's eye for detail and seamless prose paint a strongly emotional, wonderful, and strange picture of raising an autistic child. Look for the sequel to The Siege, which I believe is in the final stages of its authoring at this time.

Knowing Jessy is a wonderful thing, and knowing David and Clara is always a fantastic journey. It's a pleasure to be part of The Siege, as everyone that really knows Jessy eventually becomes.

Clara Claiborne had a child with autism born in 1958. In those days autism was considered a purely psychological disorder due to poor parenting. Clara had the sense to reject this dogma and help her child even though the professionals at the time could not do anything for her. This was before the IDEA and other government supports. This book is remarkable for its time and will always be a classic. It totally blows away the garbage spewed out by Bruno Bettelheim and the likes.

Julie Anne Parks shows flashes of brilliance with STORYTELLERS--with characters developing layers of intriguing sub-text. The plot is expertly paced, driving toward a riveting conclusion. I couldn't help liking this book. Why not five stars, then? Let me explain.

Julie Anne Parks loves the English language--that much is clear. She can turn a pretty phrase with the best of them. Unfortunately, this first-time novelist gets a little too wrapped up in "pretty." I found myself wishing she would skip the too-clever similes and get on with the story. I wanted to know more about her characters...particularly Ren (the male protagonist) and Keysa (his Tlingit Indian shaman mother.) I wanted to care about Braxton, the antagonist (who takes on the spirit of a spectre from Indian folklore) a little more than I did. While we saw glimpses of humanity in his character, I wanted to feel that the evil force controlling Braxton was the proverbial "bad guy," and not Braxton himself.

All in all, this is an enjoyable read. Time with Julie Parks' STORYTELLERS is time well spent. I'm looking forward to future novels as this writer matures in her craft.

At one time, publishing firms battled with top dollars to obtain the latest horror manuscript from best-selling author Braxton DeFoe. Several of his novels have been turned into popular movies. However, Braxton seems weary and unable to produce any more as the fast lanes of Southern California have taken its toll. Heeding his wife?s advice that they all need a change in venue, Braxton and his spouse Piper flee decadent Los Angeles for the idyllic North Carolina mountains.

Braxton hates the rural locale even after a warm welcome to Crooked Creek from their neighbors Mary Beth and Ren Wyatt, who is the local Storyteller. Ren turns into a catalyst of sorts as Braxton sees him as a rival in storytelling and for the affections of his wife. No one yet realizes the evil or is it jealousy that is now taking over Braxton?s every thought and action.

The STORYTELLERS is a powerful drama that keeps the reader in a perpetual state of bewilderment between supernatural possession and insanity. The psychological or parapsychological tale works because the characters seem authentic, which turn their activities and interrelationships into quite a plot. Fans of psychological horror need to provide plenty of time to finish Julie Anne Parks? one-sitting novel because they will want to keep reading in order to decide whether Braxton is a lunatic or in need of an exorcist.

Harriet Klausner

I particularly enjoyed Parks' skillful evocation of the Blue Ridge Mountain milieu, and the sense of contact -- through the storyteller's tales and the events of the book alike -- with both human and elemental forces from times past.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, almost 450 miles long, connects Shennandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park astride the North Carolina - Tennessee border. In between it traverses some of the most beautiful mountain areas in North Carolina and Virginia. Although it provides splendid views from the road itself and from its many roadside overlooks, it is much more than a scenic drive. It is a ribbon of land administered by the National Park Service, at several places broadening into wider mini-parks. All of those parks as well as various other spots along the parkway's route have hiking trails that give visitors a closer look at the many natural wonders there. This book, as a comprehensive guide to those trails, is the one most indispensable guide to getting beyond your car and the overlooks in this remarkable National Park Service land. All of its official trails are rated in this book as to difficulty, from very easy to quite strenuous. Thus there are ample hikes for whatever level of wilderness adventure you're up for. Each hike is described in details, with points of interest described in the order you'll encounter them, with mileages to each from the trailhead. Some hikes described herein also get beyond the parkway's own lands, into National Forest lands that border the parkway in many places, as well as occasional adjacent commercial attractions such as Grandfather Mountain. Any visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway should be quite rewarding, and this book is one of the best resources for making it even more so, showing that you'll never be very far from places to park and take a walk for a more intimate view. And you definitely should sample at least some of the shorter and easier walks, if not the longer or more challenging ones, depending on what you're up to. This parkway is a natural treasure well-worth exploring, and this book may well be the quickest way to learn that there is so much more there than meets a casual eye.

for a day trip, a weekend trip, or a long vacation. We have hiked and camped in several of the places mentioned. I have lived in NC all of my life and did not realize there was such enriching trails and escapades off the parkway. I wish I had known about this book while attending WCU! Take it with you, it is very worthwhile.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, almost 450 miles long, connects Shennandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park astride the North Carolina - Tennessee border. In between it traverses some of the most beautiful mountain areas in North Carolina and Virginia. Although it provides splendid views from the road itself and from its many roadside overlooks, it is much more than a scenic drive. It is a ribbon of land administered by the National Park Service, at several places broadening into wider mini-parks. All of those parks as well as various other spots along the parkway's route have hiking trails that give visitors a closer look at the many natural wonders there. This book, as a comprehensive guide to those trails, is the one most indispensable guide to getting beyond your car and the overlooks in this remarkable National Park Service land. All of its official trails are rated in this book as to difficulty, from very easy to quite strenuous. Thus there are ample hikes for whatever level of wilderness adventure you're up for. Each hike is described in details, with points of interest described in the order you'll encounter them, with mileages to each from the trailhead. Some hikes described herein also get beyond the parkway's own lands, into National Forest lands that border the parkway in many places, as well as occasional adjacent commercial attractions such as Grandfather Mountain. Any visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway should be quite rewarding, and this book is one of the best resources for making it even more so, showing that you'll never be very far from places to park and take a walk for a more intimate view. And you definitely should sample at least some of the shorter and easier walks, if not the longer or more challenging ones, depending on what you're up to. This parkway is a natural treasure well-worth exploring, and this book may well be the quickest way to learn that there is so much more there than meets a casual eye.

The Absolutely True Story' is about two twins, a girl named Alison and a boy named Lewis, that have an unforgettable vacation with their new next door neighbors. Early in July the Rupes, a family from San Francisco, moved in to the empty house across the street from Alison and Lewis. The family included a boy about the age of Alison and Lewis named Harry, his mom, dad, and two younger siblings, Ariadne and Billy. After about a week, Lewis and Harry became good friends with Alison tagging along sometimes but mostly she played with Ariadne and Billy. At the end of July when the boys had grown very close, the Rupes invited Lewis and Alison to drive to Yellow Stone Park with them. They invited Lewis to come along just for fun, but they said Alison must be willing to baby sit the younger kids once in a while. Alison was delighted and said she wouldn't mind at all baby sitting the kids. Right as the Rupes were pulling out of the driveway to drive for four days to get to Yellow Stone Park, two men from the motor home company stopped them. The two men said there Mr. Rupe was so mad that without warning he just backed up and drove off leaving the two men standing in their driveway. After a few days, Lewis and Alison noticed that the two men from the motor home company had been following them. More days pass and Lewis and Alison begin to become scared because they saw the men snooping around the motor home. Each day the twins became more frightened and they had a good reason to be. This simple trip to Yellow Stone Park will turn into a vacation they will never forget.

I feel as though I could be the Alison in this story. I have a brother though he is older than I am, and I have a younger sister. We both have to baby sit younger children. (I baby sit my sister and she baby sits Ariadne and Billy). In the book Alison sometimes feels overwhelmed by her responsibility for taking care of Ariadne and Billy and I sometimes feel the
same way about taking care of my sister. I also relate to Alison because I have a friend, whose mom lets her eat anything and everything she wants, to say it plainly she is very spoiled just like the Rupe's kids.

The Absolutely True Story' is a very good, exciting, and mysterious book. I had a great time reading it. My favorite part of the book is when the two men from the motor home company were following the Rupes and snooping around their campsite. I kept asking myself "What on earth are they looking for?" This was a mysterious, funny, and very frightening part of the book. If I could change a part of this book I would probably change the scenery. I would have the Rupes, Alison, and Lewis take a plane to France to see the sites and have people from the motor home company follow them around Paris where it is more exciting and much larger.

I recommend The Absolutely True Story' because it is a well-written, mysterious, and adventurous book with lots of funny and scary scenes. I'd also recommend it because it actually relates to everyday life in the real world. I'd recommend it to 10-12 year olds because it would be hard for a younger kid to comprehend all the words in this book but the book might be a little boring for kids over 12. The Absolutely True Story' is a very good book. I really enjoyed reading it, and I recommend it to anyone from 10-12 looking for a great, mystery book.

This book was really fun to read. The plot was great, and the characters were easy to identify with. It was suspenseful, and the ending was fun. I liked how the characters worked together to solve this despite their differences. It was really neat.

This book is about a very "lucky" boy who gets invited to go to Yellowstone Park with the Rupes! There's just one thing,he doesn't know what's going to hit him! It all begins when Mr. Rupe can't drive worth beans in the 4 parking space long R.V!The things in are normal life probably wouldn't even be close to this but not including that it was a "very very" good book!

My husband and I picked this book up on a fluke. It was the best thing to happen to us on our trip. The book provided excellent suggestions and descriptions of rustic campsites. It was excellent. I would definitely recommend it if you don't have a clue as to where you're going but you know what you want.....to be away from RVs, portable radios, etc!

I was anxiously awaiting the publication of this book for my May trip to WV. I picked a campground based on this guide, and once again I was not disappointed! The site was the best one I've camped at yet--very private, beautiful, peaceful, quiet--just as described in the book. The guide rates the campgrounds based on beauty, security, spaciousness, and quiet--four very important factors to me. It also describes campground costs, facilities, area attractions, and gives directions. I like knowing what the site will be like--fire ring or fire grate, picnic table, graded tent pad, etc. All of this information contributes to a great camping experience without unpleasant surprises.

This is the second great camping trip I've had thanks to Johnny Molloy. I also bought his guide to camping in the Smoky Mountains and was rewarded with another memorable vacation there. I will continue to use these guides to plan my camping trips, and I can't wait to see what the next published guide will be!

Best in Tent Camping: West Virginia

I just got back from the best trip! After sweltering most of the summer I decided to head for the cool mountains of West Virginia. A roommate in college was from there and suggested I go camping in the Mountain State. I found Johnny Molloy's book and away I went. I started in the south end of the state at Bluestone State Park. The lake was refreshing and the nights were much cooler than at home. After this I headed really high and went to Spruce Knob Lake, at 4,000 feet the highest campground in the entire guidebook. Oh, the weather was spectacular! I fished the lake and went hiking in the nearby Seneca Creek Backcountry. The trip to Upper Seneca Falls was idyllic. I tell you what -- I'm gonna try to get up there when the leaves turn, because West Virginia is the unsung outdoor jewel of the East. (make up name and place, someone from the South

Louise Johnson, Richmond, VA

I write guidebooks, I tell you where to stay, where to eat and what to see. Susan's book teaches the reader how to immerse ones self in the Colorado Plateau.

The book is a guide for the hearty types who go beyond the paved road. Don't expect to pull off the interstate to duplicate the excellent photos in this book, not a chance. Susan clearly loves the arches, canyons and rock formations she describes. She has traveled the mesas, camped near the pinacles and watched the sunrise, as she sipped a cup of campfire coffee. This is the real deal.

So if you want to see the beauty of the Colorado Plateau, get yourself a copy of this book, air out your sleeping bag, find your old Coleman stove and take a two week trip back in time. Where is that old V.W. bus I had back in the sixties?

I'm rarely moved to comment on a guidebook, and certainly not in regard to the literary quality of a volume that I acquired initially for its souvenir value as a photographic guide, but this is an exception. I recently made a long-hoped-for solo trip to "color country," and found the experience awesome, in the genuine sense of that term. Susan Neider's verbal characterization of the area, its features, and how it makes her feel captured my own experience brilliantly and movingly. Personally I can't wait to go back to explore, because I only had a little taste of a region that I sense can be profound as well as beautiful. Neider has very effectively reinforced that notion, and provided a lovely and knowledgeable companion for the journey.

I bought this book hoping for an inexpensive picturesque coffee table volume. What a suprise to find it stimulating reading as well as being filled with captivating photographs of a quality that could be described as Ansel Adams in color. For anyone who has visited the Colorado plateau or wishes to visit, included practical hints help planning an itinerary. As well, the clues for the best views are as valuable to a sightseer as to a photographer. This information alone guarantee a successful trip. This book is a must have.

This book has become my "bible" for exploring the most beautiful and wild areas in Colorado from my home in Colorado Springs. My original copy of the book was destroyed when it was left in a soft-top jeep with the windows off, during a rain storm (while hiking one of the trails in the book, nonetheless). That is why I am back here to purchase another! One word of warning: the author seems to underestimate, vs. overestimate, the trail distances. Be prepared to hike an extra mile or two! This book is great!

I'm a native Coloradan. No matter what I want to do, be it a quick day hike up to a 4 day backpacking trip, this book has it. I own other hiking books, but this one gets by far the most use. I love the historical descriptions of each wilderness area. The maps are good enough to get your bearings and find the trailhead. Plus each Wilderness Area has a "John Fielder's Favorite" hike which always spectacular.

One thing, though. A reviewer below said the maps are inadequate... If you plan on anything more than a day hike, you should have topographical anyway. This is true for most if not all guide books.

As one of the few Colorado Natives, I have seen much of the state. But our local boy John Fielder has seen much more. His ratings, descriptions and maps have been 'right-on' with what I have seen thus far and with the Fielder photography, it provides a great additional perspective on the already detailed descriptions. I 've gotten lost in the book a few times just dreaming of my next outing!