Official Review: From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of t...

Soonerchick656 · Post by **Soonerchick656** » 17 Jul 2019, 10:42

This is one of those autobiographies that sounds like it jumps out and grabs you. You stated

anice’s story is the search for the American Dream, one that, even today, it is denied to so many people in America for reasons that they don’t have any power over: the color of their skin, their gender, and even their roots.

I am currently reading a book which also deals with these issues. Racial issues in America are so prevalent and I find it sad that in 2019 we cannot look past race, gender, etc. and just live our lives. Great review! Congratulations to Mrs. Ellis on being today's BOTD.

APN1989 · Post by **APN1989** » 17 Jul 2019, 10:44

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis, does showcase one side of the civil rights movement and feminism quite vividly especially her life in the South. My main criticism would be that it could be too one sided and give the wrong impression to other sides of the story especially towards men or a certain group of people possibly leaving the reader with a negative point of view towards certain groups without looking further into these subjects. If you are reading this with a neutral mindset then it can be an enjoyable read.

Van112 · Post by **Van112** » 17 Jul 2019, 10:54

Wow. The review gave me quite a thrill as read more about the book. I am quite engrossed now and this review just opened my eyes that there are so much discrimination in the world until today. I wonder when it is going stop stop.

This is a definite must read for all not just to woman though the author and the appeal would be for the same gender.

gulmira · Post by **gulmira** » 17 Jul 2019, 10:57

So short after reading "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", i am more than glad to find another book with American Dream theme. Plus, plot seems like the exact opposite of Thompson's work with focusing on life of a successful black woman. Additively, i appreciate that this books deal with racism and sexism in a whole more real way because it is a biography-like work. I do not think i will be bothered by the part about Walter Lippmann's life. I guess it might add some more realism in this book.

Emmerdale · Post by **Emmerdale** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:05

The book is incredible,it's inspiring Dr.Ellis despite her struggles believes that the country has come along way in racial and gender relations,she reaches out to people to follow their heart,no matter how uncomfortable they are,the title of the book which comes from two towns where she grew up,liberty and magnolia are a stand in metaphors for freedom,and the American dreams is something that seemed unattainable to part of the American population.so glad I came across this book and would gladly read it over and over again

Kelsey Hatch · Post by **Kelsey Hatch** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:12

This sounds like a really powerful story of resilience and strength despite such systematic oppression. This time period was an awful one for US history, and its effects are still very visible today. I like that the author touches on the intersectionality of being both black and a woman, as this group is still one of the most marginalized. Thank you for a thorough and enticing review!

IloveSpain01 · Post by **IloveSpain01** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:17

I really enjoyed the review. I feel drawn to the book because it would give anyone inspiration to push harder in life. I feel readers would empathize with the author's life. I look forward to reading this book.

Susmita Biswas · Post by **Susmita Biswas** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:19

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis is a story a girl proves that colour is nothing than a skin tone. Still, some people judge everyone based on skin colour. I think we are not enough modern yet to understand these things. Congrats on #botd.

Susmita Biswas · Post by **Susmita Biswas** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:22

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream by Janice S. Ellis is a story a girl proves that colour is nothing than a skin tone. Still, some people judge everyone based on skin colour. I think we are not enough modern yet to understand these things. Congrats on #botd.

jemgirl202 · Post by **jemgirl202** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:25

This autobiography sounds truly inspiring. It is heartbreaking to read about what the author went through, but inspiring to see how the author rose above and became successful. Congrats on the book of the day! Great review.

Aditi Sapate · Post by **Aditi Sapate** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:43

That is quite a detailed review! Discrimination based on skin colour is still prevalent today and it is sad to think that it might take a long time to totally vanquish it.

Han26+ · Post by **Han26+** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:45

I don’t usually read autobiographies, but this sounds like an extremely heart-punching story about a young girl having to overcome so much, especially the jerkiness and prejudice that human beings are often prone to. This is a great review.

Maralynx · Post by **Maralynx** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:46

I like a story well-written. Although it is not often that I read autobiographies, this one made me intrigued, and I think I'll take it for a read when I can. I see that the book is well-edited, for which I'm deeply grateful, as it is very difficult to read such a complex work if there is even a smallest mistake.

Tars · Post by **Tars** » 17 Jul 2019, 11:48

Unfortunately, I don't enjoy reading non-fiction as a rule, more so if book is autobiography as well. So, I am afraid I will have to pass this one, but would like to congratulate author on reaching BOTD!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 17 Jul 2019, 12:09

Excellent review! I grew up during the '50s and '60s but as a caucasian child, I did not have to face what Janice did. I remember well when they segregated the schools and began bussing us out of the school district we were in. We would have to ride the bus for an hour both ways. They would integrate just a few white students into a black school and a few black students into a white school. No matter what your skin color you were a minority in the schools. This sounds like an awesome book that I definitely plan to read!