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

[todwyer01]

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting and powerful autobiography about how a woman from humble begins and surviving the 1950s and 1960s in the segregated South to the powerful and influential business manager and columnist of today. Well done.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

This feels like a must-read for fans of autobiographies as well as people interested in books that explore race and gender, especially in the context of the past decades in the United States. I wasn't a fan of this genre until a while ago, but I'm more willing to try them now that I've read some interesting titles. Thanks for the review!

[Cecilia_L]

I really enjoyed your review, and I agree with the thoughts highlighted in the sample of the book--we do have a long way to go when it comes to racial and gender discrimination.

[shaz1994]

It does seem like a long book but the review has covered it nicely, I really think I should read this book especially because Janice's story has really inspired me. Every woman needs to know that they can rise from whichever situation they are in. Congrats to the book of the day.

[J_odoyo]

I always love reading autobiographies. This powerful memoir in which the author, Janice S. Ellis, narrates her life story perfectly matches my taste. Growing up on a Mississippi farm as a black child to becoming a successful business manager and a newspaper political columnist is a great achievement. I'll have to read this one.

[juliusotieno02]

This sounds like a great memoir. I like reading people's success story as a form of my own motivation. The fact that the author became successful despite the racism and sexism that existed in her society shows how strong she is. Thanks for the review

[Kibet Hillary]

This is truly informative and very emotional as well. I can only sympathize with Janice as I go through the review sensing the kind of hardships she must have faced given that she was both black and a woman. It is unfortunate that decades later we are still struggling with the same issues. Thanks for the review.

[Ghost11111]

This sounds like an interesting story of a woman's personal journey to achieving the infamous American Dream despite many challenges and setbacks based due to racial, sexist and societal discrimination. This review definitely makes this sound like a must read!

[woz303mom]

I think i will give this book a miss. I am not into autobiographies. Plus, i dont feel compelled to read about bigotry and sexist behavior. I also grew up in the 60s and 70s, so saw enough of it in person.

[vivalatianne]

it is such an interesting book. i like stories with depiction on realities.

[tariqtaeem]

I loved this contrast that showed the experience for the Black woman in america and how those intersections, (especially during times of political unrest as when the protagonist here grew up) have a whole different set of implications of hardships as a result of gender; which here she so eloquently writes as being essentially a universal experience for black women in America.

[Sleipnir_Drew]

This is, because of this amazing review, the next book in my reading list. I find politics boring, but the racial theme deeply interests me. Especially since everything I know about this subject comes from movies mostly, and some books to fill out certain blanks. Furthermore, it won't hurt me learning something new while I enjoy some intellectual reading. It has been a long time since I've read something like this, so this is perfect timing I guess. Thank you kindly for the review.

[[Santiago]]

The author makes a suitable introduction for the purpose of convincing the audience about the reality of the social issue presented and the appeal to western social values. Nonetheless, this focus on critical sociology and the use of an implicit narrative limits the possibility of being captivating and soul-penetrating in an intimate or one-dimensional plane. Adding to the natural limitations of the narrative style, the constant presence of strong and--even hyperbolic--claims of negativity in every page of the book can lead to whether a full, blinded embrace of the message or a feeling of dogmatism, which can lead to an ever-lasting feeling of distrust in the reader.

[tarafarah7]

What an awesome BOTD - your review was excellent, too! Thank you! I immediately added this to my WTR list. It's the story of a black woman's rise to the top, in search of her own American Dream...a story of a strong, courageous woman who refused to allow discrimination and segregation define her future. Emotional, powerful, and informative, Janice Ellis takes readers alongside her on this journey of hard work, determination, and success. Can't wait to read!!

[evraealtana]

I don't usually like memoirs, but this one sounds engaging. I think I will probably have the same reaction that you did to the section on Walter Lippmann, but the remainder of the book sounds worthwhile. Thank you for your review.