Review by Mamatyler -- From Liberty to Magnolia: In Sear...
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Mamatyler
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Review by Mamatyler -- From Liberty to Magnolia: In Sear...
[Following is a volunteer review of "From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream" by Janice S. Ellis.]
4 out of 4 stars
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From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream outlines the author’s journey as an American who recognized that she had the right to chase after and realize the proverbial "American Dream". Janice took a perspicacious approach to life. She empowered herself enough to cross every bridge and obstacle placed on her way. This is a book full of hope and promise. To cling to each chapter of one's life no matter how dark, with faith lingering at every horizon. Majority of the book is a declaration that excelling in life is attainable, irrespective of our race or gender.
This book dares to indulge subjects that seem out of bounds. The book seeks to answer the following questions.
"Why not live as if we were one race, the human race?"
"So why do we persist in hanging on to the false notion that there are several races?"
"What does it mean if you are both minorities, especially black, and a woman?"
“Does the color of your skin or your gender make you a better human being?”
“How many would keep going with a broken spirit, two kids, an abusive, obstructionist, and uncaring husband?”
This is a story of victory despite the ugly realities of racism and sexism. Learn in this riveting read that education has the capacity to liberate. Whatever your skin color or gender, life is as you individually structure it. Janice categorically insists that the power to make bold moves is within reach. From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream explores every angle of grass to grace. This is a stimulus that will cause you to change your mental attitude. It goes ahead to challenge you to put your best foot forward, not to give up when life becomes tough. Dr. Ellis’s book was written for people like me. Those ready to live a life of purpose, morality, and concern for current and future generations. This book will illuminate the path for the youth.
Through the eyes of Dr. Ellis and as pointed out in Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream, America should finally accept that equal rights and equal opportunities to all are the answer.
My least favorite part of the book was the evident racism. I was mortified by Mrs. Bolger’s character, how she had a way of shaming the students. "If we ever expect to alter the view of race, as a civilized society, and quit allowing it to be a divisive force in our daily lives, we must be willing to accept that there’s one race and one humanity we hold in common".
You’ll also find lessons in true love and what genuine relationships are. "It was years later that I learned and experienced firsthand that when a man loves you, he is generous, not selfish, and he certainly is not physically and verbally abusive."
Lessons in public policy. "Are our leaders' guardians of the publics' interest? Politics and governance should be about providing solutions to the many problems ailing a nation. It’s never about the selfish ambitions of individuals." Walter Lippmann left an industrious impression on the author. Evidenced by how much practical wisdom she sites from Lippmann’s many works. With subjects like racism, sexism, educational disparities, economic disparities, and all the social conditions being addressed, Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream has become a book to reference when in search of knowledge. The author is nothing short of intelligent and reasonable on her view of life.
True feminism is having the courage in allowing women to be who they want to be. No matter what that is for each woman. It’s a woman’s duty to see herself clearly. Then only can she be the light to a myriad of generations. "We can no longer ignore that voice within women that says: ‘I want something more than my husband and my children and my home.’”
As I conclude, my life is as the author puts it. "But what has been consistent is that through what felt like debilitating pain, even shame, and deep self-doubt, I have always bounced back." I pray that all the great minds that come across this autobiography will be able to say that, "I have not allowed any condition or issue I have confronted to define me." "My journey is a testimony of the values my parents instilled in me, of my resolve not to be defined nor deterred, and of a faith in God that has sustained me."
The discussion guide for book clubs and other book reading societies is a fantastic addition. "Not only is this book about racism and sexism, but it is also about the larger story of humanity." For what this book represents and the many lessons to all generations. With a few notable errors, I gladly rate it 4 out of 4stars. I recommend this book to all cohorts. Reason being that we all deserve our own semblance of joy, peace and happiness. "-our Magnolia" We must all commit to traverse tough trails to accomplish our dreams and visions.
******
From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream outlines the author’s journey as an American who recognized that she had the right to chase after and realize the proverbial "American Dream". Janice took a perspicacious approach to life. She empowered herself enough to cross every bridge and obstacle placed on her way. This is a book full of hope and promise. To cling to each chapter of one's life no matter how dark, with faith lingering at every horizon. Majority of the book is a declaration that excelling in life is attainable, irrespective of our race or gender.
This book dares to indulge subjects that seem out of bounds. The book seeks to answer the following questions.
"Why not live as if we were one race, the human race?"
"So why do we persist in hanging on to the false notion that there are several races?"
"What does it mean if you are both minorities, especially black, and a woman?"
“Does the color of your skin or your gender make you a better human being?”
“How many would keep going with a broken spirit, two kids, an abusive, obstructionist, and uncaring husband?”
This is a story of victory despite the ugly realities of racism and sexism. Learn in this riveting read that education has the capacity to liberate. Whatever your skin color or gender, life is as you individually structure it. Janice categorically insists that the power to make bold moves is within reach. From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream explores every angle of grass to grace. This is a stimulus that will cause you to change your mental attitude. It goes ahead to challenge you to put your best foot forward, not to give up when life becomes tough. Dr. Ellis’s book was written for people like me. Those ready to live a life of purpose, morality, and concern for current and future generations. This book will illuminate the path for the youth.
Through the eyes of Dr. Ellis and as pointed out in Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream, America should finally accept that equal rights and equal opportunities to all are the answer.
My least favorite part of the book was the evident racism. I was mortified by Mrs. Bolger’s character, how she had a way of shaming the students. "If we ever expect to alter the view of race, as a civilized society, and quit allowing it to be a divisive force in our daily lives, we must be willing to accept that there’s one race and one humanity we hold in common".
You’ll also find lessons in true love and what genuine relationships are. "It was years later that I learned and experienced firsthand that when a man loves you, he is generous, not selfish, and he certainly is not physically and verbally abusive."
Lessons in public policy. "Are our leaders' guardians of the publics' interest? Politics and governance should be about providing solutions to the many problems ailing a nation. It’s never about the selfish ambitions of individuals." Walter Lippmann left an industrious impression on the author. Evidenced by how much practical wisdom she sites from Lippmann’s many works. With subjects like racism, sexism, educational disparities, economic disparities, and all the social conditions being addressed, Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream has become a book to reference when in search of knowledge. The author is nothing short of intelligent and reasonable on her view of life.
True feminism is having the courage in allowing women to be who they want to be. No matter what that is for each woman. It’s a woman’s duty to see herself clearly. Then only can she be the light to a myriad of generations. "We can no longer ignore that voice within women that says: ‘I want something more than my husband and my children and my home.’”
As I conclude, my life is as the author puts it. "But what has been consistent is that through what felt like debilitating pain, even shame, and deep self-doubt, I have always bounced back." I pray that all the great minds that come across this autobiography will be able to say that, "I have not allowed any condition or issue I have confronted to define me." "My journey is a testimony of the values my parents instilled in me, of my resolve not to be defined nor deterred, and of a faith in God that has sustained me."
The discussion guide for book clubs and other book reading societies is a fantastic addition. "Not only is this book about racism and sexism, but it is also about the larger story of humanity." For what this book represents and the many lessons to all generations. With a few notable errors, I gladly rate it 4 out of 4stars. I recommend this book to all cohorts. Reason being that we all deserve our own semblance of joy, peace and happiness. "-our Magnolia" We must all commit to traverse tough trails to accomplish our dreams and visions.
******
From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Latest Review: Killing Abel by Michael Tieman
