Review by JoeRanjo -- From Liberty to Magnolia: In Searc...

[JoeRanjo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream" by Janice S. Ellis.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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"From Liberty to Magnolia" by Janice S.Ellis,Ph.D. is written against a history of racial and gender equality had proved to be theoretical ideas, whereas, in practice discrimination on these ground was commonplace. The subjective journey that Janice takes us through brings it close to home. History can seemingly look and feel fictitious until we get to hear deeply personal stories of those who were in the thick of it.


Janice breathes life to how it was growing up in a segregated society. We get a glimpse of this prejudiced society through the eyes of a little African American Girl. How dangerous it was to live and raise children in a system that deemed them inferior and in some cases “disgusting” interact. Children were taught to hate those of the African American persuasion; illuminating how systemic racial discrimination was perpetuated from generation to generation.


She also paints a picture of how women were viewed by the American society of the time. Despite proving to be equally industrious and mentally acute, they frowned upon for being ambitious or going against the social norms and prejudices. They were denied rights to vote and were essentially subjugated by their society as “homemakers”.


Janice Ellis shows us how being black and a woman, the system was rigged against her from the very start. From racist neighbors, substandard schools backward cultural norms, abusive relationships, deeply biased academia, predatory and discriminatory corporate culture. Despite all of this Janice managed to make something of herself.


In the face of it all, it is a story about a strong woman who through faith, hope and awe-inspiring resilience kept battling it out. A story about resourcefulness, the strength of a supportive family, grit and striving to achieve one's hopes and dreams, panned out in the long run.


Janice brings this era to life. I was taken aback by her honesty and willingness to lay herself bare… to make herself vulnerable so that her readers get the truth regardless of the exposure to which she is subjecting herself. It is an emotional whirlwind deeply personal and at the same time reflective of a generation and all the vicissitudes they have endured.She urges us to continue the struggle against racial discrimination, gender inequality and enforcement of fundamental human rights.


I would rate this book 4 out of 4. This is because it has historical significance in its ability to expound and vividly expose systemic injustices that were rife within ostensibly modern societies. It is entertaining, enthralling, empowering and deeply informative. It is very well written and presented in palatable chapters and concise storytelling. One comes out of these entrancing pages more enlightened us to the state of affairs in the past and things as they stand today. I would recommend this book to the general public and especially policy makers in the hope that it would inspire change on the issues so clearly outlined by the author.

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From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream
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[Muskan Afzal-]

Your review helps me in finding my next read. Thanks for your review.