Official Review: Touchstone of Determination - True Grit

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 17 Dec 2019, 13:54

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Touchstone of Determination - True Grit" by Linda Eatmon-Jones.]

4 out of 4 stars

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In A Touchstone of Determination - True Grit, Linda Eatmon-Jones chronicles Dr. James Mitchell's career path and innovative approaches to making college educations available to all children regardless of race or lack of financial means. Eatmon-Jones shares Mitchell's background, including the initial financial challenges that eventually drove him to strive for change as the president of Wallace Community College in Selma, known as the Black Belt of Alabama. Eatmon-Jones examines the results that are closing the achievement gap for blacks and Hispanics and explores the benefits and solutions provided by community colleges.

As an award-winning author, Eatmon-Jones is known for her biographies of unsung heroes. Her latest book is part of the Touchstones for Impact series and happens to feature her accomplished cousin, Dr. James Mitchell. Eatmon-Jones's writing style is organized and polished without being stuffy, which is a credit given that much of the book is about the challenges associated with the educational system. The editing is professional and almost perfect; the single typo I noted, faulty instead of faculty, is easy to overlook. Additionally, the book contains no profanity.

The late Harold Mitchell was James's cousin, coach, and mentor who encouraged him to pursue a career in higher education: "...you can make a difference in the lives of so many people"; evidently, James took his advice to heart. What I particularly like about the book is that it may be the best example I've read to date of one man making a difference that will benefit others for years to come. Eatmon-Jones offers more than statistics; she provides research and interviews that are ultimately supported by specific examples of Dr. Mitchell's unwavering commitment. She explained in detail why many of the outdated civil rights programs were ineffective in the region, which led Mitchell to "continue to poke the bear" for solutions. The dual credit "college in high school" programs he established were the first in the area and continue to yield results. I also enjoyed Eatmon-Jone's inclusion of letters from parents that further reinforced Dr. Mitchell's commitment to individual students. In one example, he and his wife took in a family with four children while their home was being built and provided support getting the kids settled in their new schools. Another parent expressed gratitude to Dr. Mitchell for exposing her high school sons to special programs through the community college, such as ACT college preparation, quiz bowls, and robotics competitions. These types of personal testimonials speak volumes about Mitchell's character.

As you may have surmised from the rest of the review, I found nothing to dislike about the book. Much of the content chronicled Mitchell's career path and innovative ideas that have helped students in the Black Belt community. However, the information provided about the benefits of community colleges and college credits offered in high school was worth the read alone. I have already traversed this path with my kids, but as a white single parent with financial challenges, I could relate to the need for the alternative solutions Dr. Mitchell has worked so hard to implement. As Eatmon-Jones so eloquently states: “In the end, this is what education is about. It is about reaching people where they are and guiding them to the place where their dreams can come true.”

I'm pleased to rate A Touchstone of Determination 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend the book to readers who appreciate biographical stories of torchbearers like Dr. James Mitchell, as well as parents and those interested in affecting change in the educational system.

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Touchstone of Determination - True Grit
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Post by **Alice Heritage** » 19 Dec 2019, 02:56

Education is so important, but it can be so expensive. It's encouraging to read about one person making a difference. I enjoyed reading your thorough review.

MustaHarleen · Post by **MustaHarleen** » 19 Dec 2019, 08:28

Someone once said that change starts with you. We do not have to wait for an angel to appear so that he can do something we can do ourselves if the will is there. I love that James took the advice and equipped himself with knowledge. I love that what he did had a ripple effect to the benefit of others. Thanks for an amazing review.

Ashiyya Tariq · Post by **Ashiyya Tariq** » 19 Dec 2019, 10:33

Mitchell's commitment to uplift education is commendable. Her naïve ideas would be beneficial for community colleges and students. Great review!

Brendan Donaghy · Post by **Brendan Donaghy** » 19 Dec 2019, 12:46

I'm glad you described James Mitchell as an 'unsung' hero, as I was wondering if he was someone I should have known about. He sounds like just the sort of person we should have heard more about.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 19 Dec 2019, 13:09

ButterscotchCherrie wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 02:56 Education is so important, but it can be so expensive. It's encouraging to read about one person making a difference. I enjoyed reading your thorough review.

Thank you!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 19 Dec 2019, 13:10

MustaHarleen wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 08:28 Someone once said that change starts with you. We do not have to wait for an angel to appear so that he can do something we can do ourselves if the will is there. I love that James took the advice and equipped himself with knowledge. I love that what he did had a ripple effect to the benefit of others. Thanks for an amazing review.

Thanks for your comment.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 19 Dec 2019, 13:11

Sarah Tariq wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 10:33 Mitchell's commitment to uplift education is commendable. Her naïve ideas would be beneficial for community colleges and students. Great review!

Thank you.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 19 Dec 2019, 13:11

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Brendan Donaghy wrote: ↑19 Dec 2019, 12:46 I'm glad you described James Mitchell as an 'unsung' hero, as I was wondering if he was someone I should have known about. He sounds like just the sort of person we should have heard more about.

I agree. Thanks for your comment.

Ellylion · Post by **Ellylion** » 22 Dec 2019, 08:26

Sounds like a must-read book for very many parents of students to be and students themselves

Amazing analysis and so many useful information! Thank you for this great review!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 22 Dec 2019, 10:02

Ellylion wrote: ↑22 Dec 2019, 08:26 Sounds like a must-read book for very many parents of students to be and students themselves Amazing analysis and so many useful information! Thank you for this great review!

Thank you!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 22 Dec 2019, 11:17

Dr. James Mitchell does sound like an inspiring torchbearer. I'm glad the author has taken the time and effort to highlight the accomplishments of people like him. Thanks for the review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 22 Dec 2019, 14:00

After my own college experience and subsequent job market search, I'm a big believer in technical schools or training. Bachelor's degrees aren't necessary for everyone, depending on what you want to do. It's a good thing to help in mind. I'm interested in the author's ideas. Thanks.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 22 Dec 2019, 18:24

This is an interesting series, and I hope it inspires many to continue their education. It also reflects well on the author that you only found one spelling error. Good eye!!

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 23 Dec 2019, 22:38

Tomah wrote: ↑22 Dec 2019, 11:17 Dr. James Mitchell does sound like an inspiring torchbearer. I'm glad the author has taken the time and effort to highlight the accomplishments of people like him. Thanks for the review!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.