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

kislany · Post by **kislany** » 10 Apr 2018, 13:14

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org 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 is a powerful autobiography in which the author, Janice S. Ellis, walks us through her life from growing up on a Mississippi farm as a black child to becoming a successful business manager and a newspaper political columnist.

Unlike others in the area, her family had their own farm, and they always had at least the basics to survive. Still, Janice grew up during the 1950s and the 1960s in the segregated South, when people of different skin color went to different schools, stores, and even drank water from different fountains. It was also a time when people of color were brutally killed seemingly without a reason, and nobody would do anything about it.

Her mom and dad would instill a strong sense of right and wrong in Janice. She took all these teachings to heart and went after her dream when she realized that she wanted something more from life than become another black farmer of the South.

As a teenager, Janice was strongly influenced by a CBS radio commentator, Eric Sevareid, and she even told her mom that this is what she would grow up to do. She wanted to become a political columnist, just like he was. But to do that, she had to study hard. In fact, she had to study much harder than most of her peers, not only because she was black but also because she was a woman. During those times, being both gave a person a strong disadvantage compared to everyone else fighting to get ahead in life.

Many of the stories Janice recounts were truly sad and some quite cruel in the way white people treated blacks back then. I am coming from Europe, so racial issues as such were never part of my life. Thus, I found at least the first half of the story shocking. I couldn’t stop shaking my head whenever Janice would describe yet another injustice done to her and her family just because their skin color was different. In addition, I learned that not all blacks were equal either. Even among people of color, their shades gave them different social statuses.

Janice’s road to success was an arduous one, full of hardships that she had to overcome. Since I had never heard of the author before, I had no idea how her story would end. While reading the last pages of the book, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment along with her. I can honestly say that I haven’t met so far anyone as resilient, ambitious and determined to get out of the vicious circle as she was. Janice had to fight against racism and sexism even after she left her hometown. She had to survive numerous battles in order to be taken seriously while studying for further education. And surviving she did. She not only got several degrees, every time graduating with high grades, but she also worked her way to higher and higher positions in her jobs, going as far as running for the position of mayor at some point.

In addition to her many struggles, she also had to deal with an indifferent and abusive husband and later on, an abusive boyfriend, before she met her current husband, who would give her and her children all the love and respect they so deserved.

Janice’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. From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream is a powerful book, and I strongly recommend it to every woman in the world because so much within affects us all.

I would also like to congratulate the author’s editors. Throughout the entire (relatively long) story, I only found one grammatical error. The book is excellently crafted and edited, which I am sure also stems from the author’s own background, education and work in relevant fields over the years.

If I absolutely have to say anything negative about the book, it is the 30-page treaty about Walter Lippmann’s life work, which I found slightly boring to read. A shorter analysis of his work would have more than sufficed within the scope of the narrative. Unless you are an avid fan of his political work (which the author clearly is), there is simply no reason why one would have to read to an entire master thesis on this political figure in a book that has someone else as the focal point.

Nevertheless, I give From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream 4 out of 4 stars because it must be one of the best autobiographies I have read in the last couple of years. It was an educational, informative, and riveting read.

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From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 11 Apr 2018, 07:53

I'm glad that a story like this is so well edited! I've read about life as a slave and life during the 50s and 60s, but I haven't read much about the segregated South at that time. So, it seems like this would be a very telling book. I'll have to look at it. Thanks!

Jamasenu · Post by **Jamasenu** » 11 Apr 2018, 09:25

Those times were truly hard for Black people. To be considered as insignificant, dumb, slow or even worthless is a bitter pill to swallow. Ms. Ellis opening up about her childhood is demonstrating that she did not allow her circumstances to determine who she was or depict her future. You can either wallow in self-pity or pave your own way. Your review inspired me to add this book to my to-read shelf.

KLafser · Post by **KLafser** » 11 Apr 2018, 11:16

I can't even imagine the strength and resilience of this woman! I was just lamenting to friend about the very little things that 'stall' me - and then I read about someone who had to overcome so much more, and quite honestly, WAY more frequently. Thank you so much for a fantastic review - I'll be adding this one to my list. Nice job!

Kat Berg · Post by **Kat Berg** » 12 Apr 2018, 13:40

Whenever I hear or read the stories of people of color growing up in the South during the early 20th century I'm amazed. And heartbroken. I am glad her story is well-done and hope that others will take the time to read it. Thanks for the review.

gali · Post by **gali** » 17 Jul 2019, 05:27

An autobiography of an African-American woman living in America during the height of the civil rights and women's liberation movements sounds powerful. Suffering not only from racism but also from abuse makes her success all the more impressive. That the book was well-edited is another bonus. Thank you for the review!

Janalyn101 · Post by **Janalyn101** » 17 Jul 2019, 05:55

Bravery doesn’t begin to describe her journey. What a great review thanks.

Ruba Abu Ali · Post by **Ruba Abu Ali** » 17 Jul 2019, 06:03

This is such an intense and gripping read. The impeccable editing is the cherry on top. It so piqued my interest that I will put it on the top of my reading list. Thank you for the wonderful and honest review.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 17 Jul 2019, 06:11

Books like this that highlight abuse of human rights through racial and gender discrimination are the ones I find myself eager to read with the hope that I learn how far people have grown and the journey still to come.
The review honored the book perfectly and I agree with the 4-stars rating.

Nuel Ukah · Post by **Nuel Ukah** » 17 Jul 2019, 06:11

I strongly recommend this book to young ladies and women as this book deals with sensitive issues related to the female gender.

Scerakor · Post by **Scerakor** » 17 Jul 2019, 06:13

This sounds like an extremely powerful and motivating autobiography showing the author’s resilience in the face of racism, family violence, and bigotry. It is a book about chasing the American Dream and succeeding despite challenges.

April Ruvs · Post by **April Ruvs** » 17 Jul 2019, 07:08

A brilliant and detailed review. I look forward to reading this book because if not only touches on the race issues it brings to light the true extent that people of colour went through hardships and some still on going.

Brendan Donaghy · Post by **Brendan Donaghy** » 17 Jul 2019, 07:09

This book by Janice Ellis sounds like a powerful story, one I look forward to reading. Sadly, it may be that this tale of violent racism in 1950s and 1960s Mississippi is all too familiar now, but individual histories of this period are still important. Nothing illuminates the past better than an eye witness account. It is also encouraging to learn that the book is almost flawless in its writing style and editing. Great review!

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 17 Jul 2019, 07:11

This sounds like an emotional read, and like you, I am shaking my head at all of this past injustice. I have not read much about the segregated south and find it shocking that inequalities also existed between black people depending on their shade. I think this sounds like a compelling story about how someone was able to rise up, despite all the obstacles, and do something amazing. Thank you for the lovely review!

aolayide · Post by **aolayide** » 17 Jul 2019, 07:12

Wow! Bravo! I am at a loss for words after the review of "From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream" by Janice S. Ellis. I mean, as a black woman myself, I deeply understand how persistent that little girl must have been to raise her head above waters. To determine that her background would not define who she will be in life. Wow! Reading her story brought tears to my eyes because of this discrimination against the blacks. It is impressive that the author could let it all out. Brilliant work here! Bravo! Bravo!