Product Description

Customer Reviews (183)

Kindle version has issues
Roots is a 5+ star novel.However, I purchased this version for Kindle and there are numerous spelling, typing, and punctuation errors that do not exist in the original novel.They aren't enough to detract from the reading experience, but I think the Kindle version should be offered with the same quality that is expected from a printed novel.

Still effective after all these years
I re-read this book for the first time in over 30 years, and still find it an effective portrayal of the horrible institution of slavery.

The first time I read it, I was a child (5th grade), so some things did hit me differently.I obviously understood the sexual content more.Further, at the end of the book, I had to question Mr. Haley's research.It seemed to come too easily, making me question whether he really found the African from whom he was descended.

I also question his portrayal of how Kunta Kinte was captured.I will do independent reading concerning the slave trade, but I don't see how it would have made sense for toubob to wander through Africa in the hopes that they will be able to nab an individual who wandered outside his village, considering that they had kings and warlords who were willing to do business with them, selling off criminals and POWs.

Mr. Haley admits that, except for the outline provided by his family's oral tradition, much of this book is, out of necessity, fiction.But it will nonetheless move you.

Another controversy about this book is the accusation that Mr. Haley plagiarized material from Harold Courlander's "The African" [ASIN:080503000X The African].(I have read on the Internet that Mr. Haley had to pay $650,000 in damages; I have no idea if this is true.)I read "The African" right before re-reading "Roots".They cover similar material in part, but I was unable to discern particular passages that seemed to be lifted out of "The African".If someone could clarify where the plagiarized passages are, I'd appreciate it.

The best!!!
Roots is probably the best novel I've ever read. It's a saga telling the story of the African-American experience from the time before America existed, to the present day (or close to it).

A captivating novel. I usually lose interest in novels after about page 150, but I couldn't put this down! I read all 700+ pages in about 5 days...

The most important novel in America!!

excellent characters, but too long and a hurried ending
The ingenuity of the characters is what I enjoy most about Roots. What irritates me, though, is the novel's length. There are too many chapters about Kunta Kinte in Africa and in Virginia, and there are too few chapters about the last two generations preceding Haley himself.

Each successive generation is memorable: there is, of course, Kunta, the native of Africa. His only daughter, Kizzy, is sold away and raped by her new master. The son begotten from that rape is "Chicken George," an accomplished cockfighter. His part is my favorite.

Chicken George has many children, chief among them Tom, the blacksmith. Once the family is freed by their masters and moves to Tennessee, the book picks up pace, going over two generations in the same amount of print used to describe Kunta's miserable, horrific passage across the Atlantic. These generations are less memorable because the book moves too quickly at this point to give juicy details. And the final few chapters, chronicling Haley's research, is gratuitous and self-aggrandizing.

Aside from a slow first two acts and abrupt ending, Roots is excellent, character-driven story-telling. I don't mind that there factual errors (that scholars have pointed out) and much of the meat of the story is a novelization of Haley's "roots." Go in regarding this is a novel, which it is.

Black History- Roots by Alex Haley
This book written by Alex Haley, has helped everyone to trace their roots even more. We're all connected to each other no matter where we live or who we are.
Black History should be taught throughout the year, not just one month (FEBRUARY). All races should be included, it's part of life. ... Read more

Product Description
Opening in Ireland, this book follows the author's family history from his great-great-grandfather, James Jackson to Queen, his grandmother. James Jackson was sent to the US from Ireland and there his son and a slave, Easter, had a daughter - Queen, Alex Haley's grandmother. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Bright Eyes
Human emotions build up with the reading of every word.Love explored at it greatest and worse.

Queen
If you enjoyed Alex Haley's "Roots" book and television series, you'll not be disappointed with "Queen." My purchase was a first edition and I collect first editions. Highly recommended
reading.

genealogy
Alex Haley is a master writer. Queen is captivating. A good tool for genealogy or a demographic history of the time period.

Interesting story of a peculier situation
Ethnic novels really are not my thing. But this one had me interested after seeing pictures in a book on the civil war titled 'Slave Children of New Orleans' featuring mostly mixed race children of near caucasion appearence I became curious about them. Having read a great deal of the civil war there really isn't that much.So when I found this book I quickly took to reading it.

The main character is what is called 'A child of the plantation', the offspring of a slave owner and a slave woman the product not of love but of exploitation who are so casually discarded as to be a disgrace. In the beginning, she is very naive and optimistic. Regrettably, life doesn't treat her that well.

An interesting story. Admittedly I would have done things different but since this one is based on fact I can't rightly complain. I liked reading about the main character and how she was treated by all parties. Certainly I do not like that she was mistreated by many. Her ability to move among white circles was interesting only when her heritage is revealed do things get bad which disgusts me.

Overall, I take people at face value and wish everyone else would do the same. People should be judged by their behavior rather than by pseudo scientific nonsence.

Excellent!
This is one of the best books I've read in my life.Alex Haley was such a skilled writer."Queen" deals with many harsh facts of the antebellum South without becoming vulgar.It is also an inspiring tale of an American family.

One of my complaint with "Queen" is the blatant misuse and fabrication of facts by David Stephens, who finished Alex Haley's posthumus masterpiece.The writing of Mr. Stephens also doesn't measure up to that of Haley.While it is a great book as it stands,I wish I could see what this book would be if Haley had been alive to complete it. ... Read more

Product Description
Everyone knows Alex Haley as the world-renowned author of the international bestseller ROOTS, and as the writer who collaborated with Malcolm X on his historic autobiography.What many people don't know is that Alex Haley began his professional writing career as a journalist.It was his experience in this arena that earned him the plum assignment as Playboy's first -- and foremost -- interviewer.

Witness Haley's work with the pre-Ali Cassius Clay, in which the posture of the young rebel fell away and a sensitive, intelligent young man emerged.He lured Malcolm X beyond his scathing Black Muslim rhetoric to reveal the agile, perceptive mind of a charismatic leader.With Johnny Carson, Haley revealed the man behind the mask of a charming television raconteur.And, in a devasting interview with George Lincoln Rockwell, the self-appointed fuhrer of the American Nazi Party, Haley deftly exposed the frightening heart and soul of the twisted man and his racist ideology.

A fascinating slice of recent history, an extraordinarily candid collection of celebrity interviews and personal reminiscences, ALEX HALEY: THE PLAYBOY INTERVIEWS anthologizes for the first time a gifted writer's finest work at its controversial and informative best.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An extremely valuable document.
Alex Haley is rather unappreciated these days, as his reputation is unjustly tarnished by issues surrounding the veracity of "Roots." But this collection of his pioneering interviews for Playboy should leaveno doubt that this was a fine journalist.

The interviews with individualsthen prominent on the African-American scene -- Miles Davis, Martin LutherKing, Malcolm X, Sammy Davis Jr., Jim Brown -- are very insightful. Foranyone who happens to be a journalist, or aspires to be one, the bookserves as a textbook of a kind. With Miles Davis and Brown -- the ultimate"hip" individuals -- Haley comes off as something of a square,but nonetheless asks questions that elicit thoughtful and candid responses.

His interview with Johnny Carson is another highlight. Carson, then inonly his fifth season as host of "The Tonight Show," alreadyappears, thanks to Haley's prodding, to be an embittered showbiz veteran,an intelligent man who fully realizes the relative unimportance of what hedoes for a living.

The conversation with neo-Nazi leader George LincolnRockwell is a masterpiece. Without losing his own cool, Haley is able toallow Rockwell to expose himself as a complete buffoon, if a dangerousone.

Toward the end of the book, you'll find Haley's account of the prosand cons of being the author of "Roots." He doesn't ask forsympathy, but he is realistic about the experience.

I'm sorry to see thatit's out of print, but if you have any interest in the U.S. during the1960s, you should make the effort to find this book. You won't regret it. ... Read more

Product Description
HC/DJ-No shelf wear, no scuffs to HC; DJ has minor edge wear & a few small tears-no pieces missing; clean pages, no marks, no spine damage, smoke/pet free home. Ships anywhere 7 days a week ... Read more

Product Description
If there was any one man who articulated the anger, the struggle, and the beliefs of African Americans in the 1960s, that man was Malcolm X. His AUTOBIOGRAPHY is now an established classic of modern America, a book that expresses like none other the crucial truth about our times.
"Extraordinary. A brilliant, painful, important book."
THE NEW YORKTIMES
Amazon.com Review
Malcolm X's searing memoir belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a bitter, self-destructive petty criminal into an articulate political activist, the continued relevance of his militant analysis of white racism, and his emphasis on self-respect and self-help for African Americans. And there's the vividness with which he depicts black popular culture--try as he might to criticize those lindy hops at Boston's Roseland dance hall from the perspective of his Muslim faith, he can't help but make them sound pretty wonderful. These are but a few examples. The Autobiography of Malcolm X limns an archetypal journey from ignorance and despair to knowledge and spiritual awakening. When Malcolm tells coauthor Alex Haley, "People don't realize how a man's whole life can be changed by one book," he voices the central belief underpinning every attempt to set down a personal story as an example for others. Although many believe his ethic was directly opposed to Martin Luther King Jr.'s during the civil rights struggle of the '60s, the two were not so different. Malcolm may have displayed a most un-Christian distaste for loving his enemies, but he understood with King that love of God and love of self are the necessary first steps on the road to freedom. --Wendy Smith ... Read more

Customer Reviews (309)

The making of a leader
This book is wonderful. The writing is excellent, and Malcolm X's life story is as amazing as anyone could imagine. Incredible highs and lows are vividly portrayed (for me, one standout is the degradation of Malcolm having to rinse the chemicals out of his hair in toilet water--this incident makes me physically cringe and feel pain for him), and thrilling and fascinating episodes leave me marveling that one person could achieve and experience so much. Later in his life, as his understanding of humanity expands and deepens, my respect and admiration for him likewise grows. I can't adequately describe either the book or the way I feel about it.

I first read this for school, but as I was reading it I knew it was something that I'd truly appreciate and come back to over and over again.

Malcolm X
A timeless classic. This book tells the metamorphasis of a strong Black man, from boyhood to manhood. Through all of his trials and tribulations, Malcolm always found a way to gain strength and grow in both mind and spirit. A must read for all Americans. We must not forget his contributions to our society.

one of a kind!
This is a book everyone should read. It's a book you can't seem to put down. There is a part of this book that i love.."I read aimlessly, until I learned to read selectively, with a purpose". This book changed the way i viewed certain things in life!

Max Notes: The Autobiography of Malcom X
I must have clicked on the wrong item, because I did NOT purposely order Max Notes. I already have two Master's Degrees and a year of Law School. So, I do not need "notes."

this are just notes, not the actual book
it was not clear to me upfront: this book is not the acutal autobiography. These are the notes for the book.they summarize chapters and importance of them.so if you want to read the actual book, do not purchase this one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Alex Haley autobiography
This is a very easy to read autobiography on Alex Haley.If you are adding to a collection or just interested in Haley's life, then this is the book to read. ... Read more

Product Description
Wear to cover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Still Wished I Kept My Original First Publication
Loved the T.V. Series and had the hardback or hardcover edition, first print, mint condition; and with regrets - I put it up for auction years ago, the biggest mistake I had ever made. This book is long; very worth while reading - much like reading a diary. There is "no buttering it up" in this book, for it tells it as Walter Cronkite would say, "That's the way it was..." when he ended his news broadcast. I wished I could expound the depth and aspect of this book, yet, it would be spoiling the surprise to the reader. It is with recommendations if all possible to find the original, in best to mint condition and KEEP IT! ... Read more

Product Description
From hustling, drug addiction and armed violence in America's black ghettos Malcolm X turned, in a dramatic prison conversion, to the puritanical fervour of the Black Muslims. As their spokesman he became identified in the white press as a terrifying teacher of race hatred; but to his direct audience, the oppressed American blacks, he brought hope and self-respect. This autobiography (written with Alex Haley) reveals his quick-witted integrity, usually obscured by batteries of frenzied headlines, and the fierce idealism which led him to reject both liberal hypocrisies and black racialism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Two Authors
Like many in my generation I was deeply affected by this book and by Malcolm's words, oral and written. But decades of continued related reading heve left me wondering just which of those in this "Autobiography" are, indeed, Malcolm's. Amazon's way of listing editors reinforces the irony that this book really has two authors, one of whom (Alex Haley) had a less-than-militant history and a less-than-sterling reputation for accuracy. This book has, since its publication, been regarded as the "real" Malcolm, which has been perpetuated in film and in the conventional wisdom, scholarly and street. I am not saying it is inaccurate, only that it might be time for a serious scholar to examine with greater scrutiny the man's life and particularly its final months. There has not been a definitive biography for a man who unquestionably deserves one.

Wow...
I just finished this book and in my head I know this is going to take me a while to process. What I really liked about this book was how blunt Malcolm X was and how he didn't sugarcoat anything. His knowledge of history and his perspectives of why the US race problem is the way it is very eye-opening. He touches on a lot of topics in this book including women, drugs, hustling, religion, history, social welfare... basically stuff that can pertain to anyone. Malcolm X's faith led him to overcome many obstacles in his life and this I believe will inspire many readers in their own lives to hold on to faith when the going gets rough.

I got a little annoyed when Malcolm X kept defending himself and getting repetitive near the end, but overall I know the book will challenge readers to think and act.

where it doesn't careen off onto Malcolm's diabtribes, it's a great book with compelling storytelling
A compelling and often riveting look into one of the country's most controversial figures. We follow the story of Malcolm Little, whose family was endlessly persecuted in Nebraska before moving to small town Michigan where he manages to lead a relatively normal childhood though is disquieted when a well-intentioned teacher negates his dream of being a successful lawyer, on the basis of race. A visit to his half-sister in Boston exposes young Malcolm to an exhilarating lifestyle that proves irresistable.

I found his immersion in black 1950s urban culture to be one of the high points of the book. Malcolm manages to convey a strong sense of all that the city had to offer to a tall sociable black man. His sociability and pan-race interaction through his early legal jobs and onto hustling made the virulence of his anti-white racism that much more surprising. Here was a man who had a healthy acceptance of racial diversity even while living a degenerate lifestyle. The storytelling as Malcolm found himself trapped more and more by forces of law and dangerous hustlers was at a peak.

Unfortunately at this point the book's plot begins its precipitous decline in action-oriented prose. His revelations and stories from prison are still full of life though this is the point at which Haley begins to sacrifice plot by occasionally interspersing Malcolm's tedious diatribes, which become more and more lengthy as the book wears on. By the end, the reader is filtering through pages of how the white man's corrupting society causes ill to both races, how the liberal white man is only superficially sympathetic, just to wait for something new to happen.

I imagine this lends a sense of authenticity to the book. As mentioned in the book's forward, Haley apparently had to listen to hours of these repetitive acerbic discourses before he could even get any family history to write down. At one point, he was worried he would have to cancel the project.

There is another aspect explored by the book that the casual reader might not appreciate - the interplay between a public figure and the press. On account of the interviews I've done and what the writers have done with them afterward, I identified deeply with the relationship Malcolm seemed to have with an ever sensationalist media.

Overall, when TAOMX is telling a story, it succeeds brilliantly; when it isn't, it founders equally as spectacularly.

I am not worthy
I must say I feel rather humble in my attempt to review this autobiography, hence the brevity of my Review. However I cannot sufficiently stress how the account of Malcolm X's life has given me as a native African (and gives the reader regardless of ethnic background) a crucially important Sociological, Philosophical, Political, Islamic and Pan African insight into African American culture and its' shaping in historical context. ... Read more

Product Description
Alex Haley: The Man Who Traced America's Roots is a collection of articles the Pulitzer Prize-winning author wrote for Reader's Digest from 1954 to 1991. Haley's stories are timeless, as powerful and relevant today as when they were first written.

In 1966, Alex Haley, a contributing writer for Reader's Digest, wanted to tell his family's "story-history." For ten years, Reader's Digest financed Haley's research and travel. The result of this historic collaboration was Roots, the Pulitzer-winning book.

Alex Haley: The Man Who Traced America's Roots is a celebration of the 30th anniversary of that epic classic and a recognition of a lifetime of writings that changed the nation. In this 176-page paperback book, Haley shares stories of triumph and resilience, of race and inequality, and the search that led to the groundbreaking book and TV miniseries, Roots. The collection includes an excerpt from Roots and the candid article "Aboard the African Star," in which Haley reveals his struggles as a professional writer and as a man. This edition also features an introduction from Lawrence Otis Graham, one of the nation's leading experts on race, politics and class in America.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Timely and informative
I was very impressed with the manner in which the book is written.Very detailed and thorough in giving details of events as they unfolded, all from his imagination.I felt the intensity and pain as MR. Hailey shared experiences, both personal and those of his ancestors.The most intriguing part is the revelation of his path that led him to the most profound documentary I have ever viewed.The book accompanied me on a trip and was just enough for me to read during my flight.However, I did feel that I could have used a bit more after completing the book.
Great Work!

(RAW Rating: 4.5) - An amazing collection
With an introduction by Lawrence Otis Graham, ALEX HALEY: The Man Who Traced America's ROOTS celebrates the 30-year anniversary of Roots.The book focuses on Haley and some of his greatest acomplishments, how he started writing, and obstacles he faced and witnessed of others.It features four major areas: Stories of Triumph, Race and Resilence, The Search Begins, and The Legacy, and each story is more inspiring than the one before it.

I had many favorites from the book, but among those which will stick with me is George Haley's preservance during his time at the University of Arkansas School of Law, in spite of the racial slurs, hate mail, being segregated from the white students, and his secluded basement room.It saddened me to read what he endured, but the end brought about a sense of pride at his accomplishments.I also enjoyed reading about how Roots came to be and the extra steps taken by Haley to simulate the hardship of the characters in the book.It was interesting to read about his search for his roots and how the book became to mean so much to not only him, but to his family.

ALEX HALEY: The Man Who Traced America's ROOTS is an amazing collection of the original works of Alex Haley and should be considered a major asset to the library of booklovers everywhere.Many people have heard of Roots and the impact it had on race relations, but this book goes so much further.It emphasizes more of Haley's thoughts on many issues such as family, race, status, and also his own personal highs and lows.The DVD included with actual portions of his speeches and interviews makes this a great gift and collector's item.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Reviewed by John D. Merrill
As a historian I have always been interested in the big question: Why? Alex Haley has been the cornerstone writer for African-American Literature with his books Roots and Malcolm X. This book, compiled by Reader's Digest, provides the inspiration for his work. The reasoning behind his work is illuminated by the stories that inspired him and hence, the "why" is found.

The book begins with a concise collection of the stories that inspires with its accounts of accomplishment and tribulations of the African-American communities. These short tales of Singers and Athletes which proved that color of your skin matters little to any gifts humans can posses. These stories, from the 1960's and 70's from Reader's Digest that Alex Haley wrote, show the accomplishments of a truly American community.

Mid twentieth century America was by far the most trying in the fight for civil rights. The center section of the book covers Haley's Reader's Digest stories on issues of ethnicity. In this section he writes on the Nation of Islam (the beginning of his work on Malcolm X) and the struggles of African-Americans who are trying to integrate into a segregated society. He focuses on both education and work opportunities. His words inspire hope and plea for understanding in a trying and divided world. The section on the Nation of Islam is especially captivating with its message of understanding and integration to avoid raciest and violent groups.

The book then moves on to Haley's stories of the slave trade: what happened, who was involved, and his own family's struggle. These stories from the 70's, 80's, and 90's show the actual base stories for his work on ROOTS.

Going back to my question of why- his short story "My Search for Roots" follows his trek back to the Dark Continent where he has the emotional experience of what his ancestor's went through. This trip was clearly his catalyst, and his continuation from there was the book ROOTS.

This brings us to the last couple of stories in this collection. This section contains The Reader's Digest version of ROOTS and Haley's own reflection on the story and the meaning it has brought to him and countless others. Most people simply read books because the back cover sounds good, but for those few who care about where the author and his style is coming from will truly enjoy this collection by Alex Haley.

Roots Fan
My only comment is, more, there should have been more. Alex Haley wrote about his family and there will never be another story to top that, but I wish there was more to the story of how, when, why and where Mr. Haley put the story on paper, the actual research into the search would also make for fascinating reading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Life Changing Impact
Before trying to give a review of this book, I would say, it can't be described only experienced. Meaning, the impact this story imprints on a mind is beyond explanation. We have heard of, or seen great men throughout history who stood for our struggle, but to actually be able to get a glimpse into the mind of that man was intense. I read this book in 3 days because it just would not let me put it down. All black men should add this to his collection and understand the essence of God that he possesses which can put any one of us in a position like Brother Malcolm. From promising student, to utter moral confusion, the transformation brought about that only Islam can bring.... If this isn't a 5 star book just because of the story, not even the psychological impact it should have on black men, then no other book gets 5 stars. Brother Malcolm is a true role model because he stood up, PERIOD! When no one else was standing up for the masses of people, this one did. We have to be eternally gratefully for these brothers who tried to wake up the black man under so much pressure from white man society. Without them, where would we be today? Scary thought ain't it?

Poor
It arrived on the estimated time but the book's cover was torn and falling apart. And while it was not missing any pages, not having a proper cover made me have to be extra cautious while reading the book. The only reason why I did not return it was because I really needed it for schoolwork.

The Greatest
One of the best books ever written, it is a must read for a young man and any one who loves them

heavy for any
with pleasure, i give this book what it deserves, a whopping 5 stars!
earl little's (malcolm) experience, struggles, battles, falls/ups and victories will make a boot-camp look like a child's playground.
his nationalistic views opened the minds of many. when he gave an informative speech, the audience were touched (both friend /foe).
his political tongue brought fear into the hearts of the many apologists who hugged imperialism.

every time that i read any book about malcolm,it reminds me ofpedro albizu campos (1893-1965 (president of the puerto rican nationalistic party)).

like malcolm, campos was a threat towards exploitation. he exposed the ideology, trickery and manipulation the u.s. played on latin america (particularly puerto rico).
to break the rhythm of his continuing growth, he was put into prison. WORST, he was subjected to radiation experiments.

brother malcolm's rebellious strength towards this nation opened many sealed doors.
one of the prime reasons why obama is in office is because of malcolm's eternal political impact.

a great read!

as far as his theological/racist views are concerned, he did an immediate reversal.
when he did pilgrimage, his brain was hit hard by flabbergast.
he did ablution next to white muslims, he prayed, eat, drank and conversed with white muslim brothers. he realized that the true religion of islam does not look at the skin color of anyone.

when he returned, he made it clear to the audience that his hypothalamus was molded by an impostor. malcolm had the intelligence to recognize his fault/weakness and trash it.

i think that many in the rap industry/hood etc, would stop using that self-degrading six letter world if they read this book.

a lucid read for anyone.

Excellent Bio!
This Biography of Malcolm X is one of the best biographies I've ever read. It really helped me get inside the perspective of one of our country's most powerful and controversial civil rights activists. Amazing to watch his transition from troubled youth, to criminal, to prison inmate, to self-educated racist, to his final transformation in which he embraced all races.

An important read!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
She vowed to find a better world for her children.  Even if she had to make it herself.

A sweeping epic of contemporary history by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alex Haley, this magnificent novel weaves an unforgettable story of one family, three generations, and their search for the American dream....

She is the heart and soul of her family who, through faith and courage, drives herself, her children, and her grandchildren onward, determined to propel them to a better place. Mama Flora, born to poor sharecroppers in Tennessee, is forced to raise her children alone after the murder of her husband. But it will not be Willie, her son, who fulfills her ambitions, but Ruthana, the niece she raises as her own. Inspired by her love for the radical poet Ben, Ruthana seeks her soul in Africa even as Willie's son and daughter embrace Black Power and drugs in their embattled coming-of-age. Throughout all the seasons of their lives, it is Mama Flora who prevails, whose quiet determination and love bring them back, as she leads her own quest for justice in tumultuous times.


From the Paperback edition.Amazon.com Review
In The Autobiography of Malcolm X and Roots,Alex Haley showed a masterful talent for dramatizing the triumphs andtragedies of African Americans and their families. This book--thebasis for a 1998 CBS miniseries--was "cowritten" by David Stevensafter Haley's death in 1992, telling the story of Flora, a black girlborn to a sharecropping family in Mississippi who later moves toMemphis, Tennessee, where her husband, Booker, is killed by whitelandowners. Her son, Willie, moves to Chicago, fights in World War II,and marries, while Flora adopts her niece, Ruthauna, who later goes tocollege.

Those events in Mama Flora's life span the gap between 1912 and themodern era, and along the way, Haley depicts the Civil Rights-BlackPower paradigm that caused disagreements in many black families. But,ultimately what Haley shows through Flora is the undying Afro-Americanbelief in moral justice, and an ancestral drive for freedom that, inthe case of Mama Flora's family, is strong enough even to withstandthe ravages of drug abuse plaguing contemporary American families.--Eugene Holley Jr. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

mama flora's family
the book came looking brand new.
delivery was very fast. the book
was wrapped for protection. thanks so much
for making my day a happy one.harold wright

A Very Moving, Poignant Multigenerational Epic!
At the center of Mama Flora's Family is the indomitable spirit of Mama Flora, the matriarch of an extraordinary family of destitute Tennessee sharecroppers. The characters are so real and believable it made this reader feel that I was right there with them experiencing all their trials andtribulations, as well as the joys. This book is much more than a poignant, hard-to-put-down story of a Mama Flora and her descendants from1920 to the late 1990s. It, for the most part, effectively weaves into the plot much of what has transpired in American/African-American history during this time period (e.g., life for African-Americans in the South, the rise of the Civil Rights movement, the Black Panthers, the Nation of Islam, the Viet Nam war, political repression under Idi Amin, etc). Mama Flora's Family is a rich, resonant family novel that cuts across the barriers that divide us to touch the hearts of people of all races and backgrounds. I highly recommend this excellent, emotionally-packed posthumous novel written by David Stevens based on Alex Haley's notes and research.

An inspirational story
This novel is one of the best I have read.Alex Haley and Stevens express a kind of compassion from a grandmother/mother that no one could do better.It's a very emotional book, and touches everyone that has ever experienced a good book.Once you start it, you can't put it down!

Like a warm blanket!
Reading this book is like cozying up with a warm blanket.The authors provide so much detail that you feel like YOUR grandmother is sitting in front of you, recounting the tales.The book spans the decades, from theearly 1900s to the late 1970s and throws in a bit of history/current eventsto place the family's hostory in context.Great book!

A Great Story
This book made you feel apart of it. I loved it! I loved the history, the story, the emotions and how it wove a story of a loving family working their way through life. This is a must read. ... Read more