The Children

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: The deep spirituality that inspired the heroism of the civil rights protesters glows from nearly every page. And yet this is not an overly sentimental account; it is clear factual reporting of a time when principles and the rightness of ideas inspired ordinary people to do great things. David Halberstam has compiled nothing less than a manual describing how authentic heroes are created. I will treasure this book.

Rating:
Summary: Great story and history but some editing needed
Review: The scope and writing of this civil rights history focusing on a group of young civil rights leaders is outstanding; some sections seem to ramble a bit and some characters are intorduced several times the same way in the same chapter; additionally, some sections dealing with the leaders' lives after the key period of 1960-65 are a bit overdone. Overall, though, this is a wonderful story, great history and most importantly written on a scale where you learn about individual heroes like john lewis and diane nash. I would strongly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: The first non-fiction book to make me cry
Review: There were several times in this book when I was brought to tears by the bravery of these young people and the ordeal that they went through. It was as harrowing as anything a fiction writer could come up with. Knowing that it was true and that white Americans could actually treat fellow human beings with such hatred and cruelty is enough to take your breath away. We need to be reminded that this did happen and we all have continue the struggle to put prejudice and fear behind us. There certainly is some sloppy writing in the book. Maybe when you become a writer of Mr. Halberstam's stature, no one dares to copy edit you. But it's not enough to detract from the power of the story.

Rating:
Summary: The Children That Changed a Nation
Review: This book is an in depth look into the civil rights movement of the sixties. I really enjoyed the book because Halberstam went a long way in naming all of the players in the movement not just the famous ones such as Martin Luther King Jr. but figures such as Paul Lawson and Diane Nash. After reading the book you really get a feel of what all these leaders had to go through to earn themselves the rights that supposedly the constitution guaranteed them. He focuses on all aspects of the civil rights movement not just one aspects, so he really gives you a feel of how one event relates to another. This book is for anyone who is interested in history and the struggle that many endured in order to gain their place in it.

Rating:
Summary: amazing story...could not put it down for all 780 pages!!
Review: This book was wonderfully written...nonfiction in a style that is easy to read and engaging. The author pays attention to the most interesting details and draws you into the story with these pioneers of the civil rights movement. This book is a fabulous way to understand some of the history of our country and the race issues that we deal with on a daily basis. The book is written in a way that engages you every step of the way. The author is very talented and tells a gripping and moving true story.

Rating:
Summary: An important story of American History
Review: This was a great book about great people. David Halberstam's account does an excellcent job of showing all sides of these heroes both the successful (John Lewis) and the tragic (Marion Berry). The book helps to explain the origin of many of the racial problems we face as a country today. It should be required reading in schools.