Rating: 
Summary: A life-altering book.
Review: John Lewis is one of my few living heroes, and I have a great urge to press this book into the hands of anyone who needs someone to look up to. I read it more than a year ago, and I havenÕt shaken off its influence yet. I doubt I ever will. Basically, LewisÕs autobiography tells the story of a manÕs struggle to live his life being true to the tenets of his faith. For him, the core message of Christianity is that we canÕt fight evil with evil, but can only overcome it with the power of love. Expressed in words, that may sound simplistic, even sappy. But once John Lewis shows you that philosophy in action, youÕll never be able to think of Christian pacifists as starry-eyed or weak again. Lewis shows readers young civil rights volunteers being kicked, beaten, spit upon and cursed, and forcing themselves not to get angry, forcing themselves to see their oppressors as decent, if misguided, human beings, until, miraculously, some of them began to see themselves in the same way, and to behave like decent human beings. Reading this part of the book, I kept thinking that Lewis has written the greatest, most inspiring war story ever told. The courage of these young people, going into battle with no weapons but faith and love, surpasses that of any soldier who ever lived. The book falters a little at the end, I think. The battles Lewis fights today as a Congressman may be just as important as those he fought in the sixties, but they lack the inherent drama of the early civil rights movement. Nevertheless, itÕs inspiring to realize there is at least one man in Congress today with undeniable courage and moral authority. If only there were more like him.
Rating:
Summary: well written account of the struggle during the Civil Rights
Review: John Lewis is to be commended for such an explicit account of the civil rights movement. This book is worthy to be placed on every public, and academic library shelf. Reading this made me revisit and evaluate where we been and where we ar e.
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Summary: Inspiring! Lewis' work for civil rights is amazing!
Review: John Lewis not only offers some impressive historical insights with this book, but brings to light the sincerity of non-violence behind the Civil Rights movement. Reading it made me want to be a better person...after all, if this man was willing to--literally--put his life on the line for his beliefs, couldn't I do a little more to help the planet?
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Summary: The masses behind the movement
Review: John Lewis paints a vivid portrait of the civil rights movement in a way no other author or presentator has. After reading this book, you realize the amount of time and resources and the incredible sacrifices that made the civil rights movement happen. You realize that our society changed not because of one or two leaders but because of the courage of the everyday man, woman and child that put their life on the line to make a difference.
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Summary: A Captivating Accout by a National Hero and Leader
Review: John Lewis tells the story of a time when America was at its crossroads. He was Destined to become a leader in the Civil Rights Movement from his humble beginings in Troy, Alabama. Congressman Lewis tells his story of 35 years standing steadfast with determination and never wavering efforts to bring about "The Beloved Family". "This book is a legacy to us all and should be required reading in all educational settings."
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Summary: a must read regarding the civil rights era
Review: John Lewis was seemingly everywhere during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. From the Nashville Sit-Ins, to the Freedom Rides to the famous march from Selma and more. It is akin to someone having been at the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Not only was Lewis there but he was an active participant, one of the many brave souls who risked injury, even death to bring down segregation. Lewis knew all the key figures in the Movement, such as Dr. King, and was a leader himself. Today, of course, Lewis serves his country in the House of Representatives.
It's hard to go wrong with such a compelling story to tell and Lewis doesn't dissapoint. With the help of co-author Michael D'Orso, we learn not only of one person's participation in the Civil Rights' Movement, but gain insight into the Movement as a whole.
Lewis is vastly under appreciated by Americans today. Hopefully Waking With the Wind will help future generations appreciate John Lewis, an American hero.
Rating:
Summary: The story of a true American hero
Review: John Lewis was seemingly everywhere during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. From the Nashville Sit-Ins, to the Freedom Rides to the famous march from Selma and more. It is akin to someone having been at the Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. Not only was Lewis there but he was an active participant, one of the many brave souls who risked injury, even death to bring down segregation. Lewis knew all the key figures in the Movement, such as Dr. King, and was a leader himself. Today, of course, Lewis serves his country in the House of Representatives.
It's hard to go wrong with such a compelling story to tell and Lewis doesn't dissapoint. With the help of co-author Michael D'Orso, we learn not only of one person's participation in the Civil Rights' Movement, but gain insight into the Movement as a whole.
Lewis is vastly under appreciated by Americans today. Hopefully Waking With the Wind will help future generations appreciate John Lewis, an American hero.
Rating:
Summary: A page turner, and a stunning period in American history
Review: John Lewis' book,Walking With The Wind,succinctly, inspiringly ,and powerfully tells the story of how we moved as a nation from two separate and unequal societies toward 'a more perfect union', John Lewis was the leader and visionary of that journey.,He prepares us for the battlefields and physically dangerous campaigns of the civil rights movement by vividly recounting growing up in a tiny rural Alabama community and experiencing the mores of life in the 1940's and 1950's. His upbringing shows us that the so called 'least of these', with intellect, faith,and determination can make this nation move mightly in the direction of achieving the 'beloved community'. He moves on to current times and has an insider's view of events and participants. I recommend this book to all who want to know American history from one who lived it.
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Summary: John Lewis
Review: John Lewis' focus in WALKING WITH THE WIND is on the civil rights movement based on his first-hand experience. He discusses the Freedom Rides, the 1963 March on Washington and Selma. I have always admired the man for his consistency and courage. Mr. Lewis is one of the rare individuals that does not view life "through the lens of race". He will call out Farrakhan and Khalid Muhammad just as quickly as George Wallace or Bull Conner. The list of politicians that will do that is very short. Page 455: I've always believed that the only way we will ever move beyond the barriers of race is to stop seeing everything through that filter. We have to be fair, consistent and accountable to standards higher and more universal than what particular race, age, gender, community, culture or country each of us belongs to. There are standards of honest, decency an humanity that arch above all differences that keep us apart. To appeal to those differences only continues to polarize us. This is a must read. JOHN LEWIS IS A GIANT!
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Summary: Riveting. It graphically takes you back in time...
Review: John Lewis, civil rights leader, legend, and selfless public servant, shows a new side--author. He takes the reader back as he retraces in many instances the steps he took to get...and bring America...to this place. His style is as open and honest as the man himself. His candor and energy, his thought processes and actions, remind some and teach others about The Movement... those behind the scenes and on the front lines; those who packed the lunches and those who ate them; those who served the lunches and those who demanded--quietly and with dignity--service. He is masterful, he has much to tell, and it's true! From the chickens to The Members, from the pulpits to school auditoriums, from the neighborhoods to enrapt audiences, this is the story we've heard bits and pieces of...now, we can read it.. and re-read it, and re-read it.
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