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Rating: 
Summary: Sadly needed in our society
Review: American society has the rather unfortunate tendency to shun hate crimes legislation on the grounds that it would restrict an individual's right to freedom of expression and trivialize the First Amendment. Both assertions are clearly absurd, but the nasty allegations continue. In the greatest of ironies, the "pro-family" "pro-life" relgious right will oppose this legislation because it supposedly interferes with their political activities. I challenge anybody to read this book and then still believe the lies and distortions popularized by the right wing.Hate crimes are meant to stigmatize both the indiviuals affected and the larger marginalized group of which they are members of. Supporters of hate crimes laws are not well-heeled elitists, they are (quite litterally) the most vunerable members of society who fear for their lives. Brenner describes how she and her lover were enjoying a wonderful day in the mountains when the later was gunned down by a homophobic peeping tom. Although she survived and the physical injuries eventually healed, I could tell that it was still very emotionally hard for her. I applaud her for comming forward and retelling her story in the hopes that future generations of Americans will never have to personally experience the same fate. Not supprisingly, Brenner became an anti-violence activist following this incident and has appeared before Congress urging passage of federal hate crimes measures. While her story did not recceive as much publicity as the later murder of Wyoming's Matthew Shepard, she helped personalize the face of hate crime victims. Although it was her lover who was gunned down, Brenner realized that the day after that it could be somebody else's and the ugly pattern would continue until people of all sexualities started demanding an end to anti-gay violence and taught respect for different groups.
Rating:
Summary: Wake Up Call
Review: Being from PA and no stranger to the AT I found this book intriguing. The reader is drawn in and bears witness to a senseless crime and it's aftermath. Ms. Brenner's description of the day of the incedent,from camping to shooting to escape is heartstopping. I guess my only disappointment in this book was my desparate need to know why Carr shot at Brenner and Wight in the first place. His defense tried to use the excuse that the sight of 2 lesbians being intimate was enough to insight violence. Especially if you were sexually abused as a child. I just couldn't make the connection with that excuse. We are never really privy to the truth. Though I suppose neither were Brenner and Wight.
Rating:
Summary: The Whole Truth
Review: Hey, I haven't read this book, giving it a five anyways and I will read it someday, but I would like to inform all who actually read this book to read "The Whole Truth? A Case Murder on the Appalachian Trail" by H. L. Pohlman. It's a book on the same case, but in an unbiased and legal view. This book is meant to show the legal workings, but it also gives you a middle perspective of what actually happened, leaving you the decision of what actually happened.
Rating:
Summary: Wake Up Call
Review: This book was a gripping tale. It should remind us of what hate does when it is acted upon & lately it seems that people are hating others for just about anything. This could have happened anywhere in the US to any person for any reason...We need to stop the violence NOW.
Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: This book was a heart wrenching read. I could identify and feel for the characters. This is one find that all lesbians should have on their shelves, and that all people alike should read. The only complaint I have is that at times it seems like the main character is a little emotionless in her writing. Other than that, I would highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Great read!
Review: This book was a heart wrenching read. I could identify and feel for the characters. This is one find that all lesbians should have on their shelves, and that all people alike should read. The only complaint I have is that at times it seems like the main character is a little emotionless in her writing. Other than that, I would highly recommend this book.
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