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Summary: Students can be the best teachers
Review: I recently read this book for my "Teaching Writing" class and I truly fell in love with the text. We have analyzed it in every way imaginable via class discussion, lesson plans, reflections, and a class listserv but the thing that stands out the most is the sincerity and humble beauty the author captures in high character Jefferson. Grant was living a dry and unmotivated life. It took the freedom of literacy from a man with shackles on his hands and feet to give Grant a lesson worth dying for. Grant tried to live a life that was structured and confined by his "Westcott ruler" but Jefferson taught him the power and beauty of freedom. The Jefferson Journals were the most magnificant words I've ever read in a book. No other chapter in the book shaped my view of Jefferson more than the journal entries. They expressed more spirit and openness than any other text I've read. I suggest this book if you are in need of a revision, a revival, and a reawakening on what literacy really means.
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Summary: Bedtime Story
Review: This book was chosen to be our first book to read in our book club at our school. I have had to fight to put the book down to attend to students and family members but I have definitely enjoyed reading it during my few quiet times. I cried and laughed. I wish Grant would take more credit for what he did. He DID do something. But so did Jefferson. Both together, Jefferson faced what he had to in the end.
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Summary: A great book
Review: Ernest Gaines is wonderful story teller. He brings you to the place and makes you feel like you know exactly what's going on....In addition he makes you understand what to many is an incomprehensible situation.
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Summary: Comment on civilization's injustices.
Review: Mr. Gaines has written the most accurate and heart rending interpretation of a time in the history of this country that should never be forgotten. While many of us witnessed the era he writes in (mid-1940's)we do not have firsthand knowledge of the pain of being black in America because we are white. His account of a man sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit is a testimony to the lack of value placed on a black man's life. Mr. Gaines points out that all citizens have a right to trial by a jury of his peers, but only if you are white. The heart of the matter of who is a Citizen--and who is a Man--in the eyes of the law and society. We do need to be reminded by talented writers of the injustices in our society. To be civilized we must interact with mankind. Read this book.
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Summary: reaches into the abyss and finds the soul
Review: How can one thank an author for painting a picture so masterfully that you enter into their world? Thanks to Mr. Gaines for creating Jefferson, an angel in his own right, who saves so many souls. This book was so painful to read, yet it cleansed the spirit! Wow!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: It was adequate
Review: I found the book a little slow. It took a lot for me to complete reading it. Although I liked the characters, I found them a little dull. There wasn't anything that just reached out and grabbed me to keep me hooked.
Rating: 
Summary: Pride and prejudice.
Review: Every once in a while something or someone comes along and touches us.They or it will bring tears to the eyes. It touches something that is so deep rooted that not even time will disspell it. And when that someone or something enters, it really and truly makes you sit down and think of the maze that you've travelled.
Amongst the sadness, what could learning to read possibly mean to a man marked for death? Only a few could understand. The past may be the past, but the future is branded forever.
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Summary: Myth-a story passed down and around until it is believed.
Review: This book is classic history of turmoil within the Black culture. When Jefferson entered that car, he turned everyones life upside down. However, at the end of his life, he made people "look at themselves" and not only did he die with dignity (he walked straight, like the man he was - he was no hog); he brought a family that was torn apart together. And even I understand why the Black man ran from the South; I understand his anguish of being a man, but really not. After reading this story, I think of all those who have had bitter experiences as slaves. These people never knew what it was like to be loved or respected and as one of Jehovah's Witnesses', I look forward to seeing these ones in the resurrection foretold at Rev. Chapter 18-21:3,4. Can you imagine seeing their faces knowing that God loved them! Can you imaging seeing their faces when they will be given respect; treated with dignity and the land that they toil on will the THEIR'S. Yes, to meet Ms. Harriet Tubman, Mr. Frederick Douglas and many many more. They will know unbounded love. And what's more, racism will no longer exist because the real perpetrator will be done away with. But imagine the faces of the perpetrators of racism, especially since they thought they were doing "the Christian thing". Imagine them facing these ones and realizing the hurt, humiliation and shame that they entertained upon individuals who were once princes and kings. Gloria Stanley
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Summary: Excellent!!!! * * * *
Review: This book was extrememly moving. Although it was fictional, it was an accurate depiction of what life was like for African American's in the south during the late 40's. In my opinion, the entire storyline centered around a strong, demeaning and off-color comment made by Jefferson's DEFENSE attorney. Although the fate of Jefferson had been predetermined, the manner in which he would face his fate became "the challenge" for he, his family and friends alike.
Rating:
Summary: a fine book with an awful lot to say
Review: This book has much more to say that the cover blurbs suggest. In the end, I think it's about God and how God acts and reaches us through other people. In teaching a lesson, the teacher in the book becomes the student and learns that we all need one another, that is why we are here on this earth and only in treating one another with dignity and love can we ever hope to find our own salvation. I started out thinking the book was a bit of a soap opera, overly simplistic and pat in structure and tone. But it's designed to move quickly so the reader can reach the bigger truth without a lot of obstacles along the way. It is a book that stays with you long after it's finished and should be read by everyone. I rate it a 9 instead of a 10 only because some of the writing is a little too simplistic.
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