Amazing Grace : Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation, The

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Summary: A Must Read
Review: I was required to read this book for an Education Policy class. Every time I turned the page my stomach turned because of the conditions in which these children live. This book made me realize how much I have and how little others have and yet still have hope in their lives. Some might find this book one-sided, but it is through that point of view that Kozol makes his point: there are many exceptions to the sterotype of low-class minorities.

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Summary: Kozol's best
Review: I have been a Kozol fan since reading Death at an Early Age. This is his best book ever. Much of it told in the words of the children of the south Bronx, these stories seem less filtered by the author which makes them all the more powerful.

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Summary: the book was awesome
Review: I really liked reading the book and the funny thing is i live in the community that the book was written about. I live day to day and year after year with the things that the author only experienced on a one time basis all in all he did a terrific job in writing this book he did my community some justice now people can really see what goes on in other communities besides there own.

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Summary: A mind-blowing book
Review: I will admit that the subject matter is depressing, but "Amazing Grace" is a book that every American should read. Through interviews with children from one of our nation's poorest cities, Jonathan Kozol gives a voice to people who ordinarily are not given a second glance, let alone the things they need to live happy, healthy lives. It is unbelievable to know that this injustice and sheer poverty exists in our country.

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Summary: Unbelievably powerful and moving.
Review: This book is the most powerful work of nonfiction I have ever read. Jonathan Kozol does a terrific job of portraying these childrens lives.He shows you how the horrible conditions these children live in affects who they are, and how they cope with their surroundings. It really made me feel like something had to be done about it. A fabulous book.

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Summary: Kozol changed the way I think.
Review: This was the first book I read by Jonathan Kozol, and I have since read every one I can get my hands on. He engaged me simultaneously with people's personal stories and with facts. His courage and competence shone through the text. I did not feel at all that I was being manipulated by the text, despite its high degree of emotion. The message of "Amazing Grace" has stayed with me ever since I read it. There are few books I would recommend more highly.

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Summary: Everyone should read this eye-opening book.
Review: Jonathan Kozol is a hero. Amazing Grace is beautiful, thought-provoking, and hearbreaking. I was moved to tears countless times. This book and Kozol's other works, as well as the writings of Alex Kotlowitz and Leon Dash, have inspired me to pursue a career in social work. This book should be required reading in schools.

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Summary: Think about what we are losing.
Review: I read this book because Jonathan Kozol was coming to speak at my university. In person, the concern and affection he has for the children he wrote about was even more evident. He also made the important point that poor children that have no opportunities for an education and the hope it can give them don't just live in the ghettos of the inner city. They can be found in every state, in every city, town and rural area. You don't have to go to New York to find them, it is just a matter of paying attention to your own backyard. As I read this book I thought about all of the creative and brilliant ideas we would not have the chance to benefit from because poor children are not given the chance to properly learn and grow. As a country, we don't seem to understand yet that each person, regardless of who they are or where they came from, has something to teach us. If the children and adults like those Kozol describes had the chance to write, sing, do scientific experiments, start businesses, etc., just imagine what we could gain.

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Summary: I found the book manipulating and one sided.
Review: My book club read and discussed this book. Some people were moved by the stories of the people. Others, including myself, felt the book was manipulating and only told part of the story. I felt it unfairly blamed the government, society and particulary Mayor Guilliani (sp) for the problems in the Bronx. There was little discussion about how much of the situation was owned by the people in the story. I am not totally unfeeling. I felt badly for the people in the book, especially the children. But I didn't need to be slapped in the face with the story the way Kozal felt I needed to.

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Summary: it made me cry
Review: This book is an excellent book to read. The first chapter is very important because it sets the tone for the reader. when I was halfway through the book I fely very sad. I live in Virgina Beach. If there is anyone who lives in Bronx, NY please writ eme back!!!! BYE