Comments on: Book Review: Roots by Alex Haley

By: Saving The World With Books | Davs Art

Saving The World With Books | Davs Art — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 20:42:10 +0000

[...] Roots by Alex Haley. This book captivated me. A horrifying look into American slavery. Talk about putting yourself into someone else’s shoes, this book walks you through what it would’ve been like from the beginning to the end. I think there’s some controversy about Alex Haley and possible plagiarism, which killed me after I learned about it. But it’s still an important book. [...]

By: Debra Eve

Debra Eve — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 20:28:38 +0000

Thanks for the shout out, Becky! So happy to hear that Root’s publisher has made it available for Kindle and a whole new generation of readers. I had forgotten how young King was when he was assassinated. A poignant reminder…”More importantly, we are reminded that we are capable of change, and of greatness.”

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:42:01 +0000

Yes! Great analogy. Exactly like drinking an aged bottle of wine. It was divine. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

By: Deborah Batterman

Deborah Batterman — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:18:22 +0000

Reviewing a book years after its popularity has dimmed is a little like drinking a aged bottle of wine — especially when it turns out to be even better than you may have expected. I love some of the backstory you give as well — not to mention that mysterious thing called timing that clearly enhances the impact of the book. Have not read it, but ‘masterful storyteller’ is a good as reason as any to make sure I do.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 13:56:39 +0000

I had forgotten that Roots aired before anybody owned VCR’s. Looking back, I love that we were all collectively engrossed in the same story at the same time. I don’t think that what ever happen again with all the choices in media and technology. I do hope you read the book, although brace yourself. You won’t ever want to put it down. I learned a lot from Lincoln too. It was also interesting to know little tidbits like Lincoln only had TWO assistants and that it looked as though anybody could just waltz into the White House. My how things have changed in our government (except little has changed). Thanks for your comments, Monica. Great seeing you here. Also, loved your post on Tom K. Wong.

By: Monica

Monica — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 06:58:27 +0000

OMG, Becky, you’ve inspired me! I absolutely LOVED the miniseries. Weren’t all Americans collectively glued to the TV when first it aired? I remember so well, because that was before VCRs and you had to plan on being home to watch. Great series. Now I want to read the book. I did see “Lincoln.” Great film. I learned a lot about the democratic process by seeing this film.

Great post, nice tie-in to MLK.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 05:06:16 +0000

There are a lot of “what ifs,” but fortunately there are enough people who keep pushing for equality that even though we no longer have MLK with us, his spirit and inspiration still guide us. Change will come, I’m sure of it. Let’s just hope the current political climate becomes more inclusive and less vitriolic. Thanks for your comment, Elizabeth, and thanks for your great review of Lincoln!

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:45:12 +0000

Thank you, Jayne. I was intimidated by the idea of reading a 700-page book too, especially in the midst of my crazy, busy life, but reading it on the Kindle made it seem manageable. I got so wrapped up in the story, I was often reading into the wee hours of the night, and before I knew it I was done.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:41:29 +0000

Ha ha ha! You are right about that! No, I haven’t seen The Abolitionists, but it sounds like I should. Unfortunately, TV is rarely on in our house. I’ll have to make an effort to check it out.

By: Becky Green Aaronson

Becky Green Aaronson — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:38:22 +0000

Sounds like you and I had the same reaction all those years ago (as did millions of others). It’s a powerful story, and one I hope people feel inspired to revisit.