Friday, May 4, 2007

A Brave and Gentle Warrior


I just finished this unbelievable book. It was written by a woman who at age 15, was one of nine students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, AK in 1957. I am amazed at the courage and dignity they showed as victims of outrageous harassment by students and adults during that year. They had the courage to lay down their own lives, for a season, for their friends. Even people in their own community didn't understand the desire they had to make a difference for future children. I have a greater appreciation for those who fight for freedom. I couldn't put this book down!

5 comments:

Amy said...

I'm so glad you liked it! It has become one of my all time favorites. This woman is a true hero. I also loved the wisdom of her grandma. I highly recommend this book.

kenju said...

I wrote down the title and author so I can look for it on my next trip to Borders. You may also enjoy "Cane River" by Lalita Tademy.

MissKris said...

Injustice, no matter what type, is one of my major "makes me see red" things in life. I have always admired these brave young people who paved the way for future generations. I was just a little girl when all of this was happening in Arkansas, but I remember the news coverage, the police with the vicious dogs...the outraged citizens screaming at those kids...and it made a deep impression on my little-girl heart. Watching them keep their quiet dignity thru it all...well, it was truly amazing when you consider what America was like at that time.

Annie said...

Thanks for the book suggestion! I'm always looking for a good read. And I love a book that illuminates the quiet bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. Sounds great.

Anonymous said...

To be completely frank; There was nothing good about this book. There were hundreds of cases of bad english and misspelled words, not includeing the southern accent words such as y'all.
The president was also breaking the law by sending military troops into the school. But that isnt the autor's fault. What was the author's fault is that she made it seem perfectly logical and legal to send military on CIVILIANS. as for her bravery, i honestly thing it would have been better if she hadnt done anything, she was fully capeable of moving north. The only reason somebody would do what she did was to instigate the political scene. Honestly, why would you go where you are not wanted, by anyone, includeing the blacks, let alone the whites. and I go back to "She could have just moved north, where there were plenty more jobs, that pay better for black people"