A Family Tree, Taking Root [Hardcover]

Doc Robertson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2001

This epic novel spans 32 years from 1963 to 1995. Roman and his sister Virginia are products of Watts during a period of discontent. Through them we get a glimpse of how the history of the time may have affected black families. Included in the past events are the assassinations of President Kennedy, his brother Bobby, and Martin Luther King, the Watts Riots, the Vietnam War, and the latest proliferation of drugs and gangs into the inner cities.

Though these events affect the two main characters there are other factors that also influence their upbringing and that of their children. Both suffer the abuse of a mother, Simone, who takes out her anger toward men on Roman. He responds by lashing out at the world by getting into fights whenever possible. Whoever is naïve enough to think they can take him on is in for a rude awakening. His move into manhood is flawed at best; two kids by two girls before turning 17 shows his ineptness at responsibility. He forgoes a possible football scholarship, and regains the desire to be the man inspired by his beloved grandmother. Roman’s children grow up in a loving home with two parents until the draft board calls and he is off to war. After his return home, he establishes himself in the community but finds that he cannot raise his children in the city he grew up.

His sister Virginia faces different obstacles on her way to adulthood. An early marriage ends tragically; her youth prevents her from helping her people; and at times she fails to recognize who is really on her side. Though she becomes an icon in her community, her commitment to help continues. She leads a nationwide effort to better educate inner-city students and finds that her voice is heard.

Their support for one another helps them accomplish goals set long before they are realized. As Virginia tells her brother, "We’ve done all right for a couple of nappy headed kids from the ghetto."

Editorial Reviews

Review

Needed tighter editing, but this is a small complaint. Uplifting, hopeful and gutwrenching. Rendered in a warm and heartfelt manner. -- Tucson Weekly, July 2001

The Vietnam chapters are chilling. Loved the growth of both main characters. I was disappointed that it had an ending. -- English Chair, Amphitheater High School

This family saga is written with a flourish presenting a memorable group of characters - some beautiful writing. -- Book Reader, Spring 2001

From the Publisher

This book has gotten off to a slow start because of our meager resources, but time will show that it is probably one of the best literary works of the Third Millennium. The characters will appeal to more than African American because it is a story about family. The reviews are already starting to show that Doc is not only a writer of the future but a future icon as well. This book will be embraced and discussed in universities around the world for its poignant view of a difficult time.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 715 pages
• Publisher: Alfranpedoc Publishing (February 1, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 1930502028
• ISBN-13: 978-1930502024
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.8 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,636,125 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Family Drama, May 21, 2002

By 

The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Family Tree, Taking Root (Hardcover)

Virginia and Roman Robinson are a sister and brother that know in spite of whatever adversity may surround them, they always have each other. The story begins when Virginia and Roman are children growing up in California and ends when they are parents with adult children of their own. The supporting cast of characters includes their immediate family and a number of other important characters with whom they have formed relationships. The secondary characters were an excellent addition to the story, adding just what was needed for the plot and nothing more. Simone, for example, will quickly become the mother you love to hate. As the story progresses, we see Roman and Virginia gain and lose relationships, make heart wrenching decisions, and deal with whatever situation life (or their own mistakes) hand them. In spite of their weaknesses and obvious mistakes, Roman and Virginia serve as positive examples for African Americans because of their consistent willingness to take personal responsibility for their own mistakes and for the ills of society.

All families have some sort of drama, and this story tells the tale of the Robinson family's drama. Roman is a pre-teen that is physically large for his age coming to the aid of his older sister in an effort to protect her. Later, we see Virginia and Roman both struggle as teenagers and young adults trying to find their niche. The author wrote lyrical romance scenes as the characters fell in love, and dramatic, intense action scenes as the characters faced wars abroad as well as in their own communities. As a reader, I was able to experience the joys and frustrations of parenthood and experience the pain and grief associated with losing someone you love. None of the characters were perfect, but just like in your own family, you felt for the characters in spite of their weaknesses.

A Family Tree, Taking Root is a beautiful story about the joys and pains associated with being a part of a family. As the characters grow up, they dream, make mistakes and are forced to adjust to a continually changing social climate. The plot addresses a myriad of historical events such as, the Vietnam War and the Watts Riots with depth and clarity. The plot also addressed a variety of social issues, such as civil rights, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, gang violence, and education, with grace and plenty of emotion. However, the story is much deeper than history and social issues.

Doc Robertson's writing draws you into the story, and his compelling characterizations make you feel as if the characters are members of your own family. As a reader, I experienced the happiness, frustration, growth and loss right along with Virginia, Roman and their family members. I am not sure which I enjoyed more, the rich plot of the story, or the character development. I love a story where I can see growth in the characters and this book is filled with lessons of growth and living up to one's potential. Although initially I felt a bit overwhelmed by the length of the book, by the end I felt as if I were losing members of my own family and longed for just one more page.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hooray! for A Family Tree, Taking Root, March 29, 2003

By 

Phillip Turner (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Family Tree, Taking Root (Hardcover)

When I received this book as a gift, I put it down for at least a month. I had never heard of the author and it's a big book! A couple weeks ago I found myself with nothing to do, and decided to give it a try. well, I was sorry that I had waited so long to read Doc Robertson's book. The characters hit home and invited me into their lives. I couldn't believed how engrossed I was in fictional characters because they seemed so real. I would have to imagine that Doc lived through a lot of the situations. How else could he give such a detailed discription of Los Angeles and its history between 1963 and 1995.
Roman and Virginia Robinson took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Some times I was quite angry with Roman for the things he did, but then I realized that he was only human and we all make mistakes. His innocence also matched the brutality of his character, brought on by his mother.
Roman's sister, Virginia, was a perfect contrast to him. She was a polished girl, despite her upbringing. Her successes, along with his, were the results of determination and the bond they had.
I strongly recommend his book. Doc Robertson may not be known now, but it's just a matter of time before his brilliant writing is discovered by the reading world.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!!, August 24, 2002

By 

Amanda Porter (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Family Tree, Taking Root (Hardcover)

Doc was my English teacher last year, I bought his book right before christmas break. He had read a few chapters to us in class and I was really interested in finishing it. I read it in about a week, I couldn't set it down. It is written with a lot of detail and emotion which really lets you use your imagination. I loved it and so will you!!