Half Way Home From Kinderlou: The Happy Childhood Memories of a Grandfather [Hardcover]

James Edward Alexander (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 7, 2008

Through a collection of short stories, a grandfather describes his happy childhood in the small town of Valdosta, Georgia. It was a simple time when children played simple games with simple toys. Those were the days when failure of a child to say "yes ma'am" and "yes sir" to grown folks was considered an act of disrespect which brought swift rebuke and punishment from the disrespected adult and the child's parents. Most homeowners in his neighborhood only dreamed of indoor plumbing, electric lights and home telephone service. Despite the prevailing social order, dictated by racial segregation which choked the advancement of some of his neighbors, little James Edward was often permitted broader liberties to expand his borders simply because all of the adults encouraged his growth. His timing was right. Colored adults nourished his self confidence as though vicariously rekindling their own aspirations. White adults saw a fast moving innocent youngster with a cautions and keen intellect, so letting him roam was a gift to a child which did not threaten their prerogatives. So adults of both races sought ways to assuage the harshness of segregation for little James Edward by smothering him with affection and special attention. The effects of this esteem is reflected in his pleasant memories of the post depression years and other events of that time.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JAMES EDWARD ALEXANDER, ESQ. In 1951, on his 17th birthday, he entered the U. S Air Force. He was initially trained as a medical technician, but when the Air Force observed his communications skills he was further trained in journalism and broadcasting. Following his assignment as Station Manager of an Armed Forces Ratio/Television station in Greenland, in 1965, he was assigned as a senior instructor in broadcasting at the prestigious Defense Information School. In 1969, after 14 years of persistently attending military and civilian schools wherever he was stationed, he qualified for a one year leave of absence from military service to complete his college education. Alexander chose Indiana University, where, in 1970, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Management, he says, "With the support of my former spouse and our four children". Following his retirement from military service in 1971, he held management and sales positions with Time Life Broadcasting Company, McGraw-Hill Broadcasting Company, Combined Communications, Press Secretary for the re-election campaign of a U.S. Senator, and videotape operator for the ABC Network. He says, "At the age of 52, I felt the urge to complete a list of personal objectives. My path led me to the Whittier Law School, where, with the help of my present wife, I prepared to pass the California Bar Examination, on the initial attempt, at age 56". From 1991 to 2003, he was a partner in the law firm of Adams and Alexander, with law offices in Pasadena, and Beverly Hills. He is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of The United States, United States Circuit Court of Appeals (Ninth Circuit), United States District Court (Central District of California), and the State Bar of California. James Edward Alexander, and his wife Toian, live in Bluffton, SC. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 124 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434345157
• ISBN-13: 978-1434345158
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,581,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A life I needed to know about, February 7, 2008

By 

Robert J. Beard "Square Wheels" (Southern Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Half Way Home From Kinderlou: The Happy Childhood Memories of a Grandfather (Paperback)

I grew up a 'white boy' in Washington, DC. during the same years James Edward grew up in southern Georgia. The difference is now, 60 + years later, as plain as "black and white". James' description of family and school life in the black, segreated south tells me that he enjoyed relationships within his family and community that never existed in mine.

I thoroughly enjoyed this man's writings and only hope he follows through with more of his memories in later editions. And, I also hope he finally wound up with a copy of Black Beauty that he could call his own!

5.0 out of 5 stars A very pleasant read, December 12, 2009

By 

CCC (SC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Half Way Home From Kinderlou: The Happy Childhood Memories of a Grandfather (Paperback)

Our book club selected this book since the author is from our local area. James Edward Alexander has written a memoir for his grandchildren about growing up as a young, black boy in the south. Alexander includes those little things in life that all add up to build a person's character. The importance of education, family, and hard-work are clearly evident. It is an easy, pleasant read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Grandfather's Gift, May 2, 2009

By 

Jane P. Hill "Author: Clarendon Island" (South Carolina Lowcountry) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Half Way Home From Kinderlou: The Happy Childhood Memories of a Grandfather (Paperback)

In this lovely book, James Edward Alexander commemorates the many kindnesses shown to an energetic, precocious child growing up in the rural south during the 1930s and 1940s. The author depicts the sense of community and mutual cooperation that were so prevalent and so vital in those days.

But the author does not lull the reader into thinking those were necessarily better times. Grueling hard work was the norm, for both blacks and whites. Racial segregation defined situations that in retrospect were sometimes downright ridiculous, as in the case of white German POWs being allowed to use a swimming pool denied to local blacks during Word War II.

The pragmatic approach to life exhibited by Mr. Alexander's characters provides lessons for us, in this more affluent era. Halfway Home from Kinderlou also reminds us of the profound effect we can have on children and the responsibility we have to children.

Enhanced by charming artwork, this book is a delight.