Customer Reviews

Knowing Who I Am: A Black Entrepreneur's Struggle and Success in the American South

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What a wonderful memoir! It is always interesting when we find African Americans who can document their origins as Earl Middleton has done. His personal history gives you a bird's eye view of how life really was both in the military and civilian life and especially in South Carolina. Mr. Middleton's book gave me new information about my hometown, Orangeburg, South Carolina, and some of its citizens as well as its history.

The book is well written, interesting and full of history. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I would certainly recommend this book to everyone. It reminds people that life is not always easy, but if you treat people well you will reap the benefits.

Could not put it down once I started reading it.

It read like you were talking to a Grandfather who was telling you about his life. Very candid.

Book is very informative and presents a realistic view from the perspective of a real down to earth small business owner telling it like it was -- not so long ago.

Also - I have a new appreciation for Orangeburg. From the way Earl describes it - Orangeburg at that time was the "Black Mecca" for SC that Atlanta is to the nation today; Lots of well educated accomplished black people in one concentrated area.

On so many things - I could relate. The thing of growing up with "extended family" in one household and even "peeing" in the cotton. I've often told my wife about that but I think she thought it was just us as kids being bad. Kept telling her that everybody did it to add weight to the bales!

The book is not a novel... Not a traditional read. But when you're done you're saying "Wow..."

Put this book on the reading list for High Schools in this state. It will help to get a much better understanding of both sides of race relations in our great state of SC.

To Mr. Middleton and to Mrs. Barnes --- Great Job!

This is a great book about a great man.

Earl Middleton's life is an inspiring account of one man's triumph over adversity.

From his time as a trainee of the Tuskegee Airmen through his service in WW11 to his life afterwards, Mr. Middleton was a quiet force that transformed Orangeburg County and the state of South Carolina.His foray into real estate and his success made it possible for many minorities to become homeowners.

It was a pleasure to know him but I learned so much more about him from this book.

Whoever reads this book will be inspired.