My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: Clarence Thomas, Supreme Court, Aunt Tina (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Provocative, inspiring, and unflinchingly honest, My Grandfather's Son is the story of one of America's most remarkable and controversial leaders, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, told in his own words. Thomas speaks out, revealing the pieces of his life he holds dear, detailing the suffering and injustices he has overcome, including the acrimonious and polarizing Senate hearing involving a former aide, Anita Hill, and the depression and despair it created in his own life and the lives of those closest to him. In this candid and deeply moving memoir, a quintessential American tale of hardship and grit, Clarence Thomas recounts his astonishing journey for the first time.

About the Author

Clarence Thomas is Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Born in Pinpoint, Georgia, he is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and Yale Law School. He lives with his wife and great nephew in northern Virginia.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (October 14, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006056556X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060565565
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (326 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #39,823 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #15 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Lawyers & Judges
  #75 in	Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > African-American & Black

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

417 of 484 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most interesting autobiographies ever, September 30, 2007

By	Naz (New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir (Hardcover)

Even if you do not agree with everything Justice Thomas believes, this book will still keep you reading until the end. I could not put it down. Thomas writes in such a personal and down to earth style that you really feel like you know him as a person. His life story is amazing and the events he details really come to life. I am so glad I got an early copy and read it before the inevitable partisians show up here and lambast it simply because they disagree with the author. I for one can read something that does not echo my thoughts, but sadly others cannot. If you love non-fiction and also multi-layered stories than give this book a try. It really is unforgettable no matter your political party.

69 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It Changed My Perception, October 8, 2007

By	Carnell (Newark, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir (Hardcover)

Often we make judgments based upon preconceived views and ideology. I, too, had misconceived notions about Clarence Thomas. I heard that he was a traitor to his race. However, by reading this book, I gained insight into one of the most misunderstood people in our society. As an African American, I can say that his message of self-reliance is very pertinent and needed. The irony of this "so-called traitor"--is that his message of self-reliance is similar to the views held by Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and Frederick Douglas. This is a must read for all Americans, especially African Americans.

326 of 393 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A much-needed glimpse at the life of Justice Thomas, October 1, 2007

By	Dead Leaf (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Grandfather's Son: A Memoir (Hardcover)

Not since his confirmation hearing have we heard directly from Justice Thomas about his life, background and formative experiences. This autobiography is a much-needed retrospective and, in many ways, a refutation of those critics who question his intellect and depth.

Justice Thomas takes us from his humble beginnings in the racist Deep South, raised by a tough love grandfather, to his days as a seminarian, to college and law school, and to government service that ultimately led him to the US Supreme Court.

Most important, he provides his account of the Anita Hill fiasco. I think any objective reader will be hard pressed to read this account and not come away with a sense that what happened to Justice Thomas ranks among one of the most low down, dirty things our elected officials have done to any one individual.

Whether or not one agrees with his judicial philosophy, this autobiography is an important book. It reveals a very thoughtful, complex, almost anguished man in such a way that I think both critics and supporters will be surprised. Regardless of one's point of view, Justice Thomas can and should be viewed as an example to people of all colors that economic disadvantage can be overcome.