Arnett writes poignantly of growing up in Detroit during the Depression, when families of various races shared neighborhoods and meager resources even as they suffered occasional racial and ethnic discord. It was a time of rampant discrimination against blacks, and Arnett's bright and intelligent parents were restricted in their opportunities. Her father worked as a chef in a downtown hotel, an unofficial position because only lower-levels jobs were officially available to blacks. As the Depression deepened and the family faced the prospect of going on welfare, her father worked for a while as the chief numbers runner for the Detroit police, while her mother, an expert seamstress, focused on raising their three children. Arnett relates the daily life of a loving family and community. Neighborhood adults chastised each other's children, resulting in contradictory instructions to any child walking down the street. She recalls her share of traumas--the death of her older sister at an early age--but her memories primarily portray a sweeter time, despite its economic strife.
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"Marvin Arnett's book captures in a vivid, readable, and highly personal way the reality of a time, place, and way of life that is gone forever. It is a real history as it was lived." Professor William Linn, Humanities Department, University of Michigan, Dearborn" "Arnett narrates her experiences with quiet dignity and faith. Her optimism and strength of spirit are qualities we don't see often enough in contemporary memoir." Michael Steinberg, founding editor of Fourth Genre" "Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt places rough times beside humorous times, and the result is an understanding of the lives of black folks that would make Maya Angelou nod in agreement... [It's] a delightful read--a coming-of-age story told through the keen observations of Marvin Sprague, a black girl growing up in Detroit, Michigan, during the 1930s and 40s." Walter Benefield, African American Literature Book Club, Brooklyn, New York" "In Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt, Marvin Arnett proves to be a noteworthy memorist as she takes us through an often-forgotten part of Detroit's past. With her able assistance, we are introduced to sometimes quirky, but always memorable groups and individuals, including her own intact family, who gave the city its vibrancy and taught its children how to survive and even thrive despite the racism and tension that permeated the 1930s and 40s. Deborah Smith Pollard, Director of African/African American Studies Program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn" "Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt is symbolic of the Depression and World War II era. [Arnett's] candid visualization makes you think you are living each day with her through the course of her journey... Her style of writing is literary prose at its finest--pure, graceful, and crisp. This is an enlightening and refreshing read! Marvin Arnett has done a miraculous job with Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt. Tonya Howard, Reviewer, Sister Divas Book Club, Richmond, Virginia" "Growing up in a northern city during the Depression years, the author describes her schooling, her love of libraries, the death of her sister, her relationship with her brother and the many adults that impacted her life. Libraries everywhere should have this book. Lauretta Pierce, writer for The Literary World, Highlands Ranch, Colorado" "An extraordinarily insightful account of urban American in the 1930s and 40s through the eyes of a young African-American girl. It is a triumph of the human spirit and an unforgettable journey. Ms. Arnett's account of the era eclipses all others in memory." Marie Ann Poplawski, FEW Mentor Coordinator for Alternative for Girls, Detroit, Michigan" "Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt will make you laugh, cry, and stand up and cheer! Kathy Swartz, President, Kathy's Happy Organs, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio" "This book oozes emotion, discovery, and truth. It would make an excellent movie or television mini-series... Great character presentation and development, coupled with interesting subject material combines to raise this book to a five star level... Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt, like its author, is crazy like a fox. I love it! William J. Hytower, President, Hytower Music, Southfield, Michigan" "A beautiful and detailed work of art comprised of sometimes ugly and sometimes beautiful patches without worth or meaning until fused together. Robbin L. Melton, Staff Writer for Frost Illustrated, Fort Wayne, Indiana" "A positive, inspiring account of a united, loving African American family. The author shares with the reader her love and admiration for her strong and engaging father and mother. A remarkable account made even more remarkable because it is true. A must read. Caletta Hytower, Systems Analyst, LMP Representative, Oak Park, Michigan" "Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt is thoughtful, funny, and filled with warmth and love... A true pictures of black urban life 'back in the days.' Sharon Stanford, Chair, Detroit Writer's Guild, Detroit, Michigan" "Arnett reveals the complexity of the black urban world... the strengths of the black family and local community. Dr. Julius E. Thompson, Director of Black Studies Program, University of Missouri, Columbia" "A diverse readership can easily relate to this touching account of growing up in post-Depression urban America. Pieces from Life's Crazy Quilt helps define Detroit during the 30s and 40s... It is excellent reading. Jack Gallagher, Director of Information Technology, Southfield, Michigan" "If there is any message that stands out in my mind... it is that all experiences, good or bad, are opportunities to learn and grow... The characters were so alive that I felt as if I knew them personally... Arnett's conversational writing style makes you feel more like you're chatting than reading a book. Stacey Seay, Reviewer, R.A.W. SISTAZ, Montgomery, Alabama" "An enjoyable, moving, and touching excursion into several little mini-movies of another time in our crazy lives. Ella Joyce, Actress, Burbank, California
