Customer Reviews

A Shining Thread of Hope

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It is close to impossible to reconstruct a history of African Americans. Indeed, part of our common American heritage is the destruction and unrecorded depiction of non-European and non-male histories. The authors have dilligently researched their stories and they are to be congratulated for their tenacity. However, the book fails to elicit "hope" from the reader. The writing is dry and unimaginative. With such a lively history, it is a shame that it reads like a dead history. The most egregious flaw in the book, however, is not found in its writing style but rather in how the authors attempt to boost the qualities of the women portrayed in the book by drawing comparisons between the accomplishment of these women and the accomplishments of men and white women. This is a completely unnecessary element. The accomplishments of these African American women stand on their own. The purpose of the book is largely diminished because the authors have touted "whiteness" or "maleness" as standards. "Whiteness" and "maleness" are not standards by my measure and should not be used as one, particularly in a book about black women. I would hope that the authors eliminate their references and comparisons to men and white women in future editions so that the history of these women can be properly relayed to future generations.

This riveting narrative, a kind of polyphonic chorus giving voice to American black women, adds an important chapter in the ongoing project of understanding our nation's history. Covering a span of almost 400 years, the work moves beyond stereotypes, beyond idealization, to recognize the richness of the stories they tell. With superbly crafted prose, the authors document difficulties and challenges along with achievements and triumphs as they interpret the profound complexities of gender, race and class in the lives of African American women.

A Shining Thread of Hope: The History of Black Women in America is a book for the country. This book is not just a history written on a specific race and gender, but it offers invaluable insights on the lives of a group of people who simply did not give up hope. A Shining Thread of Hope is a book seems to be in a class by itself. It's both academic and non-academic. It proves to be a wonderfully written narrative that any age, class, gender or race can learn from and enjoy. I applaud the authors for their collaborating efforts to bring to life the stories of Black women, who seem to be forgotten. I would encourage all people to read this book, for it will provide them with food for the mind and soul. A Shining Thread of Hope leaves one's heart full of warmth and love for all humanity. It encourages us to fight for what is right and demand respect of each other as human beings. (Marshanda Smith)

Book arrived quickly and was in great condition. The person who I ordered it for is really enjoying it. The price was right!

It is very good and well written book, everyone should read especially college students or history majors. Book was shipped on time accurately, very decent price, and in great condition. Thank you.

Rich in historiography as well as history. An excellent resource for any US History teacher or student. Information is easy to find, the bibliography is extensive and the annotations are informative. All of this and I looked forward to reading each page!

I have read a number of books about Black Women and this one is in a different league from the others. It if, as far as I know, the FIRST book to tell the narrative history of African American women in the United States and it tells it in a riviting fashing "warts and all." I had planned on spending several days working my way through a "history" book and stayed up till 4:00 in the morning to finish it in a single sitting. I can without qualification say that I think anyone who cares about American history should read this volume.

The history of the struggles, frustrations, and achievements of black women is depicted in an easy-flowing narrative fashion. The shortcomings and lack of freedom of opportunity for black women (and white women to a lesser degree) to achieve cultural and economic recognition and success on an equal level with men in a white male-dominated society are realistically described. I acquired a deeper appreciation of the emotional, inner-soul frustrations and struggles, especially of the black women, and the difficulties encountered in maintaining even the most basic family life. In spite of all this, we see black women taking their rightful place in society and accomplishing their goals. I enjoyed the book and learned something new. Sabina M. Nowak

The strengths, the determination, the power, the agony--I'm sorry but I hadn't even begun to grasp what Black women have gone through until I read this book. Such beautiful women that I want to know more about; that I want to tell "I'm sorry. Forgive us. What can we do now?" This book belongs in every history class, in every women's studies class, in every home where people want to raise their children with an understanding and respect for others.

A Shining Thread of Hope, a narrative history of black women in the United States from the early 1600s to the present, is must reading for anyone interested in people, peoples, or just plain learning. The authors, Darlene Clark Hine and Kathleen Thompson, long-time authorities in the field, are artists as well as historians, having chosen to lead us through this history with pictures and voices of the participants. The authors get the reader totally engaged from the first paragraph and never let her (or him) go. And throughout the chapters--from the first fears of a young African woman dragged from her village to become one of the first slaves in Jamestown in 1619, to the degradation of slavery, to the ups and downs of emancipation, reconstruction, civil rights and struggles ever-present in black society--run the strong threads of dedication to community, inner strength and, above all, belief in self.

One is left with the feelings of the horror and horridness of slavery in this country, coupled with a tremedous admiration for the strength not only of the slave women but also for the community which was determined to help them and their descendents to a better life.

A Shining Thread of Hope is history told as history should be told: riveting, instructive, and personal.