If you think you are only going to read a book of memories and memoirs of a daughter honoring her father, you will be in for a pleasant surprise. Behind the stories, often humorous in nature and told in a deft, succient style, a tapestry is woven that shows 2 distinctive types of societies that co-existed during a turbulent time in our nations history. The book reveals the compassion of a white man who makes a conscious decision to make his living among the poor black in the Deep South and, instead of taking advantage of ignorance and poverty, tries to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Showing her skill as an excellent storyteller, one can be drawn into the book and, without realizing it, forget the author is in reality an adult and instead see life through the eyes of a child. The reader old enough to remember life in the 50's and 60's will take a trip down memory lane and will no doubt remember things long forgotten as story after story is told of life in the segregated South. Between the stories of desperation and destitution among a down-trodden class of people, small slices of domestic life creep into the read. These slices illuminate laughter and hope, as well as showing a michevious streak in "Mr. Red" no doubt carried over from chilhood. This allows the reader to know enjoyment in life can be achieved no matter what circumstances in which one may find themself. The author also gives great honor to her mother during the course of time that certainly gives credence to the old adage, "Behind every successful man there is a good woman". Read, reminisce, and relive life in a simpler time. -Amazon.com

A must Read Mar 21, 2006

I would highly recommend this book.

It is a wonderful social commentary deftly handling the turbulent social issues in our nation and specifically in the deep south from before WWII through the turmoil of the 60's, 70's and into the early 80's.

The author has a knack for description that allows you to feel like you are there looking at things through her eyes. A humorous and insightful look at a time that was --- when you could still seal a contract with a handshake and yet there were dark threads of social turmoil woven into the tapestry of the times.

The author does a superb job of relating events of the time through the eyes of a child tempered by the knowledge and experience of an adult. This wonderful ability allows her to touch on subjects like segregation, religion, homelessness, and poverty with the innocence of a child while at the same time allowing the reader to see what was going on behind the scenes. It leaves you with a feeling of wishing for the more simple life style of the times and yet wondering how we survived all of the social upheaval and does it all in a way that leaves a smile on your lips.

It is hard to say enough good things about this book. You will not be disappointed. -Amazon.com