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Summary: This book is funny, warm, entertaining and enlightening!
Review: I've read the book twice - so there's no doubt that I love it! I've read or heard some of the stories prior to reading them here (or a similar version - I think many of us may have.) But what makes this collection of stories special is the afterthoughts. The afterthoughts provide foundation for the stories, help us see the bits of wisdom in them and aid us in understanding why the stories have endured.
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Summary: provides a rich history about African American Family
Review: It is about ordinary folks, folks culture of ordinary people who led extraordinary lives.It links the African American traditional past with the present. We can celebrate the rich tales and powerful lessons about family friends and church. Every African American should read this book.
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Summary: Entertaining and original
Review: Lorraine has done an excellent job of telling the story. Maybe because I've had the opportunity to hear her as a story teller and I can just imagine her reading and the expressions she would use. I am a READER in the true sense of the word. Its one of those books that makes you wnat to call someone and read excerpts so they can enjoy it with you. There is something for every ordinary person. It one of those unheard of books that could end up on the Oprah list. This book needs more publicity. It should be on every African American reading list, although I'm sure other cultures would enjoy it as much. Especially, those who enjoy old southern tales and humor. GREAT JOB Lorraine and Family (because I'm sure they helped. LuLu)
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Summary: Great stories
Review: Ms. Johnson-Coleman is a fabulous story teller and relater of the human condition. I'm not African American, but I am Southern, and I really enjoyed wandering around in her paintings and learning about all of these people. There were some uncomfortable and definitely painful moments, but I think I have a better understanding of the present because of them.
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Summary: An embarrassment!!Shame on Lorraine
Review: Now we're back to "Step' n Fetch?" This book sets us all back at least 50 years. Rather than being called "Just Plain Folks" it should be called "Just Plain Dumb!
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Summary: History returns to The Story
Review: Rarely does one find a book that manages to provide an historic perspective without getting tangled in historiography. This book is a welcome reprieve. Perhaps even more rare is the book that speaks to a specific subtopic and manages to underscore the commonality of our culture. This might indeed be "Black History" but it also speaks eloquently to life in rural America as well.
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Summary: Just Plain Great
Review: This collection of folktales and essays is a great introduction to folklore. Some of stories are sweet some are tragic, others are full of the bitterness that life under segregation offered. This book ought to be in high schools and on college reading lists everywhere.
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