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Summary: A glimpse into culture of poverty
Review: I once had a non religious friend ask how could the poor live in such squalor, and yet be "religious". We live on a cultural divide, where we live upright and logical lives, and don't see the squalor around us and dismiss such families as "dysfunctional". Ethel Waters clear eyed yet loving view of her family and her culture will be an eye opener to those who think this way. From her childhood in the slums of Philadelphia and Chester PA to her rise in Harlem to her life as a singer, she apologizes for nothing, and unapologetically defends her culture to those condenscending to her race. Put into the context of the early 50's, when she wrote this biography, it gives an insight into racial relations that angrier books lack. One wishes that this would be re released with a Forward explaining the context of those times so that those born after the civil rights struggle will better understand not only the racial divides that few questioned only 50 years ago, but also to help them understand the importance of the black church and religion in the lives of those times.
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Summary: His Eye Was on Ethel/Ethel's Eye on Him
Review: I've had the hardback 1951 copy of this book for some time, just picked it up to read last week. It is an astounding story of faith, determination, and strength;It is also an excellent insight into Black History pre-Martin Luther King. I hope the paperback version of this is being read. (and I wish Nikki Giovanni would read it as well).
Highly recommended.
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Summary: one of the best memoirs i've ever read
Review: Read this book and you will see why the incomparable Miss Waters was a force to be reckoned with in her day. The writing is honest and takes the reader into a show biz world that mirrored the complexities of the segregated and racialized society at large during the first half of the 20th century. Rather than a rags to riches, this is more of a from poverty to success to survival story. I laughed out loud more than once at her candor and sharp observations. As a fan of Ethel Water's singing - before I found her memoir - I felt privileged to also read her own words on the life she lived.
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Summary: Excellent book! Inspirational!
Review: This is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. Ethel Waters was a great singer and reading this book is very inspirational! I found myself howling with laughter several times, her writing style is incredible! I couldn't put this book down and I devoured it within a day! I highly recommend this wonderful book!
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Summary: Excellent book! Inspirational!
Review: This is one of the best autobiographies I have ever read. Ethel Waters was a great singer and reading this book is very inspirational! I found myself howling with laughter several times, her writing style is incredible! I couldn't put this book down and I devoured it within a day! I highly recommend this wonderful book!
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Summary: Best Book I Ever Read
Review: When I was a kid, I knew Ethel Waters as that gray haired old lady that sang at the Billy Graham events on TV... In reading this autobiography I discovered the incredible legacy of her recordings and films."His Eye Is On the Sparrow" reads just like you're sitting in the room talking with this remarkable woman... The book not only shares the details of her fascinating career, but it is also an absorbing historical record of early 20th century show business and American society. Absolutely fascinating, warm, funny and poignant.
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