Rosewood Like Judgment Day

Rating:
Summary: lesson in politics
Review: Do not read this book looking for a detailed version of what happened in Rosewood 80 years ago. The stories of the survivors, the contemporary news clippings, and lack of unbiased information makes this a difficult if not impossible task. What this book is good at is illustrating the wheels of politics (a lesson that is not readily attained in such a readable format) and pointing out that while there have been many wrongs in American history, that it is important to not only owe up to them, but to try to DO something about them, no matter how long ago they may have happened. While some many think that D'Orso spends too much time introducing the MANY key players in this story, I believe that this adds to the book. He does this in an unbiased way and helped me see that there were so many interpretations on this issue and that none of them were wrong...just different. There are so many lessons that this book helped open my eyes to, that I believe the uncertainty of the history of the Rosewood massacre may add to the book rather than detract. I would reccomend this book to anyone. Period.

Rating:
Summary: A provocative, gripping story
Review: I found this book very, very moving; and as an African American woman, it took me on an emotional roller-coaster. I thought the author did a great job of filling out many of the people in the book, that have long since died. I didn't just want a recitation of the facts or a quick history lesson. I think this event deserved more than that, in its re-telling. I wanted to see, feel, hear and get a real glimpse of the people portrayed in the book, and D'Orso accomplished that "in spades". Well done.

Rating:
Summary: Kept me interested from the first page
Review: This book is incredible. The way the writer takes us to the history of Rosewood from present day investigation to lawsuit. The background of this predominantly black community and the climate of the south in the early part of the last century are detailed thru newspaper articles and recollections of the survivors. This is definitely not for the sensitive, there are stories that will make your skin crawl. It's an important piece regardless, a book we all should read. The ending is positive and the Rosewood survivors are inspirational. Arnell Doctor, the man that investigated his mother's family all the way to the town that was obliviated from the map of America is an enduring and brave person you'll grow to admire as you read.